NVQ 2356

Installing Instrumentation
and Associated Equipment

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.

NVQ 2356-99 Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker – Installing Instrumentation and Associated Equipment

The Installing Instrumentation and Associated Equipment NVQ 2356 Level 3 consists of seven units, 301 to 304 & 312 to 314, 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 312 – Prepare To Install Instrumentation and Associated Equipment

This unit is for you if you prepare to install appropriate instrumentation and associated equipment.  

This unit is about confirming that the instrumentation and associated equipment are identified for the installation.

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

  • Identify any changes in the working conditions which might impact on the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment
  • Co-ordinate the installation work with the work of other people who might be affected by your own work
  • Be sure that the tools, instruments and equipment are safe and fit for purpose
  • Implement a safe system of work.

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 312 Key Words & Phrases

Associated Equipment: In this unit equipment is associated with and determined by the function of the instrumentation to be installed and includes any associated wiring systems.
Authorisation: In this unit, this is formal permission to start work.
Hazardous Areas: In this unit, this refers to an area where flammable or explosive substances are, or may be expected to be, present in quantities which require special precautions to be taken against the risk of ignition.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.
Instrumentation and associated equipment: In this unit instrumentation and associated equipment are a collection of instruments which measure and interpret electrical and associated non-electrical parameters, for example: – pressure, levels, temperature, speed, flow rate, current, voltage, etc.
Instruments: In this unit instruments are designed to monitor and/or control process variables by:
a) Indication – display instantaneous or totalised values
b) Recording – to record and store information for later viewing
c) Control – to collect information and transmit for controlling purposes.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
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, as appropriate, identified as being necessary during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Scope of work: In this unit, this may take the form of verbal and written specifications.
Site services: In this unit, these are services associated with the instruments and associated equipment, these could include, for example, water, gas services, oil, electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the installation is due to take place, but they could vary. It could be, for example, that the installation is to take 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 change the working conditions.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the different types of site, including hazardous areas, where the installation is due to take place. The working environment is something you would not be able to change. The type of site will determine whether the working environment affects the type of instrumentation and associated equipment to be installed.

Unit 312 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You confirm with the relevant person(s) the scope of the work to be carried out
  2. You review the working environment and working conditions for any changes in terms of the impact they will have on the installation to take place
  3. You inform the relevant person(s) immediately when changes are necessary and of any expected delays
  4. You confirm that the installation work co-ordinates with site services and the work of other relevant person(s) at the site who may be affected by the installation activity
  5. You confirm from the relevant person(s) that you are authorised to start the installation work
  6. You implement, correctly, a safe system of work for use throughout the installation
  7. Your information and documentation is current and relevant, and your:
    a) Plant
    b) Instruments
    c) Equipment
    d) Tools
    e) Data
    – are correct and fit for purpose
  8. You follow accurately all appropriate manufacturers’ instructions and industry approved practice when carrying out the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment.
Unit 312 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to prepare to install instrumentation and associated equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Preparing to install:

1. The scope of the work to be carried out – 1
2. Contract and legal implications with respect to :
a) Agreeing variations to the scope of work and/or specification
b) Start and finish dates – 3
3. The principles underlying the purpose of each of the three different functions of instruments (see key words and phrases) – 1
4. The application, advantages and limitations of instruments appropriate to each of the three functions (see key words and phrases) – 1
5. The materials which are recommended for use as electrical conductors and insulators – 2,5
6. How to prepare a schedule of quantities of all materials required for the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment from customer information, drawings, specifications or site visits – 1,7
7. The basic principles for selecting the correct instruments and associated equipment for a particular application – 1,2,7
8. How to interpret diagrams and drawings to find site systems and the planned location of the instruments and associated equipment – 4
9. How to determine the type of fixing methods required to suit the environment of the installation – 6
10. Organisational requirements with regard to reporting changes and/ or delays – 3

Health and Safety
11. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current Health and Safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs
12. Handling instruments and associated equipment in the correct manner – 6

Principles and theory
13. The latest, relevant Industry standards appropriate to instrumentation and associated equipment – All POs
14. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques for the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment – All POs

Unit 313 – Install Instrumentation and Associated Equipment

This unit is for you if you install instrumentation and associated equipment.

This unit is about following the correct procedures for the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment as specified.

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

  • Install instrumentation and associated equipment
  • Apply the correct methods for identifying and isolating electrical supply
  • Locate and fix instrumentation and associated equipment correctly
  • Identify those areas which have the potential to be hazardous
  • Apply the correct methods for identifying process isolation.

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 313 Key Words & Phrases

Associated Equipment: In this unit equipment is associated with and determined by the function of the instrumentation to be installed and includes any associated wiring systems.
Authorisation: In this unit, this is formal permission to start work.
Hazardous Areas: In this unit, this refers to an area where flammable or explosive substances are, or may be expected to be, present in quantities which require special precautions to be taken against the risk of ignition.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.
Instrumentation and associated equipment: In this unit instrumentation and associated equipment are a collection of instruments which measure and interpret electrical and associated non-electrical parameters, for example: pressure, levels, temperature, seed, flow rate, current, voltage, etc.
Instruments: In this unit instruments are designed to monitor and/or control process variables by:
a) Indication – display instantaneous or totalised values
b) Recording – to record and store information for later viewing
c) Control – to collect information and transmit for controlling purposes.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
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, as appropriate, identified as being necessary during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Scope of work: In this unit, this may take the form of verbal and written specifications.
Site services: In this unit, these are services associated with the instruments and associated equipment, these could include, for example, water, gas services, oil, electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the installation is due to take place, but they could vary. It could be, for example, that the installation is to take 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 change the working conditions.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the different types of site, including hazardous areas, where the installation is due to take place. The working environment is something you would not be able to change. The type of site will determine whether the working environment affects the type of instrumentation and associated equipment to be installed.

Unit 313 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You carry out an assessment of risks and follow the agreed safe system of work during your installation activities
  2. You follow accurately all appropriate manufacturers’ instructions and industry approved practice when carrying out the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment
  3. You confirm the existing electrical supply is compatible with the instrumentation and associated equipment to be installed
  4. You carry out a safe and secure electrical and process isolation prior to commencing installation in accordance with relevant industry regulations and approved procedures
  5. You measure and mark out all locations for the instruments and any associated equipment in accordance with the drawings and instructions and to comply with electrical regulations
  6. You install the instruments and associated equipment correctly and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and relevant industry regulations
  7. You report to relevant people those variations to the planned programme of work that may have:
    a) The potential to be dangerous
    b) A cost implication
  8. You confirm the appropriate action in relation to the variations with the relevant people. 
Unit 313 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to install Instrumentation and associated equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

1. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the immediate workplace
b) Preventing unauthorised access
c) Others working at the workplace
d) Safe system of work and equipment integrity
e) The working environment – 1
2. The appropriate manufacturers’ instructions to follow – 2
3. The storage, transportation and handling of instruments and equipment – 2
4. How to confirm the existing electrical supply is compatible with the planned installation – 3
5. The correct procedures for a safe and secure electrical and process 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 – 4,5
6. The application, advantages and limitations of installation methods when installing instruments and associated equipment – 6
7. Those environmental factors which affect the location of instruments and associated equipment – 5,6,7
8. How to interpret diagrams and drawings to find site services and the planned location for the instrumentation and associated equipment – 6,7
9. The organisational procedures for reporting variations to work schedules – 8
10. Which equipment is associated with and determined by the function of the instruments to be installed – 5,6

Health and Safety
11. The implications for relevant parties of carrying out an isolation – 4
12. The importance of using personal protective equipment and safe appropriate tools for specific jobs – 3,4
13. The hazards associated with using electrical equipment including their lifting, handling and fixing – 6
14. The legal implications of health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Principles and theory
15. The latest, relevant Industry Standards relevant to instrumentation and associated equipment – All POs
16. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques for the installation of instrumentation and associated equipment – All POs

Unit 314 – Connect, Inspect and Test Instrumentation and Associated Equipment

This unit is for you if you test, connect and inspect instrumentation and associated equipment prior to commissioning.

This unit is about implementing the correct procedures for testing, connecting and inspecting instruments and associated equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, specifications and codes of practice.

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

  • Carry out an assessment of risks to implement a safe system of work
  • Connect instrumentation and associated equipment
  • Follow safe and secure isolation procedures
  • Confirm the safety and integrity of the instrumentation and associated equipment by inspection and testing
  • Prepare a report of your inspection and test 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 314 Key Words & Phrases

Associated Equipment: In this unit equipment is associated with and determined by the function of the instrumentation to be installed and includes any associated wiring systems.
Authorisation: In this unit, this is formal permission to start work.
Connections: In this unit, this includes: the termination and connection of wiring systems to instrumentation and associated equipment ensuring that every joint and connection is mechanically and electrically sound and suitable for use.
Hazardous Areas: In this unit, this refers to an area where flammable or explosive substances are, or may be expected to be, present in quantities which require special precautions to be taken against the risk of ignition.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.
Inspection and Testing: In this unit, this relates to tests and inspections of instruments and associated equipment.
Instrumentation and associated equipment: In this unit instrumentation and associated equipment are a collection of instruments which measure and interpret electrical and associated non-electrical parameters, for example: – flow rate, current, voltage, etc.
Instruments: In this unit instruments are designed to monitor and/or control process variables by:
a) Indication – display instantaneous or totalised values
b) Recording – to record and store information for later viewing
c) Control – to collect information and transmit for controlling purposes. 
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
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, as appropriate, identified as being necessary during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Scope of work: In this unit, this may take the form of verbal and written specifications.
Site services: In this unit, these are services associated with the instruments and associated equipment, these could include, for example, water, gas services, oil, electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the installation is due to take place, but they could vary. It could be, for example, that the installation is to take 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 change the working conditions.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the different types of site, including hazardous areas, where the installation is due to take place. The working environment is something you would not be able to change. The type of site will determine whether the working environment affects the type of instrumentation and associated equipment to be installed.

Unit 314 Performance Objectives

You must ensure that: 

  1. You confirm with the relevant person the scope of the work to be carried out
  2. You carry out an assessment of risks and implement a safe system of work to comply with health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice
  3. You confirm with the relevant person that your safe system of work is appropriate to the scope of work
  4. When required, you carry out a safe and secure isolation
  5. You make connections correctly and in accordance with
    a) Manufacturers’ instructions
    b) Drawings
    c) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
  6. You take safe and suitable action to remedy any identified defects with the instrumentation and associated equipment after connection has taken place and report to the relevant person
  7. 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
  8. You conduct an inspection in accordance with industry approved practice and the latest, relevant Industry Standards
  9. You conduct the required tests in accordance with
    a) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
    b) Industry approved practice
    c) With manufacturers’ instructions
  10. You prepare a formal record of the inspection and testing which confirms the safety and integrity of the installation in accordance with organisational procedures
  11. Your handover of the instrumentation and associated equipment to the relevant person(s) includes accurate and complete information and documentation about the inspection and tests.
Unit 314 Knowledge Requirements

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to test, connect and inspect instrumentation and associated equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Testing, connecting and inspecting instrumentation and associated equipment:

1. The scope, purpose and requirements of the inspection and testing of instruments and associated equipment – 1
2. Procedures for an assessment of risk and how to plan a safe system of work – 2,3
3. The correct procedures for a safe and secure electrical and process 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 – 4
4. The implications for relevant parties of carrying out an isolation – 4
5. The main applications, their advantages and limitations of different electrical connections and non-electrical connections and methods for remedying defects – 5,6
6. The procedures for ensuring a connection is electrically and mechanically sound and identified clearly and correctly – 5
7. The methods and procedures for electrical and non-electrical connections – 6
8. How to interpret manufacturers’ instructions and specifications to facilitate the termination and connection of instruments and associated equipment – 7
9. The importance of choosing the correct instruments for the particular test – 8
10. The main methods for checking test instruments are functioning and in calibration – 8
11. The requirements of an inspection with regard to:
a) Selection, identification and connection of conductors
b) Protection against contact and fire
c) Labelling, access to instruments and associated equipment
d) Application of danger, warning notices, diagrams and instructions – 9
12. How tests could impact on the instrumentation and associated equipment – 10
13. The importance of accurate recording of the inspection and test results – 11
14. Organizational procedures for reporting and completion of documentation which might include organisational or external QA systems – 12

Health and Safety
15. The importance of using personal protective equipment and safe appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs
16. The procedures for reporting any potentially dangerous situations or incidents – All POs
17. 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
18. The latest, relevant Industry Standards relevant to types and uses of instruments and associated equipment – All POs
19. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques and which allow for the safe connection of instrumentation and associated 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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