Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers determining correct operation of single source d.c. series, parallel and series-parallel circuits and providing solutions as they apply to various electrotechnology work functions. It encompasses working safely, problem solving procedures, including the use of voltage, current and resistance measuring devices, providing solutions derived from measurements and calculations to predictable problems in single and multiple path circuits.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

During Training : Competency development activities are subject to regulations directly related to licencing, occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

In the workplace : The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit require a license to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on electrical equipment or installations which are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c.

Other conditions may apply under State and Territory legislative and regulatory requirements.

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

2 .1 ) Competencies 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Employability Skills 

3 )

This unit contains Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

Application of the Unit 

4 )

4 .1 ) General Application 

This unit applies to competency development entry-level employment based programs incorporated in approved contracts of training.

4 .2 ) Importation 

RTOs wishing to import this unit into any qualification under the flexibility provisions of NQC Training Package Policy

6 ) Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to work on d.c. electrical circuits.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood.

1.2

OHS risk control work preparation measures and procedures are followed.

1.3

The nature of the circuit problem is obtained from documentation or from work supervisor to establish the scope of work to be undertaken.

1.4

Advice is sought from the work supervisor to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others.

1.5

Sources of materials that may be required for the work are identified and accessed in accordance with established procedures.

1.6

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety.

2

Solve d.c. circuit problems.

2.1

OHS risk control work measures and procedures are followed.

2.2

The need to test or measure live is determined in strict accordance with OHS requirements and when necessary conducted within established safety procedures.

2.3

Circuits are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures.

2.4

Established methodological techniques are used to solve d.c. circuit problems from measure and calculated values as they apply to electrical circuit.

2.5

Unexpected situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of an authorised person.

2.6

Problems are solved without damage to apparatus, circuits, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices.

3

Complete work and document problem solving activities.

3.1

OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.

3.2

Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Justification for solutions used to solve circuit problems is documented.

3.4

Work completion is documented and appropriate person(s) notified in accordance with established procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

7)  This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and solving problems in d.c. circuits.

The knowledge and skills shall be contextualised to current industry standards, technologies and practices.

KS01-EE104A Direct current circuits 

Evidence shall show an understanding of electrical fundamentals and direct current multiple path circuits to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Basic electrical concepts encompassing:

• electrotechnology industry
• static and current electricity
• production of electricity by renewable and non renewable energy sources
• transportation of electricity from the source to the load via the transmission and distribution systems
• utilisation of electricity by the various loads
• basic calculations involving quantity of electricity, velocity and speed with relationship to the generation and transportation of electricity.

T2 Basic electrical circuit encompassing:

• symbols used to represent an electrical energy source, a load, a switch and a circuit protection device in a circuit diagram
• purpose of each component in the circuit
• effects of an open-circuit, a closed-circuit and a short-circuit
• multiple and sub-multiple units

T3 Ohm’s Law encompassing:

• basic d.c. single path circuit.
• voltage and currents levels in a basic d.c. single path circuit.
• effects of an open-circuit, a closed-circuit and a short-circuit on a basic d.c. single path relationship between voltage and current from measured values in a simple circuit
• determining voltage, current and resistance in a circuit given any two of these quantities
• graphical relationships of voltage, current and resistance
• relationship between voltage, current and resistance

T4 Electrical power encompassing:

• relationship between force, power, work and energy
• power dissipated in circuit from voltage, current and resistance values
• power ratings of devices
• measurement electrical power in a d.c. circuit
• effects of power rating of various resistors

T5 Effects of electrical current encompassing:

• physiological effects of current and the fundamental principles (listed in AS/NZS 3000) for protection against the this effect
• basic principles by which electric current can result in the production of heat; the production of magnetic fields; a chemical reaction
• typical uses of the effects of current
• mechanisms by which metals corrode
• fundamental principles (listed in AS/NZS3000) for protection against the damaging effects of current

T6 EMF sources energy sources and conversion electrical energy encompassing:

• basic principles of producing a emf from the interaction of a moving conductor in a magnetic field.
• basic principles of producing an emf from the heating of one junction of a thermocouple.
• basic principles of producing a emf by the application of sun light falling on the surface of photovoltaic cells
• basic principles of generating a emf when a mechanical force is applied to a crystal (piezo electric effect)
• principles of producing a electrical current from primary, secondary and fuel cells
• input, output, efficiency or losses of electrical systems and machines
• effect of losses in electrical wiring and machines
• principle of conservation of energy

T7 Resistors encompassing:

• features of fixed and variable resistor types and typical applications
• identification of fixed and variable resistors
• various types of fixed resistors used in the Electro technology Industry. e.g. wire-wound, carbon film, tapped resistors.
• various types of variable resistors used in the Electro technology Industry e.g. adjustable resistors: potentiometer and rheostat; light dependent resistor (LDR); voltage dependent resistor (VDR) and temperature dependent resistor (NTC, PTC).
• characteristics of temperature, voltage and light dependent resistors and typical applications of each
• power ratings of a resistor.
• power loss (heat) occurring in a conductor.
• resistance of a colour coded resistor from colour code tables and confirm the value by measurement.
• measurement of resistance of a range of variable’ resistors under varying conditions of light, voltage, temperature conditions.
• specifying a resistor for a particular application.

T8 Series circuits encompassing:

• circuit diagram of a single-source d.c. ‘series’ circuit.
• Identification of the major components of a ‘series’ circuit: power supply; loads; connecting leads and switch
• applications where ‘series’ circuits are used in the Electro technology industry.
• characteristics of a ‘series’ circuit - connection of loads, current path, voltage drops, power dissipation and affects of an open circuit in a ‘series’ circuit.
• the voltage, current, resistances or power dissipated from measured or given values of any two of these quantities
• relationship between voltage drops and resistance in a simple voltage divider network.
• setting up and connecting a single-source series dc circuit
• measurement of resistance, voltage and current values in a single source series circuit
• effect of an open-circuit on a series connected circuit

T9 Parallel circuits encompassing:

• schematic diagram of a single-source d.c. ‘parallel’ circuit.
• major components of a ‘parallel’ circuit (power supply, loads, connecting leads and switch)
• applications where ‘parallel’ circuits are used in the Electrotechnology industry.
• characteristics of a ‘parallel’ circuit. (load connection, current paths, voltage drops, power dissipation, affects of an open circuit in a ‘parallel’ circuit).
• relationship between currents entering a junction and currents leaving a junction
• relationship between branch currents and resistances in a two branch current divider network.
• calculation of the total resistance of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
• calculation of the total current of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
• Calculation of the total voltage and the individual voltage drops of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
• setting up and connecting a single-source d.c. parallel circuit
• resistance, voltage and current measurements in a single-source parallel circuit
• voltage, current, resistance or power dissipated from measured values of any of these quantities
• output current and voltage levels of connecting cells in parallel.

T10 Series/parallel circuits encompassing:

• schematic diagram of a single-source d.c. ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
• major components of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit (power supply, loads, connecting leads and switch)
• applications where ‘series/parallel’ circuits are used in the Electrotechnology industry.
• characteristics of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit. (load connection, current paths, voltage drops, power dissipation, affects of an open circuit in a ‘series/parallel’ circuit).
• relationship between voltages, currents and resistances in a bridge network.
• calculation of the total resistance of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
• calculation of the total current of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
• calculation of the total voltage and the individual voltage drops of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
• setting up and connecting a single-source d.c. series/ parallel circuit
• resistance, voltage and current measurements in a single-source d.c. series / parallel circuit
• the voltage, current, resistances or power dissipated from measured values of any two of these quantities

T11 Factors affecting resistance encompassing:

• four factors that affect the resistance of a conductor (type of material, length, cross-sectional area and temperature)
• affect the change in the type of material (resistivity) has on the resistance of a conductor.
• affect the change in ‘length’ has on the resistance of a conductor.
• affect the change in ‘cross-sectional area’ has on the resistance of a conductor.
• effects of temperature change on the resistance of various conducting materials
• effects of resistance on the current-carrying capacity and voltage drop in cables.
• calculation of the resistance of a conductor from factors such as conductor length, cross-sectional area, resistivity and changes in temperature
• using digital and analogue ohmmeter to measure the change in resistance of different types of conductive materials (copper, aluminium, nichrome, tungsten) when those materials undergo a change in type of material length, cross-sectional area and temperature.

T12 Effects of meters in a circuit encompassing:

• selecting an appropriate meter in terms of units to be measured, range, loading effect and accuracy for a given application.
• measuring resistance using direct, volt-ammeter and bridge methods.
• instruments used in the field to measure voltage, current, resistance and insulation resistance and the typical circumstances in which they are used.
• hazards involved in using electrical instruments and the safety control measures that should be taken.
• operating characteristics of analogue and digital meters.
• correct techniques to read the scale of an analogue meters and how to reduce the ‘parallax’ error.
• types of voltmeters used in the Electrotechnology industry – bench type, clamp meter, Multimeter, etc.
• purpose and characteristics (internal resistance, range, loading effect and accuracy) of a voltmeter.
• types of voltage indicator testers. e.g. LED, neon, solenoid, volt-stick, series tester, etc. and explain the purpose of each voltage indicator tester.
• operation of various voltage indicator testers.
• advantages and disadvantages of each voltage indicator tester.
• various types of ammeters used in the Electrotechnology industry – bench, clamp meter, multimeter, etc.
• purpose of an ammeter and the correct connection (series) of an ammeter into a circuit.
• reasons why the internal resistance of an ammeter must be extremely low and the dangers and consequences of connecting an ammeter in parallel and/or wrong polarity.
• selecting an appropriate meter in terms of units to be measured, range, loading effect and accuracy for a given application
• connecting an analogue/digital voltmeter into a circuit ensuring the polarities are correct and take various voltage readings.
• loading effect of various voltmeters when measuring voltage across various loads.
• using voltage indicator testers to detect the presence of various voltage levels.
• connecting analogue/digital ammeter into a circuit ensuring the polarities are correct and take various current readings.

T13 Resistance measurement encompassing:

• Identification of instruments used in the field to measure resistance (including insulation resistance) and the typical circumstances in which they are used.
• the purpose of an Insulation Resistance (IR) Tester.
• the parts and functions of various analogue and digital IR Tester (selector range switch, zero ohms adjustment, battery check function, scale and connecting leads).
• reasons why the supply must be isolated prior to using the IR tester.
• where and why the continuity test would be used in an electrical installation.
• where and why the insulation resistance test would be used in an electrical installation.
• the voltage ranges of an IR tester and where each range may be used. e.g. 250 V d.c, 500 V d.c and 1000 V d.c
• AS/NZS3000 Wiring Rules requirements – continuity test and insulation resistance (IR) test.
• purpose of regular IR tester calibration.
• the correct methods of storing the IR tester after use
• carry out a calibration check on a IR Tester
• measurement of low values of resistance using an IR tester continuity functions.
• measurement of high values of resistance using an IR tester insulation resistance function.
• volt-ammeter (short shunt and long shunt) methods of measuring resistance.
• calculation of resistance values using voltmeter and ammeter reading (long and short shunt connections)
• measurement of resistance using volt-ammeter methods

T14 Capacitors and Capacitance encompassing:

• basic construction of standard capacitor, highlighting the: plates, dielectric and connecting leads
• different types of dielectric material and each dielectric’s relative permittivity.
• identification of various types of capacitors commonly used in the Electrotechnology industry (fixed value capacitors -stacked plate, rolled, electrolytic, ceramic, mica and Variable value capacitors – tuning and trimmer)
• circuit symbol of various types of capacitors: standard; variable, trimmer and polarised
• terms: Capacitance (C), Electric charge (Q) and Energy (W)
• unit of: Capacitance (Farad), Electric charge (Coulomb) and Energy (Joule)
• factors affecting capacitance (the effective area of the plates, the distance between the plates and the type of dielectric) and explain how these factors are present in all circuits to some extent.
• how a capacitor is charged in a d.c. circuit.
• behaviour of a series d.c. circuit containing resistance and capacitance components. - charge and discharge curves
• the term ‘Time Constant’ and its relationship to the charging and discharging of a capacitor.
• calculation of quantities from given information: Capacitance (Q = VC); Energy (W =½CV2); Voltage (V = Q/C)
• calculation one time constant as well as the time taken to fully charge and discharge a given capacitor. (τ = RC)
• connection of a series d.c. circuit containing capacitance and resistor to determine the time constant of the circuit

T15 Capacitors in Series and Parallel encompassing:

• hazards involved in working with capacitance effects and the safety control measures that should be taken.
• safe handling and the correct methods of discharging various size capacitors
• dangers of a charged capacitor and the consequences of discharging a capacitor through a person
• factors which determine the capacitance of a capacitor and explain how these factors are present in all circuits to some extent.
• effects of capacitors connected in parallel by calculating their equivalent capacitance.
• effects on the total capacitance of capacitors connected in series by calculating their equivalent capacitance.
• Connecting capacitors in series and/or parallel configurations to achieve various capacitance values.
• common faults in capacitors.
• testing of capacitors to determine serviceability.
• application of capacitors in the Electrotechnology industry.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9 ) The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9 .1 )

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9 .2 )

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites must be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07'. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Solving problems in d.c. circuits as described in 8) and including:

A

Using methodological techniques to solve d.c. circuit problems from measure and calculated values

B

Determining the operating parameters of an existing circuit.

C

Altering an existing circuit to comply with specified operating parameters.

D

Developing circuits to comply with a specified function and operating parameters.

E

Dealing with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9 .3 )

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed in this unit.

These should be used in the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions for assessment must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to solving problems in d.c. circuits.

Method of assessment 

9 .4 )

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9 .5 )

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

8 ) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to single source series, parallel and series-parallel d.c. circuits as they apply to problems related to installation, fault finding, maintenance or development work functions and at least two of the following types of circuit problems and on more than one occasions:

• Determining the operating parameters of an existing circuit
• Altering an existing circuit to comply with specified operating parameters
• Developing circuits to comply with a specified function and operating parameters

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2 .2 ) Literacy and numeracy skills 

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Competency Field 

5 )

Electrotechnology