Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to inspect, test and repair basic electrical circuits in vehicle and machinery electrical systems. It involves preparing for the task, inspecting and testing the circuit, repairing the circuit, and completing workplace processes and documentation.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The basic electrical circuits include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, mobile plant machinery 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. Prepare to test basic electrical circuit | 1.1 Job requirements are determined according to workplace instructions 1.2 Testing procedures and information are accessed and interpreted 1.3 Fault finding options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected 1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed 1.5 Tools and electrical test equipment are selected and checked for serviceability |
2. Test circuit | 2.1 Basic electrical circuit is checked to establish extent of failure or damage 2.2 Circuit is tested according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to components or systems 2.3 Faults are identified from test results and causes of faults are determined 2.4 Findings are reported according to workplace procedures |
3. Repair and check circuit | 3.1 Repair procedures and information are accessed and interpreted 3.2 Repair options are analysed and most appropriate option is selected 3.3 Repair tools and materials are selected according to job requirements 3.4 Circuit components are repaired and adjusted according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements 3.5 Post-repair testing is carried out to confirm basic electrical circuit is operating correctly, any reported problems are resolved, and no other problems are present |
4. Complete work processes | 4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle or machinery is presented ready for use 4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected 4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored and any faulty electrical equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures 4.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures |
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, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
test a basic electrical circuit, including:
one short circuit across an electrical resistive load
one open circuit before or after an electrical resistive load
one high resistance circuit before or after an electrical resistive load
current flow and voltage drop across an electrical resistive load
test for continuity in a basic wiring harness and visually check terminals in the wiring harness for moisture ingress and corrosion
carry out four different circuit repairs that include:
crimping various terminal sizes
soldering wire gauges to terminals
applying heat shrink insulation to crimped or soldered joints
replacing male and female terminals in a connector housing
performing terminal retention checks to replaced terminals.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to testing and repairing basic electrical circuits, including procedures for:
using specialised tools and equipment
selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE)
identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with wearing jewellery while working around electrical systems
electrical principles, including:
current, voltage, resistance and power
series circuits
parallel circuits
series parallel circuits
Ohm’s law
key features of basic electrical circuit components, including:
cable types and sizes and current carrying capacity
circuit protection devices
switches
relays
automotive globes
techniques for reading and interpreting technical information, including circuit types, diagrams and symbols
procedures for using and operating electrical test equipment, including:
digital multimeters
test lights suitable for circuit testing, including resistive and light emitting diode (LED)
test probes suitable for testing circuit continuity
fused test lead
procedures for checking, identifying and isolating faulty equipment
common types of faults, including:
open circuits
high resistance circuits
short circuits
damaged insulation
frayed wires
burnt wiring
water and moisture ingress
connector damage
terminal damage
testing procedures for electrical systems, including:
accessing electrical terminals and using test probes without damaging connectors, fuse holders or wiring
electrical measuring and testing procedures, including:
electrical resistance checks
open and short circuit tests
voltage drop tests
current flow tests
visual testing procedures, including:
component moisture ingress
connector damage
repair procedures for electrical circuits, including:
wire soldering procedures
terminal crimping procedures
replacing male and female terminals in a connector housing
connector removal and replacement procedures
basic electrical components removal and replacement procedures
post-repair testing procedures, including:
confirming that electrical system is operating to manufacturer specifications
confirming that no other problems are present as a result of the repair.
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 basic electrical circuits they have tested and repaired, e.g. repair 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:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer electrical system specifications
vehicle or machinery with faults in the basic electrical circuits specified in the performance evidence
electrical test equipment to test basic electrical circuits and components
consumable materials relevant to repairing basic electrical circuits and components, including connectors, terminals, wire, electrical tape and heat shrink sleeving
electrical repair tools, equipment and materials relating to basic electrical circuits and components.
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 text, symbols and wiring diagrams in information relating to basic electrical system testing and repair equipment from manufacturer specifications, and workplace instructions and procedures. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation relating to testing and repairing basic electrical circuits. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify instructions. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret vehicle electrical measurements and readings measure voltage, current and resistance use basic mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, to calculate deviations from manufacturer specifications. |
Planning and organising skills to: | plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes. |
Technology skills to: | use specialised tools, such as test lights and multimeters. |
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.
Safety requirements must include: | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for: using specialised tools and equipment selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE) identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with wearing jewellery while working around electrical systems. |
Sectors
Technical - Electrical and Electronic
Competency Field
Electrical