SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Fault find on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
13639  Fault find on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons in the Electrical Engineering; Generation; Distribution; Transmission, Construction and Renewable Energy Sector.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Explain the principles and procedures (techniques) to be applied during fault finding on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) systems.
  • Plan and prepare for fault finding on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) systems.
  • Find faults on alternating current and/or direct current systems.
  • Complete fault finding on alternating current and/or direct current systems.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical engineering and construction environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of Physical Planning and Construction. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the electrical engineering and construction environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Introduction to industry (work environment).
  • Use and care of relevant testing, measuring equipment and hand tools.
  • Safe working procedures.
  • Interpret electrical drawings and sketches.
  • Knowledge of equipment (range statement).
  • Fault finding on single phase alternating current (AC) systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    1. This unit standard applies to persons performing faultfinding on AC (single and three phase) and DC systems.

    2. Voltage:
    a. Up to 1000 volts

    3. Equipment may include but are not limited to:
    a. Transformers (three and single phase)
    b. Motors:
  • Direct current: shunt, series and compound
  • Alternating current: single and three phase
    c. Generators
    d. Alternators
    e. Lighting and control gear
    f. Instruments:
  • Mounted ammeters, voltmeters, KWH meter
    g. Distribution and wiring (single and three phase)
    h. Switch gear
    i. Sequence start, forward and reverse, Star/Delta, resistance start, dynamic braking (plugging and DC injection)

    4. Statutory requirements may include but are not limited to:
    a. OHS Act
    b. SABS 0142
    c. Local authority requirements

    5. Work site procedures may include but are not limited to company's:
    a. Safety procedures as given in safety manuals
    b. Policy procedures as given in policy manuals
    c. Installing procedures as given in manufacturers' and company maintenance manuals
    d. Maintaining procedure given in manufacturers' and company maintenance manuals

    6. Manufacturers' specifications may include but are not limited to:
    a. Dimensions of components
    b. Weight of components
    c. Type of material from which components were manufactured as given in:
  • Manufacturers' maintenance manuals
  • Manufacturer catalogues
  • Company maintenance manuals 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the principles and procedures to be applied during fault finding on AC and/or DC 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Explain the principles and procedures (techniques) to be applied during fault finding on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Safety regulations are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Symptoms and analysing of faults on an alternating current (single and/or three phase) and/or direct current system are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Fault finding procedures to be followed are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Techniques applicable to alternating current (single and/or three phase) and/or direct current system are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for fault finding on AC and/or DC systems 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Plan and prepare for fault finding on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Appropriate documentation is acquired according to job instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Job instructions are communicated with the team leader according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Personal protective equipment is selected and examined in a manner that protects the individual. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Tools, material, work platform and equipment are selected and transported to the work site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The work site is examined for hazardous and sub-standard conditions. Critical hazards and sub-standards conditions encountered in a particular context are addressed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The work site area is verified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The consequences of not preparing to find faults in line with specified requirements are explained with reference to personal and team safety, impact on environment, production costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Find faults on AC and/or DC systems 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Find faults on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. System operation is determined according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. System operation is observed according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. System operation is analysed according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Fault is diagnosed according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Fault is traced by applying correct techniques and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Fault is identified according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Safety, good housekeeping and correct environmental practices are followed before, during and after activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. System operation is determined according to work site procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete fault finding on AC and/or DC systems 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Complete fault finding on alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Documentation is completed and processed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Measuring equipment, testing equipment and hand tools selected are used correctly and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tests are carried out according to work site procedures and statutory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Tests are recorded and reported according to work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Repairing, rectifying and faultfinding procedures are carried out where applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Final testing and commissioning is carried out and documentation completed. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation and moderation options:
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge that will help me understand and that I will be able to explain:

    1. A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation (SHERQ)

    2. A basic understanding of:
  • Communication and team work principles
  • The effect of fault finding on production
  • Impact of quality of the product on customer satisfaction

    3. A broad understanding of:
  • Applicable manufacturers' specifications
  • Documentation required for the activity
  • Characteristics and procedures of equipment

    4. A comprehensive understanding of:
  • Applicable work site procedures
  • Reporting systems
  • Identification, location and function of appropriate tools, measuring instruments, materials, personal protective equipment and work platforms
  • Names and functions of equipment
  • Fault finding principles and procedures (techniques)
  • Interpret and draw schematic diagrams
  • Potential faults on equipment
  • Characteristics and properties of system operations
  • Working principles associated with fault finding on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems are theoretically and practically explained as well as scientifically and mathematically proven 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the achievement of relevant fault finding competencies. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in fault finding on alternating current and/or direct current systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organise and critically evaluate information related to single phase systems so that these are accurately interpreted into application performance standards. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that fault finding are interrelated with the overall safe and lawful operation in the electrical field. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    Specified requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    A glossary of terms about the terminology of

    1. Basic electrical principles:
  • Ohms law
  • Current flows
  • Voltages, potential energy, energy consumption
  • Capacitance, Induction, Resistance
  • Magnetism, Electro-magnetism

    2. Equipment:
  • Three phase and single phase transformers
  • AC and DC motors
  • Cables and conductors
  • Contactors and relays
  • Protective devices (Fuses, circuit breakers, overloads, earth leakage devices)
  • Timers
  • Switches
  • Lighting systems

    3. Hazardous and sub standard conditions:
  • Requirements relating to rotating machines, dust, gas, vapour, dark and unstable areas

    4. Techniques:
  • On line testing (Volt drops, through elimination and application of senses)
  • Of line testing (Visual, mechanical, continuity)

    5. Work platforms:
  • Step ladders
  • Ladders
  • Scaffolding
  • Telescopic scaffolding
  • Lift truck

    6. Operational system:
  • How the system supposed to work when in good working condition

    7. Attitude:
  • Does not include personal attitude
  • Reflection on workplace and housekeeping rules (Manner in which instrument is used)

    8. Control gear:
  • Ballasts
  • Chokes
  • Capacitors
  • Fuses
  • Starters
  • Ignitors

    Context specific:

    User manuals supplied manufacturers.
    Specifications, agreements and policies and procedures. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58288   National Certificate: Electro-Mechanics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.