Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package.

This unit covers the installation and maintenance of network communication systems and includes the isolation and functional checks of discrete and interdependent communication schemes associated with power systems. It also encompasses power line carrier equipment, protection signalling equipment, radio systems and telephone systems, VF systems, multiplexing systems and fibre optic systems, but does not include wiring.

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence/registration to practice in the workplace subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work.

Other conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licencing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this unit.

Common Unit Group

UEENEED104A Use engineering applications software on personal computers

UEENEEE101A Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEENEEE102A Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

UEENEEE104A Solve problems in d.c. circuits

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

UEENEEE124A Compile and produce an energy sector detailed report

UEENEEE125A Provide engineering solutions for problems in complex multiple path circuits

UEENEEE126A Provide solutions to basic engineering computational problems

UEENEEG101A Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits

UEENEEG149A Provide engineering solutions to problems in complex polyphase power circuits

UETTDREL11 Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures

UETTDREL16 Working safely near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRIS62 Implement and monitor the power system organisational WHS/OHS policies, procedures and programs

UETTDRIS63 Implement & monitor power system environmental & sustainable energy management policies & procedures

Testing

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Plan for the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment 

1.1 

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) practices/procedures and environmental and sustainable energy procedures, which may influence the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment systems, are reviewed and determined

1.2 

Purpose of the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment is established after data is analysed and expected outcomes of the work are confirmed with appropriate personnel

1.3 

Organisational established procedures on policies and specifications for the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment are obtained or established with appropriate personnel

1.4 

Testing procedures are discussed with/directed to appropriate personnel in order to ascertain the project brief

1.5 

Testing parameters are established from organisational established procedures and policies and specifications

1.6 

Equipment/tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) are selected based on specified performance criteria and established procedures

1.7 

Work roles and tasks are allocated according to requirements and individual competencies

1.8 

Work is prioritised and sequenced for the most efficient/effective outcome, completed within an acceptable timeframe, to a quality standard and in accordance with established procedures

1.9 

Liaison and communication issues with others/authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved and activities coordinated to carry out work

1.10 

Risk control measures are identified, prioritised and evaluated against the work schedule

1.11 

Relevant work permits are secured to coordinate the performance of work according to requirements and/or established procedures

2 

Carry out the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment 

2.1 

Circuit/systems modelling is used to evaluate alternative proposals in accordance with established procedures

2.2 

WHS/OHS and sustainable energy principles, functionality and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are incorporated into the project in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures

2.3 

Installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment decisions are made on the basis of safety and effective outcomes according to requirements and/or established procedures

2.4 

Mathematical/engineering models of the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment are used to analyse the effectiveness of the finished project in accordance with requirements and established procedures

2.5 

Technical advice is given regarding potential hazards, safety risks and control measures so that monitoring and preventative action can be undertaken and/or appropriate authorities consulted, where necessary, in accordance with requirements and established procedures

2.6 

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied to analyse specific data and compare it with compliance specifications to ensure completion of the project within an agreed timeframe according to requirements

2.7 

Testing of the installed and/or maintained power system communication equipment is undertaken according to requirements and established procedures

2.8 

Work teams/groups are arranged/coordinated/evaluated to ensure planned goals are met according to established procedures

2.9 

Solutions to non-routine problems are identified and actioned, using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills, according to requirements

2.10 

Quality of work is monitored against personal performance agreement and/or established organisational and professional standards

2.11 

Strategic plans are developed incorporating organisation initiatives in accordance with established procedures

3 

Complete the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment 

3.1 

Final inspections of the installed and/or maintained power system communication equipment are undertaken to ensure they comply with all requirements and include all specifications and documentation needed to complete the project

3.2 

Appropriate personnel are notified of completion and reports and/or completion documents are finalised/commissioned

3.3 

Reports and/or completion documents are submitted to relevant personnel/organisations for approval and, where applicable, statutory or regulatory approval

3.4 

Approved copies of the installation and maintenance of power system communication equipment documents are issued and records are updated in accordance with established procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to UETTDRTS34A Install and maintain power system communication equipment.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two separate occasions and include:

• applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including the use of risk control measures
• applying sustainable energy principles and practices
• completing maintenance testing on substation communications equipment, including isolation and functional checks on at least three (3) of the following systems:

• supervisory cables
• power line carrier systems
• protection signalling equipment
• telephone systems
• VF systems
• fibre optics

• completing commissioning tests on substation communications equipment, including isolation and functional checks on at least three (3) of the following systems:

• supervisory cables
• power line carrier systems
• protection signalling equipment
• telephone systems
• VF systems
• fibre optics

• dealing with unplanned events on at least one (1) occasion.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• generation systems encompassing:

• methods of generating electricity - types of power stations and reasons for their location, and layout of thermal and hydroelectric power stations
• relationship between power control and load requirements - operating speeds for thermal and hydroelectric generating sets, typical generator voltage levels and output ratings
• the purpose and features of typical types of co-generation systems

• transmission, distribution and rail systems encompassing:

• relationship between the transmission, distribution and rail/tram system within an overall power system - different organisations responsible for generation, transmission, distribution and rail/tram; how they correlate and their functions
• characteristics of a transmission, distribution and rail system - principal components; typical voltage levels and methods of transmission and distribution, including grid type transmission systems, radial, parallel and ring main feeders
• relationship between an overhead and underground supply systems within an overall power system - advantages/disadvantages, applications and the basic steps for planning and installing an overhead and underground distribution system
• single line drawings and layouts - drawings and layouts of transmission and distribution systems, including, radial, parallel and ring main feeders; and the high voltage (HV) equipment associated with substations

• substations, power transformers and reactors encompassing:

• relationship between the substations within an overall power system - purpose, location in relation to load centres, layout of HV equipment within the substation and auxiliary equipment
• characteristics of a power transformer - basic construction of distribution transformers; operation under load/no-load conditions; types and basic operation of tap changing switches, including solid state types, efficiency and cooling
• auxiliary equipment used on transformers - function and basic operation of equipment
• maintenance of a power transformer - basic connections, restrictions to parallel operation, problems and remedies associated with harmonics, and testing and fault-finding procedures
• description, purpose and characteristics of a reactors

• coordinating access authority procedures encompassing:

• specific enterprise processes, policies and procedures to be followed
• processes of consultation, negotiation and c-ordination - clear and concise instructions and information, methods for the encouragement of feedback and contributions of information and ideas, and responsibilities of members of the team
• techniques in analysing, planning, coordinating and organising work for a safe outcome and according to statutory requirements and regulations
• techniques in the effective utilisation of available resources
• techniques in the development of an access authority/permit and/or access authority/permit issuing procedures
• techniques in facilitating and coordinating the delivery and issuing of access authorities
• techniques in gathering, collating and confirming data on different worksites - electrical network diagrams for the specific worksite, earth access authorities, safe working area, work to be carried out in confined space or in hazardous environment, specific outsourcing procedures, specific hazard identification, risk classification and management procedures, and regulatory requirements, such as WHS/OHS and electrical safety
• techniques in the receiving and coordinating the cancellation of access authorities in readiness for restoration
• methods of conducting audits on correct access authority procedures
• process of issuing of other access authorities for work permits - working in confined space, if required, coordination of access authorities, and engaging and briefing contractors on electrical and other work
• issue and receipt of operating agreements

• principles of statutory and safety considerations encompassing:

• Commonwealth/state/territory legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements associated with working on HV
• particular reference to state and territory regulations - working near energised conductors, electrical access, heights, confined space, testing procedures and licensing rules

• HV system switching principles, including switching authorisation procedures, encompassing:

• legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and-or enterprise requirements applicable to system switching
• requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings
• types and characteristics of HV systems and equipment to be switched
• procedures for obtaining correct HV switching authorisation - identification of WHS/OHS hazards, assessing and controlling risks, safety procedures and precautions, and safe approach distances (SAD)
• responsibilities and protocols, identifying switching resources, procedures for obtaining electrical access permits authorities, requirements for team switching and procedures for coordination of operations
• techniques in HV system switching - pre-switching checks, switching operational procedures, isolation procedures and proving dead de-energised, earthing procedures, switching operational procedures, emergency fault procedures and energisation procedures

• low voltage (LV) system switching principles, including switching authorisation procedures, encompassing:

• legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to system switching
• requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings
• types and characteristics of LV systems and equipment to be switched
• procedures for obtaining correct LV switching authorisation - identification of WHS/OHS hazards, assessing and controlling risks, safety procedures and precautions, SAD, responsibilities and protocols, identifying switching resources, procedures for obtaining electrical access permits authorities, requirements for team switching and procedures for coordination of operations
• techniques in LV system switching - isolation procedures and proving dead, earthing procedures, pre-switching checks, switching operational procedures, emergency fault procedures and energisation procedures

• enterprise-specific equipment installation procedures encompassing:

• standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to equipment installation
• requirements for the use of manuals, substation diagrams/plans and drawings
• types, characteristics and capabilities of HV substation equipment to be installed
• identification of components within the equipment to be installed and associated control housings
• use, characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and equipment
• enterprise-specific policies and procedures for equipment to be installed
• control equipment and auxiliary relays, flags and alarms
• techniques in evaluating serviceability of equipment to be installed
• safety precautions when testing and measuring equipment to be installed - safe working practices and procedures; identification of hazards; assessment and control of WHS/OHS risks; types, selection, maintenance and use of personal protective equipment (PPE); responsibilities and protocols; and safe working clearances
• remote and local operating principles and conventions

• detailed operation of communication devices and principles encompassing:

• types of communication systems
• interface to power system equipment
• hardware configurations
• testing of communication links

• procedure for the systematic fault isolation through the application of diagnostic techniques encompassing:

• principles of analytical questioning
• techniques in drawing valid conclusions from first observations
• concepts of broad first-line testing
• consideration of/responsibility for avoidance of further damage
• interpretation of specific test results - cause/effect
• techniques for isolation to appropriate level - half-split, module/function isolation (kernel technique), substitution, diagnostic software, requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans, drawings, handbooks, specifications and fault pathways
• software/firmware functions awareness
• factors affecting field versus workshop repair costs
• scheduling minor/major repair activities and downtime
• implications of temporary repairs
• use of system knowledge and history
• data interpretation - expected versus actual
• feedback to design/production/installation processes
• subsystems and system structures
• system signals/status indicators
• known failure modes and trends
• action threshold warnings versus catastrophic failure
• component ratings/upgrades
• disassembly/reassembly techniques and care
• relative costs of repair and replacement - remaining life, ongoing maintenance, additional benefits of replacement equipment, e.g. improved productivity and quality

• protection schemes encompassing:

• standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements applicable to protection schemes
• types of protection schemes - reasons for use, application of protection zones around system elements and degree of protection
• types of feeder protection equipment - overcurrent protection inverse time-current operating characteristics
• operation of overcurrent protection equipment used on distribution systems
• operation of automatic circuit reclosers (ACR) and their time-current characteristics
• types and characteristics of overcurrent relays
• coordination methods of a distribution feeder protection scheme
• earth fault protection used on a distribution feeder
• operation of a single wire earth return (SWER) system

• extra high voltage (EHV) generator control systems encompassing:

• legislation, standards, codes, supply authority regulations and/or enterprise requirements pertaining to the operation of a portable generator
• safety precautions specific to the synchronisation of generator sets - safe working policies, practices and procedures, and synchronising procedures
• techniques in the installation of generator sets control systems - the synchronising of generator control systems onto and off the network without interruption to supply, estimation of EHV load and assessing the appropriateness of the generator
• operating a generator in parallel to a single EHV job - overhead systems, indoor systems, customer installations and kiosk substations
• EHV generator set and control system to EHV distribution assets.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated conditions involving realistic and authentic activities that replicate operational workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and PPE currently used in industry
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, relevant industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.