Armature Winder (Heavy Coil Winder)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Heavy Coil Winder. A Heavy Coil Winder prepares the windings that are used in small to very large transformers that can generate millions of volts of electrical energy. The very large transformers can weigh anything up to 300+ tons and the actual task of preparing the windings can take up to six months for a single large transformer. A Heavy Coil Winder prepares for and produces four different types of windings, namely: • Regulator/tapping windings. • Screw/helical windings. • Continuous disc winding/disc ordinary winding. • Disc interleaf/stabilised interleaf disc winding.

Heavy Coil Winders manufacture or wind heavy coils for small to very large transformers, the latter are used in power generation. While there are not many companies that manufacture windings for small and large transformers, they play a very significant role in the energy environment. Heavy coil winding is distinguished from armature winding in a major way, that being the scale of the operation and the sizes of wound coils that eventually emerge. The large coils are used by massive transformers that weigh in excess of 300 tons. The coils are wound in four specific configurations, using machines and equipment by highly skilled Winders. It is also a job with high responsibility as poorly wound coils can cause transformers to be seriously damaged. Heavy Coil Winders receive training at their places of work; but the extent of this training cannot be measured in terms of complexity and remains unaccredited. This qualification will have far-reaching implications to those who are in the trade. Typical learners are school leavers, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates and workers who have been employed in the Electro-Mechanical Industry. Once fully qualified, learners are able to wind coils in the four different configurations, depending to a large extent on the nature of the employer's business and the size of the company. The work of Heavy Coil Winders is critical to the economy because of the fundamental role that transformers play in electrical energy and power generation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Any NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics.

• Prepare for regulator or tapping winding.
• Produce regulator or tapping winding to specifications, and lift and transport winding.
• Prepare for screw or helical winding.
• Produce screw or helical winding to specifications, and lift and transport winding.
• Prepare for continuous disc or disc ordinary winding.
• Produce operational continuous disc or disc ordinary winding to specifications, and lift and transport winding.
• Produce disc interleaf or stabilised interleaf disc winding to specifications, and lift and transport winding.