This unit of competency has been developed for Engineering Tradesperson – industrial electrician apprenticeship training, and the recognition of trade-level skills in the termination and testing of electrical cables, cords and accessories using appropriate fixing devices and methods.

It covers the installation requirements for a wide range of typically used electrical cables in a variety of situations and separation from other services, including fire wall penetrations.

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to meet the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC).

Essential Performance Capabilities (EPCs):

EPC 32 – Describe the construction, specifications, colour coding and applications of various types of cords and cables.

EPC 33 – Demonstrate the skills to prepare and terminate cords and cables.

EPC 34 – Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for selection and attachment of electrical accessories, using appropriate fixing devices, tools and methods.

And

Essential Performance Capability (EPC) classified as ‘critical’:

EPC 27 – Demonstrate knowledge of AS/NZS 3000 and local regulatory requirements for the installation of aerial conductors and underground wiring, including specialist cables.

EPC 35 – Demonstrate the knowledge and skill to install and terminate a variety of electrical cables in a wide range of applications (including final subcircuits) to AS/NZS 3000.

Some jurisdictions require the holder of this unit to be licensed or certified and users should check with the relevant authorities.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 4

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two (2) occasions and include:

following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices

identifying and interpreting circuits, drawings, plans and specifications relevant to the work to be undertaken

identifying the cables and cords by conductor size, type and rating

preparing and terminating cable and cords to accessories using appropriate hardware, tools and equipment, including soldering without undue damage to insulation or conductor

preparing and terminating at least five (5) or more of the following cable and cord types at a device terminal enclosure:

thermoplastic insulated cable (TPI)

flat thermoplastic sheathed (TPS)

circular thermoplastic sheathed (TPS)

steel wired armoured (SWA)

fire rated cable (high tension (HT) or high frequency (HF) or mineral insulated metal sheath (MIMS))

cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables

neutral screened cables

flexible cords and cables

aluminium conductor/cable

terminating the above selected cable and cord types into two (2) or more of the following connectors and lugs:

connectors:

screw

stud

tunnel

lugs:

crimp and compression

soldering

solderless

maintaining/achieving required fire rating

inspecting and testing terminated cables to ensure they comply with continuity and insulation resistance requirements and are safely intended for use

using test equipment to locate faults, completing remedial action and retesting to ensure compliance

documenting termination and testing of electrical cables, cords and accessories in accordance with SOPs.

Evidence required to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

different types of electrical cables and cords and their applications

structural components of cables and their purpose (conductor material, stranding, insulation type, voltage rating, screening, sheathing, armour and serving)

Australian and International colour standards for cables and cords

factors affecting cable current-carrying capacity:

current requirements for the circuit

cable installation method to be used

environmental conditions in the vicinity of cable installation

Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules requirements for flexible cords, cables and plugs

Australian Standards and manufacture requirements for the termination of:

TPS and TPI cables

fire protection and MIMS cables

SWA

trailing cable and catenary wire systems

soft soldering process, including the use of liquid petroleum (LP) gases and precautions to be observed

fire rated cable types, including HT, HF and MIMS and their applications

types of accessories and their intended use

support, fixing and protection methods, including:

selection and safe application of devices for fixing to timber, metal, hollow structures, masonry and concrete

hazards and safety measures when working with adhesives and chemical fixing devices

safe work methods for:

using hand and power tools

using powder and compressed gas operated tools

test requirements to ensure compliant continuity and insulation resistance and documentation to be completed.

Assessors must:

have vocational competency in terminating and testing electrical wiring and accessories at least to the level being assessed with relevant industry knowledge and experience

satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 and comply with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 or equivalent legislation covering VET regulation in a non-referring State as the case requires.

Where possible assessment must occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Installation and commissioning