SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Wire a railway track circuit 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116856  Wire a railway track circuit 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to wire a railway track circuit according to plans and specifications by applying signalling engineering practice. This will ensure the availability of correctly wired railway track circuits that contribute in part to a reliable railway signalling system, safe and efficient train operations and effective rail transportation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF L2
  • Mathematics NQF L2
  • Ability to use engineering hand and power tools.
  • Ability to route and terminate electrical conductors.
  • Knowledge of the principles of electricity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The credit value assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because performance must be carried out:
  • In a controlled environment
  • Within a specific time
  • At a field site or in a workshop (might or might not include overhead traction equipment)
  • Under simulated or actual operational conditions

    This standard includes the wiring of a standard railway track circuit rack and associated trackside equipment.

    This standard excludes:
  • The assembly and installation of railway track circuits
  • The internal wiring of an apparatus case 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and procure the resources required to perform the wiring of a railway track circuit safely and correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The job order is interpreted to establish the relevant resources required to perform the wiring of a railway track circuit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct plans for the wiring of a railway track circuit are obtained and verified against the job order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identify the applicable safe working procedures to be adhered to during performance of the task as per company policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The required resources are obtained according to the wiring specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The resources are verified against material specifications and sub-standards rectified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Wire a railway track circuit safely and correctly according to a wiring plan within the allocated time at a suitable site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A railway track circuit is wired as per plan and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safe working procedures are adhered to as per company policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The assisting personnel are supervised when such personnel are utilised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A suitable and safe site is prepared and secured according to procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Wiring of a railway track circuit is completed within the allocated time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Unforeseen circumstances related to the wiring of a railway track circuit are correctly dealt with. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform quality checks on a wired railway track circuit according to procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant quality checks are performed correctly on a wired railway track circuit according to procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality checks indicating non-conformance to specifications are addressed correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant documentation related to the quality checks performed on a wired railway track circuit is completed according to procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communication related to the wiring of a railway track circuit is carried out effectively. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Applicable documentation is completed as per company policies. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Restore the site and store or secure a wired railway track circuit as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazardous and waste material is safely disposed of as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All equipment housing lids, doors, covers, locks, etc. are replaced and secured as per company-specific procedures policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The site is restored as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The wired railway track circuit is stored or secured as per material storage policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Material, equipment and tools are returned for storage or repair as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be certified as competent against this unit standard and registered as an assessor to assess this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The learners can understand and explain the following related to the wiring of a railway track circuit:
  • Planning and procurement
  • Wiring plans/diagrams/schedules/symbols
  • Identification, purpose and function of the parts and components of a railway track circuit
  • Wiring methods
  • Wiring/termination practices and company-specific specifications
  • Function, purpose and safe use of tools (hand and power)
  • Identification and handling of materials
  • Function, purpose and safe use of applicable electrical test instruments
  • Restoration of site
  • Relevant extracts from:
    OHS Act and regulations
    Safe working procedures
    Company-specific policies, procedures and instructions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem-solving
    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • The correctness, quantity and quality of material, parts and components
  • The suitability and functionality of equipment and tools
  • The wiring of electrical equipment
  • Operational changes relating to the wiring of electrical circuits
  • Availability and competence of assisting personnel 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Handling and wiring of electrical equipment
  • Storing or securing of electrical equipment
  • Restoring the site 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management
    A learner can organise and manage himself by:
  • Executing the task responsibly
  • Maintaining a high level of discipline
  • Adherence to time frames
  • Adherence to safety and company-specific policies and procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation
    Learners can interpret and evaluate the contents of:
  • A wiring plan/diagram
  • A job order 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication
  • Learners can communicate effectively with relevant role-players related to the wiring of electrical equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology
  • Learners can use science and technology by using electrical test instruments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems
  • Learners can understand the role of the railway track circuit in a railway signalling system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Learner and societal development
    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace as well as in the whole environment
  • Being a team player in the work environment and in society
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment and in society
  • Their responsibility for the safety and well-being of fellow-workers and society at large 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Assessment process:

    Assessment methods:
  • Written tests.
  • Practical test.
  • Oral questioning.
  • Observation of practical task execution.
  • Simulation.
  • Role-play/structured classroom discussions and oral tests.
  • Practical verification against specifications.

    These methods must be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method could be used to assess knowledge, or on-the-job demonstration for practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than three of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

    The following may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:
    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Logbook or register stating evidence of performance.

    Values:
    In addition, the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Safety consciousness
  • Responsibility
  • Integrity
  • Quality consciousness
  • Time consciousness
  • Sobriety

    Supplementary information:

    Terminology

    Job order refers to:
  • Job card
  • Job instruction
    Plan refers to a drawing or diagram.
    Sub-standard refers to the deviation from specifications and/or standards.
    Site refers to a workshop or field location.
    Communication can include, but is not limited to:
  • Personnel structures, e.g. supervisors and subordinates
  • Verification of messages/instructions
    Communication media can include, but is not limited to:
  • 2-way radios
  • Cellular phones
  • Trunk radios
  • Hand-held emergency telephones
    Secure means to make safe, cover, fasten or tie down.
    Store/storage means to remove item(s) from the work area and place in a designated/prescribed area as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions.
    Logbook refers to evidence of training and job performance.
    Overhead traction equipment (OHTE) refers to the high-voltage equipment used to power electric locomotives.
    Wiring means connecting individual electrical parts/components to each other by means of electrical/optical conductors.
    Railway track circuits include:
  • All equipment housings
  • The associated track connections
  • Associated electrical connections
    Trackside box refers to the housing into which the rail interface equipment is mounted.
    Standard railway track circuit rack refers to a pre-assembled rack with backboards to which standard modules are fitted.

    Certification:
    The learner will be certified as competent when a standard railway track circuit rack and associated trackside box has been correctly wired to specification.

    Credits:
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Activity-Hours
    Theory-6
    Practical-14
    Self-directed learning-2
    On-the-job learning
    Assessment-6
    Total-28
    Credits achieved: 3 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49068   National Certificate: Railway Signalling: Assembly and Wiring of Equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.