Electricity Wiring Regulations

CONSULTATION VERSION 0.
The
Electricity Wiring
Regulations
Issued by:
The Regulation and Supervision Bureau

for the Water and Electricity Sector in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
www.rsb.gov.ae
November 2006
Consultation Version 0.1
CONSULTATION VERSION 0.1
List of Revisions
Revision Date Prepared by: Checked by: Issued to:

Number
0.1 Dec 2005 T Khan L Hill Distribution Code

Review Panel
M Al Sattari
0.2 June 2006 T Khan Distribution Code

Review Panel
0.3 Sept 2006 T Khan L Hill

G Lewin
0.4 Oct 2006 T Khan N Carter
Consultation v0.1 Nov 2006 T Khan L Hill Public

Consultation
The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 2 of 40

Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Citation and Commencement ............................................................... 5
1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Scope and Enforcement ....................................................................... 5
2. Definitions............................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Interpretation ........................................................................................ 7
3. General Requirements ...................................................................................... 13

3.1 Technical Standards, Materials and Workmanship ............................ 13
3.2 Licensed Contractors.......................................................................... 13
3.3 Requirements for Safety..................................................................... 13
3.4 Environmental Conditions................................................................... 15
4. Electricity Supply Parameters ........................................................................... 16

4.2 Declared Voltage and Frequency ....................................................... 16
4.3 Harmonics and Voltage Disturbances ................................................ 16
4.4 Prospective Fault Current................................................................... 16
5. Electricity Supply Intake .................................................................................... 17

5.1 Supply Intake Rooms ......................................................................... 17
5.2 The Customer Connection Point ........................................................ 17
5.3 Multiple Occupancy Premises ............................................................ 18
5.4 Metering Requirements ...................................................................... 18
5.5 Application for Supply and Load Estimates ........................................ 18
6. Protection .......................................................................................................... 19
6.1 General Principles .............................................................................. 19
6.2 Overload and Short Circuit Protection ................................................ 19
6.3 Electric Shock Protection.................................................................... 20
6.4 Earth Leakage Protective Devices ..................................................... 20
6.5 Isolation .............................................................................................. 21
6.6 Insulation ............................................................................................ 22
7. Earthing ............................................................................................................. 23
7.1 General Principles .............................................................................. 23
7.2 Systems of Earthing ........................................................................... 23
7.3 Earth Electrodes ................................................................................. 24
7.4 Earth Conductors................................................................................ 24
7.5 Exposed Metallic Parts ....................................................................... 25
7.6 Equipotential Bonding Conductors ..................................................... 26
7.7 Earth Loop Impedance ....................................................................... 26
7.8 Lightning Protection............................................................................ 27
7.9 Functional Earthing............................................................................. 27

8. Selection of Components and Installation Requirements.................................. 28

8.1 Socket Outlets and Plug Connectors.................................................. 28
8.2 Switches and Isolators........................................................................ 28
8.3 Lighting ............................................................................................... 29
8.4 Conduits and Trunking ....................................................................... 30
8.5 Cables and Final Circuits.................................................................... 30
8.6 Distribution Boards ............................................................................. 32
8.7 LV Switchboards................................................................................. 33
9. Inspection, Testing and Certification ................................................................. 34

9.1 Installation Certificates ....................................................................... 34
9.2 Routine Inspection and Testing .......................................................... 35
10. SELV - Separated Extra Low Voltage Systems ................................................ 36

10.1 Source of SELV Power....................................................................... 36
11. Power factor Correction..................................................................................... 37

11.1 General Requirements ....................................................................... 37
11.2 Specifications ..................................................................................... 37
12. Motors and Generators ..................................................................................... 39

12.1 Electric Motors and Starters ............................................................... 39
12.2 Standby Generators ........................................................................... 39
13. Special Locations .............................................................................................. 40

13.1 Outdoor Sites...................................................................................... 40
13.2 Street Lighting, Traffic Signals and Signboards ................................. 40
APPENDICES
Note: Numbering System of the Regulations
Chapters are numbered as integers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc)

Regulations are numbered by one full stop between numbers (e.g. 1.1, 1.2 etc)
Clauses are numbered by two full stops between numbers (e.g. 3.1.1)

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Citation and Commencement
1.1.1 These Regulations shall be cited as the Electricity Wiring Regulations 2007.
1.1.2 These Regulations shall come into force on 1 March 2007 [proposed].
1.1.3 These Regulations are issued by the Regulation and Supervision Bureau through the
powers vested in it under Article 62 of Law No (2) of 1998 Concerning the Regulation of
the Water and Electricity Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
1.1.4 These Regulations supersede the following regulations:

ADWEA Wiring Rules and Regulations (3rd Edition 2003)
WED Regulations for Electrical Installation Works (1980)
Earth Leakage Protection Regulations (2001)
1.2 Purpose
1.2.1 The purpose of these Regulations is to provide guidelines and technical standards that
promote the installation of safe and efficient systems of wiring in buildings and other
Premises. The Regulations are not intended to substitute detailed specifications for
designers of Installations nor to serve as instruction for untrained persons.
1.3 Scope and Enforcement
1.3.1 These Regulations shall apply to all Distribution Companies, Customers, property
Owners, Licensed Contractors, or any other persons involved in the installation,
maintenance or operation of Electrical Installations in any Premises or other place
where there is an electricity supply provided by a Distribution Company. Such locations
include, but are not limited to, domestic premises, commercial premises, industrial
premises, public buildings, parks, farms, temporary supplies (construction sites,
wedding tents etc), outbuildings, caravans, street lighting and traffic signs.
1.3.2 The scope of these Regulations does not include the electricity distribution networks
belonging to Distribution Companies, except such equipment that is required at the
interface with Customers, as detailed in these Regulations. (Note: requirements
governing Distribution Companies’ networks are covered under the Electricity Supply
Regulations 2007, as well as other relevant Licences, codes and standards).
1.3.3 These Regulations shall apply to all new Electrical Installations (including extensions
and modifications to existing Installations) which are constructed following the date of
commencement above (clause 1.1.2).
1.3.4 For existing Electrical Installations constructed before the date of commencement, the
clauses listed in appendix 2 shall not apply, or shall apply after 1 January 2010 or, if
earlier, at the time of the next inspection or re-certification, as indicated in appendix 2.
1.3.5 These Regulations shall be enforced by the relevant Distribution Companies in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi in accordance with procedures which shall be published by the

Distribution Company and approved by the Bureau.
1.3.6 Compliance with these Regulations shall be assessed in accordance with specifications
and guidelines contained within this document or other relevant technical standards
(see regulation 3.1).
1.3.7 Failure to comply with these Regulations, or any part thereof, shall be deemed as
contrary to the Law. Such failures will be addressed in accordance with the Law under
Article 65(5) (notices served by the Bureau), Article 66 (failure to comply) and Article
135 (offences and fines). Action may be taken against any Distribution Company,
Customer, Owner, Licensed Contractor or other person to which these Regulations
apply.
1.3.8 Relaxation of any of the requirements of the Regulations shall be approved by the
Bureau upon written request from any Distribution Company, Customer, property
Owner, Licensed Contractor or other person.

2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Interpretation
Words which have been given definitions under this section are used in the Regulations beginning
with capital letters e.g. “all Earth Conductors within a Premises must ...”.
Terms in common use have not been given definitions and normal dictionary definitions apply (e.g.
circuit breaker, plug, conduit).
Words and expressions other than those described in this section, which are defined in the Law
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Law. Words using the singular or plural number
also include the plural or singular number, respectively.
2.1.1 Appliance: an item of current using equipment
2.1.2 Arm’s Reach: a zone of accessibility to touch, extending from any point on a surface
where a person may stand or move about, to the limits which such person may reach
without assistance (i.e. without any tool or ladder etc). Such a distance may normally
be taken as 2.5m height from the standing surface, and 1.25m horizontally from the
standing position.
2.1.3 Bonding Conductor: see Equipotential Bonding Conductor
2.1.4 Bureau: the Regulation and Supervision Bureau for the Water and Electricity Sector in
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as established under Law No (2) of 1998.
2.1.5 Cable Tray: a cable support consisting of a continuous base with raised edges and no
covering. A cable tray is considered to be non-perforated where less than 30% of the
material is removed from the base.
2.1.6 Cable Trunking: a manufactured enclosure for the protection of cables, normally of
rectangular cross section, of which one side is removable or hinged.
2.1.7 Circuit: a set of phase and neutral conductors generally installed as a group to supply
power to a location, and which originate from one Protective Device. The following are
related definitions:
(a) Ring Circuit: a Circuit which is wired from a single Protective Device, being run
thorough an area to be supplied (via appropriate socket outlets, connectors etc) and
returning back to the same Protective Device, thus forming an electrically continuous
loop;
(b) Radial Circuit: a Circuit which is wired in a ‘radial’ or ‘branch’ configuration,
emanating from a Protective Device to the area to be supplied;
(c) Spur Circuit: a Circuit which is wired in a ‘radial’ or ‘branch’ configuration from any
point on a Ring Circuit;
(d) Final Circuit: a term generally used to describe Circuits which supply current using
equipment or Appliances (normally via socket outlets or other types of connectors).
E.g. a Circuit connecting from a Main Distribution Board to a Sub Distribution Board
would not be described as a Final Circuit.
2.1.8 Circuit Protective Conductor: see Earth Conductor

2.1.9 Class I Equipment: equipment which includes a means for connection of Exposed
Metallic Parts of the equipment to the Earth Conductor, thus providing protection
against electric shock in case of failure of the basic insulation of the equipment or other
fault condition.
2.1.10 Class II Equipment: equipment which does not include a means for connection to an
Earth Conductor, and which provides supplementary insulation in addition to the basic
insulation of the equipment, such as a plastic outer enclosure (also know as Double
Insulated equipment). Specifications for Class II Equipment are given in BS2754.
2.1.11 Class III Equipment: equipment in which protection against electric shock relies on
supply at SELV and in which voltages higher than SELV are not generated in the
equipment (see BS2754).
2.1.12 Competency Licence: a licence issued by a Distribution Company to a company

assessed as competent for work on Electrical Installations.
2.1.13 Connected Load: the aggregate load of Appliances and other electrical equipment at a
Premises, summated using the method described under regulation 5.5.
2.1.14 Consumer Unit: see Main Distribution Board
2.1.15 Customer: any person, corporate body, or company who has an agreement with a
Distribution Company for the supply of electricity.
2.1.16 Customer Connection Point (CCP): the point which defines the boundary between the
Customers Installation and that of the Distribution Company. This point will normally be
at the incoming cable of the Main Distribution Board and before the main circuit breaker.
In special cases an alternative definition of the Connection Point may be agreed
between the Customer and the Distribution Company.
2.1.17 Direct Contact: the accidental or inadvertent contact with electricity by a person,
through the phase or neutral conductors of an Installation or Appliance, leading to an
electric shock.
2.1.18 Distribution Company: a company or body holding a Licence from the Bureau,
pursuant to the Law.
2.1.19 Danger: risk of injury to persons or animals or risk of damage to property
2.1.20 Distribution Board: an assembly designed for housing isolation switches and
Protective Devices and for connecting multiple cable Circuits, including their associated
neutral and Earth Conductors. The following are related definitions:
(a) Main Distribution Board (MDB): the Distribution Board which, in general, accepts
the main incoming LV supply from the Distribution Company or Customer’s transformer.
The MDB may also be know as the ‘Consumer Unit’ where this is generally an
integrated unit containing the main isolation device and Protective Devices, principally in
domestic Installations.
(b) Sub Distribution Board (SDB): any Distribution Board which is supplied from the
Main Distribution Board in a premises and which is used to distribute wiring and Circuits
within a designated area (e.g. one floor in a multi-storey building).

(c) Final Distribution Board (FDB): a Distribution Board which supplies Final Circuits
2.1.21 Double Insulated Equipment: see Class II Equipment.
2.1.22 Earth: the conductive mass of earth, whose electric potential (voltage) at any point is
conventionally taken as zero. The following are related definitions:
(a) Customer Earthed system (TT): where the Customer provides a Main Earth
Terminal for the Installation, which is connected to a sufficient number of local Earth
Electrodes (referred to in BS7671 as a ‘TT’ system).
(b) Distribution Company Earthed system (TN-S): where the Distribution Company
provides a connection to the Customer’s Main Earth Terminal, using the distribution
network Earthing system, generally via the armouring or metallic sheath of the main
incoming supply cable (referred to in BS7671 as a TN-S system).
(c) Earthing or Earthed: a general term used to describe the connection of metallic
parts of an Electrical Installation or an Appliance to Earth. Note: the terms ‘Grounding’
or ‘Grounded’ are sometimes used outside of these Regulations to mean the same as
the above.
(d) Earth Conductor: the protective conductors used to connect the Exposed Metallic
Parts of an Electrical Installation and associated Appliances to Earth, via a Main Earth
Terminal to local Earth Electrodes or the Distribution Company Earth. This includes
‘circuit’ Earth Conductors and ‘main’ Earth Conductors. Outside of these Regulations
these may also be known as the Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC) or Earth Continuity
Conductor (ECC) or commonly known as the ‘earth wire’.
(e) Earth Electrode: a conductor or group of conductors in intimate contact with Earth,
providing an electrical connection to Earth, and normally having a known and
measurable value of Earth Resistance. (May also be known outside of these
Regulations as ‘Earth Rod’, or Grounding Rod’.)
(f) Earth Resistance: the resistance (in Ohms) of any point on an Installation to Earth,
being measured using an approved testing device and approved procedure.
(g) Earth Fault Loop Impedance (Zs): the total impedance presented to an earth fault
current, comprising the impedance of the following parts of an Installation (illustrated in
appendix 15):
- the circuit Earth Conductor;
- the Main Earth Terminal;
- the main Earth Conductors connecting to Earth Electrodes or the Distribution
Company Earth;
- the path of earth fault current through the general mass of Earth, or through the
earth sheath or armouring of the Distribution Company cable;
- the neutral earth connection at the Distribution Company transformer;
- the distribution transformer winding;

- the phase conductors of the circuit back to the point of fault.
(h) Main Earth Terminal: the main connection point at which the nominal value of Earth
Resistance for an installation is taken, and at which Earth Conductors from the Earth
Electrodes will be connected. This will normally be at or close to the Customer
Connection Point. Outside of these Regulations the Main Earth Terminal may also be
known as the ‘main earth bar’.
(h) Functional Earth: an Earth or Earthing system which is provided for special
functions (such as reduction of radio frequency interference, noise filtering for
computers etc) and which is separate from the main Earthing system of an Installation.
2.1.23 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB): a circuit breaker which is designed to open
the phase and neutral conductors of a circuit upon detection of a leakage of current
(above a specified value) through the Earth Conductor or through Extraneous Metallic
Parts of an Installation.
2.1.24 Electrical Installation (abbrv: Installation): an Electrical Installation generally

comprises any fixed or temporary cable, switchgear, transformer or other electrical
equipment or apparatus within a Premises or other place where there is an electricity
supply (including outdoor locations). Fixed or portable electrical Appliances are not
considered part of the Electrical Installation, although these Regulations do include
requirements for the connection of Appliances (e.g. plugs and sockets).
2.1.25 Equipotential Bonding: the connection of Extraneous Metallic Parts, materials or

components within a Premises which are not part of the Electrical Installation (e.g.
water pipes, steel beams etc), using a designated conductor or cable, such as to
maintain these at substantially the same potential (voltage) in the event of passage of
electrical fault current through such parts. This may also be known as ‘PME Bonding’,
outside of these Regulations.
2.1.26 Equipotential Bonding Conductor: a designated conductor installed to serve the

function of Equipotential Bonding in a Premises (may also be known as the ‘PME
Conductor’, outside of these Regulations).
2.1.27 Exposed Metallic Part: a metallic part of an Installation or Appliance which can be
touched by persons and which is not normally live but may become live due to a fault
condition. Exposed Metallic Parts are normally required to be connected to Earth (see
Regulation 7.5).
2.1.28 Extraneous Metallic Part: a metallic part, structure or any metalwork within a Premises
which is not part of the electrical Installation and which is not designed to carry current,
but which may become live due to a fault condition. Extraneous Metallic Parts are
required to be connected to Earth using Equipotential Bonding Conductors where there
is significant risk that they may become live due to a fault condition (see regulation 7.6).
2.1.29 Extra Low Voltage (ELV): see Voltage
2.1.30 Final Circuit: see Circuit
2.1.31 High Voltage: see Voltage
2.1.32 Indirect Contact: contact of a person with electricity through Exposed Metallic Parts of

an Installation or Appliance or through Extraneous Metallic Parts in a Premises which

have become live during fault conditions.
2.1.33 Installation: see Electrical Installation
2.1.34 Installation Certificate: a certificate in the format indicated in these Regulations which
is issued by a Licensed Contractor after completion of work on an Installation and
provided to the Customer/Owner of the Premises.
2.1.35 Law: means Law No (2) of 1998 Concerning the Regulation of the Water and Electricity
Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
2.1.36 Licensed Contractor: a company which has been assessed by the Distribution
Company as competent to work on Electrical Installations and issued a Competency
Licence.
2.1.37 Low Voltage: see Voltage
2.1.38 Luminaire: equipment which is generally designed to house one or more electric lamps
and which may include diffusers, fixtures, transformers and auxiliary Circuits but is
taken to exclude the lamps themselves. Note: outside of these Regulations a Luminare
may commonly be referred to as a ‘light fitting’.
2.1.39 Main Distribution Board: see Distribution Board
2.1.40 Owner: the legal owner of a building or property in which an Electrical Installation is
installed and connected to a supply of electricity. Note: in some cases an Owner may
also be a Customer.
2.1.41 Premises: any occupied or un-occupied building or enclosure or other place where
there is an electricity supply. Such locations would include, but are not limited to,
domestic premises, commercial premises, industrial premises, public buildings, parks,
farms, temporary supplies (construction sites, wedding tents etc), outbuildings,
caravans, street lighting and traffic signs.
2.1.42 Prospective Fault Current: the value of current that would flow due to a short circuit
fault of negligible impedance between live phase conductors, or between phase
conductors and earth. The maximum Prospective Fault Current for an installation is
normally taken at the Customer Connection Point. Also known as ‘fault level’.
2.1.43 Protective Conductor: see Earth Conductor
2.1.44 Protective Device: a device installed at the start of a Circuit which will automatically
disconnect the input of electricity in the event of a fault or overload occurring on that
Circuit. Such devices include fuses, fuse links, miniature circuit breakers (MCB),
moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB), earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB), and
residual current devices (RCD).
2.1.45 Radial Circuit: see Circuit
2.1.46 Residual Current Device (RCD): a Protective Device which is normally installed to
automatically isolate the supply to a Circuit or Distribution Board when the algebraic
sum of currents in the phase and neutral conductors reaches a preset value.
2.1.47 Ring Circuit: see Circuit

2.1.48 Sub Distribution Board: see Distribution Board
2.1.49 Supply Intake: a term used to describe the location or room housing the main cable
and equipment provided by a Distribution Company to provision a supply of electricity to
a Premises (includes the Customer Connection Point).
2.1.50 Spur Circuit: see Circuit.
2.1.51 Voltage:
(a) High Voltage (HV): an a.c. voltage greater than Low Voltage and less than 36kV
between phases or 21kV between any phase and earth.
(b) Low Voltage (LV): an a.c. voltage below 1000V between phases, or below 600V
between any phase and earth, or, a d.c. voltage below 1500V between phases, or
below 900V between any phase and earth.
(c) Extra Low Voltage (ELV): a voltage not exceeding 50V a.c. or 120V d.c. whether
between phase conductors or between phase conductors and earth.
(d) Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV): an Extra Low Voltage system which is
electrically separated from Earth in such a way that a single fault cannot give rise to the
risk of electric shock.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Technical Standards, Materials and Workmanship
3.1.1 These Regulations provide guidelines and technical standards which have been written
to be consistent with the principles contained in BS7671:2001 (generally known as the
IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition). For the avoidance of doubt, where any provision
in these Regulations contradicts any provision in BS7671, the requirements, standards
or specifications under these Regulations shall apply.
3.1.2 Where a provision or technical requirement is not covered by these Regulations,

BS7671 may be used as a guideline or specification, with prior approval from the
Distribution Company and the Bureau.
3.1.3 All materials used in Electrical Installations shall be of good quality and installed in a
neat and orderly manner.
3.1.4 All materials and equipment shall comply with relevant international standards which will
be mainly BS (British Standards) or IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
standards as referenced in these Regulations. Other international standards may be
used, in particular where none are specified in these Regulations, with the prior
approval of the Distribution Company. A list of BS and IEC standards applying to the
main types of equipment is given in appendix 3.
3.1.5 The Distribution Company must check for compliance against relevant standards of
materials and equipment used in an Installation, prior to providing an electricity supply.
3.1.6 The Distribution Company may issue specifications and requirements in addition to
these Regulations, which will be endorsed / approved by the Bureau, and provided to
interested parties on request.
3.1.7 Reference should also be made to UAE or Gulf standards which may be issued from
time to time by the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (ESMA).
3.2 Licensed Contractors
3.2.1 Work on Electrical Installations may only be carried out by Licensed Contractors who
have been assessed and approved by the Distribution Company and issued a
Competency Licence.
3.2.2 The process for approval of Licensed Contractors shall be established by the
Distribution Company and approved by the Bureau.
3.2.3 A register of Licensed Contractors shall be kept up-to-date by the Distribution Company
and provided on request to any person.
3.3 Requirements for Safety
3.3.1 The provisions of these Regulations require that Electrical Installations are constructed
and maintained so as to ensure the safety of all persons, including those working on the
Installation, those using electrical equipment, as well as members of the general public.

In addition to the provisions detailed under the relevant sections of these Regulations,
the following general safety provisions shall apply:
3.3.2 All parts of an Electrical Installation shall be constructed, installed and maintained so as
to prevent Danger.
3.3.3 All parts of an Electrical Installation shall be sufficiently sized and rated to safely carry
out the function for which they are required.
3.3.4 All parts of an Electrical Installation shall be insulated appropriate to the function they
serve, in consideration of the expected operating environment, so as to prevent Danger.
3.3.5 All Exposed Metallic Parts of an Installation must be Earthed via appropriate Earth
Conductors as detailed under regulation 7.4.
3.3.6 All Extraneous Metallic Parts within a Premises must be Earthed via Equipotential
Bonding Conductors as detailed under regulation 7.6.
3.3.7 All Electrical Installations shall be fitted with an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB),
Residual Current Device (RCD), or similar Protective Device, at the source of supply
and at other appropriate points, as detailed in chapter 6 of these Regulations.
3.3.8 All Electrical Installations shall be protected against damage due to excess current
(caused by a fault or overload) by suitable Protective Devices such as fuses, circuit
breakers or other devices as detailed under chapter 6 of these Regulations.
3.3.9 All Electrical Installations shall be provided with a means of isolating the electricity
supply at suitable sections, subsections and Circuits, and at points where Appliances
are used, as detailed under regulation 6.5.
3.3.10 All parts of an Electrical Installation shall be suitably located and protected against
accidental or deliberate interference, as well as risk of damage from other services (e.g.
water supply).
3.3.11 All Electrical Installations shall be inspected and tested at the time of first
commissioning and at intervals thereafter to ensure ongoing safety, as detailed under
chapter 9 of these Regulations.
3.3.12 All Electrical Installations shall be suitably labelled so as to give information on the basic
operating parameters, the source of supply, location in relation to other Installations,
and any precautions that must be taken. Individual Circuits must be identified by
numbering at the source end and at appropriate intervals along the route. For non-
domestic Installations, all accessories and fittings must be marked with Circuit numbers.
3.3.13 Where parts of an Installation are accessible or visible to the general public they must
be labelled with a warning: “LIVE – 230/400 VOLTS – DANGER OF DEATH” or similar
wording in prominent black letters on a yellow background. This warning must be
written in English and Arabic (see example in appendix 21). However, parts of final
circuits and other points of normal use may be excluded from this requirement.
3.3.14 Special or unusual situations may require additional measures to be taken in relation to
clauses 3.3.2 to 3.3.12. Adverse weather conditions, locations near water, locations
where there is a risk of fire, or locations where young children are nearby are examples
of site specific factors which must be taken into account in the design and construction

of an Installation, and before a supply is provided by the Distribution Company.
3.3.15 No extension or alteration to an Electrical Installation may be made without prior

notification to the Distribution Company and without approval, testing and certification
as detailed in chapter 9. In addition, any proposed increase in the loading of the main
incoming supply, above 10% of the existing loading, must be notified to the Distribution
Company.
3.4 Environmental Conditions
3.4.1 All parts of an Electrical Installation shall be suitably designed, constructed and
maintained so as to operate safely and within their designed function under the
expected operating environment. The following environmental conditions may be used
as a guide if no other special factors apply:
(a) Maximum ambient (air) temperatures:

Outdoor (un-shaded) 60 degrees Celsius
Outdoor (shaded) 50 degrees Celsius
Indoor (not air conditioned) 40 degrees Celsius
Indoor (air conditioned) 30 degrees Celsius
(b) Maximum ground temperature(at 1 metre depth): 35 degrees Celsius
(c) Maximum humidity: 100%
(d) Soil resistivity: according to local conditions
(e) Weather: mainly sunny, occasional fog (causing condensation on outdoor
equipment), and occasional sandstorms
(f) Air quality: frequently dusty and corrosive

4. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PARAMETERS
4.1.1 The parameters for electricity supplies provided to Customers in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi are defined in the Electricity Supply Regulations 2007, issued by the Bureau.
These are repeated below:
4.2 Declared Voltage and Frequency
4.2.1 The declared supply voltage provided to Customers connected at LV shall be 230V
single phase or 400V three phase. Since this is a change to the previous supply
voltage declared by Distribution Companies of 415/433V a guidance note is provided in
appendix 4.
4.2.2 The permissible variation of the supply voltage shall be kept within +/- 10% of the
declared supply voltage.
4.2.3 The declared supply frequency provided to Customers shall be 50Hz.
4.2.4 The permissible variation of supply frequency shall be +/- 0.1Hz.
4.2.5 For Customers supplied at voltages above LV the allowed variation of voltage and
frequency shall be the same as in clauses 4.2.2 and 4.2.4 above.
4.3 Harmonics and Voltage Disturbances
4.3.1 Customers’ Installations, and the use of electrical equipment therein, must be designed
to avoid the generation of disturbances in the electricity supply, such as voltage
fluctuations, voltage dips, voltage unbalance and harmonics, which are of a magnitude
that adversely affect other Customers,
4.3.2 The permitted limits of such disturbances are given in the Electricity Distribution Code,
Annex 1. Customers will be required to install filters or other equipment to mitigate
against such disturbances that are outside the permitted limits (as explained in the
aforementioned document).
4.4 Prospective Fault Current
4.4.1 The maximum 3 phase Prospective Fault Current (fault level) for LV supplies shall be
46kA (1 second) at the LV busbar of the Distribution Company’s HV/LV substation, or
30kA (1 second) at a LV feeder pillar, or 25kA (1 second) at a LV service turret.
4.4.2 The maximum 3 phase Prospective Fault Current for HV supplies shall be 31.5kA (for 3
seconds) or such lower value as otherwise agreed between the Distribution Company
and the Customer.

5. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INTAKE
5.1 Supply Intake Rooms
5.1.1 The electricity Supply Intake must be positioned in a dedicated room or housing.
5.1.2 There will normally be only one electricity Supply Intake for any Premises, except in
exceptional circumstances and with prior approval from the Distribution Company.
5.1.3 The Supply Intake must be positioned in an area which is readily accessible to
Distribution Company staff and must be at or close to the outside perimeter of a
Premises. Supply Intakes must not be positioned in an area controlled by one of the
tenants in a multi-occupancy building.
5.1.4 Equipment at the electricity Supply Intake must be located in a safe and accessible
position, and kept clear of hindrance at all times. The use of Supply Intake rooms as
storage rooms for any tools equipment or other materials is prohibited.
5.1.5 The Supply Intake must not be located on the reverse side of a bathroom or kitchen
wall, or below a bathroom or kitchen. The Supply Intake must not be located below any
water services or pipes, such as mains water supply, storage tanks, air conditioning
chillers, or other liquids or hazardous materials.
5.1.6 The Supply Intake room should be well ventilated, preferably without the need for forced
air circulation. Where the use of air conditioning is required the requirement for fresh air
circulation and avoiding condensation should be catered for.
5.1.7 Typical Installation layouts and sizes of the electricity Supply Intake are given in
appendix 21.
5.1.8 For large Installations the Supply Intake may consist of one or more LV switchboards,
the requirements for which are given in regulation 8.7.
5.1.9 For Customers receiving supply directly from a HV/LV substation there may be special
requirements for the Supply Intake room, such as special access locks for Distribution
Company staff. The requirements for the design and construction of distribution
substations, transformer rooms or HV switchgear rooms which are on the premises of
the Customer will be specified by the Distribution Company.
5.2 The Customer Connection Point
5.2.1 The Customer Connection Point, or ‘CCP’ (also known as the ‘point of supply’), is
normally deemed to be at the incoming cable connection from the Distribution
Company, most commonly at the Main Distribution Board and before the main circuit
breaker. In special cases an alternative definition of the Customer Connection Point
may be agreed between the Customer and the Distribution Company. Metering
equipment may be connected through a current transformer (c.t.) at a position other
than directly at the Customer Connection Point.
5.2.2 Equipment at the Customer Connection Point shall be locked or sealed by the
Distribution Company to prevent deliberate or accidental interference. Such locks or
seals will include those for metering equipment, current transformers etc.

5.2.3 The Customer Connection Point must always include a means of emergency isolation in
the case of a fault or breakdown (e.g. main circuit breaker) which is readily accessible
and clearly labelled so as to be easily operated by the Customer. Such methods of
emergency isolation must be left unlocked at all times.
5.3 Multiple Occupancy Premises
5.3.1 Multiple occupancy premises will normally be supplied by rising and lateral (R&L) mains
cabling or busbars which are connect directly to the Supply Intake from the Distribution
Company. Rising and lateral cables/busbars will normally be owned and operated by
the building Owner on behalf of all Customers in a Premises.
5.3.2 The electricity metering for individuals Customers for a R&L mains system will normally
be at the points nearest each Customer, remote from the main Supply Intake.
5.4 Metering Requirements
5.4.1 The requirements for Customer metering are contained in the Customer Metering
Regulations 2005, issued by the Bureau. Additional detailed requirements and
procedures will be provided by the Distribution Company where required. Typical
layouts for metering equipment are shown in appendix 21.
5.5 Application for Supply and Load Estimates
5.5.1 Any Customer requiring a new supply or alteration to an existing supply must make an
application to the Distribution Company using the appropriate forms and procedure
published by the Company.
5.5.2 The proposed design of the Installation must be approved by the Distribution Company
before commencement of construction. Details of the proposed design should be
submitted, together with appropriate calculations and should include wiring drawings in
the standard format shown in appendix 20.
5.5.3 The Customer must provide an estimate of the expected maximum electricity demand
and/or Connected Load at the premises. This must be calculated by the Customer’s
appointed Licensed Contractor, design engineer or other qualified person using the
guidelines given in appendix 5.

6. PROTECTION
6.1 General Principles
6.1.1 All Electrical Installations shall be designed, constructed and maintained to provide
protection against the following:
Overload
Short circuits (phase to phase or phase to earth)
Electric shock (due to Direct or Indirect Contact with electricity)
6.1.2 Protection against conditions of overload and short circuit will normally be provided by
MCBs or similar devices (see regulation 6.2 below).
6.1.3 Protection of persons against electric shock due to Direct or Indirect Contact must be
provided by one of the methods detailed in regulation 6.3 below.
6.2 Overload and Short Circuit Protection
6.2.1 All Electrical Installations must be provided with devices that protect against overload
and short circuits, located at suitable sections and Circuits so as to give effective
isolation of such conditions.
6.2.2 The main circuit breaker at the Customer Connection Point must be of MCB or MCCB
type and adequately rated for the maximum Prospective Fault Current. Fused cutouts
must not be used except in special circumstances (e.g. street lighting supplies).
6.2.3 Circuits feeding from the Customer’s main Distribution Board must be individually
protected against overload and short circuits by suitable devices. Replaceable or re-
wireable fuse links are not permitted for this purpose.
6.2.4 The time-current performance characteristic of Protective Devices must conform to the
relevant reference standards listed in appendix 3. The time-current performance curves
for the most common MCCB types are shown in appendix 10.
6.2.5 To ensure protection against overload, circuit cables must be sized taking into account
the time-current characteristic of the Protective Device e.g. the nominal rating of an
MCB / MCCB should be less than the rating of the circuit for which overload protection
is required.
6.2.6 Protective Devices at the Main Distribution Board must have a maximum Prospective
Fault Current rating above that declared by the Distribution Company for the relevant
Customer Connection Point.
6.2.7 Protective Devices downstream of the Main Distribution Board may have a reduced
Prospective Fault Current rating, taking into account the ‘energy-let-through’
characteristic (I2t) of the upstream Protective Device (see appendix 10). Where
appropriate, an allowance may also be made for the attenuation of Prospective Fault
Current due to the circuit length / impedance.

6.3 Electric Shock Protection
Direct Contact
6.3.1 The risk of persons coming into Direct Contact with electricity by touching phase or
neutral conductors must be mitigated against in one or more of the following ways:
(a) insulation of conductors (basic insulation);
(b) double insulation of conductors (Class II Appliances);
(c) secure enclosures, barriers or covers on all uninsulated parts (e.g. connection
terminals, busbar sections etc);
(d) reduced voltage supply (SELV);
(e) isolated (unearthed) supply at LV (e.g. BS3535 shaver socket supply);
(f) limitation of contact time and current by use of a Residual Current Device (see
regulation 6.4);
Indirect Contact
6.3.2 Indirect Contact with electricity can occur when a voltage rise appears on the earthing of
an Installation due to the passage of earth fault current and whilst a person is in contact
with either:
(a) an Exposed (earthed) Metallic Part of an Appliance;
(b) an Exposed (earthed) Metallic Part of an Installation;
(c) an Extraneous (earthed) Metallic Part in a Premise.
6.3.3 The risk of electric shock in the above situations is mitigated against by ensuring that
the maximum voltage rise on the earthing system is limited to a safe value (see
regulation 7.7), and that different parts of the earthing system are kept at substantially
the same voltage (see clause 7.1.1).
6.4 Earth Leakage Protective Devices
6.4.1 The requirement for earth leakage protection for all occupied Premises is made
compulsory in these Regulations.
6.4.2 Earth leakage protection is required primarily to protect against electric shock by limiting
the time and magnitude of current that may pass through the body of a person to Earth.
6.4.3 In addition earth leakage devices provide protection against ‘high resistance’ earth
faults that may persist in an installation if the fault current is too low to operate devices
such as MCBs. Such faults may cause overheating of circuits or connections and lead
to a fire.
6.4.4 Earth leakage devices must operate on the ‘residual current’ principle, whereby the
device will trip if the vector sum of currents carried by the phase and neutral conductors
is above a preset value. They must not rely on the earthing of an installation. The
older design of voltage operated earth leakage devices (ELCB) is not permitted (see
appendix 9).

6.4.5 It should be noted that earth leakage devices do not protect against electric shock
between phase conductors or between phase and neutral.
6.4.6 All Electrical Installations within occupied Premises must be provided with overall earth
leakage protection of nominal rating 100mA, and having a time-current performance
characteristic complying with IEC-60898 or BS3871. This requires that the device must
operate within 200 milliseconds at the nominal current rating and within 40 milliseconds
at 5 times the nominal rating. It must not operate below 50% of the nominal rating (see
appendix 9).
6.4.7 The nominal rating for earth leakage protection shall be 100mA for Circuits supplying
fixed equipment (e.g. lighting, air conditioning) and 30mA for Circuits supplying socket
outlets and all kitchen appliances (e.g. cooker, fridge, washing machine). In higher risk
areas and applications such as under water lighting, swimming pools etc the nominal
operating current of earth leakage protection must be 10mA. A full list of applications
and nominal current ratings is provided appendix 14.
6.4.8 Electrical Installations within Premises which are not normally occupied and which could
suffer from inadvertent or nuisance interruption of supply may be exempt from the
provision of earth leakage protection, subject to written approval of the Distribution
Company. Such Installations may include, street lighting, traffic signs,
telecommunications stations, pumping stations etc.
6.4.9 However, notwithstanding clause 6.4.8, all Circuits from which portable appliances or
other hand operated equipment could be used must be provided with earth leakage
protection.
6.4.10 Notwithstanding clause 6.4.6 and clause 6.4.8, special Circuits within a Premises,
where there would be significant detriment or danger from the tripping of the earth
leakage protection, may be excluded from the zone of earth leakage protection or
provided with ‘time delayed’ devices (i.e. where the operating time is higher than
indicated under clause 6.4.6). Such instances may include Circuits supplying fire
protection equipment or safety alarms (not security alarms). All such cases must be
declared in the Installation Certificate for the site and approved by the Distribution
Company.
6.4.11 An earth leakage alarm may be provided for Circuits which are excluded from the zone
of earth leakage protection (e.g. an alarm that does not cause tripping of the circuit but
gives an audible warning to appropriate persons in the Premises).
6.4.12 Installations with high earth leakage currents (e.g. special equipment, or industrial
installations) may be provided with ‘time delayed’ earth leakage devices, or in special
cases, devices with a higher nominal current rating, up to 500mA . These must be
clearly stated on the Installation Certificate and agreed with the Distribution Company.
6.5 Isolation
6.5.1 All Electrical Installations must be provided with a means of safe isolation at the main
Supply Intake, which must be lockable or otherwise provided with a means of
preventing interference (e.g. by the removal of operating handles into the safe custody
of a responsible person). Isolation for maintenance or other work may be provided by
the Protective Device if it is lockable (except for HV equipment).

6.5.2 An Installation must be further sectionalised by means of isolation at each Circuit in

order to provide ease of access for safe working. Isolation for maintenance or other
work may be provided by the Protective Device if it is lockable (except for HV
equipment).
6.5.3 Each socket outlet or other connection point to an Appliance or other electrical
equipment must be provided with a switch as a means of isolation. Such switches
should be provided with a neon indicator where it is desirable to have a visual indication
of the presence or absence of power (e.g. fridge, fire alarm, gas or smoke alarm, water
heater).
6.5.4 Emergency isolation switches (e.g. push button switch) must be provided for moving
machinery which may require immediate manual disconnection form the supply in the
case of an accident or other situation to avoid Danger. Such equipment may include
large motors, ventilation equipment, industrial machinery etc. Emergency push
switches must operate on all phases of the supply, must be clearly marked and must be
located in an easily accessible position.
6.6 Insulation
6.6.1 All Electrical Installations must be sufficiently insulated to protect against electric shock
from Direct Contact by persons.
6.6.2 Live conductors must never be accessible to any persons other than for the purpose of
testing, using special equipment and procedures.
6.6.3 Uninsulated equipment may be used at voltages below 25V a.c. or 60V d.c. (see SELV
systems under chapter 10).

7. EARTHING
7.1 General Principles
7.1.1 Earthing of Exposed Metallic Parts of an Installation and Appliances, as well as

Extraneous Metallic Parts in a Premises is required to serve the following functions of
safety:
(a) allow the passage of fault current in the event of a live conductor touching any
metallic part of an Installation or Appliance or Extraneous Metallic Part;
(b) ensure that the voltage rise on metallic parts during the passage of fault current is
kept at a safe value (i.e. less than 50V);
(c) ensure that persons cannot be in contact with any two metallic parts which are at
a different potential during the passage of fault current;
(d) ensure that the magnitude of any fault current is sufficient to operate overcurrent
protective devices within a maximum safe time of 0.4 seconds;
(e) ensure that a ‘high resistance’ fault to Earth does not persist so as to cause
overheating or fire and is cleared by earth leakage protection devices.
The necessary requirements to achieve these functions of safety are detailed in the
following sections. Guidance notes on the principles of earthing are given for reference
in appendices 6 to 9.
7.2 Systems of Earthing
7.2.1 Customers shall be provided with a supply operating under either of the following
earthing systems:
(a) Customer Earthed (TT): the Customer provides a Main Earth Terminal for the
Installation, which is connected to a sufficient number of local Earth Electrodes
(referred to in BS7671 as a ‘TT’ system).
(b) Distribution Company Earthed (TN-S): the Distribution Company provides a
connection to the Customer’s Main Earth Terminal, using the distribution network
Earthing system, generally via the armouring or metallic sheath of the main
incoming supply cable (referred to in BS7671 as a TN-S system).
These two types of earthing system are illustrated in appendix 6.
7.2.2 The type of earthing system must be requested by the Customer and agreed with the
Distribution Company. The type of earthing system must be stated on the Installation
Certificate and clearly labelled at the Main Distribution Board.
7.2.3 In all cases the neutral conductor provided by the Distribution Company shall be
separate from any Earth Conductor and shall be solidly Earthed only at the HV/LV
distribution substation.
7.2.4 Both Customer Earthed and Distribution Company Earthed systems must be fitted with
an earth leakage device as specified under regulation 6.4.
7.2.5 For either a Customer Earthed system or a Distribution Company Earthed system the
maximum Earth Resistance measured at the Customer’s Main Earth Terminal shall be
5 ohms. This will normally be checked before commissioning in the presence of the

Distribution Company representative. (Methods of measuring Earth Resistance are

shown in appendix 25).
7.2.6 The Main Earth Terminal and Earth Electrodes must be regularly inspected and tested
in accordance with the test procedures described under chapter 9.
7.3 Earth Electrodes
7.3.1 For a Customer Earthed system Earth Electrodes must be provided and installed by the
Customer and connected to the Main Earthing Terminal (but not connected to the earth
sheath or armouring of the Distribution Company cables).
7.3.2 For Premises consisting of more than one building, where a Customer Earthed system
is used, Earth Electrodes must be provided at each building that is more than 30m
distance from the main Supply Intake.
7.3.3 Earth Electrodes will normally comprise of 20mm or 16mm diameter steel-cored copper
rods driven to a minimum depth of 3 meters. The top of each Earth Electrode must be
housed inside a 300mm x 300mm x 300mm inspection pit which is clearly labeled and
accessible for routine testing. Alternative types of Earth Electrodes may be used with
prior approval of the Distribution Company (e.g. plate or wire mesh type).
7.3.4 Where more than one Earth Electrode is required to achieve the maximum Earth
Resistance value stated in clause 7.2.5 above these must be positioned at a minimum
of 6 meters apart (see BS7430 for further advice on spacing of Earth Electrodes).
7.3.5 The condition of the ground in which an Earth Electrode is placed must be taken into
account to ensure its long term performance (taking into account potential corrosion
effects etc). In particular, the ground moisture content is of critical importance and the
use of proprietary chemical / salt materials may be used around the Earth Electrode to
maintain moisture content.
7.3.6 Where it is proposed to use underground metallic structures as part of the Earth
Electrode system (e.g. structural steel or concrete reinforcing rods) this must be
approved by the Distribution Company prior to commencing construction.
7.3.7 For supplies above 500A rating at least two Earth Electrodes must be provided.
7.3.8 The metal parts of gas, water or other services shall not be used as Earth Electrodes.
7.4 Earth Conductors
7.4.1 Types of Earth Conductors in an installation include the following (see appendix 8):
‘main’ Earth Conductors:

- conductors from Earth Electrodes to the Main Earth Terminal
- conductors from the Main Earth Terminal to Distribution Boards
- conductors between distribution boards
‘Circuit’ Earth Conductors:
- conductors from Distribution Boards to Final Circuits and
Appliance connection points
’Appliance’ Earth Conductors:
- conductors from Appliance connection points (e.g. 3 pin socket

outlets) to an Appliance, normally within a sheathed cable or flex

- conductors connecting Exposed Metallic Parts of an Appliance
7.4.2 All Earth Conductors must be covered with green/yellow PVC insulation and terminated
with purpose made lugs or fixings.
7.4.3 The connection of Earth Conductors to Earth Electrodes shall be made with corrosion
resistant clamps. Where Earth Conductors are buried below ground they shall be
mechanically protected (e.g. in plastic or metal duct or pipe).
7.4.4 The connection of Earth Conductors to the Main Earthing Terminal shall be made using
purpose made lugs or other fixings and the connection must be clearly labelled as
shown in appendix 8.
7.4.5 All Circuits shall have an Earth Conductor sized in accordance with appendix 11, and in
general run alongside the phase and neutral conductors. Such arrangements should
minimise the risk of an Earth Conductor being damaged or disconnected without any
damage or fault indication being detected via the phase conductors.
7.4.6 For metal sheathed or armoured cables the sheath/armouring may be used as the Earth
Conductor where it is rated to the equivalent of the conductor sizes shown in
appendix 11. However, for underground cables which are laid within a Customer’s
Premises (e.g. between separate buildings), a separate earth cable shall be laid
alongside the power cable.
7.4.7 The use of metal conduits, trunking, busbar trunking or switchgear metal enclosures as
Earth Conductors shall not be permitted without the prior approval of the Distribution
Company. In such cases the provision of additional measures such as resistance
measurements and/or supplementary Earth Conductors will normally be required.
7.4.8 No switches, isolators or circuit breakers may be installed in the electrical path of any
Earth Conductor. However, removable links may be installed for the purpose of
allowing testing at the Main Earth Terminal, which must be clearly labelled: “WARNING
SAFETY EARTH CONNECTION – DO NOT REMOVE” (see appendix 8).
7.5 Exposed Metallic Parts
7.5.1 All Exposed Metallic Parts of an Installation which can be touched by persons must be
connected to Earth via Earth Conductors which meet the requirements of regulation 7.4.
7.5.2 Exceptions to clause 7.5.1 may include internal parts of equipment or Appliances which
cannot be accessed by persons without first disconnecting the electricity supply.
7.5.3 Class I Appliances which include Exposed Metallic Parts must be provided with a
suitable connection point or plug & socket arrangement which includes connection to
the circuit Earth Conductor. Class II Appliances do not require an Earth connection
but all connection points in an Installation must include an Earth Conductor for future
use.
7.5.4 Items within an Installation where it is mandatory for a connection to be made to an

Earth Conductor are listed in appendix 13.

7.6 Equipotential Bonding Conductors
7.6.1 Equipotential Bonding Conductors are required to connect together Extraneous Metallic
Parts, metalwork or structures in a Premise, which are not part of the Electrical
Installation, but which may become live during an electrical fault condition. Extraneous
Metallic Parts may also present an alternative conductive (or partly conductive) path to
Earth aside from main or circuit Earth Conductors and therefore must be Bonded
together to prevent a difference in potential which could cause electric shock.1
7.6.2 Items requiring Equipotential Bonding can include metallic pipes (particularly those
connected to underground services such as water supply), steel beams, water tanks,
baths, sinks and washbasins etc. Examples of typical Equipotential Bonding
arrangements are given in appendix 8.
7.6.3 It is not necessary to provide Equipotential Bonding for standalone metallic items which:
(a) do not pose any risk of providing a conductive path to Earth;
(b) do not pose any risk of providing a conductive path to any other Earthed part of
the Electrical Installation;
(c) do not pose any risk of becoming live as a result of an electrical fault in the
Installation (i.e. are sufficiently remote from any Circuit or Appliance);
(d) are out of reach of persons
Such items may include metal doors, window frames, drain covers, small metallic fixings
(e.g. screws and brackets), etc.
7.6.4 The sizing of Equipotential Bonding Conductors is given in appendix 11.
7.6.5 The point of connection of an Equipotential Bonding Conductor to any item must be
labelled: ‘SAFETY EARTH CONNECTION – DO NOT REMOVE’, as illustrated in
appendix 8.
7.7 Earth Loop Impedance
7.7.1 The Earth Fault Loop Impedance (Zs) is defined as the total impedance presented to an
earth fault current, comprising the impedance of the following parts of an Installation
(illustrated in appendix 15):
(a) the Circuit Earth Conductor;

(b) the Main Earth Terminal;
(c) the main Earth Conductors connecting to local Earth Electrodes (TT system) or
the Distribution Company Earth (TN-S system);
(d) the path of earth fault current through the general mass of Earth, or through the
earth sheath or armouring of the Distribution Company cable;
(e) the neutral earth connection at the Distribution Company transformer;
(f) the distribution transformer winding;
(g) the phase conductors of the Circuit back to the point of fault.
1
Further explanation of the principles of Equipotential Bonding is provided in appendix 8.

7.7.2 All Installations must be designed and tested such that the Earth Fault Loop Impedance
is of a sufficient value to operate overcurrent protective devices within 0.4 seconds.
7.7.3 The maximum Earth Fault Loop Impedance values to ensure a disconnection time of
0.4 seconds for MCB devices is given in appendix 15.
7.7.4 The method for testing Earth Fault Loop Impedance is given in appendix 26.
7.7.5 Where the value of external Earth Fault Loop Impedance Ze is known the internal loop
impedance my be added to this by measuring the longest Circuit and using the
conductor resistance values given in appendix 15.
7.8 Lightning Protection
7.8.1 Lightning protection systems and associated earth electrodes shall be kept separate
from the electrical Installation earthing system.
7.8.2 A minimum distance of 7m shall be provided between lightning protection earth

electrodes and the Installation Earth Electrodes.
7.8.3 Lightning protection systems should be designed, installed and maintained in

accordance with BS 6651.
7.9 Functional Earthing
7.9.1 Functional Earthing systems (e.g. for the purpose of radio frequency noise reduction, or
filters for computers etc) must be kept separate from the Installation Earthing system.
7.9.2 Where it is desired to connect a Functional Earthing system with the main Installation
Earth this must be approved by the Distribution Company prior to construction.

8. SELECTION OF COMPONENTS AND INSTALLATION

REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Socket Outlets and Plug Connectors
8.1.1 For domestic Installations all single phase plugs and socket outlets shall comply with
BS1363 (3 square pins with all three holes covered by a tamper proof shutter) and must
be fitted with a switch. For domestic Installations the use of any other type of
plugs/sockets, such as BS546 (3 round pins, 15A or 5A) is not permitted.
8.1.2 For non-domestic Installations either BS1363 or BS546 type plugs and sockets are
permitted, although the latter must only be used for specialist applications (i.e.
Appliances on special dedicated Circuits where it is desirable not to intermix with other
normal use Appliances; an example would be table lamps in hotel rooms which are
switched from a common point supplying BS546 5A sockets). Further illustration of the
use of BS546 sockets is shown in appendix 23.
8.1.3 The use of 2 pin plugs such as the Euro CEE/14 plug and the ‘Shuko’ CEE/7 plug is
strictly prohibited, unless provided with an approved adapter converting such plugs for
use on BS1363 type sockets (see appendix 23).
8.1.4 An allowable exception to clause 8.1.1 is the use of shaver supply units in bathrooms,
complying with BS3535. For these type of socket outlets, which are isolated for safety
through a 2 winding isolating transformer, a 2 pin plug may be used but which must also
comply with BS3535.
8.1.5 No socket outlets shall be installed in a bathroom except for a socket outlet complying
with BS 3535 (shaver socket outlet including a 2 winding isolating transformer).
8.1.6 Three phase and industrial plugs and socket outlets shall comply with BS 4343. The
rating of three phase socket outlets shall be selected according to the load of Appliance
or equipment to be connected.
8.1.7 Socket outlets accessible for normal use should be positioned at a height of 450mm
above floor level or 100mm above work surfaces (e.g. kitchen work top). In some cases
low level or ‘skirting’ height may be used for special applications (e.g. offices) at a
minimum of 100mm above the floor level.
8.1.8 Socket outlets in kitchens or other areas where water is used must be positioned at
least 1.5 m away from sources of water (e.g. sinks, basins, filter units, supply taps).
8.1.9 The recommended minimum number of socket outlets for domestic Installations is given
in appendix 24. Single or double socket outlets may be used according to the
anticipated usage.
8.2 Switches and Isolators
8.2.1 All switches provided for local isolation of appliances and equipment (including lighting)
shall comply with BS 3676. The rating of switches shall be selected based on the
expected load, taking into account any capacitive or inductive effects.
8.2.2 For outdoor locations or damp/wet areas, weather protected switches should be used

(BS 3676).
8.2.3 For areas with higher than normal risk of fire or explosion gas sealed switches should
be used (BS 5345). E.g. in gas storage areas, battery rooms etc.
8.2.4 The normal mounting height for switches shall be 1.3m from floor level.
8.2.5 Switches with neon indicators should be provided for appliances such as water heaters,
air conditioning units, fridges and freezers, where the visual indication of a continuous
supply is desirable.
8.2.6 Double pole switches must be provided for water heaters, air conditioning units and
other fixed Appliances operating with or near water supplies.
8.2.7 Cooker control units (isolators) for domestic Installations should comply with BS 4177.
The use of cooker control units with an integral 3 pin socket outlet is prohibited (due to
the need for earth leakage protection to cover all 3 pin socket outlets).
8.2.8 Flexible cables from switches / isolators to fixed appliances (such as water heaters,
cookers etc) must be adequately rated and securely fixed with a purpose made flex
outlet plate (which may be integral or separate to the switch / isolator unit). See
appendix 23.
8.3 Lighting
8.3.1 Lighting Circuits will normally be fed from 6A, 10A or 16A MCBs from a Final
Distribution Board.
8.3.2 Switching of Circuits containing discharge lighting or other lighting with high inductance
may require special consideration due to high switching voltages that may occur. As a
guide, the rating of switches for discharge lighting circuits should be twice that of other
circuits with the same load current.
8.3.3 Mains operated clocks may be connected to lighting circuits provided that a fused outlet
is provided.
8.3.4 All luminaires must be connected to Final Circuits using a ceiling rose or other purpose
made connection point and not directly to such Circuits. Heat resistant cables between
luminaires and connection points should be used where necessary.
8.3.5 Lighting Circuits in false ceilings or voids must be installed in conduit or trunking in
compliance with clauses 8.5.9 and 8.5.10. However, short lengths (less than 3m) of
flexible or sheathed cables may be provided between a lighting connection point or
ceiling rose and a luminaire, provided that provision is made for future access and
maintenance.
8.3.6 Luminaires and other light fittings must be installed with due consideration to the weight
taken by fixings and supports, and the need for adequate ventilation and heat
dissipation.
8.3.7 Outdoor lighting should be of suitable weatherproof construction with appropriate

connection points and fittings.
8.3.8 Underwater lighting should preferably be supplied at low voltage or should be supplied

via a 10mA RCD device.
8.4 Conduits and Trunking
8.4.1 All plastic conduits and trunking must comply with either BS4607 or BS6053 or BS6099
and be suitable for the ambient conditions expected.
8.4.2 All metal conduits and trunking must comply with either BS4568, BS-EN 60423 or
BS-EN 50086. Flexible conduits must be of metal construction, PVC covered and
comply with BS731 part 1.
8.4.3 Metal conduits may not be used as the sole means of providing an Earth (separate
Earth Conductors must be run inside the conduit).
8.4.4 Plastic conduits or trunking must not be used in situations subject to higher than normal
temperatures or fire risk (e.g. near industrial machinery, generator rooms, workshops,
petrol stations etc).
8.4.5 Conduits and trunking must be installed so as to provide ease of access to cable
Circuits throughout the route. Sufficient inspection plates and pulling points must be
provided to enable inspection, repair and drawing out of cables throughout the life of the
Installation.
8.4.6 The minimum internal radius on any bend or elbow fitting in a conduit shall be 2.5 times
the diameter of the conduit. Elbow fittings of trunking may be 90 degree formation if the
cover is removable so that cables may be installed without the need for pulling through.
8.4.7 Cable trunking shall generally be run exposed or otherwise accessible after installation,
throughout its length for the purpose of removing/installing cables.
8.4.8 Under-floor trunking may be used for the combined provision of power,
telecommunications and other circuits provided that adequate segregation between
different types of circuits is provided, as well as suitably sealed service boxes and
connection boxes.
8.4.9 The maximum number of cables for typical sizes of conduits and trunking are given in
appendix 18.
8.4.10 Where conduits or trunking are installed on the Distribution Company’s side of the
Customer Connection Point, these must be provided with a means of locking or sealing
against unauthorised interference.
8.5 Cables and Final Circuits
8.5.1 For normal fixed wiring within premises PVC (thermoplastic), rubber (thermosetting) or
XLPE insulated, stranded copper conductor cables shall be used, complying with
BS6004, BS6346 or BS5467. For locations subject to a higher than normal risk of
interference or damage armoured cables are recommended.
8.5.2 For locations with higher than normal fire risk mineral insulated copper sheathed cables
shall be used, complying with BS 6207.
8.5.3 General purpose flexible cables and cords for appliances shall be PVC insulated, with a

PVC over-sheath, stranded copper conductors, and comply with BS 6500/6004.
8.5.4 Cables for high temperature appliances (e.g. electric heaters, irons, pendant lighting)
shall be heat resistant rubber insulated, with over-sheath, stranded copper conductors,
and comply with BS 6141.
8.5.5 Cables under repetitive mechanical strain (e.g. lifts, heavy outdoor machinery etc) shall
comply with BS 6977.
8.5.6 Cables for meter tails (at 230V) shall normally be single core, PVC insulated, with over-
sheath, and comply with BS 6004.
8.5.7 The size of cables should be selected according to the expected load and voltage drop,
using appendix 16. The maximum voltage drop from the Customer Connection Point to
the remote end of any Final Circuit should be 4%.
8.5.8 The use of single core armoured cables is normally prohibited due to the possibility of
induced heating effects. However, such cables may be used where there is an
exceptional need, with the written consent of the Distribution Company and where
adequate precautions are taken to avoid induced heating effects (e.g. appropriate
spacing of phases to balance induced currents, earthing at one end only or the use of
non ferromagnetic armouring and cable glands).
8.5.9 In general, all cables which are not armoured, must be installed in plastic or metal
conduit or trunking.
8.5.10 In particular, cables running through inaccessible areas such as walls, floors and
ceilings must be installed in conduit or trunking so as to be withdrawable in the future.
In such a case, suitable inspection plates and pulling out points should be provided.
8.5.11 Exceptions to clause 8.5.9 may be allowed only for sheathed, flexible or armoured
cables which will remain accessible but in locations free from any undue risk of damage
or interference (e.g. above head height, or in unoccupied areas). Such cables should
be securely supported by cable clips or other fixings at suitable intervals.
8.5.12 All cables must be installed between purpose made termination points (switches,
junction boxes, distribution boards) and joints between such points are strictly
prohibited.
8.5.13 The colour identification for cables is given in appendix 17.
8.5.14 The sizing of cables, including voltage drop and derating factors are given in
appendix 16.
8.5.15 The sizing of Final Circuits should be made according to the expected and future load
requirements, taking into account the diversity of use of Appliances and equipment.
The guidelines given in appendix 5 may be used to calculate Final Circuit ratings.
8.5.16 Radial (or ‘spur’) Circuits should be provided to large Appliances, particularly those in
continuous or near continuous operation, or those of importance to safety or other
important functions within a Premise. Examples include: main water pumps, air
conditioning units, water heaters, room heating, fire or intruder alarms, cookers and
ovens etc.
8.5.17 Ring Circuits should be provided to areas within a property which can be most

economically served by several Appliances sharing the same cable feed, arranged in a
loop, from one circuit breaker on the Final Distribution board. This would be particularly
suitable where Appliances are expected to operate at diverse times of the day. Ring
Circuits would typically be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens (except major
appliances such as cookers), partitioned office areas etc.
8.5.18 Circuits supplying a kitchen must not be used to supply any other area. However,
ceiling lighting circuits from a kitchen may be common to other areas.
8.5.19 For domestic premises all circuits supplying one room shall be on the same phase,
other than for kitchens, and for ceiling lighting.
8.5.20 Typical radial and ring circuit arrangements for domestic premises are shown in
appendix 22.
8.6 Distribution Boards
8.6.1 All Distribution Boards must be factory assembled and comply with BS EN 60439.
8.6.2 Distribution Boards must be of robust construction, capable of withstanding expected

electrical, thermal, and environmental stresses in normal operation and during faults.
8.6.3 Apparatus forming part of the assembly of Distribution Boards shall have electrical
isolation clearances sufficient to withstand normal voltages, surge voltages and
creepage as defined in BS EN 60439-1.
8.6.4 Each Distribution Board must have a neutral bar which is mounted on insulators and
which has a sufficient number of terminal points of adequate size for the largest cable
expected to be used.
8.6.5 Each Distribution Board must have an Earth bar which has means of connection to the
incoming Earth Conductor and cable gland of the incoming cable.
8.6.6 Distribution Boards must have split busbars where different levels of Earth Leakage
protection are required (generally 100mA RCD and 30mA RCD, with additional RCBO
devices for more sensitive protection, such 10mA for swimming pools).
8.6.7 Each floor of a Premises shall be provided with at least one Sub or Final Distribution
Board installed in an easily accessible location.
8.6.8 Single phase Distribution Boards are permitted for loads up to a maximum of 9kW.
8.6.9 The phase and neutral busbars shall be identified by the colours given in appendix 17.
8.6.10 The phase and neutral conductors shall be of the same cross sectional area.
8.6.11 Provision of neon indicators, voltmeters and ammeters integral to Distribution Boards is
preferred where reasonably practicable and is required for Distribution Boards rated
above 400A.
8.6.12 Replaceable fuse links are not preferred in Customer Distribution Boards (MCBs or
equivalent should be provided). The use of rewireable fuse links is prohibited.
8.6.13 All Distribution Boards must be installed in locations easily accessible for inspection,
operation and maintenance. Such locations must be secured from unauthorised

interference, particularly from children.
8.6.14 Distribution Boards shall not be installed in locations where water is used (e.g. kitchens,
bathrooms, pump rooms), within 2m of any pipe or other source of water, or in difficult
to access positions.
8.6.15 Distribution Boards must be provided with sufficient numbers of Protective Device
positions (e.g. MCBs) including spare positions (approximately 20% spare positions are
recommended).
8.7 LV Switchboards
8.7.1 LV switchboards, consisting of cubicle panel switchgear, may be provided for high
current ratings where pre-fabricated Distribution Boards of sufficient rating are not
available. LV switchboards must consist of type tested assemblies which satisfy the
requirements of BS 5486 or BS-EN 60439.
8.7.2 Switchboards must be located in a dedicated room with due consideration to safe
access and egress of persons for future maintenance, repair and replacement work.
8.7.3 Switchboards rated above 400A must be provided with instruments for voltage, current,
maximum demand and power factor measurement, as well as phase indicating lamps.
8.7.4 Switchboards rated at 1600A and above must be provided with earth fault relays and
overcurrent relays.
8.7.5 Where more than one incoming supply cable is provided at the Supply Intake these
should be connected to separate switchboards (or separate sections of the same
switchboard) which have the facility for interconnection through a bus coupler circuit
breaker. In order to prevent the parallel connection of the incoming supply cables the
bus coupler circuit breaker should be interlocked to prevent closing when both incoming
supply cables are live.
8.7.6 All busbars in switchboards must be tinned copper, rigidly supported, and insulated
throughout their length. The neutral and earth busbars must run throughout the length
of the switchboard. The neutral busbar must be of the same cross section area as the
phase busbars.
8.7.7 The main incomer circuit breakers should be clearly marked and left unlocked to allow
immediate operation in an emergency.

9. INSPECTION, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION
9.1 Installation Certificates
9.1.1 Every new Installation shall, on completion and before being energised, be inspected
and tested by a Licensed Contractor who shall duly complete the relevant test reports
and submit these to the Distribution Company.
9.1.2 In order to verify compliance with these Regulations the Licensed Contractor shall
complete and sign an Installation Certificate in the format shown in appendix 3, as shall
the designer and installer of the Installation (may be the same person/company).
9.1.3 Two original copies of the Installation Certificate and associated test results shall be
provided, one to the Customer / Owner of the Premises, and one to the Distribution
Company. An additional copy must be affixed at the Main Distribution Board or Supply
Intake position.
9.1.4 The Distribution Company shall verify on site the test results for Earth Resistance at the
Main Earth Terminal and inspect or test other items as deemed appropriate, including
as a minimum:
(a) connection of conductors;

(b) identification of conductors and labelling of equipment;
(c) routing of cables and their protection against mechanical damage;
(d) cross section of conductors for current carrying capacity and voltage drop;
(e) connection of single pole devices for protection/switching in phase conductors
only;
(f) correct positioning and connection of accessories and equipment;
(g) presence of fire barriers and protection against thermal effects;
(h) methods of protection against electric shock - both direct and indirect contact;
(i) inspection of integrity of Main Earth Conductors and Earth Electrodes.
9.1.5 The Distribution Company may carry out intermediate inspection(s) prior to the final
inspection mentioned in clause 9.1.4 above, in order to verify compliance of concealed
parts of the Installation (e.g. conduits, buried cables and Earth Conductors).
9.1.6 Any extension or alteration to an electrical Installation will require a Licensed Contractor
to issue an amended Installation Certificate, together with a copy of the original
certificate, and stating the details of the work carried out.

9.2 Routine Inspection and Testing
9.2.1 The responsibility for routine inspecting and testing of Electrical Installations lies with
the Owner of the Premises who shall request the services of a Licensed Contractor at
the following intervals following the first inspection and certification:
Internal External
Installation Installation
Domestic 5 years 5 years
Non-Domestic (commercial, 3 years 3 years

industrial, farms etc)
Premises used by the public 3 years 2 years

(schools, hospitals, hotels, malls,
parks, wedding tents, mosques)
Special locations:
Construction Sites 1 year 1 year
Swimming pools and fountains 1 year 1 year
Street lighting and equipment 1 year 1 year
9.2.2 Electrical Installations which were installed before the date of commencement of these
Clauses (1.1.2) shall be inspected and tested within the time indicated above from the
date of commencement.
9.2.3 Routine inspection and testing shall be recorded on the standard forms shown in
appendix 31 and appendix 32 and shall include:
(a) continuity of Ring and Final Circuit conductors;

(b) continuity of Earth Conductors including Equipotential Bonding Conductors;
(c) insulation resistance;
(d) protection against Direct Contact;
(e) polarity;
(f) Earth Fault Loop Impedance;
(g) Earth Electrode Resistance.
9.2.4 The continuity test shall be carried out with an instrument having a no load voltage
between 4 volts and 24 volts d.c or a.c. and a short circuit current not less than 200mA,
in accordance with the procedure in appendix 27.
9.2.5 The insulation resistance tests between live conductors and between each live
conductor and earth shall be measured with a test voltage of 500V d.c, in accordance
with the procedure in appendix 28.

10. SELV - SEPARATED EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
10.1 Source of SELV Power
10.1.1 For a Separate Extra Low Voltage system the source of power shall not exceed “extra
low voltage” i.e. 50V ac or 150V dc between conductors or to earth.
10.1.2 The source of SELV power shall be provided by either:

(a) a safety isolating transformer complying with BS353, in which there is no
connection between the output winding and the body or the protective earthing
conductor, if any;
(b) a battery source.
10.1.3 All components of a SELV system including conductors, switches, relays etc. shall be
physically separated from those of any other live system.
10.1.4 No Exposed Metallic Part of a SELV system shall be connected to any of the following:
(a) Earth;
(b) any Earthed Metallic Part of another system or Extraneous Metallic Part;
(c) an Earth Conductor of any system.
10.1.5 Insulation against Direct Contact of the conductive parts of a SELV system is required if
the operating voltage is above 25V ac or 60V dc. Insulation is not required if the
operating voltage is below these values.

11. POWER FACTOR CORRECTION
11.1 General Requirements
11.1.1 The power factor of every Installation shall be controlled to between 0.9 lagging and
unity. In order to achieve this value power factor correction capacitors may be
employed for individual compensation, for group compensation, or for centralised
compensation.
11.1.2 In order to reduce the reactive currents within an Installation, and provide for more
efficient supply of power, the power factor correction capacitors shall be installed as
close to the load as possible.
11.1.3 Power factor correction capacitors shall normally be of dry or oil filled, encapsulated,
sealed type. Note: the use of oil containing PCB (poly-chloro biphenyls) is strictly
prohibited.
11.1.4 Power factor correction capacitors shall be provided with a means of prompt discharge
on disconnection of the supply voltage. The discharge Circuit shall be permanently or
automatically connected to the capacitor. Manual means of switching or connecting the
discharge circuit shall not be permitted.
11.1.5 In general all air conditioning units, motors, large electrical machines, fluorescent or
discharge lighting etc., shall be provided with integral power factor correction.
11.1.6 For large Installations overall group compensation at the Main Distribution Board may
be permitted.
11.1.7 For group compensation, automatically regulated capacitor banks shall be used which
shall provide, as far as possible, a smoothed power factor throughout the range of
operation. The rating of each capacitor step shall be such that the initial steps shall
have less kVAr rating and the rating of subsequent steps shall be increased
progressively to the desired maximum kVAr.
11.1.8 For induction motors the capacitor rating may not exceed 90% of the no load reactive
power of the motor (in order to avoid the high over voltage across the terminals due to
the occurrence of self excitation on run down condition of the motor).
11.1.9 The occurrence of harmonics while employing variable speed drives, welding machines
or similar devices in Circuits can lead to disturbance in the system and may cause
capacitor failure. In order to eliminate or reduce this risk harmonic filters should be
employed in series with capacitors.
11.2 Specifications
11.2.1 Capacitors shall be capable of continuous operation provided that none of the following
limitations are exceeded:
(a) 135% of the rated reactive power;
(b) 110% of the rated voltage rms, including harmonics but excluding transients;
(c) 180% of the rated current rms, including fundamental and harmonic current.

11.2.2 Capacitors shall be equipped with built in discharge resistors sized to ensure safe
discharge of the Capacitor to less than 50V in one minute after a switch off.
11.2.3 Each capacitor shall be provided with a permanent nameplate, which includes the
following information:
(a) name of the Manufacturer;
(b) serial No;
(c) year of Manufacture;
(d) rated reactive power;
(e) rated voltage rms;
(f) number of Phases;
(g) rated frequency;
(h) statement of discharge device;
(i) short circuit current;
(j) statement of liquid fill (if any).
11.2.4 Capacitors shall be able to withstand up to 30 times In caused by harmonics.
11.2.5 Capacitors shall have provision for effective earth connection of the case to the
capacitor mounting frame and to the circuit Earth Conductor.
11.2.6 Capacitors and related components such as regulators, indicating instruments,

contactors, etc., shall be capable of withstanding local environmental conditions.
11.2.7 Contactors shall be designed for capacitive switching and shall be able to withstand
switching surges. Contactors shall be rated for 1.5 to 1.8 times the normal rated current
of the capacitor and shall isolate all three phases on switch off.
11.2.8 Each capacitor step shall be protected by means of HRC fuses (current limiting type).
11.2.9 The capacitor panel must be provided with a suitably rated main incomer isolating
switch. This shall be a three pole isolator or MCCB as the case may be. The handle of
the incomer isolator shall be interlocked with the door to ensure that capacitor bank is
de-energized when the door is open.
11.2.10 Capacitor banks shall not be a part of the motor control centre, main LV panel or sub-
main panel; it shall be accommodated in a separate cubical.
11.2.11 In addition to the requirements stated above capacitor banks shall conform to the latest
relevant international standards, including the following:
(a) LV switchboard IEC 60439-1

(b) Degree of protection IEC 60529
(c) LV circuit breaker and switch-disconnector IEC 60947 (1 to 5)
(d) Power factor correction capacitors IEC 60831 (1-2)
(e) Power factor regulator IEC 60664 and IEC 1010-1
(f) Capacitor switching contactors IEC 60070 and IEC 60831
(g) Detuned reactors IEC 60289 and IEC 60076

12. MOTORS AND GENERATORS
12.1 Electric Motors and Starters
12.1.1 The installation of electric motors supplied from the LV distribution system is permitted
up to a maximum of 5HP (3.7kW) for single phase and 150HP (110kW) for 3 phase.
Where it is proposed to install more than one motor of rating 150HP the relevant
diagrams, operation information, protection arrangements etc should be provided to the
Distribution Company in order to gain approval for connection.
12.1.2 All electric motors shall be adequately protected against overload, short circuit, loss of
one or more phases and voltage dips etc. as appropriate for each application.
12.1.3 All electric motors above 5HP must be provided with mechanical overload protection.
12.1.4 All motors above 1HP shall be provided with current limiting starting equipment to
effectively keep the starting current within the following limits:
Rating of Motor Max. Permissible Starting Current
1 Hp to 5 Hp 5 Times full load current
Above 5 HP and up to 50 HP 2 Times full load current
Above 50 HP and up to 150 HP 1.5 Times full load current
12.2 Standby Generators
12.2.1 Installation and connection of standby generators in any Installation, for the purpose of
maintaining power in the case of a failure of the incoming supply, shall be permitted
only with the prior approval of the Distribution Company.
12.2.2 The changeover circuit breaker shall have 4 poles for a 3 phase generator and 2 poles
for a single phase generator, to ensure that all live and neutral conductors are
disconnected at the same time.
12.2.3 The installation and changeover arrangements must ensure that there is no possibility
of paralleling the generator and incoming mains supply. If paralleling arrangements are
required these must be specifically assessed and approved by the Distribution
Company. The general requirements for such arrangements are provided in the
Electricity Distribution Code – Annex 1: “Engineering Recommendation No. 3 -
Connection of Embedded Generation Plant up to 5MW”.

13. SPECIAL LOCATIONS
13.1 Outdoor Sites
13.1.1 Outdoor sites may include wedding tents, construction sites, parks, farms, caravans etc,
all of which must comply with the requirements of these Regulations.
13.1.2 In particular the following provisions must be given special attention for outdoor sites:
(a) All cables which are not installed in conduit or trunking must be armoured and
adequately protected against accidental or deliberate interference by persons, and
against the effects of weather.
(b) Outdoor electrical Installations should have a minimum ingress protection level of
IP53 (see appendix 19);
(c) Cables passing on or over walkways and access roads must be adequately enclosed
to avoid Danger;
(d) Particular attention should be given to the location, signing and protection of
equipment where the public may have access, in particular children;
(e) equipment should be located and adequate notices be displayed to that emergency
disconnection of the electricity supply can be effected without delay. Locking
arrangements should be such that these can be removed in an emergency (e.g. panic
bar or keys available in break out box).
(f) The requirements for periodic testing must be strictly complied with (regulation 9.2).
(g) Earth leakage protection must be provided in line with regulation 6.4.
13.2 Street Lighting, Traffic Signals and Signboards
13.2.1 The general safety requirements of these Regulations shall apply to electrical supplies
to street lighting, traffic signals and signboards.
13.2.2 The detailed design, installation arrangements, and other special requirements for the
above types of supplies shall be specified by the Distribution Company providing
supply.

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CONSULTATION VERSION 0.

The Regulation and Supervision Bureau

Revision Date Prepared by: Checked by: Issued to:

0.1 Dec 2005 T Khan L Hill Distribution Code

0.2 June 2006 T Khan Distribution Code

0.3 Sept 2006 T Khan L Hill

0.4 Oct 2006 T Khan N Carter

Consultation v0.1 Nov 2006 T Khan L Hill Public

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 2 of 40

3. General Requirements ...................................................................................... 13

4. Electricity Supply Parameters ........................................................................... 16

5. Electricity Supply Intake .................................................................................... 17

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 3 of 40

8. Selection of Components and Installation Requirements.................................. 28

9. Inspection, Testing and Certification ................................................................. 34

10. SELV - Separated Extra Low Voltage Systems ................................................ 36

11. Power factor Correction..................................................................................... 37

12. Motors and Generators ..................................................................................... 39

13. Special Locations .............................................................................................. 40

Note: Numbering System of the Regulations

Chapters are numbered as integers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc)

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 4 of 40

1.1 Citation and Commencement

1.1.4 These Regulations supersede the following regulations:

1.3 Scope and Enforcement

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 5 of 40

Distribution Company and approved by the Bureau.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 6 of 40

2.1.1 Appliance: an item of current using equipment

2.1.3 Bonding Conductor: see Equipotential Bonding Conductor

2.1.8 Circuit Protective Conductor: see Earth Conductor

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 7 of 40

2.1.12 Competency Licence: a licence issued by a Distribution Company to a company

2.1.14 Consumer Unit: see Main Distribution Board

2.1.19 Danger: risk of injury to persons or animals or risk of damage to property

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 8 of 40

2.1.21 Double Insulated Equipment: see Class II Equipment.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 9 of 40

- the phase conductors of the circuit back to the point of fault.

2.1.24 Electrical Installation (abbrv: Installation): an Electrical Installation generally

2.1.25 Equipotential Bonding: the connection of Extraneous Metallic Parts, materials or

2.1.26 Equipotential Bonding Conductor: a designated conductor installed to serve the

2.1.29 Extra Low Voltage (ELV): see Voltage

2.1.30 Final Circuit: see Circuit

2.1.31 High Voltage: see Voltage

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 10 of 40

an Installation or Appliance or through Extraneous Metallic Parts in a Premises which

2.1.33 Installation: see Electrical Installation

2.1.37 Low Voltage: see Voltage

2.1.39 Main Distribution Board: see Distribution Board

2.1.43 Protective Conductor: see Earth Conductor

2.1.45 Radial Circuit: see Circuit

2.1.47 Ring Circuit: see Circuit

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 11 of 40

2.1.48 Sub Distribution Board: see Distribution Board

2.1.50 Spur Circuit: see Circuit.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 12 of 40

3.1 Technical Standards, Materials and Workmanship

3.1.2 Where a provision or technical requirement is not covered by these Regulations,

3.2 Licensed Contractors

3.3 Requirements for Safety

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 13 of 40

The Electricity Wiring Regulations (2007) Page 14 of 40