UPDA Electrical study plan
UPDA Electrical · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Electrical Power Systems Analysis and Design & Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
Compute per-unit impedances for a 3-bus network and convert between per-unit and actual values
Perform balanced three-phase load flow by hand on a two-bus radial feeder
Size a transformer and conductor for a given load with voltage-drop and ampacity checks
Explain the role of generation, transmission, and distribution in the power delivery chain
Your checkpoint
A worked 4-page calculation set: per-unit conversion table, one hand-solved load flow, and one transformer/conductor sizing memo with assumptions stated
Electrical Power Systems Analysis and Design & Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
Calculate symmetrical fault current at a bus using source, transformer, and cable impedances
Distinguish balanced vs unbalanced faults and state when symmetrical components are required
Compute voltage regulation and losses on a transmission line using a short-line model
Compare radial and ring distribution topologies on reliability and cost
Your checkpoint
A one-page fault-study summary for a 3-bus example showing fault current at each bus and the limiting component
Electrical Machines and Transformers & Power Electronics and Drives
Derive the equivalent circuit of a transformer and compute efficiency at a stated load fraction
Calculate starting current and torque for a squirrel-cage induction motor under DOL and star-delta starting
Select a variable-frequency drive rating for a pump load and justify the margin
Explain the operating principle of a rectifier and an inverter in a drive train
Your checkpoint
A motor-drive selection sheet for one pump duty point: motor rating, starter type, VFD rating, and expected starting current
Electrical Installations in Buildings & Protection, Earthing, and Lightning Systems
Size final circuit conductors and protective devices for three building circuits per code ampacity and derating rules
Compute earth-fault loop impedance and verify disconnection time compliance
Design a lightning protection zone of protection for a small building
Select and justify earthing electrode arrangement for a substation or building intake
Your checkpoint
A 2-page installation package: circuit schedule, protective device ratings, earthing and lightning protection layout described in text
Electrical Installations in Buildings & Electrical Codes, Standards, and Regulations
Map the applicable codes and standards to each element of a building electrical design
Verify a design against requirements for isolation, IP ratings, and cable segregation
Identify code clauses governing inspection, testing, and certification of an installation
Draft a compliance checklist covering the ten most common installation non-conformities
Your checkpoint
A completed compliance checklist for the week-4 installation package, with each item cited to a standard and marked pass or fail
Protection, Earthing, and Lightning Systems & Health, Safety, and Environmental Practice
Perform a hazard and risk assessment for a live-work scenario using a hierarchy-of-controls approach
Apply lockout/tagout and permit-to-work steps to a switching operation
Identify PPE requirements for arc-flash and shock hazards and state the basis for selection
Describe environmental controls for oil handling, waste, and spill response on an electrical site
Your checkpoint
A one-page risk assessment and method statement for a transformer maintenance task, including controls and PPE
Project Management, Contracts, and Engineering Ethics & Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Compare contract types and allocate risk between client and contractor for a design-build scope
Draft an ethics decision note for a conflict between schedule pressure and a safety non-conformity
Size a grid-tied PV array and inverter for a stated daily energy demand
Estimate payback period and annual savings for an efficiency retrofit
Your checkpoint
A 3-page project brief: contract type recommendation with risk rationale, an ethics case note, and a PV or efficiency business case with payback
Electrical Power Systems Analysis and Design & Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution & Electrical Machines and Transformers & Power Electronics and Drives & Electrical Installations in Buildings & Protection, Earthing, and Lightning Systems & Electrical Codes, Standards, and Regulations & Health, Safety, and Environmental Practice & Project Management, Contracts, and Engineering Ethics & Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Consolidate weak areas by re-solving one missed calculation from each domain
Complete a timed 60-question mixed mock and score by domain
Review every missed item and record the underlying principle, not just the answer
Build a one-page formula and reference sheet from memory and verify each entry
Your checkpoint
A scored mock exam with a per-domain error log and a verified one-page formula sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Can solve a 3-bus fault and load-flow problem unaided within 30 minutes with correct units
Week 4: Can produce a code-compliant circuit schedule and earthing design for a small building without reference gaps
Week 6: Can write a complete risk assessment and method statement for a live electrical task in under 45 minutes
Week 8: Scores at least 70 percent overall on the mixed mock with no domain below 60 percent