Testing marine electrical and electronic equipment and circuits
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to carry out inspections and tests on marine electrical equipment and electronic circuits, such as single, three-phase and direct current power supplies and control systems, motors and starters, switchgear and distribution panels, control systems, communication systems, weapon systems, navigation systems, sensor systems, computer control systems, lighting and alarm systems, electrical plant, luminaires and domestic electrically powered equipment, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to carry out formal inspections and tests, which will include protective insulation and resistance values, load current, voltage levels and power ratings, on a range of electrical/electronic equipment, to establish that it is functioning at optimal level and to specification.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the testing activities undertaken and to report any problems with these activities or with the tools and equipment used that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking full responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. **
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a sound understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying test procedures to marine electrical/electronic equipment and circuits. You will understand the equipment being worked on, the test equipment to be used and the various testing procedures, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required specification. In addition, you will be expected to review the outcome of the tests, to compare the results with appropriate units, to determine the action required and to record and report the results in the appropriate format.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the inspection and testing activities, especially those for isolating the equipment and for taking the necessary safeguards to protect yourself against direct and indirect electric shock. 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
- follow the appropriate procedures for use of tools and equipment to carry out the required tests
- set up and carry out the tests using the correct procedures and within agreed timescales
- record the results of the tests in the appropriate format
- review the results to determine the accuracy of the tests and carry out further tests if necessary
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the health and safety requirements of the work area where you are carrying out the testing activities and the responsibility they place on you
- the equipment isolation and lock-off procedure or permit-to-work procedure that applies to the testing activities (electrical isolation, locking off switch gear, removal of fuses, placing maintenance warning notices, proving that isolation has been achieved and secured)
- the specific safety precautions to be taken when carrying out formal inspection and testing of marine electrical/electronic equipment
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 the case of fire or other major incident, first aid, fire fighting and resuscitation of personnel)
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 importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the testing activities
- protection techniques for electrical systems (to prevent burn or fire risk)
- how to obtain and interpret drawings, circuit and physical layouts, charts, specifications, manufacturers' manuals, history/maintenance reports, graphical electrical symbols, IET wiring regulations and other documents needed in the maintenance process
- how to carry out currency/issue checks of the specifications you are working with
- the basic principle of operation of the equipment/circuits being tested and the purpose of individual components within the equipment/ circuit/system
- the application and use of a range of electrical and electronic components and the likely functions that will require checking
- types of test equipment to be used and their selection for particular types of tests
- how to calibrate the test equipment to be used, or the organisational procedures for ensuring that the test equipment is maintained and correctly calibrated
- how to connect the appropriate test equipment for the measurement of resistance, current, voltage, power, capacitance, inductance, power factor and protective device disconnection/trip times
- the various testing methods and procedures, as recommended in approved electrical codes of practice and how to apply them to different operating conditions
- displaying/recording test results and the documentation to be used
- how to interpret the test readings obtained and the significance of the readings gained
- how to analyse test results, using tables in approved electrical codes of practice and using comparison and sequential techniques
- the importance of ensuring that test equipment is used only for its intended purpose and within its specified range and limits
- potential problems or errors that could occur and which may affect the test results and how they can be avoided
- the environmental control and company operating procedures relating to the testing activities
- the documentation required and the procedures to be followed following the testing activities
- the extent of your own responsibility 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 testing activities:
- plan the inspection and testing 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
- carry out the inspection and testing activities, using appropriate techniques and procedures
- re-connect and return the system to service on completion of the testing activities
- functionally test and adjust equipment to specification
- dispose of waste items in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner and leave the work area in the prescribed category of cleanliness
* *
Carry out inspections and tests on six of the following types of marine electrical/electronic equipment:
- distribution switchgear
- wiring systems
- electric motors
- contactors and relays
- control panels
- programmable logic control (PLC) systems
- power electronic systems
- communication
- monitoring
- navigation
- computer
- motor drives
- sensors
- actuators
- power, heating and lighting systems
- accessories
* *
Carry out tests using a range of tools and test equipment, to include four of the following:
- oscilloscope
- ohmmeter
- ammeter
- insulation resistance tester
- loop impedance tester
- residual current device (RCD) tester
- portable appliance tester (PAT)
- multimeter
- voltmeter
- communication analyser
- power meter
- specialist test equipment (such as for sound, speed, light, temperature)
* *
Use appropriate test equipment to carry out five of the following tests to the equipment being maintained:
- protective resistance values
- insulation resistance values
- load current
- voltage levels
- power rating
- resistance
- capacitance
- frequency values
- inductance
- safety device trip speed
- functional tests
- voltage standing wave ratio checks
- specialist tests (such as for speed, sound, light, temperature)
* *
Carry out all the following checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of the tests carried out:
- the test equipment is correctly calibrated
- test equipment used is appropriate for the tests being carried out
- test procedures used are as recommended in the appropriate electrical regulations/codes of practice (IET/BS/ISO)
- test equipment is operated within its specification range
* *
Provide a record/report of the test outcomes, using one of the following:
- preventative maintenance log/report
- company specific reporting procedure
- inspection schedule * *
- specific test report
- other appropriate recording 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