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: 

Install and maintain valve in head sprinklers and their control networks 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
335962  Install and maintain valve in head sprinklers and their control networks 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Utilise a knowledge of hydraulics to install and maintain hydraulic valve in head sprinklers.
  • Fit electric valve in head sprinklers to mainline reticulations and adjust the sprinkler height to below the finished grade.
  • Install and interconnect the cables between an encoder controller and the field decoders.
  • Conduct fault finding with a cable tracing instruments. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the different types of valve in head sprinklers and the methods of installing.these below the finished grade. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to role and benefits of VIH (Valve In Head) sprinklers, swing joint risers, installation techniques, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), two operating systems-electric VIH and hydraulic VIH, unpressurised, electric-normally closed, hydraulic-normally open. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The primary difference between block controlled sprinklers and their VIH counterparts are explained in respect of the individual head control and reduction in friction losses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why VIH sprinklers must be mounted on swing joint risers are explained in terms of the flexibility and ease of adjustment that the riser allows. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The techniques to adjust the height of a VIH by manipulating the swing joint riser, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The two modes of remote control that are used to operate VIH sprinklers are described in terms of the pilot controls that activate their valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The major variance between the operational status of the valves for hydraulic and electric VIH sprinklers is described in terms of their closure in a non-pressurised state. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Install and interconnect the hydraulic tubes from an irrigation controller to the VIH sprinklers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Methods of unrolling the tubes, prevent twisting and kinks, secure tubes together, bleed tubes, consequences of having air in tubes, and allow slack at sprinklers. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of unrolling hydraulic tube from the drum to prevent twisting or kinking are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of providing a stone free bedding in the trenches is explained with regard to preventing damage to the tubes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why the hydraulic tubes should be secured to the side or under the supply piping are described and the techniques to perform this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of purging all air from the hydraulic tubes before they are connected to the VIH valves is explained and the techniques to perform the bleeding are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects that trapped air in the hydraulic tubes has on the operation of the VIH sprinklers is described with regard to delays in activation and switching off the sprinklers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of providing adequate slack for the hydraulic tubes at sprinklers and in the controller is explained and the methods of achieving this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install and interconnect solenoid cables from an irrigation controller to the VIH sprinklers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to uncoiling solenoid cable, prevent twisting or kinking, sleeve cables where rodent problems occur, provide a stone free bedding, waterproof cable joints, continuity testing, secure cables to the piping, and provide adequate slack of cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of uncoiling solenoid cable to prevent twisting or kinking are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The occasions when the cables have to be sleeved in conduit are described in respect of the areas where rodent damage is prevalent and the techniques for laying the conduit or sleeves and drawing the cables through is demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of providing a stone free bedding in the trenches is explained with regard to preventing damage to the cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of joining cables to the solenoids using the appropriate crimping ferrules and waterproof joints are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of testing and confirming the continuity of the cables and the operation of the solenoids before backfilling trenches, is explained with respect to the minimising of finding at a later stage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why cables or conduits should be secured to the side or under the supply piping are described and the techniques to perform this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of providing adequate cable slack at sprinklers and in the controller is explained and the methods of achieving this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Install and interconnect cables from an encoding controller to the field decoders. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to principle operations of a decoder system, differences in the cabling of standard control and decoder control, use only specified decoder cabling, encoder cable joints, waterproof resin kits, earth spikes, house decoders in valve boxes, and provide cable slack. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating principles of a decoder system are described in terms of the communication/interaction between the controller and the decoders for the activation of the VIH sprinklers or block solenoid valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The major differences between the cabling between a standard controller to solenoid system and a decoder to solenoid system are explained in terms of the lack of a common cable and the necessity of installing two separate cables to each solenoid. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of using only the specific decoder cabling between the controller and the decoders is explained with reference to the dual role that the cables perform and the need to prevent interference with the coded signals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The essential need to "sweat" all the encoder cable joints and encase these in an approved resin kit is explained in terms of the possible consequences that may occur if dry or loose joints are made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of joining the encoder cables and installing waterproof resin kits are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why an earth spike must be installed and connected to each decoder are explained in terms of providing a suitable earth for lightning protection and the techniques for installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why all encoders and their cable joints must be housed in accessible valve boxes is explained within the context of ensuring ease of access and facilitating maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of providing adequate cable slack at sprinklers and at the decoders is explained and the methods of achieving this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Service and maintain hydraulic VIH sprinklers and the hydraulic networks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to maintain hydraulic network pressure, problems with pressure differentials, determine the source of a leak, replace defective parts, locate a tube leak, repair a leak, and bleed all serviced hydraulics after a repair. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of maintaining full system pressure in the hydraulic network is explained with regard to malfunctions that may occur if there is a pressure differential between the system and the hydraulic feeds to the VIH sprinklers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The signs that indicate the presence of a minor leak in a hydraulic circuit are described and the methods of determining the source of the leak are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The techniques to strip, inspect and replace the worn or defective components of a VIH's hydraulic valve are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of localising and locating a leak in a hydraulic tube are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The techniques for repairing a leak in a hydraulic tube are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of bleeding the hydraulics after a repair has been effected is explained with respect to purging of all air and ensuring that the response times of the valves are minimal. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Service and maintain electric VIH sprinklers and the cabling networks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to reasons for routine testing, repair procedures, electrical fault finding procedures, testing cables with a battery pack, usage of cable tracing equipment, avoid the severing of the encoder to decoder cables, decoder maintenance procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why electric VIH sprinklers require routine testing is explained with respect to their normally closed state and the frequency at which they require testing is explained in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The techniques to strip, inspect and replace worn or defective components of a VIH's solenoid valve are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for determining the source of an electrical fault when a solenoid is inoperative are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of testing cables and the VIH solenoids with a 24 volt battery pack are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of locating a faulty cable using a cable tracing transmitter and receiver are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of not severing the encoder to decoder cables when conducting maintenance on a decoder system is explained in terms of maintaining the encoder link for the rest of the circuits on the site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The fault finding techniques that must be employed when working on a decoder system are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Complete all necessary documentation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to importance of documentation, completion of servicing job card, impact of incorrect data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of noting all the materials used and the time involved in the maintenance of the irrigation is explained with respect to allocating the costs for the service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The completion of the job card at the end of the service is demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of incomplete documentation are explained in terms of the impact this will have on the finances and stock replenishment for the business/company. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor or moderator respectively with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA), or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA, or by another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal (provider-based) and external (ETQA-based) moderation of assessment, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment against this unit standard should encompass achievement of competencies described in the individual unit standard and may encompass achievement of integrated competencies with other unit standard(s).
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying the principles of hydraulics in localising the source of a malfunction. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the installation and maintenance of valve in head sprinklers. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the maintenance procedures in determining the source of a hydraulic leak. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Analyse the symptoms of an electrical malfunction in VIH sprinklers to narrow down the alternatives to test. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting to the course superintendent or management on the status of the maintenance that has been conducted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the principles of operation that are used in the activation of VIH sprinklers with an encoder and decoder system. 
    		•

    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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  73109   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.