Accreditation Submission
22104VIC Course in
Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
This course has been accredited under Parts 4.4 and 4.6 of the
Education and Training Reform Act, 2006. It has been entered on the
State Register of Accredited Courses and Recognised Qualifications
and the National Training Information Service.
The period of accreditation is from :
1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015
Document Status
This document is an exact copy of the document, which is listed on the State Register of
Accredited Courses and Recognised Qualifications and the National Training Information Service.
Version 1: Accredited from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2015
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) 2010.
Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of Victoria. This work is
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/au/). You are free to use, copy and distribute to
anyone in its original form as long as you attribute Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development as the author, and you license any derivative work you make available under the
same licence.
Disclaimer
In compiling the information contained in and accessed through this resource, the Department of
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that the information is correct and current at the time of publication but takes no responsibility for
any error, omission or defect therein.
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Table of Contents
Volume 1
SECTION A:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
General Information
Copyright owner of the course ......................................................................1
Address.........................................................................................................1
Type of submission ......................................................................................1
Copyright acknowledgement ........................................................................1
Licensing and franchise.................................................................................2
Course accrediting body................................................................................2
AVETMISS information ................................................................................2
Period of accreditation ..................................................................................2
SECTION B:
Course Information
1.
Nomenclature................................................................................................3
1.1 Name of qualification(s) ......................................................................3
1.2 Nominal duration of the course ............................................................3
2.
Vocational or educational outcomes of the course ........................................3
3.
Development of the course ...........................................................................3
3.1 Industry/enterprise/community needs...................................................3
3.2 Review for re-accreditation ..................................................................5
4.
Course Outcomes ........................................................................................5
4.1 Qualification level ................................................................................5
4.2 Employability skills ..............................................................................5
4.3 Recognition given to the course .........................................................5
4.4 Licensing/regulatory requirements ......................................................5
5.
Course rules..................................................................................................6
5.1 Course structure ..................................................................................6
5.2 Entry requirements ..............................................................................6
6.
Assessment .................................................................................................7
6.1 Assessment strategy ...........................................................................7
6.2 Assessor competencies ......................................................................8
7.
Delivery .........................................................................................................8
7.1 Delivery modes ...................................................................................8
7.2 Resources ...........................................................................................9
8.
Pathways and articulation .............................................................................10
9.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation ...............................................................10
Section C:
Unit code
VUXXXX1
UNITS OF COMPETENCY
Unit Title
Page
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
electrical energy metering
13
Appendix 1
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
20
Appendix 2
Skills and Knowledge required by Complex AMI Meter installers
22
Appendix 3
Minutes of Project Steering Committee meetings
23
Appendix 4
Course Contents Endorsement forms
30
Appendix 5
Letters of Support
31
APPENDICES:
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Section A: General information
1. Copyright owner of the
course
Copyright of this document is held by the Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria.
© State of Victoria
Day to day contact:
Engineering Industries (Electrical Electronics) Curriculum
Maintenance Manager
CMM id: 5128
Box Hill Institute of TAFE
Email: g.adda@bhtafe.edu.au
(T): 03 9286 9880
(F): 03 9286 9991
2. Address
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Executive Director
Pathways Participation and Youth
GPO Box 266
Melbourne 3001
3. Type of submission
Accreditation of a new course
4. Copyright
acknowledgement
Copyright of this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of
the State of Victoria.
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development) 2010
5. Licensing and franchise
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNoDerivs 3.0 Australia licence
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/au/). You are free
to use, copy and distribute to anyone in its original form as long as
you attribute the, Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development as the author, and you license any derivative work
you make available under the same licence
Copies of this publication can be downloaded free of charge from
the Training Support Network website:
http://trainingsupport.skills.vic.gov.au
6. Course accrediting body
© State of Victoria
November 2010
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
Level 6, 35 Spring Street
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Telephone: (03) 9637 2806
Website: http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au
1
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
7. AVETMISS information
8. Period of accreditation
© State of Victoria
November 2010
ANZSCO (OCCUPATIONAL
TYPE) CODES
233300
Electrical engineers
ANZSIC (INDUSTRY TYPE)
CODES
4232
Electrical Services
ASCED (FIELD OF
EDUCATION) CODE
0313
Electrical and
Electronic Engineering
and Technology
National course code
22104VIC
1 January 2011 – 31 December 2015
2
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Section B: Course information
1. Nomenclature
Standard 1 for Accredited Courses
1.1 Name of the qualification
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
1.2 Nominal duration of the
course
50 hrs
2. Vocational or educational
outcomes of the course
Standard 1 for Accredited Courses
Successful completion of this course will provide participants who
meet the course entrance requirements as described in Section 5.2
with knowledge and skills required to install/replace complex
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters safely and efficiently
and in accordance with Order in Council pertaining to the Electricity
Safety Act, 1998.
3. Development of the
course
3.1 Industry /enterprise/
community needs
Standards 1and 2 for Accredited Courses
In early 2006, the Victorian Government formally endorsed the
deployment of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to all
Victorian electricity consumers taking supply of less than 160MWh
per annum (which covers residential and small/medium business
customers). The announcement of the AMI project followed an
extensive cost-benefit study cofounded by the Government and
Victoria’s electricity distribution and retail businesses.
The AMI project effectively broadened an earlier decision by the
Essential Services Commission (ESC) to roll out manually read
interval meters across Victoria, by adding two-way communications
capabilities to enable remote readings, remote connection and other
functionalities. (See Appendix 1)
Currently most Victorian electricity supply points are metered with
electro-mechanical accumulation meters that only record total
consumption and are subject to manual reading every three months.
Starting in 2009, approximately 2.5 million new AMI meters (often
referred to as “smart meters”) will be installed over a 4-year period.
These AMI meters will allow Victorian consumers to better manage
their energy use by providing more detailed information about their
consumption with the opportunity to save money on their power bill
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The technical capabilities of AMI meters have been prescribed by
Government by way of an Order-in-Council. Meter functionalities and
performance levels are detailed in the minimum AMI Functionality
Specifications (Victoria), originally published by the Department of
Energy and Resources on 18 October 2007 and revised in
© State of Victoria
November 2010
3
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
September 2008, as approved by the Minister for Energy and
Resources, the Hon Peter Batchelor.
In 2009 a course was developed and accredited to upskill
lineworkers, meter technicians, and electricians to perform
installations/replacements of standard AMI metering equipment. This
was 22001VIC – Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter
Installation. As per the relevant Order-in-Council participants in the
training had to have:
• been properly trained in the safety aspects and limitations in
relation to installing/replacing standard AMI metering; and
• demonstrated competency in accordance with the Certificate III in
ESI Distribution (Power Line) Metering Installations unit or its
equivalent.
It was recognised during the development of the Course in Standard
(AMI) Electrical Meter Installation that some AMI meter
installations/replacements would involve complex situations outside
the scope of the course. As such, it was agreed that a ‘Course in
Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation’ should be developed and
accredited in 2010, with competencies equivalent to the ‘Course in
Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation’ and significant in-field
experience in standard AMI meter installation, as the entry
requirement.
It is anticipated that initially approximately 60 people will need to
receive the complex AMI meter training. Thereafter, it is thought that
10-15 people will have to be trained annually to cope with normal
attrition from the industry.
The course is built upon the skills and knowledge identified in the
development of the Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter
Installation and validated by the Project Steering Committee (See
Appendix 2)
There are no equivalent units of competency or qualifications in AMI
meter installation within nationally endorsed Training Packages.
A Project Steering Committee (PSC) was formed to oversee the
development of the course. The membership of the PSC was as
follows:
Grant Whyte (Chair) Service Stream
Graeme Watson
ETU
Gordon Solomon
Ziggurat Pty Ltd
Jordan Marcina
Jemena
Loc Vuong
Energy Safe Victoria
Noel Sutcliffe
Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE
Ross Homberg
Citipower/Powercor
In attendance:
George Adda
Mark Aitken
Sam McCurdy
© State of Victoria
November 2010
CMM-Engineering, Box Hill Institute of TAFE
SP AusNET
Dewhurst Consultancy Pty Ltd
4
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Minutes of the PSC meetings are provided as Appendix 5.
Signed Course Contents Endorsement forms are provided as
Appendix 6.
Letters of Support for the course are provided as Appendix 7.
3.2 Review for
re-accreditation
Standards 1 and 2 for Accredited Courses
4. Course outcomes
Standards 1, 2 and 3 for Accredited Courses
4.1 Qualification level
The Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation does not
align with any specific Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level
Not applicable
It is designed to complement other training programs (provided to at
least a Certificate III level), as well as the Course in Standard (AMI)
Electrical Meter Installation and experience gained in electrical work
and standard AMI electrical meter installation.
4.2 Employability skills
Standard 4 for Accredited Courses
This course has not been mapped to national employability skills.
4.3 Recognition given to the
course
Standard 5 for Accredited Courses
4.4 Licensing/ regulatory
requirements
Standard 5 for Accredited Courses
© State of Victoria
November 2010
The course is recognised by the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry
(VESI), represented by Citipower/Powercor, Jemena and DMS
SP/AusNET, as the formal requirement for those involved in installing
and setting up complex AMI electrical metering.
The training provided by the Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical
Meter Installation satisfies the requirements prescribed by Orders-inCouncil under the Electrical Industry Act 2000 for those who can
install AMI metering.
5
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
5. Course rules
Standards 2, 6 and 7 for Accredited Courses
To gain a Statement of Attainment for the Course in Complex (AMI)
Electrical Meter Installation, participants must complete the unit of
competency listed in Table 1 below.
5.1 Course structure
VUXXXX1
Field of
Education
Code
031399
Unit title
Prerequisite
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
None
4
Credit
Matrix
Points
Unit code
Credit
Matrix
Level
Table 1:
Nominal
duration
5
50
Total nominal hours
Credit Matrix Ranking
Qualification profile: Course in Complex(AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
(lowest level then lowest points where there is a choice of electives)
Credit Matrix
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
EN
Total
5.2 Entry requirements
50
Total Points
No. of units
5
1
5
1
Standard 9 for Accredited Courses
Entrants to the Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter
Installation must have competencies equivalent to those defined
by the Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation.
There are no barriers to entry on the grounds of age, gender,
political or cultural background.
© State of Victoria
November 2010
6
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
6. Assessment
6.1 Assessment strategy
Standard 10 for Accredited Courses
All assessment must be consistent with the requirements of
Standard 1, Element 1.5 of the AQTF: Essential Standards for
Continuing Registration.
Assessment procedures for this course must be developed to
simulate the real workplace environment, as closely as possible.
The assessment strategies must also include RPL/RCC
processes.
Course providers will be required to adopt an assessment strategy
that:
 incorporates continual feedback of individual progress toward,
and achievement of competencies;
 addresses skills, attitudes and knowledge underpinning
performance appropriate to the workplace;
 gathers sufficient evidence to judge achievement of progress
towards determining competence;
 utilises a variety of different processes/sources, e.g. written,
oral, observation in role-plays, projects;
 recognises achievement of elements/competencies regardless
of where the enabling learning took place (RPL);
 fosters a collaborative and co-operative relationship between
the learner and assessor;
 is flexible in regard to the range and type of evidence provided
by the learner;
 provides opportunity for the learner to challenge assessment
provisions and participate in re-assessment;
 is equitable and fair to all learners;
 does not unnecessarily restrict the progress of a learner
through the course;
 adapts assessment tools to suit the needs of particular clients
or client groups (e.g. clients with special needs).
Where appropriate a holistic assessment strategy and method may
be used to assess a range of units of competency.
Assessment methods may include (but are not restricted to):
• workplace projects and /or assignments
• practical application and demonstration of skills
• research assignments/projects
• written /verbal tests
The opportunity for learners to negotiate the form of assessment is
also possible in many cases, e.g. alternative assessments for
learners with special needs.
© State of Victoria
November 2010
7
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
6.2 Assessor competencies
Standard 12 for Accredited Courses
The requirements for staff involved in assessment are stated in the
Standard 1.4 of the AQTF: Essential Standards for Continuing
Registration.
Assessment must be conducted by persons who have:
 the following competencies from the Training and Education
Training Package – TAE10, or demonstrated equivalent
competencies:
(i) TAEASS401A Plan assessment activities and
processes
(ii) TAEASS402A Assess competence
(iii) TAEASS403A Participate in assessment validation
and
7. Delivery
7.1 Delivery modes

relevant vocational competencies, at least to the level being
assessed.

However, if a person does not meet all the requirements to
conduct assessment, one person with the competencies listed
above and one or more persons who have the relevant
vocational competencies may work together to conduct
assessment.
Standard 11 for Accredited Courses
Training has been designed to be delivered full-time or part-time in
a flexible mode, if required.
Other delivery mode examples include:
• classroom delivery
• practical work
• case study analysis
• role-plays
• guest speakers
It is recommended that the course be conducted using workplace
delivery and assessment methods to maximise opportunities for
learners to have learning experiences, which are as close as
possible to a real workplace environment.
The unit of competency may be contextualised to meet the needs
of different groups of students. Generally this means:
• Elements and associated performance criteria must not be
altered in any way;
• The Range Statement may be expanded as long as it does not
increase the complexity of the unit
• The Evidence Guide may be expanded as long as it retains the
integrity of the unit and does not jeopardise the student’s
© State of Victoria
November 2010
8
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
•
7.2 Resources
potential to achieve the competency.
Learning and assessment resources may be tailored to the
specific needs of the target group, while maintaining their
validity
Standard 12 for Accredited Courses
The minimum list of resources needed to conduct the course
includes:
• classrooms and lecture theatres, as appropriate;
• access to a real or simulated electrical metering workplace
environment
• case studies;
• workplace resources, such as relevant legislation, codes and
reporting documentation
• Electricity Safety Act 1998 and relevant Orders-in-Council
• Victorian Service and Installation Rules
• Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI): Installation Supply
Connection Tests & Procedures manual
• First Aid manual
• ‘Code of practice for work on or near high voltage electrical
apparatus’ – Blue Book;
• ‘Code of practice on electrical safety for distribution businesses
in the Victorian electrical supply industry’ – Green Book
Qualifications of Trainers
The requirements for trainer qualifications for those involved in
training delivery are stated in Element 1.4 of Standard 1 of the
AQTF: Essential Standards for Continuing Registration.
A trainer must:
 must hold the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40110 from the Training and Education Training Package
(TAE10), or be able to demonstrate equivalent competencies;
or
 be under the direct supervision of a person who holds the
TAE40110 - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
qualification, or its equivalent; and
 be able to demonstrate vocational competencies, at least to
the level of those being delivered.
8. Pathways and articulation
Standard 8 for accredited courses
At present there are no formal articulation arrangements from this
course into other VET or higher education courses.
9. Ongoing monitoring and
evaluation
Standard 13 for accredited courses
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of this course is the
responsibility of the Curriculum Maintenance Manager,
© State of Victoria
November 2010
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Engineering Industries.
This course will be constantly monitored and maintained by an
Industry Advisory Committee with representatives from:
• Industry
• Electrical Regulator
• EPIC
• RTOs delivering the courses.
The following methods will be used to provide data to the Industry
Advisory Committee:
 student surveys
 employer surveys
 trainer/assessor feedback
The CMM – Engineering Industries will meet with the Industry
Advisory Committee at least once in the middle of the accreditation
period and more frequently if necessary, to:
 review the implementation of the course;
 provide advice on changing course requirements;
 monitor and evaluate course standards, delivery and
assessment;
 determine whether the course should be replaced by an
endorsed Training Package qualification or endorsed units of
competency.
Recommendations for any significant changes will be reported
through the Curriculum Maintenance Manager, Engineering
Industries to the Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority
(VRQA).
Examples of changes that will be reported to the VRQA include
changes to:
• the course structure, by adding or deleting units from the core
or electives, whether to reflect local industry needs or to reflect
changes to Training Packages and the availability of new or
revised nationally endorses units of competency
• required pre-requisites and/or co-requisites
• the nominal duration of the course and of units
•
•
copyright ownership
articulation and/or credit transfer arrangements
•
legislation such as OHS/ licensing
Course maintenance and review procedures may also indicate that
the course in total should be expired if a suitable national
qualification becomes available through the development or review
of a Training Package.
© State of Victoria
November 2010
10
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Section C – Units of competence
Unit code
VUXXXX1
Unit Title
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
November 2010
Page
13
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Unit Code
Unit Title
VUXXXX1
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
Unit Descriptor
This unit provides the skills and knowledge to enable participants
to install and set up AMI metering of electrical energy use by
consumers in complex installations.
Complex AMI metering scenarios may include:
• Jobs that involve a requirement to climb more than 2 metres
off the ground
• Sites with multiple tariffs
• Multiple meters for one customer
• Multiple occupancy configurations
• Gross meters
• Different load controls
• Different neutral connections, such as “Daisy chains”
• Redundant light/power meters
The unit encompasses working safely in accordance with
standards, work practices and codes, evaluating the integrity of
communication platforms, commissioning and electrical testing of
AMI meter installations.
This unit is informed by the following accredited unit of
competency:
VPAU806 – Install and set up standard Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) energy metering
Note: To apply this competency in the work place an authorisation
from a Distribution Authority is required.
Employability skills
This unit has not been mapped to national Employability Skills.
Application of the
Unit
This unit of competency would be applied by line workers,
electricians; and meter technicians engaged in complex metering
installation and set up of AMI electricity meters, as part of the AMI
replacement program. It also requires identification of OHS
requirements, complying with electrical safety practices, dealing
with unexpected situations and reporting to designated persons,
where necessary.
VUXXXX1–
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
12
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
ELEMENT
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Elements describe the essential
outcomes of a unit of competency.
Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to
demonstrate achievement of the element. W here bold/italicised text is
used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge
and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be
consistent with the evidence guide.
1
1.1 Determine the designated OHS requirements for the given
work area.
Prepare to install and set
up complex AMI
metering.
1.2 Identify any health and safety risks and implement
appropriate measures and procedures to minimise the risks.
1.3 Inspect and evaluate the meter panel/board on which the
AMI meter is to be fitted, for compliance with safety and
functionality requirements.
1.4 Identify and inspect the existing meter isolation point for safe
isolation.
1.5 Obtain approval for persons of designated authority, if
outside personal responsibility, to rectify any safety and/or
functionality defects of the meter panel/board, including
isolation point, as required.
1.6 Identify the meter and time switch types and check the
meter number and switchboard configuration.
1.7 Perform meter reading and check the time switch setting.
1.8 Prepare for the complex installation of the meter in
consultation with other parties (e.g. customers).
1.9 Obtain the materials needed for the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against the job
requirements.
1.10 Select the tools, equipment and testing devices to conduct
the complex work.
2.
Install and set up the
complex AMI metering.
2.1 Follow relevant OHS risk control measures and procedures
for carrying out the work.
2.2 Deal with unexpected situations safely and with the
approval of persons of designated authority, if necessary.
2.3 Evaluate the condition and arrangement of the meter wiring
and switchboard configuration.
2.4 Label and tag the cables against the relevant meter drawing
for the switchboard configuration.
2.5 Conduct tests in strict accordance with Victorian Electricity
Supply Industry (VESI): Installation Supply Connection Tests
& Procedures manual.
2.6 Check that existing metering equipment has been isolated in
strict accordance with OHS/regulator’s requirements and
procedures.
2.7 Carry out approved rectification work to comply with
standards and in accordance with established procedures.
VUXXXX1–
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
2.8 Connect meter and communications platform in accordance
with Distribution Authority specifications.
2.9 Check the quality of installed apparatus in accordance with
established procedures.
2.10 Conduct the complex metering installation efficiently without
waste of materials or damage to apparatus or the
surrounding environment.
2.
Complete and report
complex metering
installation activities
3.1 Reinstate power supply to the complex installation, while
following OHS work completion risk control measures and
procedures.
3.2 Conduct final checks/tests that the installed AMI meter and
communications conform to requirements.
3.3 Clean up the work site and make it safe in accordance with
established procedures.
3.4 Document “As-installed” metering and rectification work and
notify appropriate persons in accordance with established
procedures.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Skills required
• Interpersonal skills, in dealing with team members and members of the public
• Communication skills, in explaining the hazards and risks involved to others
• Assessing skills in identifying the extent of rectification work required
• Organising skills to implement AMI metering efficiently
• Problem solving skills to overcome identified hazards
• Testing in accordance with the VESI Installation and Supply Connection Tests and
Procedures 2005
• Safe handling techniques
Knowledge required
• Section 8 of the Victorian Service and Installation Rules pertaining to metering
• Occupational health & safety procedures in working with electricity
• Technical standards, regulations and codes for general electrical installations
• Electricity distributors, supply requirements
• Electrical AMI metering arrangements
• Communication platforms
• AMI metering concepts and applications
• Drawings of existing complex metering wiring
• Electricity Safe working practices
• Regulatory requirements
• Recording requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work
environments and situations that may affect performance.
Complex AMI metering
VUXXXX1–
•
Jobs that involve a requirement to climb more than 2
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
14
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
includes these job types:
Health and safety risks may
include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
metres off the ground
Sites with multiple tariffs
Multiple meters for one customer
Multiple occupancy configurations
Gross meters
Different load controls
Different neutral connections, such as “Daisy chains”
Redundant light/power meters
Asbestos and other hazardous materials
Confined spaces
Defective installation pertaining to meter exchange.
Switchboard setup
Cable deterioration
Electric shock
Environmental obstructions or constraints
Hazardous materials identification
Manual handling
Meter configurations that are not ‘Standard AMI metering
types’
Working at heights
Working alone
AMI meters provide the
ability for consumers to:
•
Better manage energy use through the provision of more
detailed information about their consumption
Unexpected situations may
include:
•
•
•
•
Asbestos
Outages
Rain
Excessive heat
Persons of designated
authority may include:
•
•
•
Job supervisors
Site Managers
Project Managers
Quality of installed
apparatus includes:
•
•
•
•
Correct meter type(s)
Correct connections
Tightness of terminations
Condition of wiring
Checks/tests includes:
•
•
•
Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI): Installation
Supply Connection Tests & Procedures
Correct occupancy
Correct load
Meter types may include:
•
•
•
•
Single phase direct wire
Single phase direct wire with load control
Multi-phase direct wire
Multi-phase direct wire with load control
Time switch types may
include:
•
•
1 Pole (30 amp max)
2 Pole (30 amp max)
VUXXXX1–
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
15
Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Materials may include:
•
•
•
•
Timber
Composite panels
Contactors
Wiring
Communication platforms
may include:
•
•
•
3 G/ Wireless Broadband
Power Line Carriers (PLC)/Distribution Line Carriers (DLC)
Global System Mobile (GSM)/General Packet Radio
System (GPRS)
Radio mesh
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX)
Radio
Zigbee
Satellite
•
•
•
•
•
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
section in Section B of the accreditation submission.
Critical aspects for
assessment and evidence
required to demonstrate
competency in this unit
To be considered competent in this unit the participant must be
able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to
achieve all of the elements of competency and associated
performance criteria.
The participant should be able to demonstrate competence
within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work
function and industrial environment. Specifically they must be
able to:
• Inspect and evaluate the safety and functionality of the
meter board accurately;
• Follow established OH & S procedures to minimise the
hazards and risks associated with the rectification of any
non-compliant aspects of the complex meter board and the
installation of AMI metering;
• Rectify compliance defects that have been approved by the
designated authority;
• Utilise tools and other equipment in a safe and effective
manner;
• Test in accordance with VESI Installation Supply
Connection Test & Procedures;
• Place and secure complex AMI metering correctly;
• Establish power and communication connections in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and
functional and regulatory requirements;
• Set metering parameters in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications and functional and regulatory
requirements;
• Reinstate supply to the installation safely;
• Deal with unplanned events effectively;
• Document metering and rectification work and notify
appropriate persons in accordance with established
VUXXXX1–
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
procedures.
Context of and specific
resources for assessment
The assessment of this unit should be conducted in a simulated
workplace that replicates the range of conditions likely to be
encountered in typical work practice.
Resources required for the assessment of the unit include:
• Manufacturer’s specifications for AMI meters
• Access to a real or simulated electrical metering workplace
with appropriate tools and equipment
• Code of practice for work on or near high voltage electrical
apparatus – Blue Book;
• Code of practice on electrical safety for distribution
businesses in the Victorian electrical supply industry –
Green Book
• Victorian Service and Installation Rules 2005
• Drawings of existing complex metering wiring
• Relevant occupational health & safety procedures
• Access to workplace documentation
• Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI): Installation
Supply Connection Tests & Procedures manual
Methods of assessment
VUXXXX1–
Assessment should be conducted over a period of time using
such methods as:
• Case study analyses
• Written tests
• Assignments
• Demonstration of skills
Install and set up complex Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Appendix 1 – Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Background
In early 2006, the Victorian Government formally endorsed the deployment of AMI to all
Victorian electricity consumers taking supply of less than 160 MWh per annum (which covers
residential and small/medium business customers). The announcement of the AMI project
followed an extensive cost-benefit study, the Study Report (PDF 493KB) co-funded by the
Government and Victoria’s electricity distribution and retail businesses.
The AMI project effectively broadens an earlier decision by the Essential Services Commission
(ESC) (external link) to roll out manually read interval meters across Victoria, by adding twoway communications capabilities to enable remote reading, remote connection and other
functionalities.
Enabling Legislation
An amendment to the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (external link) was passed by the Victorian
Parliament in August 2006, providing the Government with legislative heads of power to make
Orders-in-Council establishing a range of requirements for the deployment of AMI, including
functionalities, performance and service levels, as well as a framework for the regulated
recovery of costs associated with installation and ongoing operation.
Functionality
Currently, most Victorian electricity supply points are metered with electro-mechanical
accumulation meters that only record total consumption and are subject to manual reading
every three months.
Starting in 2009, approximately 2.5 million new AMI meters (often referred to as “smart
meters”) will be installed over a 4 year period. These AMI meters will allow Victorian
consumers to better manage their energy use by providing more detailed information about
their consumption with the opportunity to save money on their power bill and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
The technical capabilities of AMI meters have been prescribed by Government, by way of an
Order-in-Council (external link), following an extensive and collaborative development
exercise undertaken by the AMI project.
Functionalities and performance levels are detailed in the Minimum AMI Functionality
Specification (Victoria), originally published by the Department on 18 October 2007 and
revised in September 2008, as approved by the Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon
Peter Batchelor .
Service Levels
Service Levels, that establish obligations on both distributors and retailers with regard to the
operation of AMI, have also been prescribed and are detailed in the Minimum AMI Service
Levels Specification (Victoria), published by the Department on 18 October 2007 and revised
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
in September 2008, as approved by the Hon Peter Batchelor, Minister for Energy and
Resources.
Cost Recovery
Consistent with the legislated heads of power, the Department has, in consultation with industry
stakeholders, developed a framework for the regulated recovery of costs associated with the
rollout of AMI. This framework is established by way of an Order-in-Council made on
28 August 2007 (PDF 309KB) and as amended by an Order-in-Council made on 25 November
2008 (PDF 403KB) and Order-in-Council made on 22 January 2009 (PDF 1.1MB).
Technology Trials
A key early consideration of the AAMI project was to establish that communications
technologies are available to meet the requirements on AMI across a range of Victorian urban
and rural environments.
To confirm that existing commercial AMI technologies, used in other countries and elsewhere
in Australia, could be successfully transferred to Victoria, a series of technology trials were
undertaken in 2006 and 2007 by Victorian industry participants.
These trials were substantively completed in August 2007 and the Department has prepared an
overview of the key findings from the trials, AMI Technology Trials Report (PDF 771KB).
Customer Response Trial
Given the anticipated availability of interval consumption data through the AMI project, the
Government is keen to promote new approaches to managing electricity usage across Victoria.
The Government has advanced negotiations with two industry participants to assess customer
demand responses to new retail pricing structures enabled by AMI, and potential measures to
encourage customers to participate in demand response programs.
It is expected that these trials will commence in 2009 and conclude in 2011. Further
information will be posted when it becomes available.
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Appendix 2
Skills and Knowledge Required by Complex AMI Meter Installers
The following information summarises data gathered in consultations with the Project Steering
Committee members.
Skills required
•
Interpersonal skills, in dealing with team members and members of the public
•
Communication skills, in explaining the hazards and risks involved to others
•
Assessing skills in identifying the extent of rectification work required
•
Organising skills to implement complex AMI metering efficiently
•
Problem solving skills to overcome identified hazards and complex metering requirements
•
Testing in accordance with the VESI Installation and Supply Connection Tests and
Procedures 2005
•
Safe handling techniques
Knowledge required
•
Section 8 of the Victorian Service and Installation Rules pertaining to metering
•
Occupational health & safety procedures in working with electricity
•
Technical standards, regulations and codes for general electrical installations
•
Electricity distributors, supply requirements
•
Electrical AMI metering arrangements
•
Communication platforms
•
AMI metering concepts and applications
•
Drawings of existing complex metering wiring
•
Electricity Safe working practices
•
Regulatory requirements
•
Recording requirements
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Appendix 3 – Minutes of Project Steering Committee Meetings
Accreditation Project for the
Course in Complex AMI Electrical Meter Installation
1st Project Steering Committee Meeting
Held on Tuesday 20 July 2010
Present:
Grant Whyte (Chair)
Jordan Marcina
Loc Vuong
Ross Homberg
Gordon Solomon
Graeme Watson
AMRS (Aust) P/L
Jemena
Energy Safe Victoria
Powercorp
Ziggurat Pty Ltd
ETU
In attendance:
George Adda
Mark Aitken
Sam McCurdy
CMM-Engineering, Box Hill Institute of TAFE
SP-Ausnet
Dewhurst Consultancy Pty Ltd
Apologies:
Noel Sutcliffe
GippsTAFE
1. Welcome and introductions
G Adda welcomed those present and invited each to identify themselves and the organisation they
represented.
2. Election of a Chairperson
Grant Whyte was unanimously elected as the Chairperson for the Steering Committee.
3. Background to the project:
G Adda provided the background to the project, which flowed on from the development and
accreditation of the Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter installation, which was completed in
2009. That project highlighted the need for a Course in Complex AMI Electrical Meter Installation.
Although some non-accredited training has already been conducted by individual Distribution
Businesses (DBs) on complex electrical meter installation, the committee agreed that an accredited
course covering areas common to all of the five DBs was needed.
4. Proposed Action Plan
S McCurdy explained that the accreditation would need to follow the five step process stipulated by
the VRQA. He tabled an Action Plan around these steps with the intention of lodging the
accreditation submission to the VRQA by the end of October. He also stated that this meeting
marked the beginning of step 3 in the accreditation process.
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
G Watson added there were perceptions that the previous accreditation process for the Course in
Standard AMI Electrical Meter Installation had not adequately involved the Victorian Electricity
Supply Industry (VESI) Council and this should be avoided in this current accreditation process.
He suggested that an action involving a presentation on the progress to date be timetabled for the
VESI meeting on 17 August. He would be happy to make that presentation on behalf of the
Steering Committee. This suggestion was accepted unanimously, so the Action Plan will be
modified accordingly. With this change the Action Plan was approved.
5. Required skills and knowledge for Complex AMI Electrical Meter Installation
Some concern was expressed that some RTOs are not delivering all of the content required by the
content of existing Course in Standard AMI Electrical Meter Installation. Copies of the curriculum
for this course were tabled to facilitate the identification of requirements for ‘Complex AMI
Electrical Meter Installation” course.
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) first established what the DBs considered to be the common
characteristics of “Complex AMI Electrical Meter Installation. These were considered to be:
• Sites with multiple tariffs
• Multiple meters for one customer
• Different load controls
• Different neutral connections, such as “Daisy chains”
• Redundant light/power meters
These characteristics involved the following job types in one way or another:
• 1, 2 or 3 phase lighting and/or power meters
• 1,2 or 3 phase light/power meter, Polyphase heating and 3 pole time switches (T/S)
• Multiple flats with multiple T/S and Contactors
• Any sites that have two or three pole T/S switching controlled loads. (2 Rate meter changeover
coils are not controlled loads)
• Any sites that require the installation of a contactor for controlled load switching
• Non-standard wiring
The PSC then reviewed the skills and knowledge required for the complex jobs defined above and
agreed on the following:
Skills required
• Interpersonal skills, in dealing with team members and members of the public
• Communication skills, in explaining the hazards and risks involved to others
• Assessing skills in identifying the extent of rectification work required
• Organising skills to implement AMI metering efficiently
• Problem solving skills to overcome identified hazards
• Testing in accordance with the VESI Installation Supply Connection Tests and Procedures
Manual
• Safe handling techniques
Knowledge required
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Relevant parts of Section 8 of the Victorian Service and Installation Rules 2005, pertaining to
meters
Occupational health & safety procedures in working with electricity
Technical standards, regulations and codes for general electrical installations
Electricity distributors, supply requirements
Electrical AMI metering arrangements
Communication platforms
AMI metering concepts and applications
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
•
•
•
Electricity Safe working practices
Regulatory requirements
Recording requirements
6. Review of draft 1 of the accreditation submission
The PSC agreed that only one unit was required for the course, namely: “Install and set up complex
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electrical energy metering”. Since this unit had been
provided in draft 1 of the accreditation submission, the PSC members reviewed its content and
suggested the following changes.
Unit Descriptor:
Amend the 1st paragraph to read as follows:
“This unit provides the skills and knowledge to enable participants to install and set up AMI
metering of electrical energy use by consumers in complex installations. It encompasses working
safely in accordance with standards, work practices and codes, evaluating the integrity of
communication platforms, commissioning and electrical testing AMI meter installations.
Application of the unit
Amend to read:
‘This unit of competency would be applied by line workers, electricians and meter technicians
engaged in complex metering installation and set up of AMI electricity meters, as part of the AMI
replacement program. It also requires identification of OHS requirements, complying with
electrical safety practices, dealing with unexpected situations and reporting to designated persons,
where necessary.”
Performance Criteria 1.5
Amend to read: “Obtain approval from persons off designated authority, if outside personal
responsibility, to rectify any safety and/or functionality defects of the meter panel/board, including
isolation point, when required”.
Element 2 – Install and set up the complex AMI metering
• Move PC 2.6 up to position 2..2
• Add the following PCs
2.3 Evaluate the condition and arrangement of the meter wiring.
2.4 Label and tag the cables against the relevant meter drawing
• Adjust the PC numbering accordingly
• Amend the new PC 2.9 to bold and italicise the words “quality of installed apparatus” and add a
Range Statement item for this phrase.
Element 3 – Complete and report complex metering installation activities
• In PC 3.2, bold/italicise the words “final checks/test” and add a Range Statement item for this
phrase
7. Future action
S McCurdy agreed to incorporate the changes identified at this meeting into draft 2 of the
accreditation submission, which would then be distributed to the members prior to the next meeting
for review. He invited feedback each member to review the complete document and provide him
with feedback on any further changes that may be necessary to the document prior to that meeting.
Action: S McCurdy
8. Arrangements for the next meeting
The next meeting of the Project Steering Committee was set for 1:00 pm on Monday 9 August at
the same venue. AMRS (Australia) Pty Ltd, Level 1, 355 Spencer Street, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Accreditation Project for the
Course in Complex AMI Electrical Meter Installation
2nd Project Steering Committee Meeting
Held on Monday 9 August 2010
Present:
Grant Whyte (Chair)
Jordan Marcina
Loc Vuong
Ross Homberg
Noel Sutcliffe
Graeme Watson
AMRS (Aust) P/L
Jemena
Energy Safe Victoria
Powercorp
GippsTAFE
ETU
In attendance:
George Adda
Sam McCurdy
CMM-Engineering, Box Hill Institute of TAFE
Dewhurst Consultancy Pty Ltd
Apologies:
Gordon Solomon
Mark Aitken
Ziggurat Pty Ltd
SP-Ausnet
1.
Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes were accepted unanimously as an accurate record.
2.
Business arising from the previous meeting
• Changes to the Action Plan
Sam indicated that an extra step had been included in the Action Plan to allow a presentation on
the progress of this project to be made to the VESI Council at their meeting on 17 August.
• Changes to the draft submission
Sam advised that the changes recommended at the last meeting had been incorporated into the
2nd draft of the accreditation submission to be reviewed at this meeting. He also pointed out
that further changes had since been made to the Steering Committee in the draft, to reflect the
current membership.
He also reported that Loc Vuong has suggested that the definition of what constitutes a
“complex AMI metering” scenario needs further expansion to accommodate those situations
where there may be an alternative source of energy, such as solar.
3.
Review of the 2nd draft of the accreditation submission:
In reviewing the draft submission, the committee recommended the following changes:
Section B, 1.2
• The committee determined that the nominal duration of the course should be 50 hours.
Section B, 2
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
• In the 1st sentence, change “Section 5.1” to “Section 5.2”.
Section B, 3.1 and 5.2
• Amend the ‘Entry requirement” to the course to be “competencies equivalent to the Course in
Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation and significant in-field experience in standard
AMI meter installation.”
Section B, 3.1
• Amend the paragraph on training numbers to read “It is anticipated that initially approximately
60 people will need to receive the complex AMI meter training. Thereafter, it is thought that
10-15 people will have to be trained annually to cope with normal attrition from the industry.”
Section B, 4.1
• Add to the last sentence “and standard AMI electrical meter installation”
Section B, 5.1
• After some discussion, the committee determined that the unit should be assigned 50 nominal
hours and a Credit Matrix ranking of level of 4 with 5 points.
Unit VUXXXX1
• Add the expanded definition of what constitutes complex AMI metering to the ‘Unit descriptor’.
• Amend PC 1.6 to read “Identify the meter and time switch types and check the meter number and
switchboard configuration.
• Amend PC 2.3 to read “Evaluate the condition and arrangement of the meter wiring and the
switchboard configuration.”
• Amend PC 2.4 to read “Label and tag the cables against the relevant meter drawing for the
switchboard configuration(s).”
• In the 1st Range Statement item change “meters” to “metres” in the 1st dot point and add the
following points:
- Multiple occupancy configurations
- Gross meters
• To the “Health and safety risks’ in the Range Statement add the following:
- Switchboard setup
- Cable deterioration
• To the “Quality of installed apparatus” in the Range Statement add the following:
- Correct meter type(s)
- Correct connections
• To the “Meter types” in the Range Statement, remove “2-phase direct wire” and “3-phase direct
wire” and add the following:
- Single phase direct wire with load control
- Multi-phase direct wire
- Multi-phase direct wire with load control
• To the “Materials” in the Range Statement add the following:
- Contactors
- Composite panels
4. Course Contents Endorsement forms
Each member present reviewed and signed a Course Content Endorsement form. Sam McCurdy
will follow up with Mark Aitken and Gordon Solomon to collect their signed forms.
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
5.
Future action
A complete accreditation submission will be compiled and forwarded to two independent
Accreditation Advisers for review against the AQTF Standards for Accredited Courses. They will
provide a report on the suitability of the submission to proceed to an Accreditation Panel. This
Panel will be made up of the two Accreditation Advisers and one industry representative from the
Steering Committee.
The committee appointed Ross Homberg to be the industry representative on the Accreditation
Panel.
Two Letters of Support for the course need to be gathered from peak industry bodies, as part of the
accreditation submission. It was agreed that letters would be sought from EPIC and Jemena.
Action: Graeme Watson and Jordan Marcina
It is anticipated that the Accreditation Panel will meet early in September to consider the
submission and they will then make a recommendation to the VRQA for the course to be accredited
for a period of five years. The accredited course should then be available for delivery from the
beginning of 2011.
6.
Other business
In discussions, the committee noted that “alternative energy sources” and “generators” should be
added to the list of dangerous situations in the unit VPAU806-Install and set up standard Advanced
metering Infrastructure (AMI) energy metering” within the Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical
Meter Installation.
George Adda noted that this change could be made to the course, but added that now would be an
appropriate time to convene a committee to conduct a review of the Course in Standard (AMI)
Electrical Meter Installation, as part of its’ ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Since there is no
need for a 3rd Project Steering Committee meeting for the complex metering project, the scheduled
date in the Action Plan could be used to conduct the review of the Course in Standard (AMI)
Electrical Meter Installation.
The committee agreed that Grant Whyte should convene the review meeting.
Action: Grant Whyte
7.
Arrangements for the next meeting
The next meeting will review the Course in Standard (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation and will be
held at 1:00 pm on Monday 13 September at AMRS (Australia) Pty Ltd, Level 1, 355 Spencer
Street, Melbourne
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Appendix 4
Course Contents Endorsement Forms
© State of Victoria
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Accreditation submission:
Course in Complex (AMI) Electrical Meter Installation
Appendix 5
Letters of Support
© State of Victoria
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