MODULE DETAILS

Circuit Breakers and Switchgear in Mining DMNCBS603

Nominal duration in hours: 60 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the core features of medium voltage (1kV-36kV) and low voltage switchgear and circuit breakers, their safety features, and asset management principles.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop knowledge of the functions, operation, and safety considerations of circuit breakers and switchgear applicable to mining.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2011 (52438WA); December 2014 (52727WA).  This version is Version 3.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Power Distribution DEIFEP601

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

N/A

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.    Explain purpose and functions of MV and LV switchgear used in the mining industry

2.    Explain principles of operation of circuit breakers and MV and LV breakers

3.   Identify and explain safety features required in switchgear

4.    Outline asset management principles and troubleshooting procedures applicable to switchgear

5.    Summarise the concept of hazardous areas and implications for electrical equipment use in such areas

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Explain purpose and functions of MV and LV switchgear used in the mining industry

1.1

Explain MV and LV switchgear features

1.2

Outline MV and LV switchgear applications by example

2

Explain principles of operation of circuit breakers and MV and LV breakers

2.1

Identify principles of circuit breaker operation and current interruption

2.2

Outline the functions of circuit breakers and other switching devices in MV systems

2.3

Outline types of LV circuit breakers and their applications

3

Identify and explain safety features required in switchgear

3.1

Identify and explain safety features required in switchgear for avoiding incidents

3.2

Summarise local statutory and enterprise safety rules and procedures in relation to switching and switchgear

4

Outline asset management principles and troubleshooting procedures applicable to switchgear

4.1

Outline asset management practices used in the context of switchgear

4.2

Outline best practice troubleshooting practices for switchgear and control circuits

5

Summarise the concept of hazardous areas and implications for electrical equipment use in such areas

5.1

Outline a hazardous area classification system applicable to mining and conditions required for an explosion/fire

5.2

Identify and outline to features of electrical equipment enclosures designed to prevent explosions

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

Assessment Conditions:

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.