Compliance for DC Pracbox

Have you ever audited your assessment equipment to see if they assist you in compliance? Do your current equipment cover all aspects of assessments for the Unit of Competency?

We conducted an audit of our DC pracbox to see how much does it comply with the current units of competency that they were designed for. The results were more impressive than we could’ve hoped for and thought it may give you an insight on this concept that we call Assessment Equipment Compliance.

Here’s an overview, and a detailed mapping is shown later in the post.

How compliant is the DC Pracbox

DC Pracbox covers the following Units of Competency at the percentages shown below. So, for example, it covers 85% of the UEENEEE104A, which is also called E104A.

UEENEEE104A

UEENEEE103A

UEECD0044

UEECD0046

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Compliance mapping for DC Pracbox

To prove whether your assessments cover all the aspects of a Unit of Competency, most training organisations use a competency mapping where, on one side there are knowledge, skills or performance evidence points and on the other side there are specific parts of assessments that satisfy those points. Although, this document is not a requirement during a compliance audit, it definitely saves a lot of time by giving an overview of how well you assess someone.

We thought, could it be possible to do a similar audit of an equipment, which is used during these assessments?

Here’s a detailed mapping of DC Pracbox against UEENEEE104A Solve problems in d.c. circuits. Click on the plus icon on the left to see the details of the subpoints.

T points	Required Skills, Knowledge and Performance Criteria	Covered in DC Pracbox
T1	Basic electrical concepts encompassing:	33%
T1.1	electrotechnology industry
T1.2	static and current electricity
T1.3	production of electricity by renewable and non renewable energy sources
T1.4	transportation of electricity from the source to the load via the transmission and distribution systems
T1.5	utilisation of electricity by the various loads
T1.6	basic calculations involving quantity of electricity, velocity and speed with relationship to the generation and transportation of electricity.

T2	Basic electrical circuit encompassing:	100%
T2.1	symbols used to represent an electrical energy source, a load, a switch and a circuit protection device in a circuit diagram
T2.2	purpose of each component in the circuit
T2.3	effects of an open‐circuit, a closed‐circuit and a short‐circuit
T2.4	multiple and sub‐multiple units

T3	Ohm’s Law encompassing:	100%
T3.1	basic d.c. single path circuit.
T3.2	voltage and currents levels in a basic d.c. single path circuit
T3.3	effects of an open‐circuit, a closed‐circuit and a short‐circuit on a basic d.c. single path relationship between voltage and current from measured values in a simple circuit
T3.4	determining voltage, current and resistance in a circuit given any two of these quantities
T3.5	graphical relationships of voltage, current and resistance
T3.6	relationship between voltage, current and resistance

T4	Electrical power encompassing:	80%
T4.1	relationship between force, power, work and energy
T4.2	power dissipated in circuit from voltage, current and resistance
T4.3	power ratings of devices
T4.4	measurement electrical power in a d.c. circuit
T4.5	effects of power rating of various resistors

T5	Effects of electrical current encompassing:	60%
T5.1	physiological effects of current and the fundamental principles (listed in AS/NZS 3000) for protection against the this effect
T5.2	basic principles by which electric current can result in the production of heat; the production of magnetic fields; a chemical reaction
T5.3	typical uses of the effects of current
T5.4	mechanisms by which metals corrode
T5.5	fundamental principles (listed in AS/NZS3000) for protection against the damaging effects of current

T6	EMF sources energy sources and conversion electrical energy encompassing:	25%
T6.1	basic principles of producing a emf from the interaction of a moving conductor in a magnetic field
T6.2	basic principles of producing an emf from the heating of one junction of a thermocouple.
T6.3	basic principles of producing a emf by the application of sun light falling on the surface of photovoltaic cells
T6.4	basic principles of generating a emf when a mechanical force is applied to a crystal (piezo electric effect)
T6.5	principles of producing a electrical current from primary, secondary and fuel cells
T6.6	input, output, efficiency or losses of electrical systems and machines
T6.7	effect of losses in electrical wiring and machines
T6.8	principle of conservation of energy

T7	Resistors encompassing:	100%
T7.1	features of fixed and variable resistor types and typical applicationsx
T7.2	identification of fixed and variable resistors
T7.3	various types of fixed resistors used in the Electro technology Industry. e.g. wire‐wound, carbon film, tapped resistors
T7.4	various types of variable resistors used in the Electro technology Industry e.g. adjustable resistors: potentiometer and rheostat; light dependent resistor (LDR); voltage dependent resistor (VDR) and temperature dependent resistor (NTC, PTC).
T7.5	characteristics of temperature, voltage and light dependent resistors and typical applications of each
T7.6	power ratings of a resistor
T7.7	power loss (heat) occurring in a conductor
T7.8	resistance of a colour coded resistor from colour code tables and confirm the value by measurement
T7.9	measurement of resistance of a range of variable’ resistors under varying conditions of light, voltage, temperature conditions.
T7.10	specifying a resistor for a particular application

T8	Series circuits encompassing:	100%
T8.1	circuit diagram of a single‐source d.c. ‘series’ circuit.
T8.2	Identification of the major components of a ‘series’ circuit: power supply; loads; connecting leads and switch
T8.3	applications where ‘series’ circuits are used in the Electrotechnology industry
T8.4	characteristics of a ‘series’ circuit ‐ connection of loads, current path, voltage drops, power dissipation and affects of an open circuit in a ‘series’ circuit.
T8.5	the voltage, current, resistances or power dissipated from measured or given values of any two of these quantities
T8.6	relationship between voltage drops and resistance in a simple voltage divider network.
T8.7	setting up and connecting a single‐source series dc circuit
T8.8	measurement of resistance, voltage and current values in a single source series circuit
T8.9	effect of an open‐circuit on a series connected circuit

T9	Parallel circuits encompassing:	92%
T9.1	schematic diagram of a single‐source d.c. ‘parallel’ circuit
T9.2	major components of a ‘parallel’ circuit (power supply, loads, connecting leads and switch)
T9.3	applications where ‘parallel’ circuits are used in the Electrotechnology industry.
T9.4	characteristics of a ‘parallel’ circuit. (load connection, current paths, voltage drops, power dissipation, affects of an open circuit in a ‘parallel’ circuit).
T9.5	relationship between currents entering a junction and currents leaving a junction
T9.6	relationship between branch currents and resistances in a two branch current divider network.
T9.7	calculation of the total resistance of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
T9.8	calculation of the total current of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
T9.9	Calculation of the total voltage and the individual voltage drops of a ‘parallel’ circuit.
T9.10	setting up and connecting a single‐source d.c. parallel circuit
T9.11	resistance, voltage and current measurements in a single‐source parallel circuit
T9.12	voltage, current, resistance or power dissipated from measured values of any of these quantities
T9.13	output current and voltage levels of connecting cells in parallel.

T10	Series/parallel circuits encompassing:	100%
T10.1	schematic diagram of a single‐source d.c. ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
T10.2	major components of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit (power supply, loads, connecting leads and switch)
T10.3	applications where ‘series/parallel’ circuits are used in the Electrotechnology industry.
T10.4	characteristics of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit. (load connection, current paths, voltage drops, power dissipation, affects of an open circuit in a ‘series/parallel’ circuit).
T10.5	relationship between voltages, currents and resistances in a bridge network.
T10.6	calculation of the total resistance of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
T10.7	calculation of the total current of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
T10.8	calculation of the total voltage and the individual voltage drops of a ‘series/parallel’ circuit.
T10.9	setting up and connecting a single‐source d.c. series/ parallel circuitx
T10.10	resistance, voltage and current measurements in a single‐source d.c. series / parallel circuit
T10.11	the voltage, current, resistances or power dissipated from measured values of any two of these quantities

T11	Factors affecting resistance encompassing:	88%
T11.1	four factors that affect the resistance of a conductor (type of material, length, cross‐sectional area and temperature)
T11.2	affect the change in the type of material (resistivity) has on the resistance of a conductor.
T11.3	affect the change in ‘length’ has on the resistance of a conductor.
T11.4	affect the change in ‘cross‐sectional area’ has on the resistance of a conductor.
T11.5	effects of temperature change on the resistance of various conducting materials
T11.6	effects of resistance on the current‐carrying capacity and voltage drop in cables.
T11.7	calculation of the resistance of a conductor from factors such as conductor length, cross‐sectional area, resistivity and changes in temperature
T11.8	using digital and analogue ohmmeter to measure the change in resistance of different types of conductive materials (copper, a luminium, nichrome, tungsten) when those materials undergo a change in type of material length, cross‐sectional area and temperature.

T12	Effects of meters in a circuit encompassing:	74%
T12.1	selecting an appropriate meter in terms of units to be measured, range, loading effect and accuracy for a given application.
T12.2	measuring resistance using direct, volt‐ammeter and bridge methods.
T12.3	instruments used in the field to measure voltage, current, resistance and insulation resistance and the typical circumstances in which they are used.
T12.4	hazards involved in using electrical instruments and the safety control measures that should be taken.
T12.5	operating characteristics of analogue and digital meters.
T12.6	correct techniques to read the scale of an analogue meters and how to reduce the ‘parallax’ error.
T12.7	types of voltmeters used in the Electrotechnology industry – bench type, clamp meter, Multimeter, etc.
T12.8	purpose and characteristics (internal resistance, range, loading effect and accuracy) of a voltmeter.
T12.9	types of voltage indicator testers. e.g. LED, neon, solenoid, volt‐stick, series tester, etc. and explain the purpose of each voltage indicator tester.
T12.10	operation of various voltage indicator testers.
T12.11	advantages and disadvantages of each voltage indicator tester.
T12.12	various types of ammeters used in the Electrotechnology industry – bench, clamp meter, multimeter, etc.
T12.13	purpose of an ammeter and the correct connection (series) of an ammeter into a circuit.
T12.14	reasons why the internal resistance of an ammeter must be extremely low and the dangers and consequences of connecting an ammeter in parallel and/or wrong polarity.
T12.15	selecting an appropriate meter in terms of units to be measured, range, loading effect and accuracy for a given application
T12.16	connecting an analogue/digital voltmeter into a circuit ensuring the polarities are correct and take various voltage readings.
T12.17	loading effect of various voltmeters when measuring voltage across various loads.
T12.18	using voltage indicator testers to detect the presence of various voltage levels.
T12.19	connecting analogue/digital ammeter into a circuit ensuring the polarities are correct and take various current readings.

T13	Resistance measurement encompassing:	88%
T13.1	selecting an appropriate meter in terms of units to be measured, range, loading effect and accuracy for a given application.
T13.2	the purpose of an Insulation Resistance (IR) Tester.
T13.3	the parts and functions of various analogue and digital IR Tester (selector range switch, zero ohms adjustment, battery check function, scale and connecting leads).
T13.4	reasons why the supply must be isolated prior to using the IR tester.
T13.5	where and why the continuity test would be used in an electrical installation.
T13.6	where and why the insulation resistance test would be used in an electrical installation.
T13.7	the voltage ranges of an IR tester and where each range may be used. e.g. 250 V d.c, 500 V d.c and 1000 V d.c
T13.8	AS/NZS3000 Wiring Rules requirements – continuity test and insulation resistance (IR) test.
T13.9	purpose of regular IR tester calibration.
T13.10	the correct methods of storing the IR tester after use
T13.11	carry out a calibration check on a IR Tester
T13.12	measurement of low values of resistance using an IR tester continuity functions.
T13.13	measurement of high values of resistance using an IR tester insulation resistance function.
T13.14	volt‐ammeter (short shunt and long shunt) methods of measuring resistance.
T13.15	calculation of resistance values using voltmeter and ammeter reading (long and short shunt connections)
T13.16	measurement of resistance using volt‐ammeter methods

T14	Capacitors and Capacitance encompassing:	92%
T14.1	basic construction of standard capacitor, highlighting the: plates, dielectric and connecting leads
T14.2	different types of dielectric material and each dielectric’s relative permittivity.
T14.3	identification of various types of capacitors commonly used in the Electrotechnology industry (fixed value capacitors ‐stacked plate, rolled, electrolytic, ceramic, mica and Variable value capacitors – tuning and trimmer)
T14.4	circuit symbol of various types of capacitors: standard; variable, trimmer and polarised
T14.5	terms: Capacitance (C), Electric charge (Q) and Energy (W)
T14.6	unit of: Capacitance (Farad), Electric charge (Coulomb) and Energy (Joule)
T14.7	factors affecting capacitance (the effective area of the plates, the distance between the plates and the type of dielectric) and explain how these factors are present in all circuits to some extent.
T14.8	how a capacitor is charged in a d.c. circuit.
T14.9	behaviour of a series d.c. circuit containing resistance and capacitance components. ‐ charge and discharge curves
T14.10	the term ‘Time Constant’ and its relationship to the charging and discharging of a capacitor.
T14.11	calculation of quantities from given information: Capacitance (Q = VC); Energy (W =½CV2); Voltage (V = Q/C)
T14.12	calculation one time constant as well as the time taken to fully charge and discharge a given capacitor. (τ = RC)
T14.13	connection of a series d.c. circuit containing capacitance and resistor to determine the time constant of the circuit

T15	Capacitors in Series and Parallel encompassing:	90%
T15.1	hazards involved in working with capacitance effects and the safety control measures that should be taken.
T15.2	safe handling and the correct methods of discharging various size capacitors
T15.3	dangers of a charged capacitor and the consequences of discharging a capacitor through a person
T15.4	factors which determine the capacitance of a capacitor and explain how these factors are present in all circuits to some extent.
T15.5	effects of capacitors connected in parallel by calculating their equivalent capacitance.
T15.6	effects on the total capacitance of capacitors connected in series by calculating their equivalent capacitance.
T15.7	Connecting capacitors in series and/or parallel configurations to achieve various capacitance values.
T15.8	common faults in capacitors.
T15.9	testing of capacitors to determine serviceability.
T15.10	application of capacitors in the Electrotechnology industry.

	Elements and Performance Criteria
1	Prepare to work on d.c. electrical circuits	100%
1.1	OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood
1.2	OHS risk control work preparation measures and procedures are followed
1.3	The nature of the circuit problem is obtained from documentation or from work supervisor to establish the scope of work to be undertaken
1.4	Advice is sought from the work supervisor to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others.
1.5	Sources of materials that may be required for the work are identified and accessed in accordance with established procedures.
1.6	Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety.

2	Solve d.c. circuit problems.	100%
2.1	OHS risk control work measures and procedures are followed.
2.2	The need to test or measure live is determined in strict accordance with OHS requirements and when necessary conducted within established safety procedures.
2.3	Circuits are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures.
2.4	Established methodological techniques are used to solve d.c. circuit problems from measure and calculated values as they apply to electrical circuit.
2.5	Unexpected situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of an authorised person.
2.6	Problems are solved without damage to apparatus, circuits, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices.

3	Complete work and document problem solving activities.	100%
3.1	OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.
3.2	Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.
3.3	Justification for solutions used to solve circuit problems is documented.
3.4	Work completion is documented and an appropriate person or persons notified in accordance with established procedures.

	Critical aspects for assessment: 1- evidence that shows a candidate is able to:	80%
A	Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
B	Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
C	Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
D	Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employmentx
E	Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

	Critical aspects for assessment: 2 - Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:	100%
A	Using methodological techniques to solve d.c. circuit problems from measure and calculated values
B	Determining the operating parameters of an existing circuit.
C	Altering an existing circuit to comply with specified operating parameters
D	Developing circuits to comply with a specified function and operating parameters.
E	Dealing with unplanned events

How does the equipment compliance help me?

When conducting a compliance audit, more often than not, the biggest component is the assessments. The easiest way to be compliant on paper is to make theory assessments but in a competency based system practical assessments are by far the best way to assess a candidates competency. In electrotechnology, this means that you need to have invested in practical assessment equipment to replicate real world scenarios so that you can assess the candidates. Historically, this was done by buying all the components you needed and put them in a container and the container would sit on a shelf or a trolley. What a mess that makes!

Not to mention, losing components after each assessment or practical exercise, which means you are reinvesting in something you shouldn’t be. At the end of the day, this may make you compliant, but at what cost?

Money – buy more equipment than necessary
Time spent looking for the right equipment and components when needed
Stress – losing components when needed means you can’t assess completely

Our response to assessment and compliance stress

We went through the training package and put almost everything that's necessary in one enclosure. After conducting an audit, we found out that you could cover more than 80% of any of the DC circuits subjects in Certificate II and Certificate III Electrotechnology, not just in UEE11 but also in the upcoming training package. Quick overview of components in DC pracbox V4
25V 5A power supply with an intelligent controller
Multimeter without flat battery hasseles
Various fixed value resistors including power resistors and colour coded resistors
Variable resistors like thermistors, varistors, LDRs
Various loads like LEDs and Lamps Continuity and IR test components like nichrome wires and transformer Bipolar Capacitors
Time and Money well spent.

Conclusion

As you can see, by conducting an audit of your equipment, you can see how much of your assessments do your equipment cover and be confident that your candidates are being assessed holistically and practically. It is useful to actually see in black and white how much coverage you are receiving for your investment. More coverage means less expenses on other equipment and money well spent. Or as we call it, more bang for your buck!

If you would like to know more about DC pracboxes or any of our other equipment, please feel free to email us on info@infinispark.com.au

Thanks for reading.

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About the Author

Husnen Rupani

I help electrical training organisations increase learner engagement by designing innovative training equipment. I have a saying "Electricity - you cannot see, you cannot hear it, but by the time you feel it, it may be too late." My main aim is to turn this black magic that we call electricity into something that people can understand.