Electricity

Electricity merit badge requirements

1. Demonstrate that you know how to respond to electrical emergencies by doing the following:

   a. Show how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the home.

   b. Show how to render first aid to a person who is unconscious from electrical shock.

   c. Show how to treat an electrical burn.

   d. Explain what to do in an electrical storm.

   e. Explain what to do in the event of an electrical fire.

2. Complete an electrical home safety inspection of your home, using the checklist found in this pamphlet or one approved by your counselor. Discuss what you find with your counselor.
3. Make a simple electromagnet and use it to show magnetic attraction and repulsion.
4. Explain the difference between direct current and alternating current.
5. Make a simple drawing to show how a battery and an electric bell work.
6. Explain why a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips. Tell how to find a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Show how to safely reset the circuit breaker.
7. Explain what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits are not overloaded.
8. Make a floor plan wiring diagram of the lights, switches, and outlets for a room in your home. Show which fuse or circuit breaker protects each one.
9. Do the following:

   a. Read an electric meter and, using your family's electric bill, determine the energy cost from the meter readings.

   b. Discuss with your counselor five ways in which your family can conserve energy.

10. Explain the following electrical terms: volt, ampere, watt, ohm, resistance, potential difference, rectifier, rheostat, conductor, ground, circuit, and short circuit.
11. Do any TWO of the following:

    a. Connect a buzzer, bell, or light with a battery. Have a key or switch in the line.

    b. Make and run a simple electric motor (not from a kit).

    c. Build a simple rheostat. Show that it works.

    d. Build a single-pole, double-throw switch. Show that it works.

    e. Hook a model electric train layout to a house circuit. Tell how it works.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Scouts BSA Requirements, 2019 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #648914)

A FREE workbook for Electricity is available here! (PDF or Word) with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Electricity requirements.

usscouts.org has PDF and Word versions of workbooks for Scouts BSA ranks and merit badges, Cub Scouting ranks and adventures, and STEM Nova awards.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." The Electricity merit badge pamphlet can purchased at ScoutSthop.org or at your local Scout Shop.
• "Get a signed Application for Merit Badge ... from your unit leader." An electronic, fillable, and printable PDF file version is available.

• Scouts BSA Merit Badges: Animal Science  •  Archaeology  •  Astronomy  •  Architecture  •  Chemistry  •  Composite Materials  •  Digital Technology  •  Electricity  •  Electronics  •  Energy  •  Environmental Science  •  Geology  •  Nuclear Science  •  Radio  •  Space Exploration  •  Weather

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge revision dates – latest revision dates of each merit badge pamphlet.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many youths have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)
• See Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas for guidance on how to submit suggestions for new merit badges to BSA.