This assessment is to be carried out after the completion of all other assessment requirements of the units of competency that make up MEM31215 Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician and prior to application for an Electrical Licence.

This assessment is to be carried out at the premises of the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and is expected to be conducted by an assessor other than the one who has been a regular instructor to the apprentice.

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to meet the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC).

Essential Performance Capabilities (EPCs) classified as ‘critical’:

EPC 2 – Demonstrate a knowledge of the various effects of electric current.

EPC 5 – Explain the operation of a simple practical circuit. Determine the resistance, voltage, current and power in any part of a DC circuit using theory and actual measurement methods.

EPC 8 – Demonstrate a knowledge of alternating voltage & current generation, phase relationships, energy in an AC circuit, and actual measurement methods.

EPC 10 – Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the AS/NZS 3000 Part 1. Knowledge of the hierarchy of standards. Nomative/informative text.

EPC 13 – Demonstrate a knowledge of methods of electric motor selection, starting, connection and protection.

EPC 16 – Describe and apply in practice the requirements of AS/NZS 3000 in relation to earthing arrangements and fault loop impedance calculations. Knowledge of alternate earthing systems when required by local Regulatory Authorities.

EPC 17 – Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the MEN system and its application, including on sub-installations. Demonstrate how to test a MEN system.

EPC 19 – List the key safety issues of various types of transformers, including AS/NZS 3000 requirements.

EPC 20 – Demonstrate a knowledge of the SELV and PELV systems, their application and testing in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.

EPC 21 – Demonstrate the ability to select cables for mains and submains using AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3008.1 based on current carrying capacity, short circuit capacity, maximum demand and voltage drop, for single phase and three phase installations including multiple installations.

EPC 22 – Demonstrate the ability to select cables for final subcircuits using AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3008.1 based on current carrying capacity, short circuit capacity, maximum demand, earth loop impedance and voltage drop.

EPC 23 – Describe and apply the control and protection requirements for installations and equipment. Demonstrate the ability to select suitable equipment and switchgear for a particular installation or part of an installation using AS/NZS 3000.

EPC 24 – Demonstrate an understanding of the AS/NZS 3000 and regulatory requirements for the location of switchboards and arrangement of switchboard equipment in installations. Methods for determining prospective fault current. Switchboard form types.

EPC 25 – Demonstrate an understanding of the AS/NZS 3000 and regulatory requirements for the installation of electrical equipment in given damp situations and wet areas. IP rating of electrical equipment.

EPC 26 – Demonstrate the appropriate methods for the installation, modification and testing of electrical installations and equipment for construction and demolition sites, complying with AS/NZS 3012 and applicable workplace safety legislation. Need for calibration of instruments.

EPC 27 – Demonstrate knowledge of AS/NZS 3000 and local regulatory requirements for the installation of aerial conductors and underground wiring. Including specialist cables.

EPC 28 – Demonstrate a knowledge of the AS/NZS 3000 requirements for electrical installations in hazardous areas and an awareness of the standards to which it refers.

EPC 30 – Demonstrate to AS/NZS 3000 and AS 3017 standards the electrical checks and tests required to ensure electrical installations are safe, reporting of test results typically required to satisfy regulatory requirements.

EPC 31 – Demonstrate the knowledge and skill to perform effective safe isolation of any equipment, including switch and lock off, circuit isolation, equipment testing and tag out procedures, including capacitor banks.

EPC 35 – Demonstrate the knowledge and skill to install and terminate a variety of electrical cables in a wide range of applications (including final subcircuits) to AS/NZS 3000.

EPC 37 – Demonstrate knowledge and skills to install final subcircuit wiring into switchboards and connect to switchboard equipment in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and local supply authority requirements.

EPC 38 – Connect consumers mains to an installation, in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and local supply authority requirements.

EPC 40 – Demonstrate ability to read, sketch and interpret electrical diagrams and specifications.

EPC 42 – Describe basic statutory occupational safety and health responsibilities for employers and employees, including supervisory requirements and employees’ own "duty of care". Asbestos awareness and reporting. Hazardous gases.

EPC 43 – Demonstrate understanding of the requirements for personal safety in the workplace and application of safety practices.

EPC 44 – Describe a workplace safety check, identify potential workplace hazards and suggest measures for accident prevention.

EPC 46 – Describe the method of rescuing a person in contact with live electrical conductors or equipment.

EPC 47 – Describe the emergency first aid requirements for an electric shock victim and demonstrate the knowledge and application skill of CPR.

EPC 48 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the significant dangers of High Voltage equipment and distribution systems.

EPC 50 – Describe methods of commissioning and/or decommissioning electrical equipment or an installation, using a systems approach.

EPC 54 – Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for diagnosing and rectifying faults in electrical apparatus and associated circuits.

Some jurisdictions require the holder of this unit to be licensed or certified and users should check with the relevant authorities.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 1

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.

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.

Assessors must:

hold a current electrical licence be an assessor other than the one who has been a regular instructor to the apprentice

satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 and comply with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 or equivalent legislation covering VET regulation in a non-referring State as the case requires

The capstone assessment is an entirely RTO conducted assessment at the RTO’s chosen location where the entire assessment needs to be carried out in one day.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications.

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.

This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency.

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

Installation and commissioning