Work applies to testing and repairing basic electrical circuits in light and heavy vehicle, mining, construction, agricultural, motorcycle, outdoor power equipment and marine environments. It applies to circuits in an automotive retail, service or repair environment.

Work requires individuals to demonstrate judgement and problem-solving skills in managing own work activities and contributing to a productive team environment within the scope of this unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Workplace instructions are used to determine job requirements

1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements are observed throughout the work

1.3. Procedures and information are sourced and interpreted

1.4. Tools and equipment are identified for effective testing and repair procedures

2. Test basic electrical circuits and identify faults

2.1. Basic electrical circuits are visually checked to establish the extent of failure or damage, applying knowledge of electrical fundamentals

2.2. Options for diagnosing faults are identified and used, using appropriate tools and diagnostic techniques

2.3. Inspection and testing are undertaken without causing damage to components or systems as a result of inappropriate testing procedures

2.4. Faults are identified from test results and causes of faults are determined

2.5. Diagnosis findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments

3. Complete repairs to basic electrical circuits

3.1. Repair options are analysed and those most appropriate are selected

3.2. Appropriate tools, repair techniques and materials are selected and prepared

3.3. Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out without causing damage, according to workplace procedures and manufacturer and component supplier specifications

3.4. Post-repair testing is conducted and results are documented according to workplace procedures

4. Prepare vehicle and equipment for delivery to customer after repair is completed

4.1. Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations

4.2. Vehicle is cleaned to workplace expectations and presented ready for use

4.3. Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures

5. Clean up work area and maintain equipment

5.1. Material that can be reused is collected and stored

5.2. Waste and scrap are removed following workplace procedures

5.3. Equipment and work area are cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition according to workplace procedures

5.4. Faulty equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures

5.5. Operator maintenance is completed according to manufacturer and component supplier specifications and site procedures

5.6. Tools and equipment are maintained according to workplace procedures

Required skills

communication skills to:

follow verbal and written instructions

clarify workplace instructions and determine job requirements

gain information from appropriate persons and assistance as required

initiative and enterprise skills to apply learning when testing and repairing basic electrical circuits

learning skills to identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge to expand skills, knowledge and understanding

literacy skills to:

read and follow information in written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

obtain and record measurements

document work performed

numeracy skills to:

test, measure and analyse test equipment results compared to desired system performance

planning and organising skills to ensure tasks are completed within an acceptable time frame

problem-solving skills to seek information and assistance as required to solve problems

self-management skills to:

select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures

follow workplace documentation, such as codes of practice and operating procedures

technical skills to use workplace technology and tools to test and repair basic electrical circuits and components in vehicles, including:

specialist tools and equipment

electrical measuring equipment

technology skills to:

operate a range of electrical diagnostic test equipment

use technology to collect, analyse and provide information

Required knowledge

WHS regulations, requirements, equipment and material relating to testing and repairing electrical circuits, including personal safety requirements

electrical principles, including:

current, voltage, resistance and power

series circuits

parallel circuits

series and parallel circuits

Ohm’s law

basic electrical circuit components, including:

cable types and sizes and current carrying capacity

circuit protection devices

switches

relays

automotive globes

techniques for reading and interpreting technical information, including circuit types, diagrams and symbols

types and operation of electrical testing equipment, including:

digital multimeters

test lights and probes

electrical measuring and testing procedures, including:

resistance and voltage drop tests

open and short circuit tests

inspecting for component moisture ingress and connector damage

repair procedures of electrical circuits, including:

wire soldering procedures

terminal crimping

removal and replacement procedures for basic electrical components

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:

observe safety procedures and requirements

select methods and techniques appropriate to the circumstances

complete preparatory activity in a systematic manner

read and interpret circuit wiring diagrams

test basic electrical circuits to determine short, open and high resistance between power, signal and ground paths

demonstrate understanding of the principle of current flow in a simple circuit and voltage drop across a resistive load

test and repair basic wiring harnesses and looms to manufacturer specifications

perform electrical connections, including crimping and soldering to manufacturer specification

perform a terminal retention check following replacement of terminals in a wiring connector

accurately interpret test results

present vehicle and equipment in a condition that complies with workplace requirements.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

using standard workplace practices and procedures

following safety requirements

applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

regulatory requirements

Australian standards

industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

workplace location or simulated workplace

material relevant to testing and repairing basic electrical circuits and components

equipment, and hand and power tools appropriate to testing and repairing basic electrical circuits and components

specifications and work instructions.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Workplace instructionsmay include:

electronic or hard copy instructions

verbal instructions

written instructions.

Job requirements may include:

testing and repair methods, processes and equipment.

Workplace health and safety requirementsmay include:

personal protective clothing and equipment

hazards associated with high voltage ignition systems

safe use of tools and equipment

safe handling of material

use of fire-fighting equipment

workplace safety policies and procedures

workplace first aid equipment

hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances

identifying hazards associated with soldering processes

identifying hazards associated with working with vehicle supplementary restraint systems (SRS).

Procedures and informationmay include:

verbal, written and graphical instructions

signage

work schedules, plans and specifications

work bulletins and memos

material safety data sheets

diagrams and sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements relating to automotive industry

Australian Design Rules

engineer's design specifications and instructions

workplace work specifications and requirements

instructions issued by authorised workplace or external persons

Australian standards

vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand tools

digital multimeters

test lights and probes

insulation testers

crimping tools

soldering iron

heat-gun or blower

wire and cabling of various colours and sizes

heat shrink sleeving and flexible conduit

terminals and connectors

electrical tape.

Basic electrical circuits may include:

basic single wire circuits (non CAN-bus networked circuits)

door ajar switch interior courtesy light

battery B+ to fuse panel

accessory B+ to lighter or accessory socket

heated rear demister

interior lighting

exterior lighting

rear brake lighting

wiper and washer

electric engine cooling fan.

Options for diagnosing faultsmay include:

verification of fault

continuity testing

insulation testing

isolation of faults

replacement of blown fuses

replacement of blown globes and lamps

replacement of damaged terminals and connectors

visual inspection and evaluation of components.

Inappropriate testing procedures may include:

intrusive testing (which must not be performed as it is not a recommended test and repair method), which includes:

back probing terminals and connectors and fuse holders with inappropriate test probes

probing terminal and connectors with inappropriate test probes

pushing sharp probes and objects into wiring insulation.

Faults may include:

open circuits

high resistance circuits

short circuits

damaged insulation

frayed wires

burnt wiring

water and moisture ingress

connector damage

terminal damage

diagnosis trouble codes (DTC) being set.

Repair options may include:

pre- and post-repair testing

identifying and testing components

diagnosing and determining faults

component repair procedures, including:

removal, replacement and adjustment procedures

dismantle, repair, reassembly and adjustment procedures

electrical measurements

visual and functional assessments, including for damage and wear.

Post-repair testing may include:

validating the effectiveness of the repair action

confirming that reported fault has been rectified

confirming that no other faults are present as a result of the repair action.

Electrical

Unit sector

Technical – Electrical and Electronic

This unit contains employability skills.