Unit ID: 868 Domain Title:
ELECTROTECHNOLOGY Perform basic soldering and de-soldering procedures for electrotechnology works
Level: 1
Credits: 3
Purpose This unit standard specifies the competencies required to perform basic soldering and de-soldering procedures for electrotechnology works. It includes knowledge of soldering and de-soldering tools and equipment; safe soldering procedures; selecting and preparing soldering and de-soldering equipment; carrying out soldering and desoldering processes and maintain soldering and de-soldering equipment. This unit standard is intended for those who work in electrotechnology environment. Special Notes 1.
Entry information: Prerequisite • Unit 868 - Apply safety rules and regulations in an electrotechnology environment or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and skills.
2.
To demonstrate competence, at a minimum, evidence is required of soldering joints, terminations, including splice clips and connectors; wiring lugs and basic electronic components in a simple Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
3.
Assessment evidence may be collected from a real workplace or an appropriate simulated realistic environment in which electrical operations are carried out.
4.
Soldering may include but not limited to tinning, soldering joints and soldering components.
5.
Soldering and de-soldering equipment include associated tools and protective devices.
6.
Soldering in this unit standard is limited to ‘soft soldering’ which is performed not exceeding 450°C heat requirements.
7.
Glossary of terms:
8.
‘soldering’ refers to joining metallic materials using an adder metal (solder). ‘splice clips’ refers to special connectors used with solder to ensure a rigid connection. 'specifications' refers to any of the following: manufacturers’ specifications and recommendations, workplace specific requirements.
Performance of all elements in this unit standard must comply with manufacturers’ specifications, workplace specific requirements and safety procedures.
9.
Regulations and legislation relevant to this unit standard include the following: Labour Act, No. 11, 2007. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations No. 18, 1997 and all subsequent amendments.
Quality Assurance Requirements This unit standard and others within this subfield may be awarded by institutions which meet the accreditation requirements set by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and the Namibia Training Authority and which comply with the national assessment and moderation requirements. Details of specific accreditation requirements and the national assessment arrangements are available from the Namibia Qualifications Authority and the Namibia Training Authority. All approved unit standards, qualifications and national assessment arrangements are available on the Namibia Training Authority website www.nta.com.na.
Elements and Performance Criteria Element 1: Demonstrate knowledge of soldering and de-soldering tools and equipment. Range Soldering and de-soldering equipment may include but is not limited to soldering iron or soldering gun, solder sucker, wiring lugs, ferrules, connectors, splice clips, soldering flux and insulation materials. Hand tools may include but are not limited to side cutters, long nose pliers, set of jewellers’ screwdrivers, wire strippers, blower and small files. Performance Criteria 1.1
Terms soldering and de-soldering are defined and explained.
1.2
Soldering and de-soldering tools are identified and explained.
1.3
Soldering and de-soldering materials and consumables are identified and explained.
1.4
Hand tools needed for soldering and de-soldering work are identified.
Element 2: Demonstrate knowledge of safe soldering and de-soldering. Performance Criteria 2.1
Correct soldering and de-soldering procedures and characteristics of soldering joints are explained.
2.2
Methods of preventing damage to electronic devices from excessive heat, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and mechanical stress are explained in accordance with industry practice.
2.3
Methods of preventing short circuits and dry joints are described in terms of iron temperature, iron tip and solder selection, and solder joint shape.
2.4
Safety and workshop procedures to be followed while soldering, are described in accordance with health and safety legislation.
Element 3: Select and prepare soldering and de-soldering equipment. Range Selection of soldering equipment and materials may be influenced but not limited by the type of material and solder, bit size, heat requirement and soldering location. Performance Criteria 3.1
Procedures and information required for selecting and preparing soldering equipment are identified and sourced in line with workplace procedures.
3.2
Appropriate hand tools and measuring equipment are identified and selected to meet the requirement of the job.
3.3
Soldering and de-soldering equipment and materials are selected to match requirements of the task according to workplace procedures.
3.4
Soldering and de-soldering equipment is inspected and prepared to ensure user safety according to industry practise.
3.5
Soldering and de-soldering tips are kept tinned, shaped, and clean in accordance with industry practice.
Element 4: Carry out soldering and de-soldering processes. Range Soldering and de-soldering limited to simple wiring lugs, connectors and connections of basic components into a simple circuit. Performance Criteria 4.1
Solder and flux where applicable, are chosen to match the job in terms of size and type of solder.
4.2
Materials are cleaned and secured in position ready for soldering task.
4.3
Applicable tools and equipment are used safely to meet the requirement of the job.
4.4
Materials are soldered without damage to surrounding components and insulation and solder is not overheated.
4.5
Solder joint is inspected and assessed for smoothness, jagged edges and excessive solder material.
4.6
Components are removed from the circuit using either soldering pump or solder wick.
4.7
De-soldered circuit is free from flux residue and dirt.
4.8
Safe working practices are followed throughout the task according to legislative and workplace requirements.
Element 5: Maintain soldering and de-soldering equipment. Performance Criteria 5.1
Soldering iron tip is tinned and cleaned after use.
5.2
Soldering iron tip is correctly re-shaped when damaged using appropriate tools.
5.3
Tests confirm that the soldering iron temperature control system is operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and conforms to electrical safety requirements.
5.4
Nozzles for airflow soldering and de-soldering equipment are blockage free and clean.
5.5
Hoses of airflow soldering and de-soldering equipment are damage free.
5.6
Airflow soldering and de-soldering equipment is operating to manufacturer’s specifications.
5.7
Airflow soldering and de-soldering equipment conforms to electrical safety requirements.
Registration Data Subfield:
Electrical Engineering
Date first registered: Date this version registered: Anticipated review:
18 November 2010 18 November 2010 2015
Body responsible for review:
Namibia Training Authority
