Level 2 Diploma
in Plumbing
Studies (6035-02)
Unit 203 - Scientific principles for
domestic, industrial and commercial
plumbing
LO 1
Understand the properties of common plumbing materials
AC 1.1 - Identify different uses of materials in plumbing
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AC 1.2 – Describe the properties of materials used in plumbing
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AC 1.3 – Describe specific heat capacity
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AC 1.4 – Describe coefficient linear expansion
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AC 1.5 – Describe heat conductivity
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AC 1.6 – Explain the concept of capillarity in liquids
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AC 1.7 – Describe the different effects of capillarity in plumbing materials
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AC 1.8 – Explain the causes of corrosion in plumbing system materials
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AC 1.9 – Identify methods of corrosion prevention in plumbing materials.
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Range
Materials
Steel, iron, ferrous metals, plastic, alloys, non-ferrous metals.
Properties
Mass/weight – relative density, malleability, ductility, hardness,
tensile strength, specific heat capacity.
Effects
Positive and negative.
Causes
Electrolytic action, atmospheric corrosion.
Methods
Enamelling, painted coatings, galvanised coatings, inhibitors,
sacrificial anodes.
LO 2
Understand the scientific properties and principles of water
AC 2.1 - Identify the different states of water
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AC 2.2 - Describe the changing state of water in relation to temperature
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AC 2.3 - Describe relative density of water
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AC 2.4 - Describe maximum density of water
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AC 2.5 - Explain the concept of latent heat
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AC 2.6 - Describe the expansion of water
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AC 2.7 - Explain how different factors can affect the properties of water
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AC 2.8 - Describe the effects of hard water on plumbing systems and components
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AC 2.9 - Identify methods of water treatment.
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Range
States of water
Solid, liquid, gas.
Temperatures
Freezing, boiling, maximum density.
Properties
Temporary and permanent hard or soft water.
Effects
Corrosion, lime-scale, reduced lifespan of material,
performance of appliance.
Methods
Softeners, conditioners.
LO 3
Understand the pressure, force and flow of water
AC 3.1 - Identify the units of measurement for pressure
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AC 3.2 - Describe the relationship between pressure and head of water
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AC 3.3 - Explain the procedure for calculating pressures of water
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AC 3.4 - Describe frictional resistance to water flow in pipes and fittings
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AC 3.5 - Describe principles of velocity
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AC 3.6 - Describe the principles of siphonic action.
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Range
Units of measurement
Pascale, Newton, Bar, metres head.
Pipes and fittings
Steel, plastic, copper.
Elbows, bends, tees, valves, reducers,
taps.
LO 4
Understand the principles of heat in relation to plumbing systems
AC 4.1 - Identify units of measurement for temperature
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AC 4.2 - Explain the procedure for calculating heat capacity
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AC 4.3 - Compare the methods of heat transfer
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AC 4.4 - Describe the effectiveness of different surfaces and finishes in the
relationship to heat transfer
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AC 4.5 - Describe the advantages of insulators used in plumbing systems
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AC 4.6 - State the negative aspects of heat transfer.
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Range
Units of measurement
Celsius, Kelvin.
Heat transfer
Conduction, convection, radiation.
Surfaces and finishes
Shiny, dull.
Advantages
Energy efficiency, controls heat
transfer.
Negative
Heat loss, wastage, condensation.
LO 5
Know the principles of combustion and heating gases
AC 5.1 - Describe the requirements for combustion
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AC 5.2 - Identify combustion temperatures of gases
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AC 5.3 - Describe the properties of gases used for heating purposes.
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Range
Requirements
Fuel, oxygen, ignition.
Gases
Natural, Butane, Propane.
Properties
Relative density, calorific value, air
requirements.
LO 6
Know the basic principles of electricity
AC 6.1 - Identify units of measurement for electricity
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AC 6.2 - Explain the procedure for calculating basic electricity relationships
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AC 6.3 - Describe the differences of AC and DC currents
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AC 6.4 - Identify how AC and DC currents are generated.
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Range
Units of
measurement
Amps, volts, watts,
ohms.