Overview
This course is a discussion of the science of forensics and how electrical energy fits into that science. Designed for engineers of all disciplines, this course contains much of the basic theory that is needed to even begin looking at the causes of failures in the electrical world.
The discussion will include an emphasis on energy concepts. It is relatively easy to see and understand energy from the mechanical viewpoint. One foot pound is after all just one pound lifted one foot off of the surface. However, the instructor will show how to think about electrical energy, which is measured in watt-seconds or joules, in terms of foot pounds and several other energy concepts. It is important to remember that when damage is done, it is usually the improper use of energy that does the damage.
Also given are many of the rules and protocols of doing forensics work. Forensics is a science, therefore, certain procedures should be followed. These steps or procedures will usually help the forensics engineer do his or her job properly. It is not a nice neat desk job, although there is a lot of writing and research required. The field work is dirty, messy, and necessary. Imagine arriving at the scene of a multi-million fire and being asked to prove or disprove that an electrical event was the cause of the fire. There are lawyers, investigators, owners, police and curious onlookers present. There may have been injuries or deaths. You are coming in after the fact, and sometimes the evidence has been compromised. It is not an easy profession to pursue. It is not for those who want quick easy solutions to difficult problems. It is not for the inexperienced, faint of heart, or those who are unsure of their skills and talents.
This course can help those who are considering forensics as a career. Although the pay is good, the hours are erratic and there could be a lot of travel involved. This profession, one that is glamorized on television and in the movies, is not necessarily what we think it is. There is a lot of sometimes hot, dirty work. There is a lot of attention to detail and the work is mostly solitary.
This interesting course will give you a great overview of electrical forensics engineering.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- The history and background of Forensics
- Basic electrical theory that needs to be understood if someone wants to really understand the electrical engineer’s approach to forensics
- The effect of electric current on the human body
- Why electric arcs are often the real culprit in electrical failures
- A list of steps that the Electrical Forensics Engineer follows in doing his job
Course
Click on the following link to the PDF document to review the course material before taking the quiz for credit.
Electrical Forensics Engineering
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