NATIONAL CERTIFICATES (VOCATIONAL)
SUBJECT GUIDELINES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND
CONSTRUCTION
NQF LEVEL 2
IMPLEMENTATION JANUARY: 2013
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
INTRODUCTION
A. What is Electrical Systems and Construction about?
This subject provides an introduction to the basics of electrical systems and introduces the
learning at an elementary level. It is assumed that students have no previous electrical
background and knowledge.
Students learn how to plan and prepare for an electrical installation job in accordance with job
requirements, relevant standards and appropriate workplace procedures to enable them to
safely perform electrical installation and maintenance tasks using appropriate instruments and
equipment.
The content of this subject was revised to address gaps and shortcomings in the first version of
the curriculum. The Department of Higher Education and Training worked in close collaboration
with the Department of Public Enterprise, stakeholders and role players from both industry and
FET Colleges who all provided valuable input and participated in the revision process.
B. Why is Electrical Systems and Construction important in the learning programme?
Electrical Systems and Construction strives to assist students to obtain trade-specific skills,
knowledge, values and attitudes so that students can explain how electricity is applied in
practice and safely perform installation and maintenance tasks.
C. How do the Learning Outcomes link with the critical and developmental outcomes?
The application of this subject is outcomes-based oriented and relates to the Critical and
Developmental Outcomes.
Students will be able to:
• Identify and solve problems:
Recognise situations that require action and react appropriately.
• Work effectively with others:
Construct and test projects in groups or teams.
• Organise and manage themselves and their activities:
Apply the correct procedures for using, storing and looking after equipment, tools, and test
equipment, drawings and parts.
• Collect, organise and evaluate information and take appropriate action:
Use media centers to collect information.
• Communicate effectively:
Use appropriate names for equipment, tools, test equipment, drawings and parts.
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
• Use science and technology:
Use and apply science and technology principles in both theory and practice.
• Demonstrate understanding of subject content through the application of acquired
knowledge:
Solve problems related to the subject content.
D. Which factors contribute to achieving the Learning Outcomes?
Students require:
• An understanding of technical and electro-mechanical principles
• Analytical ability
• An ability to do mathematical calculations and manipulations
• Practical skills
• Skill to interpret technical information
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND CONSTRUCTION – LEVEL 2
CONTENTS
1. DURATION AND TUITION TIME
2. SUBJECT LEVEL OUTCOMES AND FOCUS
3. ASSESSMENT
3.1
Internal assessment
3.2
External assessment
4. WEIGHTED VALUES OF TOPICS
5. CALCULATION OF FINAL MARK
6. PASS REQUIREMENTS
7. SUBJECT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Topic 1: Basic Electrical Circuits and Systems
Topic 2: Low Voltage Cables and Wire Ways
Topic 3: Electric Machines
Topic 4: Fault-finding and Testing
Topic 5: Protection and Measuring Instruments
Topic 6: Renewable Energy
8. RESOURCE NEEDS FOR THE TEACHING OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND
CONSTRUCTION – LEVEL 2
8.1
Physical resources
8.2
Human resources
8.3
Other resources
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
1. DURATION AND TUITION TIME
This is a one-year instructional programme comprising 200 teaching and learning hours.
The subject may be offered on a part-time basis provided the student meets all the
assessment requirements. Students with special education needs (LSEN) must be catered
for in a way that eliminates barriers to learning.
2. SUBJECT LEVEL OUTCOMES AND FOCUS
SAQA QUALIFICATION ID: 50440
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
• Perform electrical circuit and system testing, installation and maintenance tasks.
• Join low voltage cables and wire ways safely
• Describe, inspect, clean and use electric machines
• Plan and execute electrical inspection, installation and maintenance activities using
appropriate electrical instruments
• Explain renewable energy
Associated Assessment Criteria:
• Basic electrical circuits and systems are tested, installed and replaced.
• Low voltage cables and wire ways are safely joined.
• Principles of electric machinery are described in terms of their operation and application.
• Inspections on electric system installations are planned and performed.
• Renewable energy circuits is explained and sketched
3. ASSESSMENT
Information provided in this document on internal and external assessment aims to
inform, assist and guide a lecturer to effectively plan the teaching of the subject.
The Assessment Guidelines accompanying this document provides detailed information
to plan and conduct internal and external assessments.
3.1
Internal assessment (50 percent)
Detailed information regarding internal assessment and moderation is outlined in the
current Internal Continuous Assessment (ICASS) Guideline document provided by the
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
3.2
External assessment (50 percent)
A National examination is conducted annually in October or November by means of a
paper(s) set and moderated externally. A practical component Integrated Summative
Assessment Task (ISAT) will also be assessed as a component of external assessment.
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
Detailed information regarding external assessment and moderation is outlined in the
National Policy on the Conduct, Administration and Management of the Assessment of
the National Certificate Vocational Gazette Number 30287, dated 12 September 2007.
4. WEIGHTED VALUES OF TOPICS
TOPICS
1. Basic Electrical Circuits and Systems
2. Low Voltage Cables and Wire Ways
3. Electric Machines
4. Fault-finding and Testing
5. Protection and Measuring Instruments
6. Renewable Energy
TOTAL
WEIGHTED
VALUE
25
20
15
15
15
10
100
*TEACHING
HOURS
27
22
17
17
16
11
110
*Teaching Hours refer to the minimum hours required for face to face instruction and
teaching. This number excludes time spent on revision, test series and internal and external
examination/assessment. The number of the allocated teaching hours is influenced by the
topic weighting, complexity of the subject content and the duration of the academic year.
5. CALCULATION OF FINAL MARK
Internal assessment mark:
Examination mark:
Final mark:
Student’s mark/100 x 50 = a mark out of 50 (a)
Student’s mark/100 x 50 = a mark out of 50 (b)
(a) + (b) = a mark out of 100
All marks are systematically processed and accurately recorded to be available as hard
copy evidence for, amongst others, reporting, and moderation and verification purposes.
6. PASS REQUIREMENTS
The student must obtain at least fifty (50) percent in ICASS and fifty (50) percent in the
examination.
7. SUBJECT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Topic 1: Basic Electrical Circuits and Systems
Topic 2: Low Voltage Cables and Wire Ways
Topic 3: Electric Machines
Topic 4: Fault-finding and Testing
Topic 5: Protection and Measuring Instruments
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
Topic 6: Renewable Energy
Topic 1: Basic Electrical Circuits and Systems
Subject Outcome 1.1: Install, test and replace basic electric circuits and systems
Range:
a. A distribution board (single phase typically found in average household),
b. Entry to a dwelling (cables and conductors),
c. House wiring (single phase only),
d. Earthing and bonding on electrical installations,
e. Low voltage transformers and luminaire units.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Read and interpret electric circuit diagrams and related symbols correctly.
• Plan and prepare for an electrical installation job in accordance with job requirements
and workplace standards and policies and procedures.
• Perform an electrical installation according to relevant SABS standards on domestic
installations.
• Test the installation according to relevant SABS standards on domestic installations.
(Faults are simulated and the student does fault-finding and reports on the outcome.)
• Ensure that electrical installations function properly and meet job requirements.
• Replace and maintain electrical equipment in a domestic dwelling.
• Clean the worksite.
Topic 2: Low Voltage Cables and Wire Ways
Subject Outcome 2.1: Join low voltage cables.
Range:
a. Cables include armoured cables;
b. Terminations include lugs and terminal blocks;
c. Joining includes: screw-its, connecting block, Line taps, tee-joints, Britannia joints,
married joints, and barrel and twist joint and jointing kits.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• List basic safety rules when joining cables.
• Explain the regulations relating to joining of cables according to relevant SABS
standards.
• Create a safe working environment before joining cables.
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
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Describe the characteristic of a good joint.
List the factors to consider when joining cables.
Explain types of joints and methods commonly used to join low voltage electric cords,
conductors and electric cables.
Illustrate with the aid of sketches the joining of armoured cables
Demonstrate how a cable gland is fitted to an armoured cable.
Select the most suitable joining procedure for the application.
Join the cable, inspect and test the joint.
Join and solder multi-strand insulated conductors.
Use terminal blocks and screw-its for joining.
Use a joining kit to join an un-armoured cable.
Clean the work area and store equipment correctly.
Subject Outcome 2.2: Explain and install wire ways.
Range: Conduits (PVC and steel) and accessories, conduit bending, cutting and threading,
termination of conduit, flexible conduits, trunking and cable trays.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Explain the purpose of wire ways.
• Identify wire ways and install cabling.
• Work as a member of a team and assist in the installation of wire ways.
Topic 3: Electric Machines
Subject Outcome 3.1: Inspect and clean electric machines.
Range:
DC and AC machines not exceeding 10kW and reversing the direction of rotation of DC
motors (series, shunt and compound)- AC induction motors limited to capacitor startcapacitor run- motors, permanent capacitor motors, capacitor- start induction- run motors,
resistance- start induction-run motor, induction-start induction- run motors, universal and
shaded-pole motors; excludes machine installation.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Explain statutory requirements when working on electrical machinery.
• Reproduce typical connection diagrams, showing the connections to the supply or load.
• Identify types of machines by supply or load connections, types of application, terminal
layout, ID plate and visual appearance.
• Describe electrical and mechanical inspection procedures when working on electrical
machinery.
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
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Explain the purpose of a motor control.
Range: Starting, stopping, reversing, running, speed control, safety of operator,
protection from damage.
List the types of motor enclosures.
Range: Screen protected drip-proof, flame-proof and pipe ventilated.
List the types of motor bases.
Range: slide rails, foundation studs and metallic bases.
List the types of motor couplings.
Range: flexible, direct, Gear, belt and pulley coupling.
Explain the permit to work system and lock out procedures.
Clean electrical machinery in accordance with workplace standards.
Topic 4: Fault-Finding and Testing
Subject Outcome 4.1: Test and find faults in electrical components.
Range includes but is not limited to:
a. Continuity tests,
b. Deviations from manufacturer's specification;
c. Test components to verify operation or functioning.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• List the possible tests that can be carried out on components.
• Explain how to test and find faults in electrical components.
Range: fuses, circuit breakers, thermostats, luminaires, transformers, switches, earth
leakage relays, and isolators.
• Test electrical components.
Topic 5: Protection and Measuring Instruments
Subject Outcome 5.1: Install and replace electrical metering units and measuring
instruments.
Range:
a. Installing and replacing under dead conditions only
b. Preparation includes but is not limited to marking off, cutting, drilling and filing.
c. Mounting includes but is not limited to direct on surface, din rail and embedded.
d. Symbols and abbreviations include but are not limited to A = ammeter, V = voltmeter,
kWh = kilowatt hour meter, Hz = frequency meter, PF = power factor meter, ECU =
energy control unit (ripple relay, load control relay and timers and ED (electricity
dispenser).
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
e. Measuring instrument displays include but are not limited to analogue, digital and
numeric types.
f. Metering unit types include but are not limited to analogue, digital, numeric and magnetic
types and prepaid meters.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Plan to install and replace electrical metering units and measuring instruments.
• Interpret task requirements according to instructions and diagrams.
• Select and obtain, as per specifications, metering units and measuring instruments.
• Select tools and equipment according to job requirements.
• Correctly identify the location for mounting.
• Obtain authorisation for access to restricted areas and possible downtime.
• Obtain the required safety equipment and material.
• Communicate working schedule to affected parties.
• Correctly prepare area for the mounting procedure.
• Mark off metering unit and measuring instrument dimensions as per specifications.
• Correctly select and use hand and power tools to meet the job requirements.
• Mount and secure metering unit and measuring instrument.
• Connect metering unit and measuring instrument as per instruction and specification.
• Adhere to safety precautions before, during and after the mounting procedure.
Subject Outcome 5.2: Complete the installation and replacement of a metering unit
and measuring instrument on a panel.
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Ensure the re-energising of the circuit and verify the correct operation of the replaced
metering unit and measuring instrument.
• Discard all waste and scrap materials and equipment as per environmental and safety
policies and standards.
• Correctly check, clean and store all tools and equipment as per workplace standards
and procedures.
• Restore workplace to original state as per housekeeping standards and worksite
procedures and standards.
• Sign off and submit all relevant documentation such as the job card.
Topic 6: Renewable Energy
Subject Outcome 6.1: Understand how photovoltaic and solar thermal systems
function and operate.
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Describe the operation of a photovoltaic cell.
• Explain the composition of a photovoltaic panel.
• Describe photovoltaic arrays in terms of connection configurations.
• Explain the function of photovoltaic arrays in terms of their application.
Subject Outcome 6.2: Sketch a basic renewable energy circuit diagram
Learning Outcomes:
The student should be able to:
• Interpret renewable energy circuit instructions according to work site procedures.
• Ensure that symbols used in a renewable energy circuit diagram conform to ISO
standards.
• Describe the function of each component in a renewable energy circuit.
• Sketch renewable energy circuit diagrams neatly according to instructions.
• Ensure that circuit diagrams are functional according to instructions.
8. RESOURCE NEEDS FOR THE TEACHING OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND
CONSTRUCTION NQF LEVEL 2
8.1
Physical resources
Well equipped classrooms and workshops are essential for this practical orientated
subject. If possible, using the facilities of employers in the electrical field, for training, is
preferred.
8.2
Human resources
Lecturing staff must have appropriate electrical qualifications and possesses the
necessary knowledge, skills and reflexive approach to ensure that students’ learning is
kept up to date with the latest technologies and changing trends in their specialist field
Continuous staff development with exposure to an industrial environment is necessary to
acquire new skills and update their existing skills where new technologies have been
introduced. Lecturers are required to spend a structured and routine period annually in
an industrial environment for these purposes.
Staff development in terms of updating teaching, learning and assessment skills is
required on an ongoing basis, particularly for staff that moves from industry into the
educational environment of an FET college.
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8.3
Other resources –
• The institution should have funding available to provide the following:
 consumables required to perform practical assignments and examinations
 maintenance of physical recourses
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Department of Higher Education and Training
Electrical Systems and Construction Level 2 Final Subject Guidelines (January 2013) National Certificates (Vocational
 purchasing of new equipment. `
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Department of Higher Education and Training