Application

This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to assess generator/alternator operation, and test and repair and/or replace generators and alternators.

It applies to the testing and rectification work associated with 12, 14, 36 and 48 volt charging systems on vehicles, mobile plant and stationary equipment.

Where specialist electronic skills are required appropriate units should also be selected.

Where soldering of wires/connections is required unit MEM05001 Perform manual soldering/desoldering - electrical/electronic components should also be selected.

Where an electrical wiring system is above 48 volts unit MEM18045 Fault find and repair electrical equipment/components up to 250 volts single phase supply or unit MEM18046 Fault find and repair electrical equipment/components up to 1000 volts a.c./1500 volts d.c. should also be selected as appropriate.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two (2) occasions and include:

following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices

identifying and interpreting specifications, charts, lists, drawings and service documents to diagnose and rectify low voltage charging systems

checking and testing the charging system for correct operation and conformance and recording any variations from system specifications

dismantling/reassembling given generators and alternators using appropriate tooling, techniques and procedures and replacing faulty components

identifying charging faults and conducting tests for short circuit and winding continuity tests

undertaking calculations and numerical operations in diagnosing and rectifying low voltage charging systems

testing current and voltage regulators, cut-outs and relays for correct operation and determining the condition of given power/exciter diodes to specifications

testing the output of the generator/alternator for compliance to specifications, including the charging system for excessive voltage drops

recording/reporting all service activities in accordance with SOPs.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

concepts of magnetism, electromagnetism and induced voltage

construction and principles of operation of generators and alternators

methods of generating alternating and direct current for low voltage systems

methods of regulating voltage and current generated

function of diode and condenser types of regulator

tests and test procedures that can be used to check the performance of the charging system

charging system specifications and procedures for recording charging system performance/variations from specifications

procedures for:

dismantling and reassembling generators/alternators and tools and equipment to be used

identifying charging faults, testing short circuits and winding continuity and test equipment to be used

testing and methods of adjusting voltage and current regulators, cut-outs and relays

testing diodes with the appropriate test equipment and precautions to be taken

specifications of generator/alternator output and test equipment and procedures to be used to determine alternator/generator output

operational specifications and test equipment to be used to check the operation of voltage and current regulators, cut-outs and relays

components of generators/alternators that can be replaced

specifications of the faulty generator/alternator components

effect and causes of voltage drops on charging system operation/ performance and procedures to be taken when checking for excessive voltage drops

effect of loose, poorly soldered and/or inappropriate insulation on charging system operation

parameters which determine repair or replacement

specifications of all circuit connections.

Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

have vocational competency in diagnosing and rectifying low voltage charging systems at least to the level being assessed with relevant industry knowledge and experience

satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 or its replacement and comply with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, its replacement or equivalent legislation covering VET regulation in a non-referring state/territory as the case requires

Where possible assessment must occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Foundation Skills

• text: This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency. Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Prerequisite Units

• {'code': 'MEM09002', 'title': 'Interpret technical drawing'}
• {'code': 'MEM11011', 'title': 'Undertake manual handling'}
• {'code': 'MEM12023', 'title': 'Perform engineering measurements'}
• {'code': 'MEM13015', 'title': 'Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering'}
• {'code': 'MEM16006', 'title': 'Organise and communicate information'}
• {'code': 'MEM18001', 'title': 'Use hand tools'}
• {'code': 'MEM18002', 'title': 'Use power tools/hand held operations'}
• {'code': 'MEM18055', 'title': 'Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components'}
• {'code': 'MEM27006', 'title': 'Diagnose and rectify batteries, low voltage sensors and circuits'}

Parent Qualifications

• MEM40119 — Certificate IV in Engineering
  MEM

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