Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to apply knowledge of electrical principles during the testing and repair of basic electrical circuits in vehicles, vessels and machinery.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The electrical circuits and wiring systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Identify relevant information of electrical circuit and wiring system construction and operation in work activities | 1.1 Components of circuit are identified during testing and repair activities 1.2 Functions of circuit components are identified during testing and repair activities 1.3 Relationships between circuit components, including the effects of testing and repair activities on other electrical circuits, are identified during repair activities |
2. Apply relevant information of electrical circuit and wiring system construction and operation in work activities | 2.1 Knowledge of electrical circuit construction and operation is used during testing or repair activities to carry out work according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 2.2 Basic electrical principles are used during fault finding procedures 2.3 Knowledge of basic testing procedures is used when using electrical test equipment |
3. Evaluate knowledge of electrical circuit and wiring systems | 3.1 Knowledge is regularly checked with colleagues and supervisor to ensure currency and accuracy 3.2 Knowledge is updated as required to complement own work role |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standard defined in the unit’s elements and performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
apply knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems during the testing and repair of the electrical systems of three different vehicles, vessels or machinery
evaluate and expand knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems, including demonstrating knowledge of one of the following:
a new automotive electrical or electronic testing procedure
a new automotive electrical or electronic repair procedure
a new item of automotive electrical or electronic technology.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
types and location of sources of technical information relating to automotive electrical systems, including:
workplace service information
automotive engine mechanical texts
vehicle workshop manuals
service bulletins
technical articles
automotive textbooks
features of vehicle electrical circuits, including:
voltage source
current load devices
resistive devices
circuit protection devices
switching circuit devices
series circuits
parallel circuits
series parallel circuits
relationships between:
volts, amps and ohms in vehicle electrical circuits
current flow and required wire gauge to carry the current
voltage drop across resistive load and current flowing in the circuit
common fault types found in vehicle electrical circuits, including:
open circuit to power, signal and ground
short circuit to power, signal and ground
high resistance to power, signal and ground
types and construction of vehicle electrical wiring systems, including:
common multi-strand conductor
various wire gauges and insulation types
controller area network databus (CAN-bus) twisted pair wiring
audio speaker shielded wiring
principles of electricity, including:
alternating current (AC)
direct current (DC)
Ohm’s law
Watts law
Kirchhoff’s voltage law
Kirchhoff’s current law
identification, location and function of major components of common automotive electrical systems:
engine electrical systems, including:
battery
ignition
charging
starting
vehicle body electrical systems, including:
exterior lighting
internal lighting
vehicle access
washer and wiper
vehicle entertainment
wiring harness and loom assembly.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the knowledge of electrical circuits and wiring systems that they have applied, e.g. work orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
technical information relating to automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems
automotive tools and electrical test equipment
three different vehicles, vessels or machinery with functional electrical systems.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret a range of written technical information relating to automotive electrical circuits and wiring systems. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret numbers and units relating to electrical circuits and wiring systems in automotive technical information interpret electrical measurements of voltage, current and resistance relating to electrical circuits interpret wiring gauge dimensional measurements use basic mathematical operations and common electrical formulas to calculate voltage drop, resistance, current flow and electrical power. |
Range Statement
This section specifies 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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Basic electrical principles must include: | relationship between electrical current flow, pressure, resistance and power using Ohm’s law. |
Basic testing procedures must include: | voltage drop circuit resistance circuit current flow. |
Sectors
Technical - Electrical and Electronic
Competency Field
Electrical