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: 

Maintain and repair Medium Voltage Switchgear 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259186  Maintain and repair Medium Voltage Switchgear 
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  7 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are required to maintain and repair medium voltage switchgear.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the requirements pertaining to maintaining and repairing medium voltage switchgear.
  • Prepare to maintain and repair the switchgear.
  • Maintain and repair the switchgear.
  • Test the switchgear and perform reporting and housekeeping duties.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding required to maintain and repair medium voltage switchgear in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learning assumed to be in place and Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:

    The ability to:
  • Use hand held test instruments.
  • Use medium voltage test instruments.
  • Use relevant hand tools.
  • Read and interpret electrical diagrams.

    Knowledge of:
  • The dangers related to electrocution.
  • The treatment for electrical shock. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Electrical switchgear operating at voltages between a 1000 volts and 44000 volts.

    Maintenance includes but is not limited to:
  • External and internal cleaning.
  • Inspection and rectification of external defects.
  • Identification and rectification of defects, for example, loose terminations, which will only be apparent by de-energising the equipment and opening up enclosures, or using, where necessary, tools or test equipment (or both).

    Repairing includes:
  • Rectifying defects found during the maintenance.
  • Fault finding and repairing of the electrical system.
  • Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the requirements of a maintaining and repairing medium voltage switchgear. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of inspecting medium voltage switchgear is explained with reference to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of the different types of cleaning material, equipment and solvents are explained with reference to health, safety and the impact on equipment and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various cleaning methods are explained with reference to washing, dusting, vacuuming and scouring. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The identification of switchgear is explained with reference to single line diagrams, the location and marking of the switchgear. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The principle of operation of the medium voltage switchgear is explained with reference to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Medium voltage switchgear may include but is not limited to:
  • Oil circuit breakers.
  • Air circuit breakers.
  • SF 6 circuit breakers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The function and settings of the electrical protection are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The interpretation of the fault indications is explained with reference to the types of faults and the required action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to maintain and repair the switchgear. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is examined and used in a manner that protects the individual in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools, material and equipment are selected, examined and transported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Permission is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Affected parties are notified of power disruption in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The switchgear to be inspected is verified in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The workplace is examined for hazardous and sub-standard conditions. Critical hazards and sub-standard conditions encountered in a particular context are addressed in a manner consistent with documented best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences of not preparing for inspection in line with specified requirements are explained with reference to personal and team safety, impact on the environment, production costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Maintain and repair the switchgear. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is used in a manner that protects the individual in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards and risks directly related to the maintenance and repairs are identified and addressed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The power is switched off and lockout procedures are adhered to in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance is carried out according to manufacture's specifications and worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Proper and safe fault finding procedures are followed in terms of work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Defects are addressed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Tools, material and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements, promotes effective teamwork, and avoids dysfunctional conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The consequences of not inspecting the switchgear in line with specified requirements are explained with reference to personal and team safety, impact on the environment, production costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Test the switchgear and perform reporting and housekeeping duties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The power is switched on in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The switchgear is verified to be operational in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The workplace is cleaned to comply with specified good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools, material and equipment are cleaned, inspected and stored in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The feedback report complies with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of not testing the switchgear and not performing reporting and housekeeping duties in line with specified requirements are explained with reference to personal and team safety, impact on the environment, production costs and lost time. 


    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 and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Operating principles of various medium voltage switchgear.
  • Basic safety procedures related to the type of work and location.
  • Terminology associated with the tools and materials.
  • Testing procedures during fault finding.
  • Operation and function of protection devices.
  • Knowledge of fault finding principles and procedures.
  • Prescribed isolating procedures.
  • Correct application of relevant tools and equipment.
  • Proper usage of relevant testing and measuring equipment.
  • Awareness of and understanding the legal and site-specific requirements, relevant to maintaining and repairing medium voltage switchgear. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The use of science and technology is not relevant for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 
    Specified Requirements:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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 


    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.