Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 2

This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 3.0.

Minor change to title, descriptor and performance criterion.

Outcomes deemed equivalent.

Release 1

This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 1.0.

Elements 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Build and test DC and AC circuits and telephone earthing

1.1 Identify any hazards and occupational health and safety (OHS) issues for a safe work site and notify appropriate personnel

1.2 Connect a series and a parallel DC and AC circuit configuration  following safe work practices 

1.3 Choose the appropriate test equipment  and measure the values of electrical quantities  of the circuits

1.4 Use calculations  to verify the measured values of the electrical quantities in a series and in a parallel circuit configuration

1.5 Compare measured values to calculated values and determine the reasons for any variations

1.6 Evaluate results and determine the probable faults  if relevant

1.7 Measure voltages present on a telephone line and compare to exchange battery voltage

1.8 Measure resistance to earth, ensuring an electrical earth in a telecommunications installation

2. Configure a safe ADSL circuit configuration with Mode 3 connection

2.1 Determine the effects of bandwidth, frequency and attenuation on xDSL circuits  as used for broadband customer access

2.2 Design and configure an ADSL circuit  from network boundary through to Mode 3 socket for an alarm system connected to a monitoring station

2.3 Configure connection to ensure that an ADSL circuit is not disconnected for safety reasons when an alarm activation in conjunction with a Mode 3 socket disconnects the plain old telephone service (POTS) circuit

2.4 Use a level 3 tester  to verify correct termination and installation practices on a digital transmission line

3. Diagnose and rectify faults

3.1 Determine urgency and impact of faults and required response timeframe for clearance

3.2 Identify type of fault  and determine most probable causes of fault from data and historical trends where available

3.3 Select tools and test equipment relevant to the system and type of fault

3.4 Diagnose fault in a methodical and safe manner using suitable fault-finding technique 

3.5 Isolate fault progressively to remove likely variables from diagnostic

3.6 Determine options to rectify the fault and present to customer for decision on rectification

3.7 Document test methods and results and file with other system installation records

4. Alter existing services

4.1 Identify existing and proposed cable systems for altering services  to an existing installation

4.2 Plan alterations to cause minimal disruption to ongoing client activity

4.3 Use appropriate tools  to safely terminate telecommunications cables and outlets 

4.4 Identify and rectify any cable fault 

4.5 Carry out alterations in a safe manner and according to both mandatory and recommended industry standards

4.6 Identify risks posed by contact with remote power feeding services

4.7 Test alteration and obtain sign-off from customer

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• use concepts of ADSL application and design
• use fault-finding techniques to locate cabling faults in telecommunications networks
• use Ohm’s law to solve DC and AC electrical problems
• apply digital transmission principles and testing
• use test equipment
• alter existing customer services complying with all related OHS requirements and work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• a site where altering existing services for a customer may be conducted
• appropriate AC and DC testing equipment
• manufacturer’s documentation and equipment
• correct tools and measuring equipment currently used in industry.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct observation of the candidate undertaking AC and DC measurements and fault-finding
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of fundamental concepts of telecommunications practices and recurrent fault-finding techniques
• evaluation of written ADSL design concepts
• direct observation of visual checks and evaluation of written procedures in altering existing services
• direct observation of the candidate altering existing customer services.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• ICTCBL2136B Install, maintain and modify customer premises communications cabling: ACMA Restricted Rule
• ICTTEN2140B Use hand and power tools
• ICTWHS2170B Follow work health and safety and environmental policies and procedures.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

DC and AC circuit configuration  may include:

• DC circuit:

• resistances
• single DC voltage source:

• battery
• DC voltage supply
• solar panel

• AC circuit:

• inductors, capacitors and resistances
• single AC voltage source:

• AC generator
• AC voltage supply
• alternator
• low voltage (LV) AC source.

Safe work practices  may relate to:

• component tolerances are not exceeded
• correct use of power supply and test equipment
• identifying any electrical safety hazards
• isolation from main supply
• overdrawing of current
• power down during set-up procedure
• well laid out circuitry:

• avoid contact with external sources
• avoid shorting of components.

Test equipment  may include:

• digital multimeter
• multimeter
• ohmmeter
• voltmeter.

Electrical quantities  may include:

• current
• power
• voltage.

Calculations  may include:

• application of Ohm’s law
• engineering notation
• power calculations
• power consumption and efficiencies
• voltage dividers
• voltage, resistance and current calculations.

Probable faults  may include:

• faulty component
• faulty source voltage
• open circuits
• short circuits.

xDSL circuits  may include:

• ADSL
• ADSL2
• ADSL2+.

ADSL circuit  may include:

• ADSL filters connected at a main distribution frame (MDF)
• central filters and splitters installed at a network termination device (NTD)
• central filters and splitters installed internally
• domestic installations and small shops that use a telecommunications outlet (TO) or NTD as a network boundary
• DSL and Mode 3 connections.

Level 3 tester  may include:

• continuity
• F set
• local area network (LAN) Cat tester
• split pair
• wire map.

Type of fault  may include:

• cable
• electrical
• hardware
• software
• system.

Fault-finding technique  may include:

• half term testing
• isolation of sections
• logical mapping
• using testing equipment.

Altering services  may include:

• changing cable installation
• client interaction
• identifying mission critical services
• identifying remote power feeding
• upgrading a service.

Appropriate tools  may include:

• basic hand tools
• F sets for cable identification
• Krone termination tool
• multimeter
• wire strippers.

Terminate telecommunications cables and outlets  may include:

• stripping a:

• 2 pair internal rated
• 3 pair external rated cable
• 4 pair Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable

• terminating a TO
• termination using screw terminals.

Cable fault  may include:

• earth contact
• foreign battery
• no voltage
• open circuit
• short circuit
• split pair.