SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate on Low Voltage networks 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258959  Operate on Low Voltage networks 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
113865  Operate on low voltage networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons in the Low Voltage reticulation environment.

The person credited with this unit standard is capable of carrying out operating on Low Voltage networks by doing:
  • Switching of apparatus.
  • Linking of apparatus.
  • Safety testing and earthing of apparatus.
  • Prepare apparatus for safe/working conditions [where applicable].
  • Returning apparatus to service.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical reticulation environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of Physical Planning and Construction. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Electrical Infrastructure and Construction environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Apply safety in the electrical environment.
  • Introduction to industry.
  • Low Voltage test instruments.
  • Handling and caring of electrical earthing gear and related equipment.
  • Names and functions of Low Voltage apparatus found on electrical reticulation networks. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Operating is limited to Low Voltage networks to include switching, linking, safety testing, earthing, and preparation for work.
  • Operating conditions include normal/abnormal, planned/unplanned and day/night. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare to operate on Low Voltage networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope of work to be carried out is determined as per work request. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The affected customers are notified of the outage times as per job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Plan the sequence of events in conjunction with the work co-ordinator and work teams where applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ensure that the relevant personal protective/safety equipment, earthing gear, prohibitory signs, insulated operating sticks, applicable testing and lock-out devices and keys are available and serviceable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Visual inspection is carried out on the apparatus to be operated on to determine that it is safe to work on. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Switch apparatus on Low Voltage networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazardous conditions are identified, assessed and the risk mitigation is implemented and recorded according to risk analyses procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate Low Voltage circuit breakers are identified, checked for irregularities, correct labelling and that safety signs are attached as per the statutory requirements or operating standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The applicable safety gear and personal protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with safe work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate breakers, switches or lock out devices are identified, operated and locked out as per operating or lock out procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Isolate apparatus on Low Voltage networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate isolators, fuses or neutral links are identified and checked for irregularities and correct safety labels and signs attached as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applicable safety gear and personal protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with safe work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate isolators are opened and status verified according to operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate fuses or neutral link inserts are removed where applicable according to operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All cubical doors are secured and locked on completion of isolation according to operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Safety test and earth apparatus on Low Voltage networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An approved safety testing device is selected, inspected and checked for functionality prior to earthing being carried out as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The isolated Low Voltage network is safety tested as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The applicable safety gear/personal protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with safe work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Earth gear is correctly selected and inspected to be in good condition as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The earthing gear is adequately applied to the apparatus/circuit as per the operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Restore supply to Low Voltage networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All tools/equipment have been removed from the work site and all workers have been informed that the apparatus will be returned to service according to operating regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All earthing gear is removed from the apparatus or circuit according to operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate isolators are closed and fuses or neutral links replaced where applicable and status verified as per operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Lockout devices are removed according to lockout procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The appropriate breakers or switches are identified, operated, status verified and reported where necessary as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety labels and prohibitory signs are removed and cubical doors locked according to operating regulations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • A comprehensive understanding of operating procedures, principles and terminology.
  • Able to read, report and interpret work instructions and operating procedure.
  • Able to use a range of operating equipment and testers.
  • Ability to read, interpret and relate to operating/network diagrams.
  • A good understanding of job related risks (e.g. work in close proximity to live High Voltage conductors on shared structures) and related safety standards and procedures.
  • A comprehensive understanding of how to physically operate the different types of apparatus. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively, with the ability to follow work instructions or procedures when working independently or in a work team to ensure safe execution of work activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organise and critically evaluate information related to operating of apparatus on Low Voltage networks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Effective use of communication methods when giving or receiving instructions and notifying customers. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Responsible thinking and decision making with regard to safety precautions and procedures during operating process to be applied at all times. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 113865, "Operate on low voltage networks", Level 3, 12 credits.

    Supplementary Information:
  • This unit standard can be assessed in a workplace environment, or in a training or educational environment if simulated equipment response and examples are able to be provided, or in a combination of both environments.
  • Performance in relation to the elements must comply with current legislation, especially the OSH Act and their subsequent amendments, electricity supply industry codes of practice and documented procedures.
  • Reference to terms, procedures, and specifications in this unit standard may be taken as including documented procedures and specifications relevant to the workplace in which assessment is carried out.
  • Performance in relation to the elements must comply with Industry operating regulations for high voltage systems [ORHVS] being extensions of the OHS Act with specific reference to work on shared structures (MV/LV).
  • All work practices shall meet documented industry maintenance standards, including the quality management requirements, and the documentation of activities, events, and decisions.

    Specified Requirements:

    Legal Requirements:
  • OHS Act.
  • Low Voltage operating procedures.
  • Industry or Local Authority regulations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  72051   National Certificate: Electrical Engineering  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Better Best Agri Development 
    2. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    3. DR HE MAEPA INSTITUTE 
    4. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    5. GG SQUARED PROJECTS 
    6. KP ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    7. Majuba TVET College 
    8. MSC ARTISAN ACADEMY 
    9. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 
    10. Protech Training (Pty) Ltd 
    11. SABS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL TESTING FACILITY OLIFANTSFONTEIN 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.