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12 DIPLOMA-LEVEL BUILDS

Electrical project bank.

Buildable ideas covering energy, machines, automation, protection and renewables—with realistic parts, budgets and safety limits.

FROM CIRCUIT TO SHOWCASE

Select a project.

Filter the library, compare the scope and choose a project appropriate to your time, tools and laboratory supervision.

Energy01

Smart Energy Meter

Measure voltage, current, power, energy and estimated cost on an isolated low-voltage AC trainer.

LEVELIntermediateBUDGET₹1,850TIME2 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
ISOLATED AC-L ── F1 ── LOAD ─────────────┐
                         │              │
                        PT1            CT1
                         │              │
                       U1 V-SENSE     U2 I-SENSE
                         └── ADC1  ADC2 ──┘
                              U3 ESP32
                         I²C ───┤├── Wi-Fi
                              DS1 OLED
ISOLATED AC-N ─────────────────────────────

Use only an isolation transformer or approved metering trainer for calibration.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS9 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01F1Cartridge fuse + holder1 A, 250 V training circuit1
02PT1Isolated voltage transformer230/6 V or approved AC sensor module1
03CT1Split-core current transformer5 A/5 mA with burden resistor1
04U1Voltage signal conditionerisolated, 0–3.3 V output1
05U2Current signal conditionerprecision rectifier / ADC interface1
06U3ESP32 development boarddual ADC, Wi-Fi1
07DS1OLED display0.96 in, I²C, 128×641
08PS1Isolated DC supply230 V AC to 5 V DC, enclosed1
09TB1Touch-safe terminal block4-way, 250 V1
SAFETYCalibrate only on an isolated trainer; do not prototype directly on mains.
Energy02

Automatic Power Factor Correction

Sense load power factor and switch staged capacitors to improve the displacement power factor.

LEVELAdvancedBUDGET₹3,800TIME3 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
AC-L ─ F1 ─ CT1 ─────────────── LOAD
  │             │
 PT1      I-SENSE ─┐
  └── V-SENSE ─────┴── U1 MCU ──┬─ Q1 ─ K1 ─ C1
                                ├─ Q2 ─ K2 ─ C2
                                └─ Q3 ─ K3 ─ C3
AC-N ───────────────────────────────────────────
        C1/C2/C3 each fitted with discharge resistor

Use fused training capacitors and verify discharge before touching any stage.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS17 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01F1Control fuse1 A, 250 V1
02PT1Isolated voltage sensorzero-cross capable1
03CT1Current transformer5 A/5 mA1
04U1Microcontroller boardArduino Nano or equivalent1
05Q1–Q3Opto-isolated relay drivers12 V coil interface3
06K1–K3Capacitor contactorstrainer-rated with interlock3
07C1–C3Power-factor capacitors2, 4 and 8 µF trainer stages3
08R1–R3Discharge resistorsrated for capacitor voltage3
09DS1LCD display16×2 with I²C interface1
SAFETYUse fused, discharge-resistor-equipped training capacitors under supervision.
Renewables03

Solar Battery Charge Controller

Build a PWM charge controller with battery-voltage display, reverse-current protection and load cut-off.

LEVELIntermediateBUDGET₹2,400TIME2 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
PV+ ─ F1 ─ D1 ─ Q1 PWM ─ L1 ───── BAT+
                       │       │
                       └─ D2 ──┴─ C1
PV− ───────────────────────────────── BAT−
       PV divider ─┐      Battery divider ─┐
                   └──── U1 MCU ───────────┤
                              └─ Q2 ─ F2 ─ LOAD

Begin with a current-limited bench supply before connecting the panel and battery.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS10 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01PV1Solar panel18 V, 20–40 W1
02F1PV input fuse3 A DC1
03D1Reverse-current diodeSchottky, 5 A1
04Q1Power MOSFETlogic-level, ≥40 V, heat-sinked1
05L1Buck inductor100–220 µH, ≥4 A1
06D2Freewheel diodeSchottky, ≥5 A1
07U1MicrocontrollerArduino Nano or equivalent1
08Q2Load disconnect MOSFETlogic-level, ≥20 A1
09BAT1Training battery12 V, 7 Ah sealed battery1
10DS1Voltage/current displayI²C OLED1
SAFETYUse a current-limited source during testing and fit a battery-side fuse.
Safety04

Transformer Temperature Protection

Monitor winding or enclosure temperature and operate warning, fan and trip outputs at set thresholds.

LEVELBeginnerBUDGET₹1,200TIME1 week
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
T1 surface ─ TH1 temperature sensor ─ U1 controller
                                            ├─ Q1 ─ K1 ─ FAN
                                            ├─ Q2 ─ BZ1 ALARM
                                            └─ Q3 ─ K2 TRIP
12 V DC ─ F1 ────────────────────────────────┘

Fix the sensor to the transformer body with insulated thermal tape; do not access live windings.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS11 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01T1Low-voltage transformer model230/12 V, guarded terminals1
02TH1Temperature sensorPT100 with MAX31865 or DS18B201
03U1Controller boardArduino Nano1
04Q1–Q3Transistor relay driverswith flyback diodes3
05K1Fan relay12 V coil, 5 A contacts1
06K2Trip relay12 V coil, changeover1
07FAN1Cooling fan12 V DC, 80 mm1
08BZ1Alarm buzzer12 V DC1
09DS1Display16×2 LCD1
SAFETYUse a low-voltage model transformer; never expose live primary terminals.
Machines05

Star-Delta Starter Training Panel

Demonstrate timed star-delta starting with electrical interlocking, overload protection and status lamps.

LEVELAdvancedBUDGET₹5,500TIME3 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
POWER: L1/L2/L3 ─ QF1 ─ K1 MAIN ─ OL1 ─ MOTOR U1/V1/W1
                                      ├─ K2 STAR → U2+V2+W2
                                      └─ K3 DELTA → cross links

CONTROL: L ─ STOP(NC) ─ OL1(NC) ─ START(NO) ─ K1
              K1 seal ─ KT1 timer ─┬─ KT1(NC)─K3(NC)─K2
                                    └─ KT1(NO)─K2(NC)─K3

Electrical and mechanical interlocking between star and delta contactors is mandatory.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS12 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01QF1Three-pole MCBtrainer rating, C curve1
02K1Main contactor3-pole, 12/24 V coil1
03K2Star contactor3-pole with NC interlock1
04K3Delta contactor3-pole with NC interlock1
05KT1On-delay timer0–30 s, changeover contacts1
06OL1Thermal overload relaymatched to motor current1
07S0/S1Stop / start push buttons1 NC + 1 NO2
08H1–H3Status lampscontrol-voltage rated3
09M1Six-terminal induction motorprotected laboratory trainer1
SAFETYCommission on a protected low-voltage trainer before any supervised motor test.
Machines06

DC Motor PWM Speed Controller

Control speed and direction of a low-voltage DC motor and display duty cycle and measured speed.

LEVELIntermediateBUDGET₹1,600TIME2 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
12 V+ ─ F1 ───────────────┬──────────────┐
                         Q1(high)      Q3(high)
                            ├──── M1 ─────┤
                         Q2(low)       Q4(low)
12 V− ──────────────────────┴────────────┴──
U1 MCU ─ gate driver ─ Q1..Q4     H1 speed sensor ─ U1

Add gate dead-time and guard the shaft, coupling and sensor magnet.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS15 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01F1DC fuse5 A blade fuse1
02U1MicrocontrollerArduino Nano1
03U2H-bridge gate driverdead-time capable1
04Q1–Q4N-channel MOSFETslogic-level, ≥30 V, heat-sinked4
05D1–D4Flyback diodesfast recovery, ≥5 A4
06M1Permanent-magnet DC motor12 V, ≤3 A1
07H1Hall speed sensordigital output with magnet1
08RV1Speed potentiometer10 kΩ linear1
09DS1RPM displayOLED, I²C1
SAFETYAdd flyback protection, a fuse and a guarded coupling.
Automation07

Automatic Water-Level Controller

Start and stop a pump model from tank levels with dry-run protection and manual/automatic modes.

LEVELBeginnerBUDGET₹1,100TIME1 week
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
TANK: COM ─ LOW(P1) ─ HIGH(P2)     SUMP: DRY(P3)
             │        │          │              │
             └── isolated probe interface U1 ───┘
                              │
12 V ─ F1 ─────────────── U2 controller ─ Q1 ─ K1 ─ PUMP
                              └─ AUTO / MANUAL selector

Keep the controller above the water line and use only a separated extra-low-voltage pump.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS13 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01P1–P3Level probes / float switchesstainless steel, low-voltage sensing3
02U1Probe interfaceAC excitation or opto-isolated1
03U2ControllerArduino Nano or relay logic1
04Q1Relay drivertransistor with flyback diode1
05K1Pump relay12 V coil, 10 A contacts1
06PUMP1Demonstration pump12 V DC submersible1
07S1Auto/manual selector2-position maintained1
08H1–H3Level/status LEDs5 mm with resistors3
09F1Pump fuse3 A DC1
SAFETYUse an isolated 12 V pump model and keep control electronics dry.
Safety08

Three-Phase Sequence and Failure Alarm

Identify correct phase sequence and signal phase loss or reversal using an isolated sensing front end.

LEVELAdvancedBUDGET₹2,900TIME3 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
R ─ F1 ─ ISO1 ─ pulse R ─┐
Y ─ F2 ─ ISO2 ─ pulse Y ─┼─ U1 phase logic ─ K1 healthy
B ─ F3 ─ ISO3 ─ pulse B ─┘                └─ BZ1 fault
U1 checks R→Y→B order, missing pulse and voltage window

Test only on a purpose-built three-phase trainer with instructor supervision.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS15 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01F1–F3Phase sensing fuses100 mA, 500 V3
02ISO1–ISO3Isolated phase detectorsopto-isolated zero-cross modules3
03U1Phase-sequence controllermicrocontroller or dedicated IC1
04K1Healthy output relay12 V coil, changeover1
05BZ1Fault buzzer12 V DC1
06H1–H4Phase/fault indicatorsR/Y/B LEDs plus fault lamp4
07PS1Isolated control supply12 V DC enclosed1
08TB1Touch-safe phase terminals4-pole R-Y-B-N1
SAFETYDevelop with a three-phase trainer; final testing requires instructor supervision.
Automation09

Automatic Street-Light Controller

Control dimmed and full-brightness LED lighting using ambient light and motion detection.

LEVELBeginnerBUDGET₹950TIME1 week
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
12 V+ ─ F1 ─ LED1 string ─ Q1 MOSFET ─ 0 V
                         gate ← PWM ← U1 MCU
LDR1 + R1 divider ─ ADC ─┤
PIR1 motion output ──────┤
S1 mode switch ──────────┘

Use a heat sink for the LED and MOSFET and keep the demonstrator at SELV voltage.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS8 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01U1MicrocontrollerArduino Nano1
02LDR1Light sensorLDR with 10 kΩ divider1
03PIR1Motion sensorHC-SR501 or equivalent1
04Q1LED power MOSFETlogic-level, ≥30 V1
05LED1Street-light model12 V LED module, 10 W max1
06F1DC fuse2 A1
07S1Mode selectorauto/off/manual1
08PS1DC power supply12 V, 2 A, current-limited1
SAFETYKeep the demonstrator at SELV voltage and protect the supply against short circuits.
Safety10

Domestic Distribution-Board Trainer

Create a labeled single-phase training board showing isolation, RCCB, MCB circuits, neutral and PE bars.

LEVELIntermediateBUDGET₹4,500TIME3 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
ISOLATED L ─ Q0 DP ─ RCCB1 ─┬─ MCB1 ─ S1 ─ LAMP
                               ├─ MCB2 ─ SOCKET
                               └─ MCB3 ─ FAN MODEL
ISOLATED N ─────────────────────── N-BAR ─ returns
PE ─────────────────────────────── PE-BAR ─ exposed metal
TEST: L after MCB ─ RTEST ─ S2 ─ N before RCCB

Faculty approval and an isolated training supply are required before energizing.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS11 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01Q0Double-pole isolator16 A trainer unit1
02RCCB1Residual-current device2-pole, 30 mA1
03MCB1–MCB3Miniature circuit breakers6 A, B curve3
04N-BARNeutral busbarinsulated enclosure type1
05PE-BARProtective-earth barbrass, bonded to panel1
06S1Lamp switch6 A, one-way1
07SK1Training socketshuttered, labeled1
08RTEST/S2RCCB test networksupervisor-selected resistor + push button1
09T1Isolation transformer230/230 V, current-limited trainer1
SAFETYUse a purpose-built isolated training supply and faculty approval before energizing.
Automation11

IoT Motor Condition Monitor

Log motor vibration, temperature and current and display warning trends on a local dashboard.

LEVELIntermediateBUDGET₹2,700TIME2 weeks
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
MOTOR TRAINER ─ CT1 current ─ ADC1 ─┐
             TH1 temperature ─ 1-Wire ─┤
             ACC1 vibration ─ I²C ─────┼─ U1 ESP32 ─ Wi-Fi ─ dashboard
                                      └─ H1 warning + BZ1 alarm
5 V isolated supply ─ F1 ──────────────┘

Isolate the motor before mounting sensors and refit all rotating-part guards.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS9 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01U1ESP32 development boardWi-Fi, dual-core1
02CT1Current sensorisolated CT or Hall module1
03TH1Temperature sensorDS18B20 probe1
04ACC1AccelerometerADXL345, 3-axis1
05U2Signal conditionerCT burden, bias and filter1
06DS1Local display0.96 in OLED1
07BZ1Alarm buzzer5 V active1
08PS1Isolated supply5 V, 2 A1
09ENC1Sensor enclosurenon-metallic, cable glands1
SAFETYMount sensors with the machine isolated and guard all rotating parts.
Renewables12

Portable Solar Study Lamp

Design an efficient rechargeable LED lamp with charge indication, low-battery cut-off and enclosure.

LEVELBeginnerBUDGET₹1,350TIME1 week
Open circuit diagram & full component list +
CIRCUIT / CONNECTION DIAGRAMTraining design · verify ratings before assembly
PV1 ─ F1 ─ U1 solar charger ─ BAT1 LiFePO₄
                              │
                              └─ U2 protection ─ S1 ─ U3 LED driver ─ LED1
LDR1 ─ auto-enable ───────────────┘
U1 status outputs ─ CHARGE / FULL indicators

Use only protected LiFePO₄ cells and provide ventilation around the LED heat sink.

NUMBERED BILL OF MATERIALS9 total items
No.Ref.ComponentSpecificationQty.
01PV1Solar panel6 V, 5–10 W1
02F1PV fuse1.5 A resettable1
03U1Solar charge controllerLiFePO₄-compatible1
04BAT1Protected battery cellLiFePO₄ 3.2 V, 3–6 Ah1
05U2Battery protection boardovercharge, over-discharge, short circuit1
06U3Constant-current LED driver350–700 mA1
07LED1High-efficiency LED3 W on heat sink1
08LDR1Ambient-light sensorLDR divider module1
09S1Brightness selectoroff/low/high1
SAFETYUse protected cells and verify polarity before assembly.