This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and rectify faults in complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or refrigeration control systems.

It includes applying safe working practices, interpreting technical data and applying knowledge of complex refrigeration or HVAC control system operating parameters to logical fault-finding processes. It also includes implementing fault rectification, safety and functional testing; and completing and reporting fault diagnosis and rectification activities and outcomes.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a licence or permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on electrical installations which are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 120 V direct current (d.c.).

Competency development activities in this unit are subject to regulations directly related to licensing. Where a licence or permit to practice is not held, skills and knowledge described in this unit require a relevant contract of training, such as an Australian Apprenticeship.

Additional and/or other conditions may apply in some jurisdictions subject to regulations related to refrigeration, air conditioning or electrical work. Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.

Permits may also be required for some work environments, such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare to diagnose and rectify faults

1.1

WHS/OHS requirements and workplace procedures are identified, obtained and applied

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed

1.3

Hazards not previously identified are documented and risk control measures devised and implemented in consultation with relevant person/s

1.4

Extent of faults are determined from reports/documentation and/or discussions with relevant person/s

1.5

Relevant person/s is consulted to ensure work is coordinated effectively with others involved on the worksite

1.6

Tools, equipment and testing devices required to diagnose faults are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Diagnose and rectify faults

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out the work are followed

2.2

Need to test and measure live work is determined in accordance with workplace procedures and WHS/OHS requirements

2.3

Circuits/machines/plant are checked and isolated in accordance with workplace procedures and WHS/OHS requirements

2.4

Logical diagnostic methods, measurements and estimations are applied to diagnose control system faults in accordance with system operating parameters and operational requirements

2.5

Suspected fault sources are tested to confirm source of system problems

2.6

Fault causes are identified and appropriately competent person/s engaged to rectify the fault where it is outside the scope of the control system

2.7

Faults in system components are rectified to return the refrigeration or HVAC system to its operational standard

2.8

System is tested to verify that the system operates as intended and to specified requirements and operational standards

2.9

Methods for resolving unplanned events are discussed with appropriate person/s in accordance with job specifications and requirements

2.10

Methods for resolving unplanned situations are selected on the basis of safety and specified work outcomes

2.11

Diagnosis and rectification activities are conducted without waste of materials, damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment and/or services using sustainable energy practices

3

Complete and report fault diagnosis and rectification activities

3.1

WHS/OHS work completion risk control measures and workplace procedures are followed

3.2

Worksite is made safe in accordance with workplace safety procedures

3.3

Fault diagnosis and rectification activities are documented in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Appropriate person/s is notified that system faults have been rectified in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

applying logical diagnostic methods

using fault scenarios to test the cause of system faults

identifying faults and competency needed to rectify them

rectifying faults in system controls

verifying that the system operates correctly

documenting fault rectification

dealing with unplanned events

applying relevant legislation, industry standards, codes of practice and regulations

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements, including:

applying safe working practices

hazard identification and reporting

implementing risk control measures

determining need to test or measure live work

diagnosing faults in complex refrigeration or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems

isolating circuits/machines/plant

using relevant tools, equipment and testing devices.

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

complex HVAC/refrigeration control systems, fault finding, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations, including:

control fundamentals, including:

control terminology

refrigeration system characteristics

HVAC system characteristics

control system characteristics

control system components

control system diagrams and symbols

product knowledge

types of control equipment, including:

electrical:

classification of circuits

two position control

floating control

sensors

controllers

flow control devices

control systems diagrams

electronic:

operating principles

sensors

controllers

control system diagrams

digital control systems, including:

computer-based control fundamentals:

definitions

principles

controller configuration:

equipment

zone level controllers

system level controllers

controller software:

operating software

application software

controller programming:

system diagrams

control diagrams

configuration

programming

initialisation

EMS and BMS

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system

lan and Bacnet

control systems applications, including:

refrigeration

air conditioning:

air handling system controls

ventilation

heating

building airflow system control

airflow control

singles and multi-zones

chiller/boiler and distribution system control (chilled water, boiler and distribution systems)

diagnostic methods, measurements and estimations

faults within scope of work

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements, including:

risk control measures

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures.

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 suitable workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated suitable workplace operational situations that replicate 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 simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

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 UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Diagnosing and rectifying faults in complex HVAC and refrigeration control systems must include at least the following:

four faults in complex refrigeration or HVAC control systems

Electrotechnology

Refrigeration and air-conditioning