NZQA registered unit standard
14978 version 5
Page 1 of 4
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of electric switchboard testing
Level
4
Purpose
Credits
3
This unit standard is intended for the training and assessment
of people engaged in the manufacture of electric switchboards
and covers electric switchboard testing theory.
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
–
describe switchboard test equipment;
–
demonstrate knowledge of switchboard inspection and
testing methods;
–
demonstrate knowledge of anticipated results of
switchboard tests; and
–
explain the application of thermal imaging to switchboard
testing.
Classification
Electrical Engineering > Electric Switchboards
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
This unit standard has been developed for learning and assessment off-job.
2
References
Electricity Act 1992;
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010;
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and associated regulations;
Accident Compensation Act 2001;
AS/NZS 3000:2007, Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand
Wiring Rules), including Amendment 1;
AS/NZS 3439.4:2009, Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies –
Particular requirements for assemblies for construction sites (ACS);
New Zealand Electrical Codes of Practice (NZECP), ISSN 0114-0663 (available from
the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment);
and all subsequent amendments and replacements.
The Skills Organisation
SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
14978 version 5
Page 2 of 4
3
Definitions
CT – current transformers.
HV – high voltage.
Industry practice – practice used and recommended by organisations involved in the
electrotechnology industry.
Switchboard – low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies, the rated voltage
of which does not exceed 1000 V a.c. at frequencies not exceeding 1000 Hz, or 1500
V d.c.
VT – voltage transformers.
4
Range
All knowledge demonstrated is to be conducted in accordance with applicable
specifications, documented enterprise, legislative and/or regulatory requirements,
and local bylaws.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe switchboard test equipment.
Range
test equipment includes – insulation tester, HV tester, current injection test set,
ductor set, CT, polarity test set.
Evidence of five instruments is required.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The purpose of each piece of equipment is described.
1.2
The method of use of each piece of equipment is explained in relation to
specific test requirements.
1.3
Calibration needs and safety precautions appropriate to the use of each piece
of equipment is described.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of switchboard inspection and testing methods.
Evidence requirements
2.1
A typical sequence of inspections and tests, which provides for efficiency and
safety, is described.
Range
inspections – layout, busbars;
tests – CT, VT, wiring, insulation, potential, functional.
2.2
CT tests, polarity testing, and current injection testing are described in terms of
procedure and instruments used.
2.3
The test voltages to be used for common nominal switchboard voltages are
stated.
The Skills Organisation
SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
14978 version 5
Page 3 of 4
2.4
One method of systematically testing the operating voltages of all circuits in the
switchboard is explained in accordance with industry practice.
2.5
One method of calibrating and testing circuit breakers is described in
accordance with industry practice.
2.6
The safe working clearances for high-voltage testing and operational testing are
stated in accordance with industry practice.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate knowledge of anticipated results of switchboard tests.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Typical tolerances for test results are stated.
3.2
Flashover and/or puncture occurring during insulation and HV tests are
explained.
3.3
Reasons for acceptable pass/fail criteria for insulation tests carried out at the
test voltages defined in AS/NZS 3439.1:2002 Table 10 are stated.
3.4
Primary VT ratio and its relevance to test results are described.
Outcome 4
Explain the application of thermal imaging to switchboard testing.
Evidence requirements
4.1
The term thermal imaging is explained with reference to the operation and use
of thermal imaging equipment.
4.2
Thermal imaging is explained in terms of how it detects hot spots on the
switchboard.
4.3
Types of fault that may be detected with thermal imaging technology is
explained.
Planned review date
31 December 2014
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
31 August 1998
31 December 2013
Revision
2
12 March 2002
31 December 2013
Review
3
20 March 2008
N/A
The Skills Organisation
SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
14978 version 5
Page 4 of 4
Process
Version
Date
Last Date for Assessment
Rollover and
Revision
4
15 March 2012
N/A
Revision
5
15 January 2014
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0003
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
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.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact The Skills Organisation reviewcomments@skills.org.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
The Skills Organisation
SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016