NVQ 2356

Electrical Maintenance

PLEASE NOTE: New registrations for the NVQ 2356-99 Level 3 electrical qualification ended on 30th November 2020. This information is purely for existing candidates who have up to 3 years from their date of commencement to complete their NVQ.

This qualification has been replaced by the City & Guilds NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (Maintenance) as the Experienced Worker Qualification.

NVQ 2356-99 Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker – Electrical Maintenance

The Electrical Maintenance NVQ 2356 Level 3 consists of seven units, 301 to 304 & 309 to 311, and each unit needs to be completed over three separate occasions.

This can be any number of jobs / tasks and does not necessarily mean three separate jobs or three separate locations.

These three occasions can be done by observations / professional discussions by your assessor or witness statements / site diary created by yourself using evidence collected from jobs / tasks.

The additional Unit 399 (AM2) needs to be covered only on one occasion and this is a three day practical assessment taken at an AM2 Centre anywhere in the UK.

Unit 301 – Ensure Safe Site Working

This unit is for you if you work on electrotechnical systems and equipment as you will need to ensure that where you work on site is continually safe for electrotechnical working.

This unit is about assessing the site for hazards prior to, during, and on completion of work on electrotechnical systems and equipment.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Assess the working environment at the site for health and safety purposes
  • Plan and agree a safe system of work
  • Carry out safe working practices including the correct use of access equipment
  • Monitor that the site remains continually safe during working and is left in a safe and secure condition on completion.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 301 Key Words & Phrases

Access equipment: In this unit these include: stepladders, trestles, mobile scaffolding, and powered platform systems.
Electrotechnical systems and equipment: In this unit, this includes: ELV and LV single and multiphase, power, lighting, switchgear and controls.
Relevant person(s): In this unit these include: customers, clients, client representatives, team-leaders, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, non-electrotechnical operatives, colleagues or those working on machine which will be affected by our work.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Site: In this unit, this refers to the immediate work area or work place.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the electrotechnical work activities are due to take place. The working conditions could vary. It could be, for example, that the work takes place outside, in which case you may need to take account of the weather conditions. Or, they could include other (non-electrical) operatives who come onto the site to start their work – their subsequent activities may cause the site to become hazardous.

Unit 301 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You carry out an assessment of risks on the site to comply with health and safety regulations and other relevant legislation
  2. You plan a safe system of work and agree it with the relevant person(s)
  3. You use suitable warning notices and barriers to prevent unauthorised entry to the work site as identified by your assessment of risks
  4. You monitor regularly that the working conditions remain safe for work to continue
  5. You minimise the risks associated with using tools, plant and access equipment by following health and safety requirements and suppliers’ instructions
  6. You check that all tools, plant and access equipment available on site are stored safely and securely during work activities and are moved on completion
  7. You check that the work site is cleared after the work ends and left in a safe and satisfactory condition in accordance with health and safety regulations and good housekeeping practice.
Unit 301 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to be able to ensure safe site practices when working on electrotechnical systems and equipment, you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Health and Safety:
1. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to:
a) The site and the hazards it presents
b) Access to the immediate work site
c) Others working at the site
d) Systems and equipment integrity
e The working conditions – 1,2,3,4
2. The regulatory and your organisation’s requirements for correctly handling, using and storing tools, equipment, materials and access equipment – 5,6
3. When a site is safe
a) For work to proceed
b) For work to continue
c) To leave when work finishes – 7
4. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current Health and Safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs
5. The need for safety, welfare and access arrangements to be in force at the site – 3

Safe Working On Site:
6. Assessing the suitability of the electrotechnical systems and equipment for the working environment – 1
7. The importance of ‘good housekeeping’ procedures in relation to site working – 7

Unit 302 – Diagnose and Correct Faults in Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment

This unit is for you if you diagnose and correct faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment, and need to take appropriate action.

This unit is about ensuring the safe identification of faults, and correcting the faults by using safe and approved methods.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Follow correct procedures in identifying the location of the fault
  • Carry out safe and secure isolation procedures
  • Diagnose the faults in the electrotechnical systems and equipment
  • Correct faults using safe and approved methods
  • Use test equipment and tools correctly.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 302 Key Words & Phrases

Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Faults: In this unit, faults on electrotechnical systems and equipment may include: overload, earth leakage faults, open circuits, short circuits, high resistance joints, incomplete circuits and oversensitive/ nonperforming protective devices.
Connections: In this unit, this includes: the termination and connection of wiring systems to electrotechnical systems and equipment, ensuring that every joint and connection is mechanically and electrically sound and suitable for use.
Electrotechnical systems and equipment: In this unit this includes: ELV and LV single and multiphase power, lighting, switchgear and controls.
Electrotechnical equipment: In this unit this includes electrical plant, components, and accessories, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems and components, luminaries.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

Unit 302 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You obtain clear and detailed information about the faults including the system specification relating to the electrotechnical systems and equipment
  2. You advise the relevant people clearly and accurately about the potential disruption and consequences of carrying out a diagnosis and correction of faults
  3. You agree the appropriate repairs and their implications with the relevant people in accordance with organisational procedures
  4. You conduct an assessment of safe working practices and perform suitable tests on the installed electrotechnical systems and equipment, safely, to identify the fault
  5. You follow the correct procedures for carrying out a safe and secure isolation, where required, before diagnosing and correcting the fault
  6. You follow the correct procedures when rectifying the fault, including using the appropriate tools, equipment and materials
  7. Where the fault can not be corrected immediately, you leave the electrotechnical systems and equipment safe in accordance with industry regulations
  8. You inspect and test that the repaired electrotechnical systems and equipment are functioning in accordance with the relevant Industry Standards and specifications
  9. You inform the relevant people about the test results and complete the documentation clearly and accurately.
Unit 302 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to diagnose and correct faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Diagnosing and Correcting Faults:
1. The necessary information for carrying out a successful fault diagnosis – 1
2. The implications for relevant parties of carrying out diagnosis and rectification faults – 2,3
3. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the workplace
b) Preventing unauthorised access
c) Others working at the workplace
d) Systems and equipment integrity
e) The working conditions and the working environment – 4
4. The correct sequence of tests for locating faults – 4
5.
The advantages and limitations of fault diagnosis techniques – 4
6. The main types, advantages and limitations of test instruments – 4
7. The correct procedures for a safe and secure isolation with regard to:
a) An assessment of safe working practice
b) Correct identification of circuits to be isolated
c) Correct test and proving instruments selected
d) Use of correct testing methods, and
e) Correct selection of devices for securing isolation – 5,7
8.
The correct methods for checking that test instruments are functional and in calibration – 6
9. The methods and the correct procedures to follow for correcting faults – 6
10. The main requirements and procedures for inspecting and testing rectified electrotechnical systems and equipment installed equipment – 8
11.
Organisational requirements with regard to informing relevant people about the test results and completing all relevant documentation – 9

Health and Safety:
12. Importance of using personal safety equipment and appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs
13. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Principles and Theory:
14. The latest, relevant Industry Standards applicable to diagnosing and correcting faults in electrical systems and equipment – All POs
15. Where to find out about principles of electrical theory and installation techniques for diagnosing and correcting faults in electrical systems and equipment – All POs

Unit 303 – Provide Technical and Functional Information to People about Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment

This unit is for you if you pass on technical or functional information relating to electrotechnical systems and equipment on which you have been working.

This unit is about supplying technical and functional information accurately on appropriate occasions or at handover with the right amount of detail bearing in mind the level of awareness of the recipient of the information.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Identify who should receive such information and at what level of detail
  • Supply the information that is within your job capabilities and responsibilities
  • Pass on the necessary safety considerations in the correct manner.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 303 Key Words & Phrases

Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Technical information: In this unit, this will include information covering installation and equipment specifications, manufacturers’ data and instructions.
Functional information: In this unit, this will include information covering user instructions, including the circumstances when professional expertise should be called upon.
Relevant people: In this unit these will include: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, and those working on machinery affected by our work.
Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment: In this unit this includes: ELV and LV single and multiphase power, lighting, switchgear and controls.
Electrotechnical Equipment: In this unit this includes electrical plant, components, and accessories, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems and components, luminaries.

Unit 303 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You identify the relevant people that need to be supplied with technical and functional information
  2. You discuss, with the relevant people, their technical and functional information requirements
  3. You obtain current and relevant information from appropriate sources
  4. You assess the nature and extent of information required by the relevant people in order for the installation, or equipment, to be operated safely and effectively
  5. You pass on the information in a timely, courteous and professional manner and in accordance with organisational procedures
  6. You provide written technical and functional information to the relevant people in accordance with organisational procedures
  7. You confirm that the relevant people receive the necessary health and safety information and advice in the approved manner.
Unit 303 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to provide technical and functional information to relevant people you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Providing technical and functional information:

1. Which situations warrant written technical and functional information – 4,6
2. Methods of checking the relevant person’s understanding of the technical and non-technical information provided – 1,2
3. Sources of technical and functional information including the manufacturer, supplier or own organization – 3
4. Ways of checking the relevant people understand those aspects of the information which have a bearing on health and safety – 7
5. Responsibilities and limitations in your job role with respect to supplying technical and functional information – All POs
6. Organisational practice on the amount of information and detail that individual members of the relevant person’s organisation are entitled to receive – 5
7. The importance of providing information clearly, courteously and professionally – 7
8. The safety implications and functional consequences of supplying inaccurate or incomplete information to the relevant person – All POs

Health and Safety:
9. The need for up-to-date, reliable technical and functional information – All POs
10. The legal responsibilities for health and safety according to current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Unit 304 – Maintain a Safe and Healthy Working Environment

This unit is for you whilst at work. The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, seeks to secure the health, safety and welfare of people whilst they work and protect other people against risks to health or safety arising from the activity of people at work. Read ‘important note’ under key words and phrases. 

This unit is about maintaining a healthy and safe working environment.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Ensure that your own actions do not create any health and safety risks
  • Not ignore hazards with significant risk in your workplace
  • Take sensible action to put things right.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 304 Key Words & Phrases

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the body appointed to support and enforce health and safety law. They have defined two important concepts as follows:

Hazard: ‘A hazard is something with potential to cause harm’.
Risk: ‘A risk is the likelihood of the hazard’s potential being realised’.
Emergencies: This includes: fire, explosions, toxic atmosphere, electrical shocks.
Working conditions: This refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the work is due to take place, but which could vary. It could be, for example, that the work is to take place outside, in which case you may need to take account of the weather conditions. Or, perhaps other (non-electrical) contractors come onto the site to start their work – their subsequent activities may cause the site to become hazardous.
Working environment: This refers to different types of the worksite where the installation is to take place. These include: agricultural, industrial, commercial sites, or confined spaces or working near other machinery. The working environment is something you would not be able to change.
Relevant people: These include: customers, clients, client representatives, chargehands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues.
Working practices: This includes: activities, procedures, use of materials or equipment and working techniques used in carrying out your job.

IMPORTANT NOTE: According to the Health and Safety at Work Act:

Employers must safeguard so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all the people who work for them and ‘other persons’. This applies in particular to the provision and maintenance of safe plant and systems of work, and covers all machinery, equipment and substances used.

Employees also have a duty under the Act to take reasonable care to avoid harm to themselves or to others by their working practices, and to co-operate with employers and others in meeting statutory requirements. The Act also requires employees not to interfere with or misuse anything provided to protect their health, safety or welfare in compliance with the Act.

There is an array of health and safety regulations and codes of practice which affect people at work.

There are regulations for those who, for example, work with electricity, or work on construction projects, as well as regulations covering noise at work, manual handling, working with VDUs, or dealing with substances hazardous to health, etc. The specific requirements for all or any of these can be obtained from HSE local offices.

The phrase ‘the legal responsibilities for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role’ is intended to relate to those specific pieces of legislation important to your workplace and/or activities which you should be able to find out about.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the main piece of legislation under which nearly all the other regulations are made. It is for this reason that only this piece of legislation is specifically referred to in this Unit.

Unit 304 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You identify which workplace health and safety procedures are relevant to your working environment
  2. You identify evacuation procedures and emergency exits before work commences
  3. You review your working practices and your working environment for hazards which could cause serious harm
  4. You control those health and safety hazards within your capability and job responsibility limits
  5. You report those hazards which may present a high risk to the relevant persons responsible for health and safety in the workplace
  6. Your personal conduct around the workplace does not endanger the health and safety of yourself or other persons
  7. You follow the workplace policies and suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions for the safe use of tools, plant and equipment
  8. You follow agreed procedures in the event of an emergency
  9. You follow correct procedures in the event of injuries to self and others.
Unit 304 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to provide technical and functional information to relevant people you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Providing technical and functional information:

1. Your legal duties for health and safety in the workplace as defined by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – 1
2. Your duties for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role – 1,2
3. What hazards may exist in your workplace – 3
4. The particular health and safety risks which may be present in your own job role – 3
5. The importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards in the whole work place – All POs
6. Agreed workplace health and safety procedures including
a) Site evacuation procedures
b) Procedures for dealing with injured persons
c) Emergency procedures – 6,7,8,9
7. Responsibilities for health and safety in your job description – 4
8. The responsible persons to whom to report health and safety matters – 5

Unit 309 – Prepare to Maintain Electrical Systems and Equipment

This unit is for you if you prepare to maintain electrical systems and equipment.  

This unit is about confirming that your work, tools, plant and materials meet requirements and that the working conditions are safe for work to commence.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Carry out an assessment of risk and plan a safe system of work
  • Identify any changes in the working conditions which might impact on the maintenance work
  • Co-ordinate the maintenance work with the work of other people who might be affected by your own work
  • Ensure that the tools, instruments and equipment are safe and fit for purpose.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 309 Key Words & Phrases

Electrical Systems: In this unit, this refers to an assembly of conductor systems and electrical equipment providing operation and control, for example: heating, lighting, ventilation, security, communications and process control.
Electrical Equipment: In this unit, this includes: electrical plant, components and accessories, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems and components, luminaries.
Maintenance activities: In this unit, these are adjustments, replacements, repairs and refurbishment of electrical equipment undertaken as part of planned maintenance work, or as part of non-routine preventative work.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment, and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the different types of site where the maintenance activities take place. It could be, for example, an agricultural, industrial or commercial site. It could be that the site involves confined spaces or is in close proximity to other machines. The working environment is something you would not be able to change. The type of site will determine whether the working environment is hazardous.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions, which exist at that point in time when the maintenance activities are due to take place. It could be, for example, that the maintenance activities take place outside in which case you would need to take account of weather conditions. Or, it could be that other (non-electrical) operatives come onto the site to start their work – in which case their subsequent activities may cause the site to become hazardous.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these include: customers, clients, client representatives, team-leaders, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non-electrical operatives.
Authorisation: In this unit, this refers to permission to start work via verbal or written instructions.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

Unit 309 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You carry out an assessment of risks and plan, correctly, a safe system of work for use throughout the maintenance activities
  2. You confirm that your maintenance activities meets with the expectations of the relevant person(s)
  3. You report, promptly, any changes to the working conditions of the work site which might impact on the maintenance activities due to take place
  4. You inform the relevant person(s) immediately when changes are necessary before work can commence
  5. You confirm with the relevant person(s) that your maintenance work co-ordinates with the work of other people on site
  6. Prior to commencing work, you seek authorisation from the relevant person(s) that it is safe to undertake the maintenance work as specified
  7. Your information and documentation is current and relevant and your:
    a) plant
    b) instruments
    c) equipment
    d) materials
    e) tools
    – are correct and fit for purpose for the specified maintenance.
Unit 309 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to be able to prepare & maintain electrical systems and equipment, you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Preparing to maintain:

1. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to the maintenance activity – 1
2. Contract responsibilities with respect to :
a) planned maintenance
b) non-routine maintenance
c) start, finish dates and timings – 2
3. The working conditions at the work site which can affect the maintenance activity – 3
4. The implications of different working conditions on the electrical systems and equipment to be maintained – 3
5. The authority and organisational procedures at the site relevant to work plans and changes to the work plans – 3,4,5,6
6. Regulations and working practices that will affect the maintenance activity – 6,7,8
7. Whether the tools and instruments you use are fit for purpose and that they have a current calibration certificate – 7
8. The advantages and limitations of plant, tools, materials, equipment and instruments used for maintenance activities – 7

Health and Safety:
9. The legal responsibilities for health and safety according to current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs
10. Gaining access to the electrical systems and equipment being maintained – 8
11. Handling equipment, plant, instruments and tools used in the maintenance activity – 8

Principles and theory:
12. The latest Industry Standards relevant to electrical systems and equipment, and for preparing to maintain electrical systems and equipment – All POs
13. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and techniques for preparing to maintain electrical systems and equipment – All POs

Unit 310 – Maintain Electrical Systems and Equipment

This unit is for you if you maintain electrical systems and equipment.

This unit is about correctly following agreed procedures when carrying out maintenance activities on electrical systems and equipment.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Maintain electrical systems and equipment in accordance with a safe system of work
  • Identify faults correctly and safely
  • Carry out repair activities within the scope of your job responsibilities
  • Record your findings in accordance with organisational requirements.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 310 Key Words & Phrases

Electrical Systems: In this unit, this refers to an assembly of conductor systems and electrical equipment providing operation and control, for example: heating, lighting, ventilation, security, communications and process control.
Electrical Equipment: In this unit, this includes: electrical plant, components and accessories, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems and components, luminaries.
Maintenance activities: In this unit, these are adjustments, replacements, repairs and refurbishment of electrical equipment undertaken as part of planned maintenance work, or as part of non- routine, preventative work.
Maintenance schedule: In this unit, this refers to a timetable or specification which shows what maintenance activity will be required and when.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment, and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these include: customers, clients, client representatives, team leaders, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non-electrical operatives.
Authorisation: In this unit, this refers to permission to start work via verbal or written instructions.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

Unit 310 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You carry out an assessment of risks and implement the agreed safe system of work during all your maintenance activities
  2. When necessary, you use relevant sources of technical information to support your maintenance activities
  3. You follow agreed maintenance procedures to ensure the effective co-ordination of activities by the relevant person(s)
  4. You use, safely and correctly, the tools, equipment and materials following:
    a) Your workplace procedures
    b) The suppliers’ instructions
    c) Health and safety requirements
  5. You locate the correct wiring systems and equipment as specified in your maintenance instructions
  6. You carry out safe and secure isolation procedures to comply with electrical regulations and the agreed safe system of work
  7. You identify and locate, accurately, the electrical systems and equipment to be maintained in accordance with the relevant maintenance schedule
  8. Your maintenance activities comply with:
    a) Manufacturers’ instructions
    b) Industry approved practices
    c) The maintenance schedule
  9. You advise the relevant person(s) clearly and accurately about the potential consequences of carrying out effective repairs
  10. Where maintenance activities vary from the schedule, you notify the relevant person(s) promptly
  11. You use suitable testing methods to accurately evaluate the performance of all replaced and adjusted equipment and systems during and on completion of the maintenance activity
  12. Your maintenance records are accurate, complete and given to the relevant person(s) in the required format promptly
  13. You complete all maintenance activities within the agreed timescale
  14. When necessary, you report any expected delays in completing the maintenance activity to the relevant persons(s) promptly.
Unit 310 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to be able to maintain electrical systems and equipment, you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Preparing to maintain:

1. Carrying out an assessment of risks and procedures for implementing safe systems of work – 1
2. Contract responsibilities with respect to:
a) Planned maintenance
b) Non-routine maintenance
c) Agreeing variations to the maintenance specification or schedule
d) Start, finish dates and timings – 3,7,8,12,13
3. The differences between carrying out routine and non-routine maintenance activities – 3
4. The implications of inappropriate work practices – All POs
5. Which information sources are relevant and appropriate to the location of your maintenance activities – 2,3
6. The correct handling and usage of tools, materials and equipment – 4
7. The correct procedures for a safe and secure isolation with regard to:
a) Safe working practices
b) Correct identification of circuits to be isolated
c) Correct selection of test and proving instruments selected
d) Correct selection of devices for securing the means of isolation – 5
8. How to interpret specifications, diagrams and drawings to:
a) Find the planned location of the wiring systems, wiring enclosures and equipment
b) Facilitate the connection of the wiring systems, wiring enclosures and equipment – 6
9. What corrective action is appropriate and when to carry it out 7,8 10. the advantages and limitations of repair versus replacement – 7,8
11. Your responsibilities with regard to making decisions for repair – 7,8,9
12. Approved procedures and likely implications for relevant parties of carrying out effective repairs – 7,8
13. The reasons for regular inspection, adjustment and replacement of, or to, electrical systems and equipment – All POs
14. Your workplace requirements for, and the importance of, documenting information, reporting findings and variations from the maintenance schedule – 9,10,11,12
15. Organisational procedures for the completion of necessary documentation which might include organisational or external QA systems – 12

Health and Safety
16. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation – All POs
17. The importance of using personal protective equipment and appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs

Principles and theory
18. The latest Industry Standards and regulations relevant to electrical systems and equipment, and the environments within which they operate – All POs
19. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques for maintaining electrical systems and equipment – All POs

Unit 311 – Inspect, Test and Commission Maintained Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment

This unit is for you if you inspect, test and commission maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment.

This unit is about carrying out the process of inspecting, testing and commissioning in a safe manner and in the correct sequence to comply with the latest Industry Standards and regulations.

You need to show that you possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Inspect, test and commission the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment in accordance with approved procedures
  • Select and use the appropriate testing equipment
  • Carry out an accurate handover of the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment
  • Keep good records of the procedures and results.

To help with your understanding, the ‘Key Words and Phrases‘ section below gives more details about some of the words and phrases which have been used in this unit.

Unit 311 Key Words & Phrases

Electrical Systems: In this unit, this refers to an assembly of conductor systems and electrotechnical equipment providing operation and control, for example: heating, lighting, ventilation, security, communications and process control.
Electrical Equipment: In this unit, this includes: electrical plant, components and accessories, motors and starters, switch gear and distribution panels, control systems and components, luminaries.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment, and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Tests: In this unit, these include tests appropriate to conductors, insulation resistance, pressure tests, polarity and phase sequencing, the operation of protective equipment, functional operation of control circuits, components and equipment.
Maintenance activities: In this unit, these are adjustments, replacements, repairs and refurbishment of electrical equipment undertaken as part of planned maintenance work, or as part of non- routine, preventative work.
Maintenance schedule: In this unit, this refers to a timetable or specification which shows what maintenance activity will be required and when.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these include: customers, clients, client representatives, team leaders, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non-electrical operatives.
Authorisation: In this unit, this can be permission to start work via verbal or written instructions.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

Unit 311 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You carry out an assessment of risks to comply with health and safety regulations prior to carrying out the inspection and testing
  2. You obtain all relevant data, instructions and information prior to inspecting, testing and commissioning maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment
  3. You plan and agree the inspecting, testing and commissioning procedures with the relevant person(s)
  4. You follow the correct procedures for carrying out a safe and secure isolation before inspecting, testing and commissioning the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment
  5. You confirm that your test instruments
    a) Are appropriate to the job in hand
    b) Are fit for purpose
    c) Have a current calibration certificate
  6. You conduct an inspection in accordance with the latest Industry Standards and, where applicable, equipment manufacturers’ instructions
  7. You conduct the required tests in accordance with the latest Industry Standards, equipment manufacturers’ instructions and industry approved procedures
  8. You commission by confirming that the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment are in accordance with:
    a) Health and safety requirements
    b) The latest Industry Standards
    c) Manufacturers’ instructions
    d) Industry approved procedures
    e) The maintenance schedule
  9. You confirm that the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment are safe and function correctly
  10. Your handover of the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment to the relevant person(s) includes accurate and complete information and documentation about the inspection, tests and commissioning.
Unit 311 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to inspect, test and commission maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Preparing to maintain:

1. Procedures for an assessment of risks and how to plan a safe system of work – 1
2. What data, instructions and information are necessary to carry out an effective inspection, testing and commissioning of maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment – 2
3. How to prepare an effective plan which will meet the purpose and requirements of an inspection, test and commission – 3
4. The purpose and requirements of the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment being inspected, tested and commissioned – 3
5. The correct procedures for a safe and secure isolation with regard to:
a) An assessment of safe working practice
b) Correct identification of circuits to be isolated
c) Correct test and proving instruments selected
d) Use of correct testing methods
e) Correct selection of devices for securing isolation –
6. The importance of choosing the correct instruments for the:
a) Inspection
b) Testing
c) Commissioning – 5
7. The main methods for checking test instruments are functional and in calibration – 5
8. The importance of inspection, testing and commissioning in accordance with health and safety requirements
a) Manufacturers’ instructions
b) Approved industry procedures
c) The maintenance schedule – 6,7,8
9. Correct methods of testing and the testing sequence – 7
10. The approved procedures and requirements for confirming that the maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment are functional and safe – 9
11. The importance of accurate recording of the inspection, test and commissioning in accordance with organizational procedures – 10

Health and Safety
12. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation – All POs
13. The importance of using personal protective equipment and appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs

Principles and theory
14. The latest, relevant Industry Standards relevant to types and uses of electrotechnical systems and equipment – All POs
15. Where to find out about the principles of electrotechnical theory and installation techniques and which allow for the inspection, testing and commissioning of maintained electrotechnical systems and equipment – All POs

Unit 399 – Electrotechnical Occupational Competence (AM2)

This unit is designed to enable learners to demonstrate ‘Electrotechnical occupational competence’ in accordance with approved industry practices and the current statutory and non-statutory regulations:

  • The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
  • The current edition of BS7671 Wiring Regulations
  • Health & Safety Act (1974)
  • Building Regulations (2000)
  • Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
  • Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations
  • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
  • Work at Height Regulations
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
  • Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations

The outcomes and the assessment criteria of this unit underpin the electrotechnical industry’s competence requirements for qualified operatives in an installation or maintenance role.

 

To undertake this unit, learners must provide auditable formal evidence that they have the relevant electrotechnical knowledge, understanding, experience and skills at the appropriate level that enables them to carry out the assessment activities effectively and safely as prescribed for each learning outcome.

This unit must only be assessed in a National Electrotechnical Training (NET) approved centre. All criteria set by NET must be met full and continuously for each assessment. NET, rather than City & Guilds, should be contacted regarding any queries regarding the delivery and/or assessment for this unit.

As with all assessments, the candidates result for this unit must be submitted to City & Guilds on the Walled Garden to allow for certification.

This unit will be assessed by:

  • A knowledge assessment at a NET approved AM2 centre
  • A simulated practical exercise at a NET approved AM2 centre.
Unit 399 Performance Objectives

You must:

1. Be able to interpret specifications, drawings and diagrams

1.1 Interpret specifications and technical data for the installation of:
a) protective earthing systems
b) A ring final circuit
c) A general lighting circuit
d) A control system for a three-phase motor
e) A central heating / sustainable energy system
f) A safety service circuit
g) A data cabling system
h) A three-phase socket-outlet

2. Be able to undertake risk assessments
2.1 Review safe working practices
2.2 Undertake a risk assessment
2.3 Complete risk assessment documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

3. Be able to carry out the safe isolation of electrical circuits and complete electrical installations
3.1 Locate correct means of isolation
3.2 Follow correct procedures for the isolation of electrical circuit(s) and complete electrical installations
3.3 Isolate circuit(s) in correct sequence
3.4 Select correct test and measuring instruments
3.5 Correctly test for the presence of an electrical supply

4. Be able to plan and prepare to install, terminate and connect wiring systems
4.1 In accordance with an installation specification select the correct cables, accessories, equipment, components and protective devices for the installation of:
a) Protective earthing systems
b) A ring final circuit
c) A general lighting circuit
d) The control of a three-phase motor
e) A central heating / sustainable energy system
f) A safety service circuit
g) A data cabling system
h) A three-phase socket-outlet

5. Be able to complete the installation, termination and connection of wiring systems in accordance with industry requirements
5.1 In accordance with an installation specification install, terminate and connect cables, accessories, equipment, components and protective devices for the installation of:
a) Protective earthing systems
b) A ring final circuit
c) A general lighting circuit
d) The control of a three-phase motor
e) A central heating / sustainable energy system
f) A safety service circuit
g) A data cabling system
h) A three-phase socket-outlet

6. Be able to complete the visual inspection, initial verification and certification of an electrical installation
6.1 Comply with correct procedures
6.2 Record relevant findings on correct documentation

7. Be able to complete the testing and certification of an electrical installation in accordance with industry requirements
7.1 Select and use the correct measuring instruments
7.2 Confirm instruments function accurately
7.3 Measure the continuity of protective conductors
7.4 Measure the continuity of ring final circuit conductors
7.5 Measure the insulation resistance of the installation and its circuits
7.6 Confirm the polarity of the installation’s electrical outlets and components
7.7 Determine the installation’s Earth Fault-Loop Impedance (EFLI)
7.8 Determine the installation’s Prospective Fault Current (PFC)
7.9 Carry out functional tests on the installation’s equipment and components
7.10 Complete the correct documentation in accordance with statutory and non-statutory regulations

8. Be able to diagnose, and recommend how to rectify, electrical faults in an electrical installation in accordance with industry requirements
8.1 Undertake an assessment of risk accordingly
8.2 Carry out safe isolation in the correct sequence as appropriate to fault diagnosis procedures
8.3 Select and use correctly, fit for purpose tools, equipment and instruments
8.4 Carry out relevant checks and preparations
8.5 Locate faults from given information
8.6 State how the identified faults can be rectified.

Click on the highlighted link below to find out more details about the four sections in the NET (National Electrotechnical Training Organisation) AM2 Practical Assessment.

Still Have Questions About Your NVQ Level 3 Electrical?

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