Unit of competency details

Release

Action

Core/Elective

Details

Points

3

Edit

Adjust Performance Criteria numbering that was previously missing

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers the arrangement and termination of circuits, control and protection devices and systems for electrical installations operating at voltages up to 1,000 V a.c. or 1,500 V d.c. It encompass knowledge and application of schemes for protection of persons and property, correct functioning, ensuring compatibility with the supply, arranging installation into circuits and selecting and arranging switchgear/controlgear and protective devices to meet compliance requirements and documenting arrangement decisions.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

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.

Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:
1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control and lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.
2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures.

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

UEENEEE102A Fabricate, dismantle, assemble of electrotechnology components

UEENEEE104A Solve problems in d.c circuits

UEENEEE105A Fix and secure electrotechnolgy equipment

UEENEEE107A Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

UEENEEG101A Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuit

UEENEEG106A Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

2 .2 ) Further Information :

For the full prerequisite chain details for this unit please refer to Table 2 in Volume 1, Part 2

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 arrange electrical installations circuits, control and protection

1.1

The extent and nature of the electrical installation is determined from job specifications.

1.2

Safety and other regulatory requirements to which the electrical installation shall comply are identified, obtained and understood.

1.3

Load requirements for individual current-using equipment is determined from job specifications or from consultation with appropriate persons.

2

Arrange electrical installations circuits, control and protection

2.1

Circuits, control and protective devices are arranged to ensure safe and functional operation of the installation and to comply with technical standards and job specifications and requirements.

2.2

Earthing is arranged and terminated to comply with the MEN system requirements.

2.3

Protective devices are selected to meet the required switching and tripping currents, co-ordination and discrimination for overload and short-circuit protection.

2.4

Residual current devices are selected to meet the required circuit, switching and tripping currents required.

2.5

Switchgear/control gear is selected to meet current, voltage and IP ratings and functional requirements.

2.6

Switchboards are arranged to accommodate control and protective devices, links, safety services, and other distributor equipment in accordance with requirements.

3

Document electrical installation circuits, control and protection arrangements

3.1

Evidence is obtained from manufacturers/suppliers that electrical equipment selected complies with safety requirements.

3.2

Reasons for selections made, including calculations, are documented in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Electrical installation arrangement and specifications for all selected items are documented in accordance with established procedures and forwarded to appropriate person(s).

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 arranging electrical installations circuits, control and protection.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EG063A Electrical installations — arrangement, control and protection 

Evidence shall show an understanding of circuit arrangements, control and protection of electrical installations that comply with the Wiring Rules and Service Rules to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Safety principles to which electrical systems in building and premises shall comply.

• Safety principles are given in Part1 (Section 1) of the Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000 with deemed-to-comply requirements given in Sections 2 to 8.
• Compliant methods for providing protection - include those for providing protection against direct and indirect contact; thermal effects; unwanted voltages; overcurrent; fault currents; overload; overvoltage; injury from mechanical movement.
• Requirements for installation design and selection of equipment - includes compliant protection arrangements; correct functioning; compatibility with supply; estimation of maximum demands; voltage drop considerations; arrangement of circuits and the like

T2 Circuit and control arrangements encompassing:

• reason for dividing electrical installations into circuits
• factors that shall be considered in determining the number and type of circuits required for an installation.
• daily and seasonal demand for lighting power, heating and other loads in a given installation.
• number and types of circuits required for a particular installation.
• diagrams/schedules of circuits for given installations.
• application and arrangements of SELV and PELV circuits
• application and arrangement of an isolated supply

T3 Hazards and risks in an electrical installation encompassing:

• effects on the human body of various levels of a.c. and d.c. current and duration of current flow for various current paths.
• risk of ignition of flammable materials due the thermal effects of current or electric arcs in normal service of an electrical installation.
• risk of injury from mechanical movement of electrically actuated equipment.
• Protection against direct contact (basic protection)
• acceptable methods
• use of extra-low voltage

T4 Protection against indirect contact encompassing:

• indirect contact with live parts of an electrical installation may occur.
• methods and devices that comply with the Wiring Rules for providing protection against indirect contact.
• components of the 'automatic disconnection of supply' method of protection against indirect contact.
• the terms ‘touch voltage’ and ‘touch current’.
• the current path when a short circuit fault to exposed conductive parts of an appliance occurs.
• protection against indirect contact is by the use of Class II equipment and by electrical separation.
• additional protection by use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
• protection against indirect contact by use of extra-low voltage and electrical separation.
• Protection requirements for damp situations.

T5 Earthing encompassing:

• the terms: earthed, earthed situation, earth electrode, equipotential bonding, multiple earthed neutral (MEN) system, protective earth-neutral (PEN) conductor, main earthing conductor, protective earthing (PE) conductor, functional earthing, MEN link.
• selection of minimum size-earthing conductor for a range of active conductor sizes and materials.
• parts of an earthing system and the purpose of each.
• typical arrangement for a MEN earthing system.
• arrangements of protective earthing conductors that comply with the Wiring Rules.
• requirements for equipotential bonding in a range of installation situations.
• Installation of a MEN earthing system for a single phase installation

T6 Protection against overload and short circuit current encompassing:

• overload current or fault currents in an electrical installation.
• equivalent circuit of an earth fault-loop
• level of fault current possible at a given point in an installation from the fault-loop impedance and data from the electricity distributor.
• methods and devices that comply with the Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000 for providing protection against the damaging effects of overload and fault current
• requirements for co-ordination between protective devices and conductors
• requirements for co-ordination of protection devices for discrimination and back-up protection.

T7 Devices for automatic disconnection of supply encompassing:

• operating principles of thermal/magnet circuit breakers.
• operating principles of common types of fuses.
• operating principles of residual current devices (RCD).
• time/current curves tripping characteristics of various types of circuit breakers that comply with the requirements of the Wiring Rules.
• time/current curves fusing characteristics of various types of fuses that comply with the requirements of the Wiring Rules.
• time/current curves tripping characteristics of various types of RCDs that comply with the requirements of the Wiring Rules.
• factors in a fault loop that will affect the impedance of the circuit.
• maximum impedance of an earth fault-loop to ensure operating of a protection device.
• selecting a fuse for fault current limiting protection.
• drawing switchboard wiring arrangements of 2-pole RCDs, 4-pole RCDs, combination RCD/MCBs.

T8 Protection against over voltage and under voltage encompassing:

• causes of over voltage and how this may affect the electrical system.
• methods for protection against over voltage.
• causes of under voltage and how this may affect the electrical system.
• methods for protection against under voltage.

T9 Control of an electrical installation and circuits encompassing:

• switch types, current and voltage ratings and IP rating and where these apply.
• switching requirements for isolation, emergency, mechanical maintenance and functional control.
• control arrangement for complete installations with and without safety services and an alternative supply.

T10 Switchboards / distribution boards encompassing:

• Purpose, types and applications.
• Physical and circuit arrangements for whole current and CT metering.
• Physical and circuit arrangements of main switches, circuit protection devices, fault-current limiters and metering equipment and other distributor equipment.
• compliance requirements (includes location and access, arc fault protection, identification, construction suitability, equipment marking, wiring, fire protection and arc-fault protection).

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 this 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's 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 every day 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 shall 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 performance criteria 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:

• arranging electrical installations circuits, control and protection as described as described in 8) and including:

A

Determining the extent and nature of the installation for job specifications

B

Obtaining and understand the safety and other regulatory requirements to which the electrical installation shall comply

C

Determining individual load requirements.

D

Arranging and terminate circuits, control and protective devices to comply with all requirements

E

Selecting circuit protective devices residual current device that comply with all requirements.

F

Selecting switchgear and control gear that meet current, voltage and IP ratings and functional requirements.

G

Obtaining evidence of compliance for the equipment selected

H

Documenting installation arrangement, specification for items selected and reasons for the selections made.

I

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 by this unit.

These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions 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 arranging circuits, control and protection for general electrical installations.

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 assessment 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 )

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with unit:

UEENEEG107A

Select wiring systems and cables for low voltage general electrical installations

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 arranging of circuits, control and protection for at least two general electrical installations comprising a main switchboard, supplying more than one circuit each for, lighting, socket outlets, and fixed appliances. One of the installations shall include a distribution board separate from the main switchboard and at least one circuit supplying a three-phase load and a fire pump.

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

4

Writing

4

Numeracy

4

Competency Field 

5 )

Electrical