Scouting/BSA/Electricity Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 3

Make a simple electromagnet and use it to show magnetic attraction and repulsion.

Requirement 4

Explain the difference between direct current and alternating current.

Requirement 5

Make a simple drawing to show how a battery and an electric bell work.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 7

Explain what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits are not overloaded.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 10

Explain the following electrical terms: volt, ampere, watt, ohm, resistance, potential difference, rectifier, rheostat, conductor, ground, circuit, and short circuit.

Requirement 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.

External links

• Electricity Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• 10 Ways to Conserve Energy At Home from GreenAmerica.org
• How Electrical Fires Start and How to Put Them Out on YouTube.com