ENGR 100W LAB ASSIGNMENT Dr. Thalia Anagnos

Objective of Assignment: Create a set of instructions that is clear, organized, and meets the needs of the intended audience.

Background: A new employee at EnvironSJ (who clearly was not an SJSU graduate) wrote instructions for installing the EC37 Programmable Thermostat. Your boss took one look at these instructions and realized that she needed someone with strong communication skills to revise them. Because she knew you had taken a technical writing class as part of your degree program, she came to you and asked you to revise these instructions. Your colleague wrote the follow instructions:

Installation Notes Need #1 Phillips (small) screwdriver, drill, 3/16" bit

Homeowner has two options: (1) Install new thermostat in place of the old one, unless the current thermostat is located in a place with unusual heating conditions (e.g., near stove, direct sunlight, fireplace, hot-water pipes) or unusual cooling conditions (e.g., draft from stairwell, door, or window); in a damp area such as a bathroom (this leads to corrosion); or in a place with poor air circulation (e.g., corner, alcove, behind door). (2) Pick a new location. If picking a new location, locate unit on an inside wall about 5 feet above the floor in an often-used room. However, wait to install until all work such as painting has been completed.

To avoid shock and damage to furnace, AC, and thermostat, power should be turned off at circuit breaker, fuse box, or appliance before installation begins. Remove the old thermostat’s cover: some covers snap on and pull off; others have locking screws on the side that must be loosened.

Wires must be labeled before they are removed. Use the labels that come packaged with the EC37. Letters (G, Y, W, RH, B, O, RC) will be printed near the terminals on the old unit. Label each wire as it is removed from the old unit’s terminal, making sure wires don’t fall back into hole in the wall. Then remove the old unit by loosening all the screws that attach it to the wall. Discard.

Prepare to install the EC37 by stripping insulation (about 3/8") from the wires coming out of the wall. This will clean off any corrosion. In addition, fill wall opening with non-flammable insulation. This will prevent drafts from affecting the unit. Separate the EC37’s body from the baseplate by pressing latch at bottom on the unit. New holes for the screws used to attach the baseplate to the wall might need to be drilled if mounting unit to soft material such as plasterboard. If so, drill 3/16" holes for each screw, and use the plastic anchors included in the package. Hold the base against the wall with the wires coming through the opening in the baseplate and attach to wall with the two screws included.

Attach the wires to the matching terminals (e.g., wire labeled G to terminal labeled G). Wires should not touch each other or other parts of the terminal. Make sure wires are trapped between black spacer and brass terminal. Tighten wires securely. Snap the unit’s body onto the baseplate.

Assignment: Rewrite the instructions so that they encompass the characteristics of clear, attractive, easy-to- follow instructions. Feel free to use graphics found at the end of this assignment.

For this assignment, you are NOT required to cite sources and create a reference list. Assume that you have developed all of the language and graphics in-house.

Guidelines: The assignment must be turned in at the end of this class period and a copy MUST BE TURNED INTO TURNITIN.COM (if not -5 points). 1. Complete the assignment with font, margins, line spacing, and page numbers that you think make the instructions look and read the best. 2. At the top of the instructions, put a title followed by your name in parentheses. 3. Use headings, subheadings, and multiple columns as needed.

Proofread your document before you print it. Submit an electronic copy to Turnitin.com.

Grading: Introduction letting reader know the task to be performed 2 Instructions written with the intended audience in mind 1 Steps in chronological order 2 Headings used to help guide reader 2 Instructions are clear and easy to follow 4 Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage 2 Attractively laid out with lots of white space 1 Use of visuals /title 1 Total 15 points Resources: Markel, M. (2007). Technical Communication (8th edition). Bedford/St.Martin’s: Boston.

Online text by D.A. McMurrey (see ENGR 100w resources web page)

Warning of Electrical Shock Hazard #1

Base of EC37 Showing Wires Attached to Terminals

Warning of Electrical Shock Hazard #2

Warning of Electrical Shock Hazard #3 Stripping Insulation from Wire #1

Thermostat Placement

Stripping Insulation from Wire #2

Wire-Terminal Attachment Showing Black Spacer