This microcredential course was developed with the support of the Australian Government’s Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education. It provides students with a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the design and analysis of electrical safety and earthing systems. Additionally, students will gain in-depth knowledge of advanced protection schemes against lightning.
Upon completion, students should be able to:
These outcomes will be assessed through four assignments and participation, which are mapped to the outcomes.
You will receive a digital badge on completion.
Pathway to Higher Education:
This course, developed in consultation with industry experts, equips you with skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers. Upon successful completion, if you apply and are accepted into EIT’s Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering), you may obtain credit for the BEE310 unit.
The course is composed of 12 modules. These modules cover a range of aspects to provide you with maximum practical coverage in the field of electrical engineering.
Module 1: Electrical System and Protective Earthing – Part 1
• Electrical system earthing – objectives
• Types of system earthing and choosing an appropriate system for different applications
• Earthing transformer for 3-wire supply
• Protective earthing
Module 2: Electrical System and Protective Earthing – Part 2
• Equipotential bonding
• Extending system earthing to protective conductors and system types (TN, TT and IT)
• Use of MEN systems by utilities and the benefits
Module 3: Earth Electrode and Substation Earthing Design – Part 1
• Applicable codes on earthing
• Electric shock and tolerance to current
• Soil resistivity and factors that influence resistivity
• Measurement of soil resistivity
Module 4: Earth Electrode and Substation Earthing Design – Part 2
• Earth electrodes and common types of electrodes
• Measurement of earth electrode resistance and earth grid resistance
• Touch, step, and transferred voltage
• Earth grid design, earth potential rise, and computation of touch and step
Module 5: Lightning Protection, Surge Protection and EMI Control, and the Role of Earthing – Part 1
• Lightning physics and statistical distribution of lightning parameters
• Direct and indirect effects of lightning strike on objects
• Side flash and methods of avoidance
• Lightning protection of buildings-approach
• Evaluation of protection effectiveness
Module 6: Lightning Protection, Surge Protection and EMI Control, and the Role of Earthing – Part 2
• Lightning surges and methods of surge coupling
• Surge protection of electrical circuits and energy grading of protection
• Design of comprehensive lightning of a facility
• Electromagnetic interference, propagation and control
• Role of earthing in control of EMI
Module 7: Electrical Safety Hazards Including Electric Shock and Arc Flash – part 1
• Hazards in electrical work
• Shock hazard and control measures
• Direct and indirect contact
• Relevance of earthing in mitigation of indirect contact
• Equipment of class 1, 2 and 3
• Safe clearances and its relevance in outdoor switchyards
Module 8: Electrical Safety Hazards Including Electric Shock and Arc Flash – part 2
• Arc flash hazard
• Arc flash hazard assessment procedure
• Calculation of arc energy and flash protection boundary
• Hazard control measures
• Hazardous area classifications
• Safety in hazardous locations
Module 9: Static Electricity and Hazard Control
• Basic principles of static charge formation
• Problems caused by static electricity
• Explosion hazard of static electricity
• Calculation of spark energy
• Mitigation of static-related problems in equipment
• Bonding and its role in mitigation
• ESD and basics of protection against damage to sensitive components
Module 10: Electrical Safety Legislation and Its Impact on the Design and Operation of Electrical Systems – Part 1
• A brief history of safety (WHSD) legislation
• Electrical safety related legislation
• The 3-tiers of legislation
• Typical legislation and its objectives
• Australian wiring rules-an overview
Module 11: Electrical Safety Legislation and Its Impact on the Design and Operation of Electrical Systems – Part 2
• Hazard control triangle
• Design of electrical equipment to ensure safety
• Electrical substation safety including hazards in battery installations
• WHS procedures for safe electrical work
Module 12: Unit Review
In the final week, students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work and to clarify any outstanding issues. Instructors/facilitators may choose to cover a specialized topic if applicable to that cohort.
In the final week, the session will focus on revision to reinforce students’ understanding of the material covered throughout the course. This will include opportunities to review their work, clarify any lingering questions, and solidify their grasp of key concepts. Instructors may also introduce specialized topics or relevant case studies tailored to the specific needs of the cohort, providing additional context and depth to the revision process.
Additionally, there will be opportunities to discuss the final assessment and work through relevant problems. This collaborative environment will help ensure that all students feel prepared and confident as they approach the conclusion of the course.
Upon completion, students should be able to:
These outcomes will be assessed through four assignments and participation, which are mapped to the outcomes.
To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency course, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at the live, online weekly webinars. Detailed summaries or notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance. In addition, students must obtain an overall 50% mark in the set assessments which are a practical assessment and a proctored exam. Students must obtain a minimum 50% mark in the proctored exam to pass this course. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in weekly quizzes. If a student does not achieve the required score, resubmission/re-attempt opportunity is given only in the practical assessment and the weekly quizzes, not in the exam.
Additional Credit
Upon successful completion of this Professional Certificate of Competency:
• If you apply and are accepted into EIT’s Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering), you may obtain credit for the BEE310 unit.
For full current fees in your country go to the drop-down filter at the top of this page or visit the Fees page.
Payment Methods
Learn more about payment methods, including payment terms and conditions and additional non-tuition fees.
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You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending weekly webinars that run for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This program has a 65% attendance requirement in the live webinars to graduate from the program. If you are unable to attend the live webinars, you have the option of watching the recording of completed webinars and sending a summary of what you have learnt from the webinar to the Learning Support Officer (LSO). The summaries go towards your attendance requirement for the program.
This program is run online on an intensive part-time basis and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.
We understand that sometimes work commitments and personal circumstances can get in the way of your studies, so if at any point you feel that you are struggling with the pace of the course or finding a particular module challenging, you are encouraged to contact your designated Learning Support Officer for assistance.
Registrations are open for our upcoming intakes. Please ensure you book your place at least one week before the start date of the program.
Census date is the date at which an enrollment is considered to be final. Any withdrawal you make after the study period census date will incur an academic penalty (for example, a fail grade) and a financial penalty (for example, no refund of your student contribution or tuition fees). See our current census dates.
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