Electrical students go for the gold in the SkillsUSA Championships

High-school and vo-tech students in electrical training programs will test their knowledge of the NEC® at the SkillsUSA Championships June 27 in Kansas City, Mo. More than 4,000 contestants will compete in 73 events, which will be judged by about 1,500 judges and contest organizers from labor and management. Electrical students will not only compete in the Residential Wiring and Industrial Motor Controls contests, but they will also team up with a carpenter, mason and plumber to build a joint project for the TeamWorks competition. This year, SkillsUSA also added Telecommunications Cabling, a limited demonstration contest for students interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. The following are descriptions of the electrical competitions. For more information on the SkillsUSA Championships, visitwww.skillsusa.org/skills.html.

Industrial Motor Control
The contestant is required to install electrical wiring and other devices used in an industrial setting; design and troubleshoot electrical diagrams using the proper test instruments; and, demonstrate the proper and safe use of hand tools. All of the work must conform to the specifications of the National Electrical Code.

Residential Wiring
Contestants in residential wiring are tested on their ability to install wiring in a residence working from drawings and specifications sheets. Professional electricians judge the contestants on the basis of general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, adherence to National Electrical Code and safety. The test consists of two parts--conduit bending and the simulated wiring of two or more rooms of a typical residence. The wiring will be judged according to standard residential wiring practices and the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code. New 2002 National Electrical Code books will be given to all participants for use with the written test. The participants are welcome to keep the books as a gift.

TeamWorks
In the TeamWorks contest, students will work in a team of four to build a joint project, demonstrating preparation for employment and excellence and professionalism in the fields of residential carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electricity and teamwork skills.

IT Cabling
The IT Cabling contest is designed for students interested in the physical aspects of voice and data network cabling and installation. The contest focuses on cabling issues related to data and voice connections and provides an understanding of the industry and its worldwide standards, types of media and cabling, physical and logical networks, as well as signal transmission. Students will demonstrate skills in reading network design documentation, part list set up and purchase, pulling and mounting cable, cable management, choosing wiring closets and patch panel installation and termination as well as installing jacks and cable testing. The hands-on, lab-oriented contest stresses documentation, design, and installation issues, on-the-job safety, and working effectively in group environments.