Modifying and rewiring marine electrical circuits
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to modify and rewire marine electrical circuits, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to modify, rewire and update circuits in accordance with approved specifications and procedures, latest issue drawings and units. The marine electrical circuits to be modified or rewired will include single phase, three-phase and direct current power supplies and control systems, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems, lighting circuits and electrical equipment. You will be expected to remove and replace cables, add new cables, change breakout points and change the routeing of cables. You will also be expected to change components, units and trays. You will need to show proficiency in using various tools and equipment for cutting, stripping, crimping and soldering and in the installation of the various wires, cables and components that make up the marine electrical system and circuits.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the modification or rewiring activities undertaken and to report any problems with the activities, components or equipment that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You must ensure that all tools, equipment and materials used in the modifying or rewiring activities are removed from the work area on completion of the activities and that all necessary job/task documentation is completed accurately and legibly. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and provide an informed approach to applying modification or rewiring procedures to marine electrical equipment and circuits. You will understand the modification or rewiring to be carried out and its application and will know about the methods, tools and equipment to be used, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring that the modification or rewiring is carried out to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the rewiring or modification activities. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- obtain and follow the relevant modification specifications and job instructions
- confirm and agree what modifications are to be carried out to meet the specification
- prepare the electrical system for the required modification
- carry out the system modification using approved materials, methods and procedures
- complete the modification within the agreed timescale
- ensure the modified electrical system meets the specified operating conditions
complete relevant documentation in line with organisational procedures
deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions and procedures to be observed whilst carrying out the modifications or rewiring of the electrical systems (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
- the health and safety requirements of the work area in which you are carrying out the modification or rewiring activities and the responsibility they place on you
- how to recognise and deal with emergencies and the procedures to be followed (such as methods of safely evacuating and closing down of compartments in case of fire or other major incident, first aid, fire fighting and resuscitation of personnel)
- the hazards associated with carrying out modifications or rewiring of electrical systems and how they can be minimised
- the equipment isolation and lock off procedures or permit to work procedure that applies to the work being undertaken
- the precautions to be taken to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to circuits and sensitive components (such as use of earthed wrist straps)
- what constitutes a hazardous voltage and how to recognise victims of electric shock
- how to reduce the risks of a phase to earth shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
- the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the modification or rewiring activities
- the importance of applying the appropriate behaviours in the workplace and the implications for both the apprentice and the business if these are not adhered to
- how to obtain and interpret drawings, circuit and physical layouts, charts, specifications, manufacturers' manuals, graphical electrical symbols, IET wiring regulations and other documentation used during the modification or rewiring process
- how to carry out currency/issue checks of the specifications you are working with
- the basic principles of how the system functions, its operating sequence, the working purpose of individual units/components and how they interact
- the different types of cabling (to include multicore cables, single core cables, steel wire armoured (SWA) cables, mineral insulated (MI) cables, screened cables), fittings and their application
- the different types of electrical components (such as plugs, switches, lighting and fittings, junction boxes, consumer units)
- preparations to be undertaken on the system prior to carrying out the modification or rewiring
how to extract and insert new cables in wiring enclosures (such as conduit, trunking and traywork) without causing damage to other cables or components
the methods and techniques to be used for soldering and de-soldering and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- the methods and techniques to be used for crimping and heat shrinking and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- the various mechanical fasteners that will be used and their method of installation
- the procedure for obtaining replacement parts, materials and other consumables necessary for the modification or rewiring activities
- the importance of ensuring that the completed circuit is free from foreign objects and that all terminations are sound and secure
- how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure that the completed modification or rewiring complies with all required standards
- the methods and equipment used to transport, lift and handle components/cabling into position and how to check that the equipment is within its current certification dates
- how to check that tools and equipment are free from damage or defect, are in a safe, tested and usable condition and are configured correctly for the intended purpose
- the problems that can occur with the modification or rewiring operations and how these can be overcome
- the recording documentation to be completed for the activities undertaken
- the extent of your own authority and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Carry out all of the following during the modification and rewiring of the electrical circuits:
- plan the rewiring/modification activities to cause minimal disruption to normal working
- use the correct issue of vessel/system drawings and maintenance documentation
- adhere to risk assessment, COSHH and other relevant safety standards
- obtain clearance to work on the system, and observe the appropriate power isolation and safety procedures
- provide safe access and working arrangements for the maintenance area
- modify or rewire the electrical circuits, using approved techniques and procedures
- re-connect and return the system to service on completion of the activities
- dispose of waste items in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner and leave the work area in the prescribed category of cleanliness
- apply safe working practices and procedures at all times
Carry out modifications or rewiring of six of the following electrical systems:
- single phase power circuits
- three-phase power circuits
- direct current power circuits
- motors and starters
- switchgear and distribution panels
- communication systems
- weapon systems
- lighting and alarm systems
- control systems and components
- navigation systems
- sensor systems
- computer control systems
- electrical plant
- wiring enclosures (such as conduit, trunking or traywork)
- luminaires
- domestic electrically powered equipment
- other specific electrical system
Carry out six of the following types of modification to the electrical circuits and equipment:
- replacing cables of different size or length
- changing the position or angle of breakout points
- adding or removing components from circuits
- changing the route of cables
- adding new looms or mains circuits
- changing or adding conduit runs
- changing or adding trunking and trays
- making changes to looms or mains circuits
- changing the position of electrical units
- fitting new electrical systems
- removal of cables
- addition of cables
- removing and replacing cable end fittings
- changing or adding components to panels or sub-assemblies
Carry out six of the following types of electrical connections:
- terminating mineral and armoured cables
- sealing and protecting cable connections
- making mechanical/screwed/clamped connections
- soldering and de-soldering
- terminating screened cables
- terminating fibre-optic cables
- terminating co-axial cable
- terminating PVC cables
- terminating muliticore cables in muliti pin plugs and sockets
- terminating co-axial cables into plugs and sockets
- creating earth bonding points
- heat shrinking (devices and boots)
- strain relief devices
- crimping (tags and pins)
- allocating identification markings
Produce modified or rewired marine electrical systems which comply with one of the following standards:
- BS or ISO standards and procedures
- customer (contractual) standards and requirements
- company standards and procedures
- specific equipment requirements/manufacturer's data
- Institute of Electrical Technicians (IET) regulations
recognised compliance agency/body's standards
other accepted international standards
Complete all relevant paperwork, from the following in line with organisational procedures:
- job cards
- system log
- maintenance logs or reports
- vessel wiring documentation
- work authorisation documents
- other specific reporting method
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Behaviours:
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment