Identify and correct faults in electrical systems, equipment and components
This element focuses on the systematic identification and rectification of faults within highway electrical camera systems, ensuring learners can apply diagnostic techniques, interpret technical data, and safely restore operational functionality. Practical application involves adherence to industry standards for safe isolation, fault finding, and verification testing, underpinned by organisational procedures and reporting protocols crucial for maintaining public highway safety and asset reliability.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Lantra Awards Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry NVQ in Highway Electrical Systems (On-street Charging) is a competency-based qualification designed for individuals working in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on public highways. This qualification covers the practical skills and knowledge required to safely install and maintain on-street charging points, including cable routing, connection to the grid, and compliance with relevant regulations such as BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation. It is essential for ensuring that the UK's growing network of public EV chargers is installed to high standards of safety and reliability.
This NVQ is part of the wider Highway Electrical Systems sector, which includes street lighting, traffic signals, and road signs. On-street charging is a rapidly expanding area due to the UK government's ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Students will learn to work with various charging technologies, including slow, fast, and rapid chargers, and understand the specific requirements for installation in public spaces, such as pavement crossings, parking bays, and integration with existing highway infrastructure. The qualification also emphasises health and safety, risk assessment, and environmental considerations, preparing learners for a career in a high-demand field.
By completing this NVQ, students demonstrate their ability to perform tasks such as excavating and reinstating groundworks, installing charging units, connecting to the electrical supply, and testing and commissioning systems. The qualification is assessed through practical observations, professional discussions, and portfolio evidence, ensuring that candidates are competent in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach makes it ideal for those already employed in the industry or apprentices seeking to formalise their skills.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Installation of on-street EV charging points: Understanding the process from site survey and planning to excavation, cable laying, unit installation, and connection to the distribution network operator (DNO) supply.
- →Compliance with BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice: Ensuring all electrical work meets safety standards, including earthing, bonding, overcurrent protection, and residual current devices (RCDs).
- →Health and safety regulations: Applying the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM Regulations, and risk assessment procedures specific to highway works, including traffic management and excavation safety.
- →Testing and commissioning: Performing insulation resistance tests, earth fault loop impedance tests, and functional tests to verify correct operation and safety of charging equipment.
- →Maintenance and fault diagnosis: Identifying common faults such as communication errors, power supply issues, and physical damage, and carrying out repairs or replacements in line with manufacturer specifications.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Understand and apply the organisational requirements for identifying and rectifying faults2. Be able to carry out the identification and correction of faults in accordance with organisational and industry requirements3. Be able to carry out relevant final tests and report as required4. Understand the organisational procedures for identifying and correcting faults5. Understand the technical and safety implications of identifying and correcting faults6. Understand the relevant final tests and reporting requirements
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating correct and complete safe isolation procedure prior to any fault-finding activity, including locking off and warning notices.
- Award credit for using manufacturer's data and system schematics to logically trace and identify fault location, distinguishing between electrical, electronic, and communication issues.
- Award credit for rectifying the fault using appropriate methods and materials, ensuring all connections, glands, and seals meet ingress protection (IP) standards.
- Award credit for performing and documenting final functional tests, such as camera power-up, image verification, and control system handshaking, confirming full system restoration.
- Award credit for completing a detailed job report that correctly records the fault symptoms, diagnostic steps, rectification work, test results, and any follow-up actions.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always start the fault-finding process by consulting the operation and maintenance manual specific to the camera model, referencing wiring diagrams and fault-code tables.
- 💡Record all test measurements and observations contemporaneously in a structured log; this evidence is essential for both assessment and real-world traceability.
- 💡Prioritise a top-down diagnostic sequence: first confirm supply integrity, then control signals, and finally the camera unit itself, to avoid unnecessary dismantling.
- 💡When reporting, clearly differentiate between the symptom (what was observed), the diagnosed fault (root cause), and the corrective action (how it was fixed), linking each to industry standards.
- 💡Tip 1: Always link your practical evidence to the relevant regulations. For example, when installing a charger, reference the specific clause in BS 7671 (e.g., Section 722 for EV charging) and explain how you complied. This shows depth of understanding.
- 💡Tip 2: In professional discussions, use the correct terminology (e.g., 'penetration seal' not 'hole filler') and describe the sequence of work logically. Examiners look for methodical thinking and awareness of safety at each step.
- 💡Tip 3: Keep a detailed log of your work activities, including photos, risk assessments, and test results. This portfolio evidence is crucial for demonstrating competence across all required units. Ensure your records are neat and clearly annotated.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Failing to verify isolation downstream of the isolation point, assuming all circuits are dead without comprehensive testing.
- Misinterpreting low-voltage signals or communication data, often due to not using the correct network analysis tool or protocol settings.
- Overlooking environmental factors such as water ingress, condensation, or vibration, which can cause intermittent and misleading fault symptoms.
- Incomplete reporting that omits critical details like test readings taken before and after rectification, making compliance auditing and trend analysis difficult.
- Misconception: On-street chargers are the same as home chargers. Correction: On-street chargers must withstand public use, vandalism, and weather extremes. They require robust enclosures, tamper-proof fixings, and integration with payment and communication systems. Installation also involves highway regulations and traffic management.
- Misconception: Any electrician can install on-street chargers. Correction: While electricians have the core skills, this NVQ covers specific competencies like working on the public highway, dealing with DNO connections, and understanding the unique requirements of public charging infrastructure. Additional training and assessment are necessary.
- Misconception: Testing is the same as for domestic installations. Correction: On-street chargers often have complex communication systems (e.g., OCPP) and require testing of both power and data connections. Earth fault loop impedance values may differ due to longer cable runs, and RCD types (e.g., Type A or B) must be correctly selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for LANTRA AWARDS Identify and correct faults in electrical systems, equipment and components
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic electrical knowledge: Understanding of AC/DC circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and power calculations (typically covered in Level 2 Electrical Installations or equivalent).
- •Health and safety awareness: Familiarity with risk assessment, COSHH, and manual handling, as well as construction site safety (CSCS card or equivalent).
- •Experience in highway works: Basic understanding of traffic management (e.g., Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual) and excavation safety (e.g., avoiding underground services).
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Understand and apply the organisational requirements for identifying and rectifying faults2. Be able to carry out the identification and correction of faults in accordance with organisational and industry requirements3. Be able to carry out relevant final tests and report as required4. Understand the organisational procedures for identifying and correcting faults5. Understand the technical and safety implications of identifying and correcting faults6. Understand the relevant final tests and reporting requirements
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