Basic Electrical Materials and Methods-Rev01
Basic Electrical Materials and Methods-Rev01
Basic Electrical Materials and Methods-Rev01
PART 1 - GENERAL
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 SUMMARY
B. Electrical Work, unless otherwise specified, includes the supply, installation, testing and
commissioning of the complete electrical systems, equipment and materials shown on the
Drawings and/or described in the Specification together with all associated ancillary work,
support work and builder's work required to achieve full functionality as per the design
intent.
C. The scope of electrical works shall include, but shall not be necessarily limited to the
following:
a. Passenger Elevators.
b. Service and Freight elevators.
c. Fire Fighting Elevators.
d. Escalators.
A. Regulations: Carry out electrical work in accordance with the current issue of the local
codes of practice, local power authority regulations and [Requirements for Electrical
Installations – IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) as published by the Institution of
Engineering and Technology and IEC Standards][National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA
70) as published by the National Fire Protection Association][ Egyptian code, New Urban
Cities Authority requirements (NUCA). ] where not in contradiction with the local codes of
practice and regulations, herein referred to collectively as 'the Regulations'.
C. Standards: Unless otherwise specified, equipment and materials shall be manufactured and
installed in compliance with the relevant recommendations of the following or other equal
and approved standards:
D. In case of contradiction between enforced and relevant local regulations and International
Standards, the Local regulations shall prevail.
A. The Local Power Authority will provide incoming power supply and connection at 22 kV
to the location shown on the Drawings.
C. kWH-metering: Liaise with the Local Power Authority and provide necessary
instrumentation, enclosures and accessories required by them to effect a complete kWH-
metering installation.
D. kWH-metering will be at medium voltage for towers operators and at low voltage for
tenants and end users unless otherwise shown on the Drawings.
F. Distribution systems shall be supplied or derived from the voltage system previously
described, as shown on the Drawings, or as otherwise specified.
G. The Contractor shall ensure that system’s upstream protection device settings are re-
calculated by competent agency and changed as necessary to be compatible with the final
approved load conditions.
A. The Local Telephone Authority will bring telephone public exchange lines into the premises
to the location shown on the Drawings and/or to be agreed with the Authority. Liaise with
the Local Telephone Authority to confirm location of connection of public telephone
exchange lines into the premises.
A. All electrical work from and including motor control centers / panels to motors and other
electrically operated equipment, which is included in Division 26 Section "Motor Control
Centers", form part of the Electrical Work.
B. Power supply to motors and other electrically operated equipment, which are not connected
to a motor control center / panels, is included in the Electrical Work and comprises power
supply to terminal box on equipment or nearby disconnecting or starting device, and
includes the disconnecting device, if individually provided, including the starting device or
combination starter.
1.7 EQUIPMENT
A. Equipment Spaces and Rooms: Verify that dimensions, structure, ventilating and cooling
arrangements and other provisions in equipment spaces and rooms are suitable for
installation, operation and maintenance of proposed equipment. Note any discrepancies on
the shop and construction drawings.
B. Equipment shall be designed for the system voltage and frequency previously described,
unless otherwise specified. Special provisions shall be made for equipment sensitive to
power supply frequency and voltage variations and for equipment operated at other
voltages/frequencies or by direct current sources.
D. Where design and operating conditions, different from the above are required for particular
equipment, they are described in the specification of the equipment concerned.
E. Equipment, apparatus, material accessories installed outdoors shall be corrosion and salinity
proof. UV stabilized requirement shall be applied for outdoor installations and their surface
finish and due certification shall be provided by manufacturer as necessary.
1.9 DRAWINGS
A. Equipment locations shown on the Drawings indicate approximate locations and general
layout of equipment. Exact and final locations and layouts together with dimensions,
weights, mounting methods and accessories, where relevant, shall be shown on Contractor's
shop and construction drawings.
B. Symbols: In order to provide sufficient detail and a minimum degree of clarity on the
Drawings, the symbols used for various electrical devices, particularly wall mounted
devices, take up more space on the Drawings than the device does on the wall. Because of
drafting limitations these locations must be considered as being indicative rather than exact
physical locations of the devices. The devices shall be installed with prime regard for
convenience of operation and the proper usage of the wall space rather than to coincide with
the scaled locations of the symbols. In locating the outlets, follow the criteria provided on
detail Drawings where provided, and coordinate with furniture. Do not scale from design
Drawings.
C. Wiring layouts shown on the Drawings shall be used as a guide only to defining basic
positions, circuiting, loading and switching arrangements. Actual layouts and details of
routing of circuits shall be shown on the Contractor's shop and construction drawings.
D. Wiring layouts shown on the Drawings for work not included in the Electrical Work are
shown for convenience and reference only.
1.10 SUBMITTALS
A. Generally: Submit for approval, manufacturers' technical literature, shop and construction
drawings and other information required by the Specification, before ordering equipment or
materials and before executing any related work on site.
B. Product Data: Submit for approval detailed product data such as model no., all relevant
ratings, country of manufacture, interface details as necessary, covers and supports.
C. Calculations: Submit for approval the manufacturer/supplier calculations for the following
systems, prior to ordering/manufacturing the material:
1. Indoor and outdoor lighting distribution, with necessary supporting documents and
photometric data of the lighting fixtures proposed and approved by the Contractor.
2. Circuit breakers selectivity and discrimination calculation study for a full selective
and discriminated distribution scheme.
3. Voltage drop and short circuit calculations after verification of cable and breaker
sizes.
4. Generators sizing calculations.
5. Power factor correction capacitors sizing based on the final approved loads.
6. Battery bank calculations to fulfill the specification requirements provided for the
specific equipment.
7. Rating / derating calculations for the specified equipment.
8. Lightning risk assessment and energy coordination studies for surge protection.
9. Harmonic analysis.
10. Earthing.
11. Relay settings.
12. Design calculations associated with communications and security systems
engineering, power consumption and heat dissipation, link budget, fiber count,
Quality of Service (QoS), redundancy, reliability and service availability.
13. Any required calculation necessary to define component/equipment sizes for the
proper operation of the electrical and ELV systems, and to confirm compliance with
specified Regulations and Standards.
2. Shop and construction drawings must demonstrate that the design requirements are
understood by indicating all equipment and material proposed to be supplied and
installed and by detailing fabrication and installation methods proposed to be used.
Shop and construction drawings shall clearly state the name and location of the work,
the names of Engineer and Contractor, submission date, cross-references to the
Drawings and Specification and the specific reference number, location, service and
function of each item.
3. Shop and construction drawings shall be submitted at a scale of 1:50 for general
layout plans, and 1:10, or 1:20 as approved by the Engineer for sections, details,
elevations, congested layouts, etc. Drawings shall include but not be limited to the
following:
E. Field Test Reports: Indicate and interpret test results for compliance with performance
requirements and arrange for certification by manufacturer / manufacturer’s authorized
representative.
F. Electrical installation shall be fully rated for the power source and load characteristics as
also for the fault conditions expected and protection selectively coordinated for full
discrimination, considering the different manufacturers products used in the system.
H. List of Proposed Manufacturers: Of all equipment and materials, including all items for
which choice of manufacturer is at own discretion, shall be submitted for approval.
I. Assembled Equipment: Any assembled equipment to be supplied for the project shall be
assembled by the manufacturer or his authorized assembler. Submit the necessary
documents to substantiate the above including the assembler staff training, quality control,
etc. The Engineer reserves the right to reject any local assembler if the information
submitted is not sufficient. The Engineer's rejection in that respect is final and not subject to
discussion.
J. Test Certificates and Reports: Submit manufacturer's type and routine test certificates and
reports for equipment and devices. Complete test results shall be submitted in clearly
identified and organised booklets, indicating item of equipment, make, model, type, date of
tests, type of tests, descriptions and procedures. Include in the test reports the Quality
Assurance Certification, the standards to which the equipment comply, and the standards to
which the equipment was tested.
K. Factory Testing: Locally manufactured/assembled equipment shall comply with the relevant
standards recommendations and shall be witnessed by Engineer, where required in the
relevant Specifications Section. If the manufacturer's test certificates/tests are not complying
with the standards, then independent laboratory tests shall be carried out on equipment in
accordance with the Specification and the Standards, and as required by Engineer. The
Engineer's requirements in that respect are final and not subject to discussion.
L. Spare Parts Schedules: Submit with the Tender itemised schedules of spare parts to be
provided, as required by the Specification, and state against each item the manufacturer's
unit price including packaging and delivery to site.
M. Tools And Instruments Schedules: Submit with the Tender itemised schedules of tools and
instruments to be provided, as required by the Specification, and state against each item the
manufacturer's unit price including packaging and delivery to site.
N. Labeling Schedule: Submit for approval, prior to installation, a schedule of all equipment
and devices to be labeled and the suggested details, lettering, position and fixing methods of
each label indicating its application.
O. Samples: Submit samples of all equipment and materials for approval. Major items of
equipment for which samples cannot be submitted shall be demonstrated in existing
installations or by manufacturer's information, test certificates and reports.
Q. Submit CVs of electrical Engineers, electrical personnel, and quality personnel, for
Engineer’s review and approval.
1.12 COORDINATION
A. Coordinate chases, slots, inserts, sleeves, and openings with general construction work and
arrange in building structure during progress of construction to facilitate the electrical
installations that follow.
1. Set inserts and sleeves in poured-in-place concrete, masonry work, and other
structural components as they are constructed.
B. Sequence, coordinate, and integrate installing electrical materials and equipment for
efficient flow of the Work. Coordinate installing large equipment requiring positioning
before closing in the building.
D. Coordinate location of access panels and doors for electrical items that are concealed by
finished surfaces. Access doors and panels are specified in Division 8 Section "Access
Doors and Frames." The locations of access panels shall be coordinated and proposed to
ensure that all electrical equipment are accessible within “hand-reach” through the access
provided.
F. Where acoustical ceilings and similar finishes will conceal electrical identification markings
and devices, coordinate installation of these items before ceiling installation.
G. Locations of all ceiling lighting fixtures, fire alarm detectors, emergency lighting, CCTV
cameras, etc. shall be coordinated with false ceiling subcontractor and other mechanical
services outlets, to the satisfaction of the Engineer and technical and functional
requirements.
A. Availability: Confirm availability of equipment and materials proposed for use in the work
prior to submission for approval. If, after approval, equipment or materials cease to be
available, submit alternative items of equal quality and type for approval.
G. Defective Equipment: The Employer reserves the right to operate operable defective
equipment during the Defects Liability Period until it can be removed from service for
repair or replacement.
I. Spare Parts: Not later than the date of substantial completion, provide spare parts required
by the Specification, together with suitable means of identifying, storing and securing same.
J. Tools and Instruments: Not later than the date of substantial completion, provide sets of
tools and instruments required by the Specification, together with suitable means of
identifying, storing and securing same.
K. Label and identify all equipment, instruments, control and electrical devices etc. to indicate
duty, service or function, to the satisfaction of Engineer. Labels shall be laminated anodized
aluminum discs with black surface and white core with incised lettering in English.
Alternative methods of labelling may be submitted for approval. Fix labels with non-
corrodible screws to equipment, or to adjacent permanent surfaces or as approved by
Engineer.
L. Systems used before substantial completion shall have all consumable elements, such as
lamps etc. and defective equipment replaced by new, within 7 days prior to the date of
substantial completion.
M. All panels and electrical boards shall have designs permitting easy access of internal
components for maintenance and replacement without disturbing other components. All
equipment shall be designed for easy and simple operation.
N. Contractor shall be responsible to define the necessary power supplies, taking into account
the installed load of chosen equipment and final condition of installation, as well as any
other considerations as to allow the proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
B. Metal Items for Use Outdoors or in Damp Locations: Hot-dip galvanized steel.
C. Slotted-Steel Channel Supports: Flange edges turned toward web, and 14-mm diameter
slotted holes at a maximum of 50-mm centers in webs.
D. Raceway and Cable Supports: Manufactured clevis hangers, riser clamps, straps, threaded
C-clamps with retainers, ceiling trapeze hangers, wall brackets, and spring-steel clamps or
click-type hangers.
E. Pipe Sleeves: Schedule 40, galvanized steel, plain ends for indoor installations from both
sides and flanged for outdoor installation from any side or penetration of water tanks or
similar.
A. Identification Devices: A single type of identification product for each application category.
Use colors prescribed by these Specifications.
B. Raceway and Cable Labels: Minimum size of letters for legend and minimum length of
color field for each raceway and cable size to meet IEC Standards.
1. Type: Pre-printed, flexible, self-adhesive, vinyl. Legend is over-laminated with a
clear, weather- and chemical-resistant coating.
2. Color: Black letters on orange background.
3. Legend: Indicates voltage.
C. Colored Adhesive Marking Tape for Raceways, Wires, and Cables: Self-adhesive vinyl
tape, not less than 25 mm wide by 0.08 mm thick.
E. Tape Markers for Wire: Vinyl or vinyl-cloth, self-adhesive, wraparound type with
preprinted numbers and letters.
F. Equipment Nameplates: Non-corroding, robust metal, inscribed in English, and firmly fixed
to equipment at factory. Nameplates shall indicate name and address of manufacturer,
model, serial number, basic characteristics and ratings of equipment and shall include
elementary diagrams etc., all in accordance with the Standards. Equipment shall also be
further identified after location at site, indicating the nomenclature number as per approval.
As a general practice, the identification labels shall be suitably located on adjoining surface
or on separate support and not on the electrical device which could be removed and
replaced.
G. Color-Coding Cable Ties: Nylon, self-locking type. Colors to suit coding scheme.
H. Engraved-Plastic Labels, Signs, and Instruction Plates: Engraving stock, melamine plastic
laminate punched or drilled for mechanical fasteners 1.6-mm minimum thickness for signs
up to 129 sq. cm and 3.2-mm minimum thickness for larger sizes. Engraved legend in black
letters on white background.
K. Fasteners for Nameplates and Signs: Self-tapping, stainless steel screws or No. 10/32
stainless-steel machine screws with nuts and flat and lock washers.
A. Covers in electrical rooms and the like, unless otherwise specified or shown on the
Drawings, shall be flanged checkered steel plates with angle or channel- section frames,
suitably reinforced to support anticipated loads, and finished with zinc chromate primer and
two coats gray enamel.
A. Brackets, supports, rails and tracks for supporting electrical installations shall be galvanized
steel, fixed with expansion bolts of approved size and material. Plastic inserts and lead
anchors are not acceptable unless approved for specific light duty installations.
B. Covers shall be suitably dimensioned and matched to provide perfect level surface with
flush-mounted lifting handles. Cut edges of trench covers shall be provided with neoprene
trims to avoid sharp edges. Cable trench covers shall be supported with additional members
at wide spaces.
C. All supports used in external locations, cable trenches and manholes shall be provided with
an additional coat of U.V resistant paint, of a color to Engineer’s approval or to be hot dip
galvanized steel
C. Alternatively and where concrete bases are not possible, equipment can be anchored to
steel-channel sills 100 mm high (min and as necessary), arranged and sized according to
manufacturer's written instructions. Attach by tack welding or bolting. Level and grout sills
flush with equipment mounting surface.
A. Electricity meters shall be smart meters fulfilling the ACUD guidelines / requirements for
smart metering.
A. Any major items of electrical equipment which are liable to suffer or be affected in the long
term, from internal condensation due to atmospheric or load variations shall be equipped
with heating devices suitable for electrical operation at 220 A.C 50 Hz, single phase of
sufficient capacity to raise the internal ambient temperature by 5 deg. C.
B. A humidistat shall be included in the heater circuit. The protected electrical apparatus shall
be designed such that the maximum permitted rise in temperature is not exceeded if the
heaters are energized while the apparatus is in operation. Where fitted, a suitable terminal
box and control switch, with indicating lamp shall be provided and mounted in a convenient
accessible position.
C. All such equipment, whether fitted with a heating device or not, shall be provided with
suitable drainage and shall be free from pockets in which moisture can collect.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
A. Installations Generally:
1. Carry out Electrical Work in accordance with the Drawings, Specification and
Regulations, ensuring compliance with design and performance requirements, to
provide safe and protected systems with equipment readily accessible for operation,
maintenance and repair.
2. Installations shall be complete, ready for operation and fully integrated and
coordinated with all other work.
3. Provide accessories necessary to complete the installations, of the types specified or
recommended for the purpose by the manufacturer of the equipment or accessories.
B. Headroom Maintenance: If mounting heights or other location criteria are not indicated,
arrange and install components and equipment to provide the maximum possible headroom.
C. Materials and Components: Install level, plumb, and parallel and perpendicular to other
building systems and components, unless otherwise indicated.
E. Right of Way: Give to raceways and piping systems installed at a required slope. Generally,
all cabling, power conductor routing shall be located above any piping, unless specifically
approved otherwise.
E. Strength of Supports: Adequate to carry present and future loads, times a safety factor of at
least three or 90-kg concentrated load, whichever is more stringent.
A. Install support devices to securely and permanently fasten and support electrical
components.
B. Install individual and multiple raceway hangers and riser clamps to support raceways.
Provide U-bolts, clamps, attachments and other hardware necessary for hanger assemblies
and for securing hanger rods and conduits.
D. Size supports for multiple raceway installations so capacity can be increased by a 25 percent
minimum in the future.
F. Install 6-mm- diameter or larger threaded steel hanger rods, unless otherwise indicated.
G. Arrange supports in vertical runs so the weight of raceways and enclosed conductors is
carried entirely by raceway supports, with no weight load on raceway terminals.
I. Separately support cast boxes that are threaded to raceways and used for fixture support.
Support sheet-metal boxes directly from the building structure or by bar hangers. If bar
hangers are used, attach bar to raceways on opposite sides of the box and support the
raceway with an approved fastener not more than 600 mm from the box.
J. Install metal channel racks for mounting cabinets, panelboards, disconnect switches, control
enclosures, pull and junction boxes, transformers, and other devices unless components are
mounted directly to structural elements of adequate strength and unless otherwise
recommended by the manufacturer and approved by the engineer.
K. Install sleeves for cable and raceway penetrations of concrete slabs and walls unless core-
drilled holes are used. Install sleeves for cable and raceway penetrations of masonry and
fire-rated gypsum walls and of all other fire-rated floor and wall assemblies. Install sleeves
during erection of concrete and masonry walls.
L. Securely fasten electrical items and their supports to the building structure, unless otherwise
indicated. Perform fastening according to the following unless other fastening methods are
indicated:
9. Fasteners: Select so the load applied to each fastener does not exceed 25 percent of
its proof-test load.
B. Install at locations for most convenient viewing without interference with operation and
maintenance of equipment.
C. Coordinate names, abbreviations, colors, and other designations used for electrical
identification with corresponding designations indicated in the Contract Documents or
required by codes and standards. Use consistent designations throughout Project.
F. Tag and label circuits designated to be extended in the future. Identify source and circuit
numbers in each cabinet, pull and junction box, and outlet box. Color-coding may be used
for voltage and phase identification.
G. Install continuous underground plastic markers during trench backfilling, for exterior
underground power, control, signal, and communication lines located directly above power
and communication lines. Locate 150 to 200 mm below finished grade. If width of multiple
lines installed in a common trench or concrete envelope does not exceed 400 mm, overall,
use a single line marker.
H. Install warning, caution, and instruction signs where needed to ensure safe operation and
maintenance of electrical systems and of items to which they connect. Install engraved
plastic-laminated instruction signs with approved legend where instructions are needed for
system or equipment operation. Install metal-backed butyrate signs for outdoor items.
J. Labels: Labels shall be provided inside the boxes or cubicles to describe the functions of the
various items of equipment. Where the cubicle is divided into compartments each door
shall have an external label to identify the compartment.
A. Apply fire stopping to cable and raceway penetrations of fire-rated floor and wall
assemblies to achieve fire-resistance rating of the assembly. Fire stopping materials and
installation requirements are specified in Division 07 Section "Firestopping."
A. All cables shall be routed and connections designed to reduce fire risk, outage and damage
to other plant and buildings.
B. Cables shall be segregated to reduce damage if fire occurs and avoid faulty operation of
equipment due to induced voltages as follows:
1. Control and protection cables shall be separated from power cables to avoid damage
in the event of a power cable fault.
2. Telephone, communication, analogue and digital system cables shall not be at any
point less than 300 mm away from power cables, unless otherwise required by
relevant Standards and Regulations.
3. All cable holes through walls and floors shall be sealed with approved silicone foam
fire seals or other approved materials after the cables have been installed and the cost
thereof is deemed to be included in the Contract.
C. Each cable shall be run in one continuous length, straight through joints will not be
permitted unless specifically authorized by the Engineer in writing.
D. Wherever cables/wires are routed with a likelihood of these being exposed to high
temperature, they shall be provided with additional “heat resistant” sleeves to Engineer’s
approval.
A. Construct concrete bases of dimensions indicated or otherwise required, but not less than
100 mm larger, in both directions, than supported unit. Follow supported equipment
manufacturer's anchorage recommendations and setting templates for anchor-bolt and tie
locations, unless otherwise indicated. For concrete and reinforcement characteristics, refer
to Division 03 Section "Cast-in-Place Concrete."
A. Support frames for switchgear located over cable trenches, where shown on the Drawings or
required by equipment design, shall be installed prior to pouring concrete.
A. Drilling for anchor bolts shall be carried out using appropriate electric drills and in approved
positions.
B. Holes and chases in in situ concrete shall be cast in. Do not cut hardened concrete or drill
holes larger than 10-mm diameter without prior approval.
C. Holes and Chases in Pre-cast Concrete: do not cut or drill pre-cast concrete without prior
approval.
D. Holes in Structural Steelwork: Do not cut or drill structural steelwork without prior
approval.
F. Cutting Masonry:
G. Preformed Holes in Masonry: Submit proposals for bridging over holes for ducts etc. which
exceed 450-mm width.
A. Cut, channel, chase, and drill floors, walls, partitions, ceilings, and other surfaces required to
permit electrical installations. Before start of work, re-confirm from existing “As-builts” the
locations of existing services in the area and obtain approval for work notification. Perform
cutting by skilled mechanics of trades involved.
B. Repair and refinish disturbed finish materials and other surfaces to match adjacent
undisturbed surfaces. Install new fireproofing where existing fire stopping has been
disturbed. Repair and refinish materials and other surfaces by skilled mechanics of trades
involved.
A. Install equipment only in dust-free environment and maintain the condition with protective
covering as necessary. If air-conditioning is required, ensure it is available by installation
time. In general, ensure that locations are complete and ready to receive equipment.
B. Ensure that rooms where equipment are installed are provided with lockable doors.
A. Inspect installed components for damage and faulty work, including the following:
C. Ensure that all warning signs and signages as dictated by the regulations are in place and the
room doors locked, once equipment is energized.
D. Field tests shall, in addition to those specified by regulation, specifically include the
following:
1. Insulation resistance tests for all parts of the electrical system, irrespective of voltage
class and shall include individual measurement between the various live conductors
as also between the individual live conductors and ground.
2. Earthing resistance at each equipment.
3. Loop impedance of each circuit.
4. Earth leakage protection device test.
A. Refinish and touch up paint. Paint materials and application requirements are specified in
Division 9 Section "Painting."
1. Clean damaged and disturbed areas and apply primer, intermediate, and finish coats
to suit the degree of damage at each location.
2. Follow paint manufacturer's written instructions for surface preparation and for
timing and application of successive coats.
3. Repair damage to galvanized finishes with zinc-rich paint recommended by
manufacturer.
4. Repair damage to PVC or paint finishes with matching touchup coating
recommended by manufacturer.
B. Protect equipment and installations and maintain conditions to ensure that coatings, finishes,
and cabinets are without damage or deterioration at time of Substantial Completion.