Install and terminate extra low voltage wiring systems

RTE3305A

Install and terminate extra low voltage wiring systems

Unit Descriptor

This competency standard covers the process of installing wiring enclosures, cable support systems, cables and accessories in electrical systems of 36 volts or less. Extra low voltage of 24 volts or less applies to wiring used in irrigation systems between controllers and system components such as solenoid valves, in milking equipment systems such as pulsator systems between controllers and system components such as solenoid valves and in garden lighting systems. Installing and terminating extra low voltage wiring systems requires knowledge of basic electricity and electrical principles, irrigation system wiring materials and techniques, isolation and tagging procedures, testing equipment and procedures and OHS guidelines for installing extra low voltage wiring. This unit is based on and linked to the National Electro-technology Benchmark Standard EBS204.

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 . Plan and prepare for installation of extra low voltage wiring	Installation is planned and prepared to ensure OHS policies and procedures are followed, and the work is appropriately sequenced according to requirements. Appropriate personnel are consulted to ensure the work is co-ordinated effectively with others on the work site. Cables and wires are sized to suit calculated load. Wiring system components are checked against job requirements. Accessories are obtained according to established procedures and to comply with organisational and task requirements. Location in which specific items of accessories, apparatus and circuits are to be installed is determined from job requirements. Materials necessary to complete the work are obtained according to established procedures and checked against the job requirement. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the installation work are obtained, following established procedures they are checked for correct operation and safety. Preparatory work is checked to ensure that it complies with requirements and no unnecessary damage has occurred.
2 . Install wiring systems	OHS policies and procedures for installing electrical wiring systems are followed. Wiring systems are installed to meet requirements, without damage or distortion to the surrounding environment or services. Accessories are terminated and wires are connected as required to solenoids and controllers, according to manufacturer and enterprise requirements. Unplanned events or conditions are responded to using established procedures. Approval is obtained from appropriate personnel according to established procedures before any contingencies are implemented. On-going checks of the quality of the work are undertaken according to established procedures.
3 . Check and notify completion of work	Final checks are undertaken to ensure the installed wiring systems conforms to requirements. System is tested to ensure that it works. Work completion is notified according to established procedures.

Key Competency	Examples of Application	Performance Level
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?	Obtaining approval from appropriate personnel before contingencies are implemented.	2
How are ideas and information communicated within this competency?	Interpreting specifications and installation instructions.	2
How are activities planned and organised?	Planning and preparing for installation of extra low voltage wiring.	2
How are problem solving skills applied?	Consulting appropriate personnel to ensure work is co-ordinated effectively with others involved on the work site.	2
How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?	Sizing cables and wires to suit calculated load.	2
How is use of technology applied?	Responding to unplanned events or conditions.	2
How is team work used within this competency?	Working with communications and machine testing equipment.	2

Range Statement

What does extra low voltage (ELV) wiring refer to?

This refers to 36 volts or less and applies to wiring used in milking equipment systems such as pulsation systems, in irrigation systems between controllers and system components such as solenoid valves, and in domestic garden lighting systems.

What OHS policies and procedures may be relevant to this standard?

OHS policies and procedures may include systems for the prevention of electrical injury, hazard identification and risk control measures, the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, and the selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective clothing and equipment.

What equipment might need to be available for installation work?

Equipment may include a range of power and hand tools, mechanics tool kit and first aid kit.

What do systems consist of?

Systems include wiring, switching mechanisms, circuit protection devices and electronic pulsators, wiring looms, conduits and cabling covers.

Evidence Guide

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

basic electricity and electrical principles relating to extra low voltage wiring
milking equipment, garden lighting and/or irrigation system wiring materials and techniques
isolation and tagging procedures
computerised controller systems
enterprise policies and procedures
testing equipment and procedures
OHS guidelines for installing extra low voltage wiring.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

read labels and signage to differentiate between extra low voltage and other electrical systems

read and follow enterprise procedures for irrigation system wiring
size cables and wires to suit calculated load
check and notify completed installation activities
follow enterprise OHS procedures and safely work with extra low voltage systems.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.