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: 

Troubleshoot on programmable logic controllers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
113897  Troubleshoot on programmable logic controllers 
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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons in the electrical engineering and maintenance environment.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:

a Understand the principle of operation of a PLC,
b Understand the operation and purpose of basic instructions of a PLC
c Understand and applying the principles of uploading and downloading software programs, and testing and evaluating operating parameters.
d Demonstrate and understand programmable process communication systems.e Doing basic troubleshooting using circuit diagrams and indicator lights on the PLC system.

This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical engineering and construction 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 engineering and construction environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following knowledge, skills attitude and / or equivalent:
  • Numbering systems and logic functions.
  • Interpretation of electrical drawings and circuit diagrams.
  • Apply and maintain electrical safety.
  • Relevant sections of statutory requirements.
  • Worksite standards and procedures.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • ABET Level 4 communication.
  • Select, use and care for electrical instruments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The PLC system used is limited to a minimum size of 8 I/O and a maximum of 32 I/O
  • Programming languages appropriate to the PLC used include but not limited to:
    a. Ladderb.
    b. STLc.
    c. SFC
  • Type of PLC`s used include but is not limited to:
    a. Block PLC`s,
    b. Modular PLC`s,
    c. Screw mounted PLC`s,
    d. Din rail PLC`s.
  • Statutory requirements are included but are not limited to SABS 0142, OSH Act. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare for. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. All relevant documentation is obtained according to worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Drawings, Control Program, Worksite Procedures, Indicator statuses
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The necessary equipment is selected according to worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measuring/monitoring equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Worksite is inspected for safe working conditions and corrective action is taken where required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    No open-ended wires, and energy sources are isolated.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Personal protective equipment is selected as per OSH act and worksite procedures/regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Obtain the operating principle of the process/equipment to be controlled with the PLC. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. A good understanding of generic PLC theory is shown. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All system components and their operation, wiring of I/O modules & troubleshooting with their status indicators.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. A good understanding of the operating principle of the back plane and power supply. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A parallel bus or network bus. Operation of redundant/Non-redundant power supplies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. A good understanding of the memory area of the processor is shown. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The program memory with the use of main routines and sub-routines. The Input and output image tables with an understanding of a "conducting" normally open contact as an equivalent for a logic 1and a "conducting" normally closed contacts as an equivalent for a logic 0.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. A good understanding of the functioning of the basic instructions in a PLC system is shown. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input, output, latch/set, unlatch/reset, timers and counter instructions.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of programmable process communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Opening the programming software is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Computer based systems, or industrial programmers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The set-up of process communication drivers between programming device and controller is understood and demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Serial communications, standard network communications or propriety communications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The processor with the desired program is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Going online with a program that already exist in a controller or downloading a program to a controller with no/incorrect/outdated program, is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Doing basic troubleshooting using software and PLC indicator lights. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The symptoms of the fault are recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The symptoms are analyzed using indicators on the PLC system and monitoring programming software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The possible fault is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Safety, good housekeeping and environmental practices are followed before, during and after performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Completion of job is reported. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as a assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA accordign to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation, licensing requirements and procedures and practices.
  • A broad understanding of
  • A comprehensive understanding of
  • A basic understanding of

    Knowledge that will help me understand and that I will be able to explain:
  • Terminology associated with PLC`s and components
  • Working principles associated with PLC`s and its components.
  • Interpretation of manufacturer`s data sheets.
  • Identification of relevant equipment.
  • Basic PLC instructions.
  • Translation of specification into a control program for the PLC.
  • Interpretation of a control program in a PLC. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, and community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    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 
    Supplementary information:

    Specified Requirements

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • NZ 2395
  • OSHA Act 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58270   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electro-Mechanics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  50371   Further Education and Training Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  72052   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electrical Engineering  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61670   Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Construction and Maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  48474   National Certificate: Electrical Engineering  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    2. KP ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    3. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 


    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.