NEETS Module 19 – The Technician’s Handbook

The Technician’s Handbook

Safety, first aid, electrical and electronics formulas, and reference data every technician should have at hand — with first aid updated to current AHA, Red Cross, and OSHA guidance.

Course Duration: 70–95 minutes

📚 Source: NEETS Module 19 (NAVEDTRA 14191)

🎯 Pass Score: 80% (20 of 25)

📝 Final Questions: 25

🎓 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Apply essential safety precautions and lockout/tagout when working on electrical equipment
Respond to electric shock: rescue, CPR, and AED use under current guidelines
Give first aid for bleeding, shock, burns, and heat illness
Use basic electrical formulas: capacitance, inductance, reactance, impedance, power, and transformers
Use basic electronics formulas: antennas, resonance, transistors, wavelength, radar, and decibels
Read resistor and capacitor markings, wiring color codes, and component pinouts

🛈 HOW THIS COURSE WORKS

Five sections, each ending with a knowledge check. You get two attempts, and a first miss gives you a hint rather than the answer. Answering unlocks the next section.
Then a 25-question final assessment, different from the knowledge checks.
When you submit, your results are emailed automatically to the training administrator and to you, whether or not you pass.

Chapter 1: Mishap Prevention & Safety

Safety Observations for Electrical and Electronics Technicians

Working safely is the most important thing you can do. Safety must be your primary concern when working with electrical and electronic equipment. Most mishaps or injuries result from not understanding a risk or danger.

WARNING: Never work alone on electrical equipment. Always have a qualified person nearby who can assist in case of emergency.

Essential Safety Precautions:

Never work alone on electrical equipment
Never receive an intentional shock
Only work on, operate, or adjust equipment if you are authorized
Don't work on energized equipment unless absolutely necessary
Keep loose tools, metal parts, and liquids away from electrical equipment
Never use steel wool or emery cloth on electric and electronic circuits
Never attempt to repair energized circuits except in an emergency
Never measure voltage in excess of 300 volts while holding the meter wire or probe (NEETS rule) — and use a meter and leads with a CAT rating suited to the circuit
Use only one hand when operating circuit breakers or switches
Use proper lockout/tagout procedures for regular and preventive maintenance (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147), and verify the circuit is dead with a tested meter before touching it

Working in Hazardous Environments:

Be cautious when working in voids or unvented spaces
Beware the dangers of working aloft
Never attempt to stop a rotating antenna manually
Keep protective closures, fuse panels, and circuit breaker boxes closed unless actually working on them
Never bypass an interlock unless authorized (NEETS: by the commanding officer; on the job: by your supervisor under your company’s procedure), and then properly tag the bypass

CAUTION: Cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) are highly dangerous. They implode violently if broken and the anode contact may have a residual electrical charge. Always discharge the anode before handling CRTs. You’ll mostly meet CRTs in older equipment, but the same rule applies to power-supply and UPS capacitors, which can hold a dangerous charge after power is removed.

NOTE: Human reaction to electrical shock is determined by the amount of current flowing through the body. A 100-milliampere shock for 1 second is usually fatal! (OSHA places 100–2,000 mA in the ventricular-fibrillation range.)

ON THE JOB: NEETS cites Navy safety manuals. For commercial work, the equivalents are OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S (electrical safety-related work practices), OSHA 1910.147 (lockout/tagout), and NFPA 70E (arc-flash and shock protection, energized work permits, and PPE).

Reference Materials (Navy):

Electronics Installation and Maintenance Book (EIMB), General, NAVSEA SE000-00-EIM-100, paragraph 3-4
Naval Electronics Systems Command's Electronic Safety Handbook, E0410-AA-HBK-010/00K ELEXSAFE

🧪 Section 1 Knowledge Check

You've locked and tagged out a circuit. What must you do before touching any conductor?

Attempts: 0/2

Chapter 2: First Aid Procedures

First Aid Fundamentals

First aid is the emergency care you give to sick or injured persons. It consists only of temporary assistance or treatment until medical help is available. In addition to knowing what to do for a victim, you should also know what not to do.

Three Primary Tasks of First Aid (NEETS):

Maintain breathing (and circulation)
Stop bleeding
Prevent or reduce shock

Remember: First aid is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. Call 911 (or your site’s emergency number) as soon as possible. This chapter has been updated to current American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross, and OSHA guidance. NEETS was written in the 1990s, and several of its procedures have since changed. Get hands-on CPR, AED, and first aid certification — reading is not training.

Electric Shock

Electric shock may cause anything from mild surprise to death. The effects are often not obvious right away.

Signs of Electric Shock:

Very pale or bluish skin; bluish lips and nail beds
Weak, irregular, or absent pulse; no normal breathing
Unconsciousness
Burns, often at the points where current entered and left the body
Possible muscle stiffness (people have recovered after body stiffness has set in, so don’t give up)

WARNING: Do not touch an electric shock victim until the power is shut off, or until the victim has been freed from the live conductor using dry, nonconductive material.

Rescue Procedures:

Shut off the power immediately.
If the power can’t be shut off, free the victim with a dry board, belt, rope, or other dry, nonconductive item. DO NOT touch the victim directly.
Call 911 and send someone for an AED.
If the victim isn’t breathing normally, start CPR immediately and use the AED as soon as it arrives.
Anyone who receives a significant shock should be evaluated at a medical facility, even if they feel fine — heart-rhythm problems and internal burns may not show right away.

CPR and AED (Current Guidance)

Brain cells start dying within minutes without oxygen. For every minute a person in cardiac arrest goes without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by roughly 7–10%. Start immediately.

Adult CPR — One Rescuer:

Make sure the scene is safe (power off).
Tap and shout to check responsiveness. Call 911 and get an AED (or have someone do it).
Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is not normal breathing.
If not breathing normally, start chest compressions: heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone), other hand on top, elbows locked, shoulders over hands.
Push hard and fast: at least 2 inches deep (but not more than 2.4 inches), at 100–120 compressions per minute, letting the chest fully recoil between compressions.
If you’re trained and willing to give breaths: 30 compressions, then 2 breaths (head tilt–chin lift; each breath about 1 second, just enough to make the chest rise; use a barrier device if available).
If you’re untrained or unwilling to give breaths: do Hands-Only CPR — continuous compressions.
Turn on the AED as soon as it arrives and follow its voice prompts. Keep going until the person responds, EMS takes over, or you’re too exhausted to continue.

Two Rescuers:

One rescuer does compressions while the other gives breaths and runs the AED. Lay rescuers keep the 30:2 ratio, and should switch roles about every 2 minutes to keep compressions effective.

WHAT CHANGED SINCE NEETS: NEETS taught 4 opening breaths, a carotid pulse check, 15:2 at 60–80 compressions per minute, 1½–2 inch depth, and 5:1 for two rescuers. Current guidance is compressions first, 100–120 per minute, at least 2 inches, 30:2, with no pulse check for lay rescuers, plus early AED use.

Rescue Breathing (pulse present, not breathing normally):

Open the airway with a head tilt–chin lift. Clear visible obstructions.
Pinch the nose, seal your mouth (or a barrier device) over the victim’s mouth, and give 1 breath about every 6 seconds.
Mouth-to-nose works when the mouth is injured: seal the lips and breathe into the nose.
Watch for the chest to rise. Don’t over-inflate — too much air goes into the stomach (gastric distention). Don’t press on the abdomen to relieve it; if the person vomits, roll them onto their side, clear the mouth, and continue.
Do NOT give rescue breaths to a person who is breathing normally.

Bleeding Control

The average adult has about 5 quarts (roughly 5 liters) of blood. Losing about 1 pint is usually tolerated; losing 2 pints or more can cause shock; severe bleeding can kill in minutes.

Types of Bleeding:

Capillary: Oozes slowly
Venous: Dark red, steady flow
Arterial: Bright red, spurting with the heartbeat — life-threatening

How to Control Bleeding:

Direct pressure first: Wear gloves if you can. Press firmly on the wound with a dressing or clean cloth (or your hand if nothing else is available). If blood soaks through, add more dressings on top and keep pressing — don’t lift the first one.
Tourniquet for life-threatening limb bleeding: If direct pressure doesn’t stop severe bleeding from an arm or leg, apply a tourniquet (preferably a commercial one) 2–3 inches above the wound — not on a joint. Tighten until the bleeding stops, note the time it was applied, and don’t loosen it. Only medical personnel should remove it.
Wound packing: For deep wounds where a tourniquet won’t work (such as the groin or neck), pack the wound with gauze and hold firm pressure.

WHAT CHANGED SINCE NEETS: NEETS treated the tourniquet as a last resort and taught pressure points. Current AHA/Red Cross guidance is direct pressure, then a tourniquet (or wound packing) for life-threatening bleeding. Pressure points are no longer taught. A tourniquet is now applied early when bleeding is life-threatening.

Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body isn’t getting enough blood flow. Any serious injury can cause it, and the signs may develop over time.

Signs of Shock:

Rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing
Cool, pale, clammy skin; bluish lips or nail beds
Restlessness, anxiety, confusion, or decreasing responsiveness
Thirst, nausea, weakness, dizziness

What to Do:

Call 911. Treat the cause (control bleeding).
Have the person lie on their back. If there’s no head, neck, back, or leg injury and it doesn’t cause pain, you may raise the legs about 12 inches.
Keep the person warm with a blanket, but don’t overheat them. Remove wet clothing.
Do not give anything to eat or drink. (NEETS allowed sips of water, tea, or coffee — current guidance doesn’t.) Never give alcohol.
Monitor breathing and be ready to start CPR.

Burns

Seriousness depends on the size and depth of the burn. Large burns can cause shock. Electrical burns may look small on the skin but damage tissue deep inside, so they always need medical evaluation.

Burn Classifications:

First degree (superficial): Redness, pain, tenderness
Second degree (partial thickness): Blistering, severe pain, swelling
Third degree (full thickness): Skin destroyed — white, leathery, or charred; may be less painful because nerve endings are destroyed

Burn First Aid:

Stop the burning; for electrical burns, make sure the power is off first.
Cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Don’t use ice.
Remove rings, watches, and tight items before swelling starts, but don’t pull off clothing that is stuck to the burn.
Cover loosely with a clean, dry, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
Never apply butter, lard, ointments, or home remedies; never break blisters.
Call 911 for large, deep, or electrical burns, or burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints.

WHAT CHANGED SINCE NEETS: NEETS recommended giving burn victims salted water and aspirin. Current guidance is to cool with running water, cover, and get medical care, and not to give food or drink to someone who may be in shock.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Symptoms of heat illnesses overlap, so OSHA advises not trying to diagnose which one it is. When in doubt, cool the person and call 911. Never leave a worker with heat illness alone.

Heatstroke — LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY:

Signs: Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or unconsciousness; very high body temperature (often 104°F / 40°C or higher); hot, dry skin or heavy sweating; rapid heart rate.

Call 911 immediately.
Cool the person right away, as fast as possible: an ice-water or cold-water bath (immersion) works best. Otherwise, douse with cold water, or place ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits, and groin, and fan them.
Move them to shade or air conditioning and remove excess clothing.
Keep cooling until EMS arrives. Don’t give fluids if the person is confused or unconscious.

Heat Exhaustion:

Signs: Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, fatigue, irritability, thirst, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, elevated body temperature, fast heart rate.

Move the person to a cooler area; loosen or remove extra clothing.
Cool them with cold wet cloths, fans, or a cool shower.
If they’re alert and not vomiting, give cool water or a sports drink in small sips.
Get medical help if symptoms worsen, don’t improve, or the person becomes confused — that can mean heatstroke.

🧪 Section 2 Knowledge Check

A coworker finishing an attic run in summer becomes confused and slurs his speech; his skin is hot. What do you do?

Attempts: 0/2

Chapter 3: Basic Electrical Formulas

Introduction to Electrical Formulas

This chapter provides basic electrical formulas used in solving electrical problems. These formulas cover capacitance, current, inductance, power, reactance, impedance, resistance, voltage, and transformers.

Capacitance

Capacitance is the property of an electrical device to store energy in a way that opposes a change in voltage. A capacitor is used to store electrical energy. The FARAD is the basic unit of measurement.

C = Q / V
Where: C = capacitance (farads), Q = charge (coulombs), V = voltage (volts)

C = (ε × A) / d
Where: ε = permittivity of the dielectric (ε = K × ε₀, where K is the dielectric constant and ε₀ ≈ 8.85 × 10⁻¹² F/m), A = plate area, d = distance between plates

Time Constant (RC Circuit):

The time to charge a capacitor to 63.2% of applied voltage or discharge to 36.8% of initial voltage:

τ = R × C
Where: τ = time constant (seconds), R = resistance (ohms), C = capacitance (farads)

Capacitors in Series:

For two capacitors: C_T = (C₁ × C₂) / (C₁ + C₂)

For multiple: 1/C_T = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + ...

Capacitors in Parallel:

C_T = C₁ + C₂ + C₃ + ...

CAUTION: Capacitors retain an electrical charge. Be sure to discharge all capacitors and circuits containing capacitors before working on them.

Current

Current is the directed flow of electrons. It is measured in AMPERES (amps). One amp flows when one coulomb (about 6.24 × 10¹⁸ electrons; NEETS gives the older value 6.28 × 10¹⁸) passes a point in one second.

Ohm's Law for Current:

I = E / R
Where: I = current (amperes), E = voltage (volts), R = resistance (ohms)

I = P / E
Where: P = power (watts)

I = √(P / R)

AC Current Formulas:

I = E / Z
Where: Z = impedance (ohms)

I = E / X_C or I = E / X_L
Where: X_C = capacitive reactance, X_L = inductive reactance

NOTE: Human reaction to electrical shock is determined by current. A 100-milliampere shock for 1 second is usually fatal!

Inductance

Inductance is the characteristic of an electrical conductor that opposes a change in current. The symbol is L and the basic unit is the HENRY (H).

E_L = L × (ΔI / Δt)
Where: E_L = induced voltage, ΔI/Δt = rate of current change

Mutual Inductance:

L_M = k × √(L₁ × L₂)
Where: k = coefficient of coupling (0 to 1)

Series Inductors (Without Coupling):

L_T = L₁ + L₂ + L₃ + ...

Series Inductors (With Coupling):

L_T = L₁ + L₂ ± 2L_M

Parallel Inductors (No Coupling):

L_T = 1 / (1/L₁ + 1/L₂ + 1/L₃ + ...)

Time Constant (RL Circuit):

τ = L / R
Time for current to reach 63.2% of maximum or decay to 36.8%

Inductive Reactance:

X_L = 2πfL
Where: f = frequency (Hz), L = inductance (henries)

Power

Electrical power is the rate at which work is being done, measured in WATTS.

DC Power Formulas:

P = E × I
P = I² × R
P = E² / R

AC Power:

True Power (Watts):

P = E × I × cos θ
Where: θ = phase angle, cos θ = power factor

Reactive Power (VARs):

Q = E × I × sin θ

Apparent Power (VA):

S = E × I
S = √(P² + Q²)

Power Factor:

PF = P / S = cos θ
(Always between 0 and 1)

Reactance

Reactance is the opposition to AC current flow by inductance and capacitance, measured in ohms.

Capacitive Reactance:

X_C = 1 / (2πfC)
Where: f = frequency (Hz), C = capacitance (farads)

Net Reactance:

X = X_L - X_C
(Subtract smaller from larger)

Impedance

Impedance is the combined opposition to current flow by resistance and reactance, measured in ohms.

Z = √(R² + X²)
Where: R = resistance, X = reactance

Z = √(R² + (X_L - X_C)²)

Z = E / I (Ohm's Law for AC)

Resistance

Resistance is opposition to current flow, measured in ohms (Ω).

Ohm's Law:

R = E / I

R = E² / P

R = P / I²

Series Resistance:

R_T = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + ...

Parallel Resistance:

R_T = 1 / (1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ + ...)

For two resistors: R_T = (R₁ × R₂) / (R₁ + R₂)

Voltage

Voltage is the electrical potential energy between two points, measured in volts.

Ohm's Law:

E = I × R

E = P / I

E = √(P × R)

Voltage Divider:

E_x = E_T × (R_x / R_T)

Transformers

A transformer transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another by electromagnetic induction.

Turns Ratio:

Turns Ratio = N_P / N_S
Where: N_P = primary turns, N_S = secondary turns

Voltage Ratio:

E_P / E_S = N_P / N_S

Current Ratio:

I_P / I_S = N_S / N_P
(Note: Inverse of voltage ratio)

Power Relationship:

P_P = P_S (in ideal transformer)
E_P × I_P = E_S × I_S

WARNING: Transformers are often used to step up voltage. You may find low voltage across the primary and much higher voltage across the secondary. Use extreme caution, especially with TV and CRT high-voltage transformers which can exceed 30,000 volts!

🧪 Section 3 Knowledge Check

A 10 kΩ resistor charges a 100 µF capacitor. What is the RC time constant, and how charged is the capacitor after one time constant?

Attempts: 0/2

Chapter 4: Basic Electronics Formulas

Introduction to Electronics Formulas

This chapter provides basic electronics formulas for antennas, resonance, transistors, vacuum tubes, wavelength, and radar applications.

Antennas

An antenna is a conductor or group of conductors used for radiating or collecting electromagnetic energy from space.

Antenna Gain:

Antenna gain (G) describes the effectiveness of a directional antenna compared to a standard reference antenna (an isotropic radiator, dBi, or a half-wave dipole, dBd; 0 dBd = 2.15 dBi). The gain is the same whether transmitting or receiving.

G (dB) = 10 × log₁₀(P_antenna / P_reference)
Where: P_antenna and P_reference = power received (or radiated) in the antenna’s main direction by the antenna and by the reference antenna, with the same input power

Effective Radiated Power (ERP):

ERP = P_T × G
Where: P_T = power delivered to the antenna (transmitter power minus feed-line losses), G = antenna gain (ratio, not dB)

Half-Wave Dipole Length:

Length (feet) = 468 / f(MHz)
Length (meters) = 143 / f(MHz)

Quarter-Wave Antenna Length:

Length (feet) = 234 / f(MHz)
Length (meters) = 71.5 / f(MHz)

Antenna Efficiency:

Efficiency = (Radiated Power / Input Power) × 100%

WARNING: RF voltages may be induced in ungrounded metal objects such as wire guys, cables, handrails, or ladders. You could receive a shock or RF burn if you contact these objects. Obtain proper permission prior to going topside or "working aloft." RF burns are usually deep, penetrating, and third degree. The eyes and reproductive organs are especially susceptible to RF energy. Read and heed all warning signs!

Resonance

Resonance exists when inductance, capacitance, and applied frequency are such that inductive reactance and capacitive reactance cancel each other (X_L = X_C).

Resonant Frequency:

f_r = 1 / (2π√(LC))
Where: f_r = resonant frequency (Hz), L = inductance (H), C = capacitance (F)

Note: This formula is the same for series or parallel circuits when X_L = X_C.

Quality Factor (Q):

Q = X_L / R = X_C / R
Where: R = series resistance

Q = f_r / BW
Where: BW = bandwidth

Bandwidth:

BW = f_r / Q

Transistors

Transistors are semiconductor devices with three or more elements. The term derives from "TRANSfer resISTOR," describing the transfer of input signal current from low-resistance to high-resistance circuit.

Current Relationships:

I_E = I_B + I_C
Where: I_E = emitter current, I_B = base current, I_C = collector current

Alpha (α) - Common Base Configuration:

α = I_C / I_E
(Alpha is always less than 1)

Beta (β) - Common Emitter Configuration:

β = I_C / I_B
(NEETS: beta typically ranges from 20 to 200; many modern small-signal transistors run higher — check the datasheet h_FE)

Relationship Between Alpha and Beta:

β = α / (1 - α)
α = β / (β + 1)

Transistor Power:

P = V × I
For collector: P_C = V_CE × I_C

TRANSISTOR DAMAGE PREVENTION:

Check test equipment for leakage current - use isolation transformer if needed
Connect ground between test equipment and circuit under test
Do not exceed maximum allowable voltages
Ohmmeters requiring more than 1 mA should not be used for testing transistors
Do not use battery eliminators - they have poor voltage regulation
Use low-wattage soldering irons and heat shunts/sinks
Never pry transistors from printed circuit boards
Check all circuits for defects before replacing transistors
Remove power before replacing a transistor
Use care with test probes to avoid shorting adjacent terminals

Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tube characteristics are measured by amplification factor (μ) and transconductance (g_m).

Amplification Factor (μ):

μ = ΔE_p / ΔE_g
Where: ΔE_p = change in plate voltage, ΔE_g = change in grid voltage
(with plate current constant)

Transconductance (g_m):

g_m = ΔI_p / ΔE_g
Where: ΔI_p = change in plate current
(with plate voltage constant)
Units: mhos or siemens

Plate Resistance (r_p):

r_p = ΔE_p / ΔI_p
(with grid voltage constant)

Relationship:

μ = g_m × r_p

CAUTION: Vacuum tubes become very hot during operation and most are made of glass. Use vacuum tube pullers or wear hand protection when removing or replacing tubes to prevent burns and cuts.

Wavelength and Frequency

Wavelength is the distance in space occupied by one cycle of a radio wave. It varies from fractions of an inch at high frequencies to many miles at extremely low frequencies.

Wavelength Formula:

λ = c / f
Where: λ = wavelength (meters), c = speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s), f = frequency (Hz)

λ (meters) = 300 / f(MHz)
λ (feet) = 984 / f(MHz)

Frequency Formula:

f = c / λ
f(MHz) = 300 / λ(meters)

Period:

T = 1 / f
Where: T = period (seconds), f = frequency (Hz)

Velocity:

v = f × λ
In free space: v = c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s

Radar Formulas

Radar systems use electromagnetic waves to detect and locate objects.

Key Terms:

PW (Pulse Width): Width of transmitted RF pulse
PRT (Pulse Repetition Time): Time between pulses (leading edge to leading edge)
PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency): Number of pulses per second = 1/PRT
Duty Cycle: Ratio of pulse time to total time
P_pk (Peak Power): Actual power during pulse (kilowatts)
P_avg (Average Power): Power averaged over one PRT (watts)

Pulse Repetition Frequency:

PRF = 1 / PRT

Duty Cycle:

DC = PW / PRT
(For radar, duty cycle is always less than 1)

Average Power:

P_avg = P_pk × DC
P_avg = P_pk × (PW / PRT)

Peak Power:

P_pk = P_avg / DC

Maximum Radar Range:

R_max = (c × PRT) / 2
Where: c = speed of light, divide by 2 for round trip

Minimum Radar Range:

R_min = (PW + recovery time, in μs) × 164 yards/μs
(In modern systems, recovery time is often negligible)

Range Resolution:

Range Resolution (yards) = PW × 164 yards/μs

Decibels (dB)

Decibels represent a logarithmic comparison between two signals, usually output and input. In power measurements, 0 dBm equals 1 milliwatt.

Power Ratio in dB:

dB = 10 × log₁₀(P_out / P_in)

Voltage/Current Ratio in dB (Equal Impedances):

dB = 20 × log₁₀(V_out / V_in)
dB = 20 × log₁₀(I_out / I_in)

dBm (Reference to 1 mW):

dBm = 10 × log₁₀(P / 0.001)
Where: P = power in watts

Quick Reference:

dB	Power Ratio	Voltage Ratio
0	1	1
3	2	1.41
6	4	2
10	10	3.16
20	100	10
-3	0.5	0.707
-10	0.1	0.316

🧪 Section 4 Knowledge Check

About how long should a half-wave dipole be for 146 MHz?

Attempts: 0/2

Chapter 5: Data Tables & Reference Material

Introduction to Reference Data

This chapter provides essential reference data tables and identification systems used by electronics technicians. This information is critical for proper component selection, identification, and circuit troubleshooting.

Capacitor Identification

Two methods are used for capacitor identification: typographical marking (printed numbers) and color code marking (becoming obsolete).

Typographical Identification:

Part numbers are printed on the capacitor body. Different capacitor styles use different formats:

CB Style: Uses specific part number format from MIL-C-10950
CMR Style: Uses format from MIL-C-39001 (mica, silvered)
CYR10 Style: Cross-referenced in MIL-C-23269/1

Example: For a 3.3 pF, 500 VDC capacitor in CYR10 style with 1% failure rate, the part number would be M23269/01-3009

Important Capacitor Specifications:

Style	Description	Status
CCR	Ceramic, Encap., Temp. Comp., ER	Active
CMR	Mica, Silvered, ER	Active
CWR	Tantalum, Solid, Chip, ER	Active
CYR	Glass, ER (MIL-C-23269)	Active

Note: ER = Established Reliability (a military specification term for parts with a tested, documented failure rate). RLR is a resistor style (film, insulated, ER), not a capacitor.

Common Dielectric Constants:

Material	Constant
Vacuum	1.0000
Air	1.0006
Paraffin paper	3.5
Mica	3 to 6
Glass	5 to 10
Rubber	2.5 to 35

Resistor Identification

Resistors use color code bands or printed values for identification.

Resistor Color Code:

Color	Digit	Multiplier	Tolerance
Black	0	×1	-
Brown	1	×10	±1%
Red	2	×100	±2%
Orange	3	×1K	-
Yellow	4	×10K	-
Green	5	×100K	±0.5%
Blue	6	×1M	±0.25%
Violet	7	×10M	±0.1%
Gray	8	×100M	±0.05%
White	9	×1G	-
Gold	-	×0.1	±5%
Silver	-	×0.01	±10%
(No band)	-	-	±20%

Reading Resistors: The first two bands are digits, third band is multiplier, fourth band (if present) is tolerance. Example: Yellow-Violet-Red-Gold = 4700Ω ±5%. Precision resistors use five bands: three digits, multiplier, tolerance. (Newer IEC 60062 editions assign some tolerance colors differently — check the manufacturer’s datasheet.)

Standard Resistor Selection:

Type	Style	Power	Tolerance	Ohmic Range
Composition ER	RCR20	0.5W	5%, 10%	1.0Ω to 22MΩ
Composition ER	RCR32	1W	5%, 10%	1.0Ω to 22MΩ
Film ER	RNR55	0.1W	1%, 0.5%, 0.1%	10Ω to 2MΩ
Film ER	RNR70	0.5W	1%, 0.5%, 0.1%	1.0Ω to 4.02MΩ

Film resistor power ratings are at 125°C (MIL-PRF-55182). Verify resistance ranges against the current QPL or the manufacturer’s datasheet.

Transformer Lead Identification

Transformers use standard color codes for lead identification:

Power Transformers:

Black: Primary leads (line connections)
Black/Yellow: Tap on primary (if used)
Red: High voltage secondary (B+ winding)
Red/Yellow: High voltage center tap
Green: Low voltage winding (heater, filament)
Green/Yellow: Low voltage center tap
Brown: Second filament winding (Brown/Yellow: its center tap)
Yellow: Rectifier filament winding

IF and Interstage Transformers:

Blue: Primary end (plate or collector)
Red: B+ or V_CC connection
Green: Grid or base connection
White: Grid or base return (AVC) — the secondary’s return end

Chassis Wiring Color Standards

Standard wire colors for circuit identification:

Circuit Function	Color
Grounds, Grounded Elements, Returns	BLACK
Heaters/Filaments, Off Ground	BROWN
Power Supply +V_CC/+E_bb	RED
Screen Grids	ORANGE
Emitters/Cathodes	YELLOW
Bases/Control Grids	GREEN
Collectors/Plates	BLUE
Power Supply -V_CC/-E_bb	VIOLET
AC Power Lines	GRAY
Miscellaneous, AVC	WHITE

CAUTION — DON’T CONFUSE WITH AC POWER WIRING: These are chassis (equipment-internal) color codes. In building AC wiring under the NEC, green (or bare) is the equipment ground, white or gray is the grounded conductor (neutral), and black, red, and other colors are ungrounded (hot) conductors. Never assume a black wire is a ground in building wiring.

Semiconductor Identification

Diode Markings:

Diodes use a band or color code to indicate the cathode (negative) end. The band is usually near the cathode end of the body.

Transistor Lead Identification:

Transistor pinouts vary by package type:

TO-92 Package (common plastic): Looking at flat face - typically E-B-C from left to right
TO-220 Package (power): Tab is usually collector, leads are B-C-E or E-C-B
TO-3 Package (large power): Case is collector, two pins are base and emitter

CAUTION: Always verify pinout from datasheet or part marking. Incorrect connections can immediately destroy transistors!

Integrated Circuit (IC) Pin Numbering:

DIP (Dual In-line Package): Pin 1 indicated by dot or notch, count counterclockwise
Pin 1 is top-left when notch is at top
Pins numbered sequentially down left side, then up right side

Battery Types and Specifications

Primary Cells (Non-Rechargeable):

Common sizes for flashlights and portable equipment:

Size	Military Designation (per NEETS)	Voltage
AA	BA58	1.5V
C	BA42	1.5V
D	BA30	1.5V
9V	BA484	9V

Secondary Cells (Rechargeable):

Used in vehicles and rechargeable equipment. Examples include lead-acid, NiCd, NiMH, and Li-ion batteries.

WARNING: Battery safety is critical. Follow the manufacturer’s charging, handling, and storage procedures (NEETS cites NAVSEA SE000-00-EIM-100). Never short battery terminals or expose to extreme heat.

Cable Types and Applications

Common Shipboard Cable Types:

Type	Description	Application
DSS	Double conductor, shielded	Signal/audio
THOF	Three conductor, oil resistant	Power, flexible service
TSP	Twisted pairs	Telephone, data
MWF	Multiple conductor	Outboard submersible
CVSF	400-Hz aircraft servicing	Aircraft power

Current-Carrying Capacity — Navy/NEETS Equipment Wiring (30°C Ambient):

Wire Size	Rubber Insulated (A)	Heat Resistant (A)
#14 AWG	20	30
#12 AWG	25	40
#10 AWG	40	55
#8 AWG	55	70
#6 AWG	80	100
#4 AWG	105	135

Note: Current capacity decreases at higher ambient temperatures. These are not building-wiring values. For premises wiring, use NEC Table 310.16 ampacities and the small-conductor limits in NEC 240.4(D): #14 AWG copper = 15 A, #12 = 20 A, #10 = 30 A overcurrent protection. For detailed cable specifications, refer to NAVSUP Publication 4400 (Federal Supply Classification 6145) and Cable Comparison Guide NAVSEA 0981-052-8090.

Reference Material Sources

Additional technical information can be found in:

MIL-STD-198E: Capacitors, Selection and Use of
MIL-STD-199C: Resistors, Selection and Use of
NAVSUP Pub 4400: Afloat Shopping Guide
MIL-W-76B: Equipment Hook-up Wire Specification
NAVSEA 0902-LP-006-0000: Design Data Book
NAVSEA SE000-00-EIM-100: Electronics Installation and Maintenance Book

🧪 Section 5 Knowledge Check

In building AC wiring (NEC), what does a green or bare conductor indicate?

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