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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare to undertake a capstone assessment
  2. Carry out practical assessment
  3. Carry out a theory assessment
  4. Complete the capstone assessment

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Assessment requirements include:

as described by the National Uniform Electrical Licensing Advisory Council or its successor – Capstone assessment requirements for prospective electricians include the following:

all ‘critical items’ of the EPCs list

may be an ‘open book’ style, with the permitted use of standards and published reference books (programmable calculators, computers and personal notes are to be excluded)

Capstone assessment includes:

written component – objective assessment methods to be used, including a sensible proportion of multiple choice questions (‘essay style’ to be avoided) and some written answers to the objective questions, aimed at demonstrating a trainee’s understanding of the ‘critical’ aspects as specified in the EPC list

practical component – required demonstration of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of electrical concepts and safety principles, as specified in the ‘critical’ items of the EPC list, using (where possible) problems that test a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge and skills

Duration of capstone assessment includes:

one full working day to complete, with the practical component representing about 70% of the whole test, e.g. written test 2-3 hours and practical test 4-6 hours

Minimum requirements of the capstone assessment include:

written – the apprentice is required to demonstrate satisfactory performance in every ‘critical’ item tested

practical – the apprentice is required to have demonstrated *competence for the ‘critical’ items tested

*Note: Competence in this setting means that it is evident that the person comprehends the key safety issues and the practical work performed does not suffer from any defects of the kind categorised as ‘serious’ by Electrical Regulators

Safe working practices include:

demonstration of safe working practices and installation in accordance with industry established safe and sound practices

Performance Evidence

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

demonstrating fundamental knowledge and comprehension of electrical concepts and safety principles, using (where possible) problems that test a combination of practical and theoretical skills

following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices

identifying and interpreting circuits, drawings, plans and specifications relevant to the work to be undertaken

obtaining the necessary tools, equipment and testing devices ensuring that they are checked for safety and operation

undertaking the necessary calculations in determining current carrying capacity, short circuit capacity, maximum demand and voltage drop and earth loop impedance for the given installation

selecting cables ensuring coordination between protective devices and conductors in accordance with specifications and regulatory requirements

selecting and installing suitable switch gear and circuit protection devices complying with specifications and regulatory requirements

installing and terminating low voltage cabling and wiring; fitting off accessories, appliances and equipment in accordance with specifications and regulatory requirements

performing a visual inspection ensuring that it meets the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules – Testing and Verification Visual Inspection Check List

performing the mandatory and optional circuit tests required for electrical cables in a range of installations and final subcircuits, including:

following safe testing procedures

testing to show if the earth continuity is sufficiently low

testing to show if the insulation resistance is sufficiently high

testing to show if the polarity and circuit connections are correct

testing to show earth fault-loop impedance is sufficiently low

performing testing to verify that residual current devices (RCDs) operate as intended

demonstrating how to test a multiple earthed neutral (MEN) system

identifying and rectifying of any non-compliance defect/s and retesting to ensure compliance

completing all mandatory documentation in accordance with regulatory and local supply authority requirements

completing the written component of the capstone assessment in the allocated timeframe

satisfying the minimum requirements of both the written and practical component of the capstone assessment.

Knowledge Evidence

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

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

various effects of electric current

operation of a simple practical circuit

determination of resistance, voltage, current and power in any part of a direct current (DC) circuit using theory and actual measurements

alternating voltage and current generation, phase relationships, energy in an alternating current (AC) circuit and actual measurement methods

understanding of the scope, application and fundamental principles of AS/NZS 3000: 2007 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) Part 1

methods of electric motor selection, starting, connection and protection

requirements and its application of Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation to earthing arrangements and fault-loop impedance calculations

alternate earthing systems when required by local regulatory authorities

understanding of the MEN system and its application, including on sub-installations

applications of transformers and key safety issues

requirements and application of Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation to circuit protection and other relevant Australian Standards e.g. AS/NZS 3018:2001 Electrical installations – Domestic installations (or its equivalent updated version)

requirements and application of Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation to separated extra-low voltage (SELV) and protected extra-low voltage (PELV) systems, their application and testing

cable selection for mains and submains using Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2009 Electrical Installations – Selection of cables – Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV – typical Australian installation conditions based on current carrying capacity, short circuit capacity, maximum demand and voltage drop for single-phase and three-phase installations, including multiple installations

cable selection for final subcircuits using Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2009 Electrical Installations – Selection of cables – Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV – typical Australian installation conditions based on current-carrying capacity, short circuit capacity, earth loop impedance and voltage drop

control and protection requirements for installations and equipment and the ability to select suitable equipment, switchgear and RCDs for a particular installation or part of an installation

minimum fault levels specified by electricity network operator

requirements and application of Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation to location of switchboards and arrangement of switchboard equipment in installations

methods of determining prospective fault current

switchboard form types

installation of electrical equipment in given damp situations and wet areas in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and regulatory requirements

Ingress Protection (IP) rating of electrical equipment

installation, modification and testing of electrical installations and equipment for construction and demolition sites complying with AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites, and applicable workplace safety legislation

need for calibration of instruments

requirements of Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation to the installation of aerial conductors, underground wiring and specialist cables

requirements Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules in relation for electrical installations in hazardous areas and awareness of the standards to which it refers

additional training required to work competently with electrical equipment for hazardous areas

electrical tests and checks to be performed as required by Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and AS 3017:2007 Electrical installations – Verification guidelines to ensure electrical installations are safe

reporting of test results typically required to satisfy regulatory requirements

effective safe isolation of any equipment, including capacitor banks, including switch and lock off, circuit isolation, equipment testing and tagging procedures

installation and termination requirements for a variety of cables in a wide range of applications (including final subcircuits to Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules

circuit tests requirements for electrical cables in a range of installations, with attention to final subcircuits

installation requirements of final subcircuit wiring into switchboards and connection to switchboard equipment in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and local supply authority requirements

connection requirements of consumer mains to an installation in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and local supply authority requirements

reading, sketching and interpretation of electrical diagrams and specifications

basic statutory work health and safety (WHS) responsibilities for employers and employees, including supervisory requirements and employees’ own ‘duty of care’, including asbestos awareness and hazardous gases

requirements for personal safety in the workplace, including safe isolation and application of safety practices

workplace safety checks, identification of potential workplace hazards and working with others to suggest measures for accident prevention

method of rescuing a person in contact with live electrical conductors or equipment

emergency first aid requirements for an electric shock victim and demonstrate the knowledge and application skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

understanding of the significant dangers of high voltage equipment and distribution systems

methods of commissioning and/or decommissioning electrical installation using a systems approach

diagnosing and rectifying faults in electrical apparatus and associated circuits.