14970 Demonstrate Knowledge of Electric Switchboard Components and Their Representation

Explanatory notes

1This unit standard has been developed for learning and assessment on-job;

2Reference

AS/NZS 3439.4:2009,Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Particular requirements for assemblies for construction sites (ACS);

and all subsequent amendments and replacements.

3Definitions

GA – general assembly.

Industry practice – practice used and recommended by organisations involved in the electrotechnology industry.

PVC – polyvinyl chloride.

Switchboard – low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1000 V a.c. at frequencies not exceeding 1000 Hz, or 1500 V d.c.

Symbols and components – items commonly used in switchboard manufacture and interfacing equipment. For assessment purposes candidates need to demonstrate competence with the types of drawings and symbols used in their particular workplace.

4Range

All knowledge demonstrated is to be in accordance with applicable specifications, documented enterprise, legislative and/or regulatory requirements, and local bylaws.

Outcomes and evidence requirements

Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge of switchgear components.

Rangea minimum of 20 components, excluding cables and busbars, provided by the assessor.

Evidence requirements

1.1Components are identified by name and their function on a switchboard assembly is described.

1.2Possible variables for components are stated with reference to the means of unique component identification.

1.3Special component mounting provisions are identified and described.

1.4Circuit connection points on components are located with an explanation of any required polarities.

Outcome 2

Demonstrate knowledge of cable types.

Rangecable types may include but are not limited to – flexible, conduit, PVC insulated, cross linked, screened, aluminium.

Evidence of seven is required.

Evidence requirements

2.1Cable types are identified on sight.

2.2Typical uses for cable types are described with reference to typical applications.

2.3Colour coding is explained according to current and applicable industry standards and codes.

Outcome 3

Demonstrate knowledge of busbars and busbar coatings.

Evidence requirements

3.1Busbars are identified by size, rating, and shape to match job specifications.

Rangerating – voltage, current, fault.

3.2Busbar coatings are identified on sight.

Rangecoatings – uncoated, electro-tin, PVC.

3.3A typical use of each type of coating is stated in accordance with industry practice.

Rangecoatings – uncoated, electro-tin, PVC.

Outcome 4

Describe busbar jointing methods.

Evidence requirements

4.1Methods of jointing busbars with reference to surface preparation, assembly technique, maintenance of electrical properties, and jointing of dissimilar metals are described.

4.2Busbar jointing requirements in terms of number, positioning, and type are identified and described.

Outcome 5

Demonstrate knowledge of electric switchboard drawings.

Evidence requirements

5.1Unique features and the purpose of each type of diagram are explained with reference to a particular application.

Rangediagrams – GA, schematic, single line, busbar layout.

5.2Specific details are identified in each of a set of diagrams for a particular switchboard.

Rangeset of diagrams – GA, schematic, single line;

detail – at least five component details, each of which is shown on each of the three diagram types.

Outcome 6

Interpret switchgear symbols and variables.

Rangesymbols – minimum of 20 commonly used symbols selected by the assessor;

variables may include but are not limited to – current rating, capacity, number of poles.

Evidence of at least two variables for each symbol is required.

Evidence requirements

6.1Switchgear components and variables are uniquely identified from their symbolic representation in accordance with industry practice.

6.2Symbols are sketched for switchgear components described by the assessor in a manner that enables clear recognition and provides details on variables.

This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

This CMR can be accessed at

Please note

Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.