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 QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119992  Occupational Certificate: Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - EWSETA -Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  83  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-11-22  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointer.

Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers terminate, joint and test electrical low voltage cables up to and including 1000v onto LV electrical equipment and apply the knowledge and skills obtained in a variety of contexts.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for low voltage cable jointing equipment and operations and plan and conduct on-site preparation by setting up equipment for jointing procedures.
  • Install, test, joint and terminate low voltage cables (dead) complying with statutory requirements and manufacturer specifications.

    Rationale
    Although Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers perform a critically important role in the economy in terms of the provision of electricity to households and smaller commercial properties, there has to date been no formal recognition of their skills. Cable jointing and termination as an activity is captured within electrical qualifications but specialist cable jointers have had to rely on informal training acquired over a period of many years. The need for Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers is growing, thus it has become important to recognise this occupation and the related skills and knowledge for the following reasons:
  • The complexity of cables and cable jointing systems has increased, thus requiring an upskilling of existing Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers.
  • The renewal of the aging electrical infrastructure of South Africa requires formally qualified people if the cable jointing and termination failures are not to persist.
  • Infrastructural development projects will require the services of formally qualified Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers.
  • Electrical service providers, such as municipalities, find it difficult to identify contractors who have the required knowledge and skills.
  • Cable theft has a huge adverse effect on the economy.

    The above reasons provide clear motivation for the need for this qualification and the socio-economic contributions qualified Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers will make. The sector will benefit by an increased number of qualified Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers in terms of electrical infrastructural developments and replacement of aging electrical infrastructure.

    Two typical target groups are identified for enrolling for cable jointing training, namely school leavers with Grade 10 or N3 as well as currently employed persons with workplace experience in cable jointing but without formal qualifications.

    This part qualification is designed to provide for qualifying learners in a distinct group, namely low voltage (0 up to and including 1000V) cable jointing in dead conditions. The qualification focuses on installing, jointing, and terminating cables. There is a focus on national standards and safe working practices. Learners will be enabled to become valuable members of the workforce responsible for the installation and maintenance of the electricity supply network in South Africa.

    The part qualification, the Occupational Certificate: Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointer entails a set of employable skills which will allow the learner direct access into employment for the termination and jointing of LV cables, a much-needed subset of skills in the industry to supply and maintain electrical infrastructure to South African citizens.

    Possible employment for the Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointers includes Low Voltage: Entrepreneurs (Small business), Electrical Contractors, Local Government, Eskom, and Transnet. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 671302-001-00-KM-01, Fundamentals of Electricity Pertaining to Low Voltage (LV) Cable Jointing, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-KM-02, Low Voltage Cable Jointing Regulations and Legislation, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-KM-03, Low Voltage Cable Jointing Cables, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-KM-04, Low Voltage Cable Testing, Installation, Jointing and Termination Methods, Level 3, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 33

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 671302-001-00-PM-01, Perform Site Inspection and Preparation for Low Voltage Cable Jointing Ensuring Safety Compliance, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-PM-02, Use, Clean and Store Tools and Equipment Used During Cable Jointing Activities, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-PM-03, Perform Testing Procedures During Low Voltage Cable Jointing Activities, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-PM-04, Terminate and Joint Low Voltage Cables, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 17

    Work Experience Modules
  • 671302-001-00-WM-01, Site Preparation for Low Voltage Cable Jointing Activities, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 671302-001-00-WM-02, Low Voltage Cables (Dead) Jointing and Termination, Level 3, 23 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 33 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and prepare work site, equipment, tools, consumables, and materials for low voltage cable laying, jointing and termination activities and operations.
    2. Understand and implement correct use of hand tools, hydraulic equipment, gas equipment, materials, measuring and testing equipment and comply with the work permit system and ORLVS (operational regulations for low voltage systems) (where applicable).
    3. Demonstrate the termination of electrical low voltage cables up to and including 1000v onto LV electrical equipment and apply the knowledge and skills obtained in a variety of contexts.
    4. Use applicable knowledge to joint electrical low voltage cables up to and including 1000v and apply the knowledge and skills obtained in a variety of contexts.
    5. Test low voltage cables for continuity and polarity, insulation resistance and voltage upon completion of joint.
    6. Understand and implement legislation and regulations applicable to environment and workplace.
    7. Explain the application of fundamentals of electricity and jointing principles relevant to LV cable jointing, termination, and testing. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Plan and prepare work site, equipment, tools, consumables, and materials for low voltage cable laying, jointing and termination activities and operations.
  • Read and interpret a work order for a low voltage cable termination or jointing task, schedule dates, times, and resources correctly.
  • Select, obtain, and inspect relevant tools, equipment, and material for good working order prior to the task.
  • Inspect the cables jointing kit ensuring it is complete, that the expiry dates are valid, and components are applicable to the cable type and jointing or terminating method.
  • Obtain a permit and check isolation and lockout systems ensuring they are in place.
  • Conduct site inspection to identify and mitigate hazards and risks prior to starting the work.
  • Identify and inspect relevant low voltage equipment onto which cable termination will be done.
  • Inspect the joints bay for compliance to safety requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Understand and implement correct use of hand tools, hydraulic equipment, gas equipment, materials, measuring and testing equipment and comply with the work permit system and ORLVS (operational regulations for low voltage systems) (where applicable).
  • Select correct tools and testing equipment for the specific task and inspect for functionality.
  • Inspect hand tools, hydraulic tools, gas equipment (if applicable), measuring equipment and electrical testing equipment for compliance with applicable regulations and work permit system.
  • Handle and use hand and hydraulic tools and electrical testing equipment in the correct manner whilst complying with safety requirements ensuring safety mechanisms are engaged and use PPE.
  • Perform calculations related to the termination or jointing task, cable type and electrical equipment accurately.
  • Clean, transport and store hand and hydraulic tools and electrical testing equipment in a safe manner and in compliance with requirements.
  • Achieve compliance with the requirements of the ORLVS and maintain permit system at all times.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Demonstrate the termination of electrical low voltage cables up to and including 1000v onto LV electrical equipment and apply the knowledge and skills obtained in a variety of contexts.
  • Identify relevant low voltage cable and point of work prior to commencement of the task.
  • Identify relevant low voltage equipment onto which cable termination will be done.
  • Adhere to safe working environment by identifying and mitigating hazardous conditions.
  • Identify low voltage cable type and select correct termination method for the cable type.
  • Conduct low voltage cable terminating task according to job requirements correctly applying the applicable terminating procedure as per manufacturer specification.
  • Apply correct safety practices and use of PPE while performing the task.
  • Apply Identification information to the termination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Use applicable knowledge to joint electrical low voltage cables up to and including 1000v and apply the knowledge and skills obtained in a variety of contexts.
  • Identify relevant low voltage cable and point of work prior to commencement of the task and safety testing is performed on electrical equipment (where applicable).
  • Adhere to safe working environment by identifying and mitigating hazardous conditions.
  • Identify Low voltage cable type and select and conduct correct jointing method for the cable type as per manufacturer specifications.
  • Conduct the jointing task according to job requirements correctly applying the applicable jointing procedure as per manufacturer specifications
  • Apply correct safety practices and use of PPE while performing the task.
  • Apply identification information to the joints.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    ELO 5: Test low voltage cables for continuity and polarity, insulation resistance and voltage upon completion of joint.
  • Identify the correct low voltage cable for testing.
  • Adhere to safe conditions for testing by identifying and mitigating hazardous conditions.
  • Select the correct low voltage testing equipment for the test to be done.
  • Apply testing methods and procedures using the correct electrical testing equipment and record the results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    ELO 6: Understand and implement legislation and regulations applicable to environment and workplace.
  • Read interpret regulations (ORLVS) and SANS applicable to low voltage termination and jointing operations, working conditions, work sites, safety equipment and safety procedures correctly.
  • Restore work site and prepare installation for commissioning according to relevant legislation and regulation including environmental and workplace requirements.
  • Apply waste disposal tasks in compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Sign the permit on/off and sign and return declaration of task completion to authorised person where applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
    ELO 7: Explain the application of fundamentals of electricity and jointing principles relevant to LV cable jointing, termination, and testing.
  • Understand and explain Electrical theory relevant to low voltage cable jointing, termination and testing activities and operations.
  • Understand and explain Electrical principles relevant to low voltage cable jointing, termination and testing activities and operations.

    Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Assessment Summative Assessment:
    The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical tasks conducted at QCTO accredited assessment centres. The practical assessment will be concluded at the assessment centre and assessed by an assessor registered with the AQP.

    A candidate who attempted the assessment will be given recognition for those assessment tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those tasks provided that:
  • The learner is competent in at least 70% of the assessment tasks given during the assessment.
  • The recognition will be retained by the candidate for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18-months from the date of successful completion of the test tasks whichever comes first. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: Cable Jointer (Electric Cable Jointer) was compared with the Australian Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems and the New Zealand National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage), (Level 4) with optional strand in 33kV.
  • Australia:
    The Australian Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems is presented by Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd. The qualification provides for training and assessment in the methods of cable jointing construction and maintenance and is designed to give learners a sound working knowledge of a wide variety of jointing work and obtain knowledge of safe working practices and the practical skills and techniques to enable them to become cable jointers. Aurecon Australasia is mentioned as a registered training provider. The qualification covers work on network systems, high voltage jointing and supervision. This qualification assumes that competencies will be developed through an integrated combination of on- and off-the-job learning strategies. Neither credits nor duration is specified. A selection of units was used for the comparability study. These are:
  • Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes, and practices in the workplace.
  • Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment.
  • Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes, and specifications.
  • Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits.
  • Solve problems in low voltage A.C. circuits.
  • Apply sustainable energy and environmental procedures.
  • Lay ESI electrical cables.
  • Install and maintain de-energised low voltage underground paper insulated cables.
  • Joint and maintain energised low voltage underground paper insulated cables.
  • Install and maintain de-energised low voltage underground polymeric cables.
  • Joint and maintain energised low voltage underground polymeric cables.
  • Test and verify distribution cable jointing installations.
  • Install and maintain low voltage underground services.
  • Install and maintain transmission overhead conductors and cables.
  • Install gas and oil filled specialised underground cables.
  • Maintain gas and oil filled specialised underground cables.
  • Install and maintain polymeric specialised underground cables.
  • Install and maintain gas and oil pressure systems for specialised underground cables.

    Similarities
    The Australian Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems and the Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer are on the same level, and both include a work experience (on-the-job) component. Further similarities refer to the content of the units selected for the comparability study, which are listed above.

    Differences
    The Australian Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems includes work on network systems, high voltage jointing and supervision, which is not the case with the Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer. The Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer entry requirement is NQF Level 2 with maths and science, while the Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems specifies "No entry requirements".
  • New Zealand:
    The New Zealand National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage), (Level 4) with optional strand in 33kV focus on providing the learners the knowledge, practical skills and experience to join insulated electric power cables installed in underground conduits and trenches, and to prepare cable terminations for connection to electrical equipment and overhead lines. This qualification is offered by Connexis Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation. Entry requirements are indicated as an Electrical Workers' Registration Board (EWRB) Trainee Limited Certificate when commencing programmes, for their training, assessment, and experience to be accepted by the EWRB for registration as a cable jointer. The credit value of the qualification is 150 - 185 credits. Further entry conditions include the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Introductory) (Level 2) or equivalent knowledge and skills.

    Learning outcomes are:
  • Apply knowledge of electrical theory to the construction and preparation of cables.
  • Apply codes, legislation and industry standards and procedures when performing the duties of a cable jointer undertaking work on power cables up to 22kV.
  • Apply measures to protect personnel, underground services, and electricity supply networks.
  • Undertake testing and commissioning procedures that facilitate the process of cable jointing work on power cables up to 22kV.
  • Apply codes, legislation and industry standards to the jointing and termination of live low voltage power cables.
  • Apply industry standards and procedures when performing the duties of a cable jointer undertaking work on power cables up to 33kV.

    Similarities
    The National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage), (Level 4) with optional strand in 33kV and the Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer are on the same level, and both include knowledge, practical skills and work experience components. Further similarities refer to the six outcomes listed above. Entry requirements for both qualifications are stated as Level 2.

    Differences
    The National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage), (Level 4) limits training to 33kV, while the Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer include training up to and including 44kV. The National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage), (Level 4) includes High Voltage training while the training of the Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer is limited to Low and Medium Voltage. Learners must register with the Electrical Workers' Registration Board (EWRB) before being able to operate while no registration is needed in South Africa.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Electric Cable Jointer compares favourably with the two international qualifications. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Electrical Engineering; NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Cable Jointer (Electric Cable Jointer); Level 4 

  • NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • No fear of heights.
  • No colour blindness.
  • Medically fit.
  • No epilepsy.
  • Not claustrophobic (working in confined spaces).
  • Safe working at heights/depth (higher or deeper than 1.2 m as legislated) and confined spaces are regarded as a recruitment and employment requirement.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
    The curriculum title and code are: Low Voltage Electric Cable Jointer: 671302-001-00-01

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Acronyms
  • XLPE -Cross-linked Polyethylene.
  • PILC - Paper Insulated Lead Covered.
  • ORLVS - Operating Regulations for Low Voltage Systems.
  • ORHVS - Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems.
  • SWA - Steel Wire Armoured.
  • PECTC -Impregnated Paper Insulation Lead Alloy E Sheath with PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) Bedding with Galvanised Double Steel Tape Armour & PVC Sheath/Serving.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • EWSETA.

    PARENT QUALIFICATION
    Occupational Certificate: Cable Jointer (Electric Cable Jointer), NQF Level 4.

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
    None 

  • LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.