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: 

Build auto-electrical circuits 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376621  Build auto-electrical circuits 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12211  Build basic auto electrical circuits  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners accredited with this standard will have knowledge of the principles of electricity, the uses of various components that constitute a circuit, be able to test and repair circuits, interpret circuit diagrams and build auto-electrical circuits. The standard involves the application of both the theory and skills to achieve these autotronics-specific outcomes.

Learners credited with this standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of auto-electricity.
  • Explain the uses and functions of components.
  • Interpret circuit diagrams.
  • Build auto-electrical circuits.
  • Test and repair auto-electrical circuits. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    All tasks are performed bearing in mind health and safety requirements. Safety includes work area safety, electrical safety, electro-static safety, personal protective equipment and standard safety procedures when building auto-electrical circuits. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of auto-electricity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Electricity is explained using the conventional and electron current flow theories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Electricity Terms are defined and aspects related to them are discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Terms include voltage, current, resistance and power.
  • Related aspects include but are not limited to the symbols that are used to represent them, the unit of measurement (units for small amounts and units for very large amounts).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Conductors, insulators and semi-conductors are discussed in terms of their electrical properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors that determine the resistance of conductors are identified and described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include length, diameter, temperature, physical condition and material.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relationship that exists between voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits is explored for the purpose of fast, accurate electrical problem diagnosis and repair. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Ohm's law is explained and used to gauge the effects of different voltages and different resistances on current flow. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes performing simple calculation using set formulae.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The concept 'Watt' is explained through performing simple calculations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Resistance in series and in parallel is calculated using appropriate formulae. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Current flow is discussed in terms of its effects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Effects include but are not limited to heat generation, chemical reaction and electromagnetism.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Types of electricity are discussed in relation to their differences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of electricity include static and dynamic electricity.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the uses and functions of components used when building basic auto electrical circuits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A circuit is described in terms of its constituent elements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Constituent elements include source of voltage, protection device, load, control, ground, wiring, conductors, connectors, terminals and terminal markings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aspects related to wiring of circuits to prevent damage and injury are discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects include ground paths, system polarity, harnesses and wire insulation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The types of connectors found in motor vehicles are identified and discussed in terms of their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Control devices are described according to the purposes they serve in a circuit and where they are found on the motor vehicle. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control devices include various types of switches, relays and solenoids.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Protective devices are discussed in relation to their trouble shooting functions and location in a motor vehicle. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective devices include fuses, fusible links and circuit breakers.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Interpret circuit diagrams. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Circuits include lighting circuits (interior lighting, park and headlight circuits, indicator, hazard, instrumentation illumination), fan, horn and wiper circuits, protection circuits and related circuit symbols, including the common grounded circuit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A basic electrical circuit is described in terms of its constituent components. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Circuits may include a power source, protection device, working device (lamp), control device, ground path and conductor (wire).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of circuits are described in terms of their common aspects and differences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of circuits include Series, Parallel and Series-Parallel.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of Ohm's law for trouble-shooting purposes is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ohm's law can be used for circuits in Series, in Parallel and in Series-Parallel.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The characteristics of voltage, current and resistance in a Series circuit and a Parallel circuit are discussed in terms of their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The symbols and terminal designations representing components or connections used in the wiring diagrams of vehicles are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Colour-coded wires and the importance of wire thickness are described in terms of their purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Various circuit diagrams are discussed in terms of the key features they describe. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Circuit diagrams include lighting, interior lights, park lights, turn signal, horn, stop lights, windshield wiper, grounded circuits, instrumentation circuits and fan circuits.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Build auto-electrical circuits. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Basic auto electrical circuits may be built on simulator boards, built in accordance to procedure, be neat, routed and strapped. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principle of safe circuit design is explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation includes the concepts of 'hot', ground point and accidental contact.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure to make a very simple circuit is described as preparation for constructing circuits based on manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools and equipment are collected to ensure a smooth operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools and equipment include a circuit tester, volt battery, jumper wires, circuit construction board, terminal strip and digital multi-meter.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A circuit is built according to a diagram or specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Auto-electrical circuits are maintained according to standard procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Maintenance includes visual inspections (insulation checks, routing of harnesses etc), use of cleaning solvents, corrosion prevention on connectors, and component functionality checks.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Practical circuit building is performed for variety of scenarios. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scenarios include lighting, interior lights, park lights, turn signal, horn, stop lights, windshield wiper, grounded circuits, instrumentation circuits and fan circuits.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Test and repair auto-electrical circuits. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    All tools and equipment for testing, removing and replacing terminals and joining of cables are used according to manufacturing requirements and standard safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of testing equipment are identified and described in terms of how and when they are used. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Testing equipment includes but is not limited to multi-meter, jumper wires and circuit tester.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of tools are described to show how they are used. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools include crimping pliers; wire cutters; electric soldering irons, soldering devices (pencils, guns); terminal picks; continuity test light; a set of hand tools; cable knife; side cutters and measuring tape.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The types of tests are identified and the chronological steps to take when using them are listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Test includes measuring resistance, checking for an open circuit and checking for a short circuit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Repairs to circuits are performed with regard to the component being repaired. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Component includes but is not limited to conductors, connectors, wires (wire size, length, wire gauge number).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A soldering iron is used as per manufacturer's instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes Soldering iron, soldering flux and tinning the iron.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The process of removing and replacing terminals is described as per standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The technique of joining cables is described as per standard operating procedure. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Conductors.
  • Connectors.
  • Routing.
  • Multi-meters.
  • Relevant hand tools.
  • Personal and automotive protective equipment.
  • Circuit diagrams.

    Purpose of:
  • Conductors.
  • Strapping.
  • Terminals.
  • Common ground.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Circuit operation.

    Sensory cues:
  • Use of senses to determine possible fault conditions.

    Cause and effect, implications of:
  • Implications of not using personal protection.
  • Implications of not working in accordance to procedure.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures.
  • Testing procedures.
  • Removal and fitting procedure.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Relevant statutory regulations.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation.

    Theory: rules, principles and laws:
  • Internal resistance.
  • Resistance in series and parallel.
  • Basic principles of electricity.

    Relationships systems:
  • Relationship between the electrical/electronic systems in an automobile to other electrical circuits. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Using Ohm's law for trouble shooting purposes.
  • Interpreting testing equipment results and diagnosing problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Interpreting diagrams.
  • Building and maintaining auto-electrical circuits.
  • Using tools and equipment (including test equipment).
  • Performing repairs to circuits. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Interpret and build circuit diagrams.
  • Interpret results from test equipment.
  • Perform repairs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others by:
  • Using tools and equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and/or specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when engaging with problems that occur while building, maintaining and repairing auto-electrical circuits. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12211, "Build basic auto electrical circuits", Level 2, 16 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78944   National Certificate: Autotronics  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.