EDITED BY DAVID ADLER

METRlC
HANDBOOK
PLANNlNG
AND
DESIGN
DATA
SECOND EDITION Architectural
Press
46 Materials
CI/Sfb: Ya
Uniclass: V

KEY POINTS: of water pipes and fittings mentioned below.

• Changes are occurring all the time, always refer to The editor would be particularly grateful for notification of any
manufacturers changes that need to be made in this chapter in subsequent
• Not all materials are, or perhaps ever will be, totally reprintings.
metricated

2 STEEL
Contents
1 Introduction 2.01 General
2 Steel BS 6722: 1986 lays down the preferred metric dimensions to size
3 Timber all kinds of metal wires, bars and flat products, both ferrous and
4 Bricks and blocks non-ferrous. These preferred dimensions are as below, with the
5 Precast concrete first preferences in ordinary type and the second in italics.
6 Aluminium The preferences (in mm) for bars and the thickness of flat
7 Roofing products are:
8 Glass
0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0.18, 0.20, 0.22, 0.25, 0.28, 0.30,
9 Windows and doors
0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.70, 0.80, 0.90.
10 Pipes for plumbing and drainage
11 Materials for electricity supply and distribution 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5,
5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0.

1 INTRODUCTION
In the very first edition of this handbook, this chapter gave
information about the metrication of materials which up until then
had always been supplied to imperial dimensions, quantities and
weights. Now that the metrication process has almost been
completed (with exceptions noted below), this chapter is intended
to give information about the dimensions of materials which may
affect the planning of a building. Of necessity it is neither totally
complete, nor can it always be completely up to date.
It has now become evident that some materials, mainly those
with a long history behind them and possibly a phasing-out in the
future, will not be metricated; although their parameters may be
expressed in metric units. Attention may also be drawn to the case
10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, 20.0, 22.0, 25.0, 28.0, 30.0,
35.0, 40.0, 45.0, 50.0, 55.0, 60.0, 70.0, 80.0, 90.0.
100.0, 110.0, 120.0, 140.0, 160.0, 180.0, 200.0, 220.0, 250.0,
280.0, 300.0.
The preferences for the widths and lengths of flat products are:
400, 500, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500,
3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10 000.
2.02 Plate, strip and bars
The tables of commonly available sizes from the previous edition
are here reprinted: Table I for steel plates, Table II for hot-rolled
flats and Tables III to V for rounds, squares and hexagons.

Table I Mild steel plate sizes

Thickness 2000 2500 3000 4000 4000 4000 4000 5000 5000 5000 6000 6000 6000 8000 8000 8000 10 000 10 000
× × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
1000 1250 l500 1500 1750 2000 2500 1500 2000 2500 1500 2000 2500 1500 2000 2500 2000 2500

6 × × × × × × ×
8 × × × × × × ×
10 × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
12.5 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

15 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
20 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
25 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
30 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

35 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
40 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
45 × × × × × ×
50 × × × × × × ×

60 × × × × × ×
65 × × × × ×
70 × × × × ×
75 × × × × ×

80 × × × × ×
90 × × × × ×
100 × × × × ×
110 × × × × ×

130 × × × × ×
150 × × × × ×

46-1
46-2 Materials

Table II Hot rolled flats

Width Standard thickness (mm)

(mm)
3 5 6 8 10 12 15 18 20 25 30 32 35 40 45 50 60 65

25 × × × × × × ×
30 × × × × × × × × ×
35 × × × × × × × ×
40 × × × × × × × × ×
45 × × × × × × × ×
50 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
55 × × × × × × ×
60 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
65 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
70 × × × × × × × × × ×
75 × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
80 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
90 × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
100 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
110 × × × × × × ×
120 × × × × ×
130 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
140 × ×
150 × × × × × × × × × ×
160 × × × × × × × ×
180 × × × × × × × ×
200 × × × × × × × × × ×
220 × × × × × × × × × ×
250 × × × × × × × × × ×
275 × × × × × × × × × ×
300 × × × × × × × × × ×
325 × × × × × × × × ×
350 × × × × × × × × ×
375 × × × × × × × ×
400 × × × × × × × ×
425 × × × × × × × ×
450 × × × × × × × ×
475 × × × × × ×
500 × × × × × ×
525 × × × × × ×
550 × × × × × ×
575 × × × × × ×
600 × × × × × ×

Table III Rounds for all purposes

Diameter Mass/ Diameter Mass/ Diameter Mass/ Diameter Mass/

Standard length Standard length Standard length Standard length
mm kg/m mm kg/m mm kg/m mm kg/m

5.5 0.187 20.5 2.59 58.5 21.1 170.0 178

6.0 0.222 21.0 2.72 60.0 22.2 175.0 189
6.5 0.260 21.5 2.85 62.0 23.7 180.0 200
7.0 0.302 22.0 2.98 65.0 26.0 185.0 211
7.5 0.347 23.0 3.26 67.0 27.7 190.0 223
8.0 0.395 23.5 3.40 68.0 28.5 195.0 229
8.5 0.445 24.0 3.55 70.0 30.2 200.0 247
9.0 0.499 25.0 3.85 71.5 31.5 210.0 272
9.5 0.556 25.5 4.01 75.0 34.7 220.0 298
10.0 0.617 26.0 4.17 78.0 37.5 230.0 326
10.5 0.680 26.5 4.33 80.0 39.5 240.0 356
11.0 0.746 27.0 4.49 85.0 44.5 250.0 385
11.5 0.815 28.5 5.01 90.0 49.9 260.0 417
12.0 0.888 32.0 6.31 95.0 55.6 270.0 449
12.5 0.963 35.0 7.55 100.0 61.7 280.0 483
13.0 1.04 38.0 8.90 105.0 68.0 290.0 518
13.5 1.12 40.0 9.86 110.0 74.6 300.0 555
14.0 1.21 42.0 10.9 115.0 81.5 320.0 631
14.5 1.30 43.0 11.4 120.0 88.0 330.0 672
15.0 1.39 45.0 12.5 125.0 96.3
16.0 1.58 46.0 13.1 130.0 104
16.5 1.68 50.0 15.4 135.0 112
17.0 1.78 51.0 16.0 140.0 121
17.5 1.88 52.0 16.7 145.0 130
18.0 2.00 52.5 17.0 150.0 139
18.5 2.11 55.0 18.7 155.0 148
19.0 2.23 55.5 19.0 160.0 158
20.0 2.47 57.0 20.0 165.0 168
 Materials 46-3

Table IV Squares Table V Hexagons Table VI British Standard structural steel sections to BS4: Part 1: 1993

Nominal size Available masses per m run

Side Standard Mss/length A/F Standard Mass/length

Universal beams
mm kg/m mm kg/m

7.0 0.385 9.5 0.61 914 × 419 388, 343

8.0 0.502 11.0 0.82 914 × 305 289, 253, 224, 201
10.0 0.785 12.5 1.06 838 × 292 226, 194, 176
12.0 1.13 14.5 1.43 762 × 267 197, 173, 147, 134
686 × 254 170, 152, 140, 125
13.0 1.33 15.0 1.53
610 × 305 238, 179, 149
15.0 1.77 16. 1.85
610 × 229 140, 125, 113, 101
20.0 3.14 20.5 2.86
533 × 210 122, 109, 101, 92, 82
25.0 4.91
457 × 191 98, 89, 82, 74, 67
30.0 7.07 457 × 152 82, 74, 67, 60, 52
35.0 9.62 406 × 178 74, 67, 60, 54
40.0 12.6 406 × 140 46, 39
356 × 171 67, 57, 51, 45
356 × 127 39, 33
305 × 165 54, 46, 40
305 × 127 48, 42, 37
305 × 102 33, 28, 2 5
254 × 146 43, 37, 31
254 × 102 28, 25, 2 2
203 × 133 30, 25
2.03 Structural steel sections 203 × 102 23
Most steel sections of British origin are still based on the old 178 × 102 19
152 × 89 16
Imperial sizes although sized in metric dimensions and billed in
127 × 76 13
kilograms or tonnes. Table VI summarises the dimensions
available.
However, some are made in metric co-ordinated sizes, and these B
are also available from the Continent, as they have been ever since
steel construction started at the end of the nineteenth century.
D
Some of these are listed in Table VII.

2.04 Steel reinforcement for concrete

For details of sizes of these refer to Chapter 41, Structure. Universal columns

356 × 406 634, 551, 467, 393, 340, 287, 235

356 × 368 202, 177, 153, 129
3 TIMBER 305 × 305 283, 240, 198, 158, 137, 118, 97
254 × 254 167, 132, 107, 89
3.01 Timber used in building is either softwood or hardwood, 203 × 203 86, 71, 60, 52, 46
depending on species; each may be supplied sawn or finished. 152 × 152 37, 30, 23

Sizes are usually quoted ‘ex’, meaning the sawn size, and Table
VIII gives the normal reductions to find the finished size. B

3.02 Softwood D
Standard sizes for sawn softwood have been agreed to cover all
European countries, but with provision for some special sizes for
each country. These are summarised in Table IX. Joists
To the figures given in the tables a tolerance of ±0.5 mm should
be allowed. Joinery standard allows for a high degree of 254 × 203 82
straightness, and both back and front are finished. Trim standard 254 × 114 37
203 × 152 52
allows for the back to be rough as concealed, and a lower
152 × 127 37
requirement for straightness. 127 × 114 29, 27
Standard softwood and hardwood profiles are available in a 127 × 76 16
114 × 114 27
number of varieties, of which tongue-and-groove floorboarding is 23
102 × 102
the commonest. Table X gives the standard dimensions of these. 102 × 44 7
Wood is normally supplied in lengths varying from 1.8 m in 89 × 89 19
76 × 76 15, 13
increments of 0.3 m up to a maximum of 6.3 m. The maxima vary
for different species and size of section.
Universal bearing piles

3.03 Hardwood
Hardwood is normally supplied in planks of specified thickness 356 × 368 174, 152, 133, 109
305 × 305 223, 186, 149, 126, 110, 95, 88, 7 9
but arbitrary width and length, depending on species and thickness.
254 × 254 85, 71, 63
The standard thicknesses are: 19, 25, 32, 36, 38, 44, 50, 63, 75, 203 × 203 54, 45
100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm.
46-4 Materials

Table VI Continued Table VI Continued

Nominal size Available masses per m run Nominal size Available masses per m run

Rectangular hollow sections, continued

D

400 × 150 128, 102, 83, 67, 53

400 × 120 96, 78, 63, 50
350 × 250 141, 112, 90, 73
t 350 × 150 115, 92, 75, 60, 48
300 × 250 128, 102, 83, 67, 53
300 × 200 115, 92, 75, 60, 48
Circular hollow sections 300 × 100 90, 72, 59, 48, 38
260 × 140 90, 72, 59, 48, 38
250 × 150 90, 72, 59, 48, 38, 30
660 dia 752, 612, 496, 392, 216
250 × 100 78, 63, 51, 41, 33
610 691, 562, 456, 361, 291
200 × 150 78, 63, 51, 41, 33, 27
559 628, 512, 416, 329, 266
200 × 120 70, 57, 46, 38, 30, 24
508 565, 462, 376, 298, 241, 194, 153, 123, 99, 78
200 × 100 65, 53, 43, 35, 28, 23
457 411, 335, 266, 216, 174, 137, 110, 89, 70
160 × 80 41, 34, 28, 22, 18, 14
406.4 295, 235, 191, 154, 121, 98, 79, 62
150 × 100 43, 35, 29, 23, 19, 15
355.6 204, 166, 134, 106, 85, 69, 54
120 × 80 27, 23, 18, 15
323.9 184, 150, 121, 96, 77, 62, 49, 39
120 × 60 20, 16, 13, 10
273 153, 125, 101, 80, 65, 52, 41, 33
100 × 60 18, 14, 12, 8.5, 7.2
244.5 135, 111, 90, 72, 58, 47, 37, 30
100 × 50 16, 13, 11, 8.8, 7.1, 6.7
219.1 98, 80, 64, 52, 42, 33, 26, 24
90 × 50 15, 12, 10, 7.4, 6.2
193.7 70, 56, 45, 37, 29, 23
80 × 40 13, 10, 8.4, 6.9, 5.6, 5.3
168.3 48, 39, 32, 25, 20
60 × 40 8.3, 6.9, 5.6, 4.6, 4.4, 3.7
139.7 32, 26, 21, 17
50 × 30 5.3, 4.4, 3.6, 3.4, 2.9
114.3 17, 14, 10
88.9 10, 8, 7
76.1 8.8, 7.1, 5.8
60.3 6.8, 5.6, 4.5 B
48.3 5.3, 4.4, 3.6
42.4 3.8, 3.1, 2.6
33.7 2.9, 2.4, 2.0 D
26.9 1.9
21.3 1.4

Channels
D
432 × 102 66
381 × 102 55
305 × 102 46
D 305 × 89 42
t 254 × 89 36
254 × 76 28
229 × 89 33
Square hollow sections 229 × 76 26
203 × 89 30
203 × 76 24
600 × 600 671, 611, 550, 487, 439 178 × 89 27
550 × 550 608, 555, 500, 443, 399, 355, 309, 263 178 × 76 21
500 × 500 498, 450, 399, 360, 320, 280, 238, 181 152 × 89 24
450 × 450 399, 355, 321, 286, 250, 213, 162 152 × 76 18
400 × 400 282, 251, 235, 191, 151, 122, 98 127 × 64 15
350 × 350 242, 217, 190, 166, 131, 106, 85 102 × 51 10.4
300 × 300 141, 112, 90, 73, 58 76 × 38 6.7
260 × 260 96, 78, 63, 50
250 × 250 115, 92, 75, 60, 48
200 × 200 90, 72, 59, 48, 38, 30
180 × 180 80, 64, 53, 43, 34, 27 A
160 × 160 70, 57, 46, 38, 30, 24
150 × 150 65, 53, 43, 35, 28, 23
t
140 × 140 49, 40, 33, 26, 21 A
120 × 120 41, 34, 28, 22, 18, 14
Equal angles
100 × 100 27, 23, 18, 15, 12
90 × 90 20, 16, 13, 10
80 × 80 18, 14, 12, 9, 7 250 × 250 128, 118, 104, 94
70 × 70 15, 12, 10, 7.4, 6.2 200 × 200 71, 60, 54, 49
60 × 60 12.5, 10.3, 8.4, 6.9, 5.6, 5.3 150 × 150 40, 34, 27, 23
50 × 50 8.3, 6.9, 5.6, 4.6, 4.4, 3.7 120 × 120 27, 22, 18, 15
40 × 40 5.3, 4.4, 3.6, 3.4, 2.9 100 × 100 22, 18, 15, 12
90 × 90 16, 13, 11, 9.6, 8.3
80 × 80 12, 9.6, 7.3
B

A
D
t
t
B
Unequal angles
Rectangular hollow sections

200 × 150 47, 40, 32

500 × 300 235, 191, 151, 122 200 × 100 34, 27, 23
500 × 200 166, 131, 106, 85 150 × 90 27, 22, 18
450 × 250 166, 131, 106, 85 150 × 75 25, 20, 17
400 × 300 166, 131, 106, 85 137 × 102 17, 15, 12
400 × 200 141, 112, 90, 73, 58 125 × 75 18, 15, 12, 10
 Materials 46-5

Table VI Continued Table VII Metric steel structural sections

Sizes may be slightly larger or smaller than listed, varying for the different masses
given. For details see British Steel publication: Structural sections in accordance
Nominal size Available masses per m run
with European specifications

Unequal angles, continued Nominal size Mass (kg/m run) – approximate

100 × 75 15, 13, 11 Beams with parallel flanges to Euronorm 19–57

100 × 65 12, 10, 8.8
750 × 265 222, 210, 196, 185, 173, 160, 147, 137
80 × 60 8.3, 7.4, 6.4
600 × 225 184, 154, 144, 122, 108
75 × 50 7.4, 5.7
550 × 210 159, 134, 123, 106, 92
65 × 50 6.8, 5.2, 4.4
500 × 200 129, 111, 107, 91, 79
60 × 30 4.0, 3.4
450 × 190 104, 95, 92, 78, 67
40 × 25 1.9
400 × 180 84, 82, 76, 66, 57
360 × 170 70, 66, 57, 50
Parallel flange channels 330 × 160 60, 57, 49, 43
300 × 150 52, 49, 42, 37
270 × 135 44, 42, 36, 31
430 × 100 64 240 × 120 37, 34, 31, 26
380 × 100 54 220 × 110 32, 29, 26, 22
300 × 100 46 200 × 100 27, 25, 22, 18
300 × 90 41 180 × 90 22, 21, 19, 15
260 × 90 35 164 × 80 18, 16, 13
260 × 75 28 140 × 75 14, 13, 11
230 × 90 32 120 × 65 10, 8.7
230 × 75 26 100 × 55 8.1, 6.9
200 × 90 30
200 × 75 23 Parallel wide flange beams to Euronorm 53–62
180 × 90 26
1000 × 300 349, 314, 272, 222
180 × 75 20
900 × 300 333, 291, 252, 198
150 × 90 24
800 × 300 317, 262, 224, 172
150 × 75 18
700 × 300 301, 241, 204, 166, 150
125 × 65 15
650 × 300 293, 225, 190, 138
100 × 50 10
600 × 300 285, 212, 178, 174, 151, 137, 129
550 × 300 278, 199, 166, 120
500 × 300 270, 187, 155, 107
450 × 300 263, 171, 140, 123, 100
400 × 300 256, 155, 125, 107, 92
360 × 300 250, 142, 112, 84
4 BRICKS AND BLOCKS
340 × 300 248, 134, 105, 79
320 × 300 245, 127, 98, 74
4.01 Bricks
300 × 300 238, 177, 117, 88, 70
The work size of the standard clay brick is 215 × 102.5 × 65 (co- 280 × 280 189, 103, 76, 61
ordinating size 225 × 112.5 × 75), and this brick is supplied in an 260 × 260 172, 93, 68, 54
240 × 240 157, 83, 60, 47
enormous variety of face colours and textures, strengths and other 220 × 220 117, 72, 51, 40
properties. Other brick sizes are made, mostly as specials in 200 × 200 103, 61, 42, 35
limited selections. Metric modular sizes have not achieved the 180 × 180 89, 51, 36, 29
160 × 160 76, 43, 30, 24
popularity envisaged in the previous edition. 140 × 140 34, 25, 18
Concrete bricks are covered in BS 6073:Part 2: 1981; the 120 × 120 27, 20, 15
100 × 100 20, 17, 12
following standard work sizes are given:
Equal angles to Euronorm 56–77 and DIN 1028
(L × H × t) 290 × 90 × 90,
200 × 200 71, 60, 54, 49
215 × 65 × 103, 180 × 180 54, 51, 49, 46, 44, 41, 38, 36
160 × 160 45, 43, 41, 38, 36, 34
190 × 90 × 90 and 150 × 150 40, 34, 32, 27
130 × 130 28, 24, 20
190 × 65 × 90. 120 × 120 27, 22, 20, 18, 15
110 × 110 20, 17, 14
100 × 100 18, 15, 12, 9.3
4.02 Building blocks 90 × 90 21, 16, 12, 9.6
The standard sizes of blocks are laid down in BS 6073 Part 2: 1981
Unequal angles to Euronorm 57–78 and DIN 1029
and given in Table XI. However, manufacturers should be
200 × 100 32, 27, 23
contacted to establish whether blocks of the size, quality and price 150 × 100 33, 29, 24
desired can be readily obtained. 150 × 90 27, 22, 18
150 × 75 22, 19, 15
125 × 75 19, 16, 14, 12
120 × 80 18, 15, 12
5 PRECAST CONCRETE 100 × 75 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 9.3
100 × 65 13, 12, 11, 10, 8.8
5.01 Paving flags
These are manufactured to the requirements of BS 7263 Part 1:
1994 in the dimensions given in Table XII. Tactile flags are used
in the pedestrian pavement adjacent to pedestrian crossings to
indicate their presence to people who are visually impaired and Table VIII Reduction from basic size to finished size of sawn softwoods

their dimensions are shown in Table XIII. 46.1 shows details of

Purpose For sawn sizes of width or thickness (mm)
their construction.
15 Over 22 Over 35 Over 100 Over
5.02 Concrete kerbs and edgings to and to and to and to and 150
inc 22 inc 35 inc 100 inc 150
46.2 shows the now-standard kerbs and channels from BS 7263:
Part 1: 1994 which supersede those unmetricated sizes given in the
Trim 5 5 7 7 9
previous edition. 46.3 shows edgings and quadrants from the same Joinery and cabinet w o r k 7 7 9 11 13
standard.
46-6 Materials

Table IX Standard sizes of softwood

Thickness 50 60 63 75 80 90 100 115 120 125 138 140 150 160 175 180 200 220 225 240 250 260 275 300

35 e e e e e e e e e
38 h f fnu * fu * u * fhinsuw fhinuw fhinuw hu uw
uw
40 g
44 eh ehsw ehsw ehw ew e
47 uw uw uw uw uw uw uw uw w uw
50 h h ehuw a * f a * a * af * a * a * a u a u
58 i i i i
60 g a ag ag ag ag g g
63 efhi i * * * fh * ehinswu ehiswu h h
75 fhw i efhw ehiw * * * * ehw w
h
80 ag ag acg acg g acg acg g
95 h h h
100 a acfghuw acg h c huw ac fw ac * c huw a huw u cuw
115 f
120 cg c cg c c
125 f
140 a a ac a c c c
150 fu u u
160 a a a acg a a cg
250 fu
300 fu

Key: *Eurostandard preferred sizes

Additional sizes in the following countries:
a Austria, c Switzerland, e Ireland, f France, g Germany, h Netherlands, i Italy, n Norway, s Finland, u United Kingdom, w Sweden.

Table X Floor boards in mm from BS 1297: 1987

65 90 113 137
16

19

21

28

Table XI Standard sizes of building blocks from BS 6073: Part 2: 1981

Work thickness → 60 75 90 100 115 125 140 150 175 190 200 215 220 225 250

Face size: L × H
5 9 0 × 215 * * * * * * * * * * * *
5 9 0 × 190 * * * * * * * * *
5 9 0 × 140 * * * * * * * * *
440 × 290 * * * * * * * * *
4 4 0 × 215 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
4 4 0 × 190 * * * * * * * * *
4 4 0 × 140 * * * * * * * * *
3 9 0 × 190 * * * * * * * * *

Table XII Sizes and types of paving flags from BS 7263: Part 1: 1994 Table XIII Tactile slab dimensions for 46.1

Flag type Nominal (co-ordinating) size Work size Thicknesses Type of tactile Dimension (mm)
crossing tolerance ±2 mm
flagstone
A plain 600 × 450 598 × 448 50, 63
X Y
B plain 600 × 600 598 × 598 50, 63

C plain 600 × 750 598 × 748 50, 63 TA/E 64 33

TA/F 66.8 33
D plain 600 × 900 598 × 898 50, 63
TAG 75 37.5
E plain
450 × 450 448 × 448 50, 70
TA/E tactile

F
400 × 400 398 × 398 50, 65
TA/F tactile

G
300 × 300 298 × 298 50, 60
TA/G tactile

When ordering use type letter(s) and thickness, eg ‘A 50’

 Materials 46-7

X X X X X 6 ALUMINIUM
Y Y 6.01 Aluminium bars and flats
Aluminium bars are now made to the requirements of BS 6722:

Y
1986, for details of which see para 2.01 above. Tables XIV to XVI
are reprinted from the previous edition to indicate the commonly

X
available sizes.

X
6.02 Aluminium structural sections
Table XVII based on BS-1161: 1977 gives the sizes of available
sections, but does not cover lipped or bulbed sections, for which

X
refer to the BS.

X
7 ROOFING

7.01 Aluminium sheet for roofing

X
The standard for aluminium for roofing (CP143 Part 15: 1973) has
Y not changed since the previous edition. Sheeting comes to site in
a
coils 457 mm wide, and are passed through a machine to run up the
edges to form seams when applied in situ. Because of the supply
25
in coils it is not usually necessary to form joints transverse to the
5
standing seams. The material is available in thicknesses of 0.71
50 min

and 0.91 mm, and the seams will be at 365 mm centres.

b
7.02 Copper
46.1 Construction of tactile paving slabs. For X and Y Copper is now covered by BS EN 1172: 1996. Standard
dimensions see Table XIII thicknesses are 0.5, 0.6, 07, 0.8 and 1.0 mm. Widths less than or
a Plan. b Elevation equal to 1250 are supplied in lengths of 2 or 3 metres.

75
75

R16 to 19
255
150

a 125 b 125

R16 to 19

R16 to 19
12½°
to 15°
12½°
to 15° R16 to 19
305

255
205

12½°
155

150

to 15°
50

c 150 d 125 e 125

46.2 Precast concrete kerbs and

25 25
205 channels to BS7263 Part 1: 1994
25 a Bullnose kerb type BN. b 45°
splayed kerb type SP. c Half battered
125

125

kerb type HB1. d Half battered kerb

125

type HB2. e Half battered kerb type

HB3. f Channel square type CS1. g
Channel square type CS2. h Channel
f 255 g 150 h 255 dished type CD
46-8 Materials

Table XVI Aluminium flat bars

Width Thickness (mm)

mm
1.6 2.5 3 4 6 10 12 16 25

X
X

10 – – X – X – – – –
12 – X X X X X – – –
16 – X X X X X – – –
20 – X X X X – – – –
25 X X X X X X X X –
a 50 50 50 30 – X X X X X X – –
b c
40 – X X X X X X – –
50 – – X X X X X – X
60 – – X – X X X – –
80 – – X – X X X – X
100 – – X – X X X X X
120 – – – – X X – X –
160 – – – – – X – X –
200 – – – – – X – X –
250 – – – – – X – X –
150
255
or

305 or 455 305 or 455

d e
Two methods of copper roofing are available: traditional and
305 305 long-strip. Fully annealed copper strip conforming to BS 2870:
1980 C101, C102, or preferably C104 or C106 is used in
125
125

traditional roofing as detailed in Table XVIII. For long-strip

305

305

roofing the material used is 1/8 to 1/4 hard temper copper strip,
f h also in conformity with the above specification, and as shown in
Table XIX.
255

255
155
155

g 125
46.3 Edgings quadrants and angle kerbs to BS 7263: Part 1:
1994. a Round top edging type ER. b Flat top edging type EF. c
Bullnose edging type EBN. d Quadrants may have different
profiles to match kerb types: types QBN, QHB or GSP plan. e
Elevation of quadrant. f Internal angle kerb type IA, plan. g
Internal angle kerb type IA, elevation. h External angle kerb
type XA, plan. i External angle kerb type XA, elevation
7.03 Lead
Sizes of milled lead sheet and strip are laid down in BS 1178:
1982, summarised in Table XX. The Code of Practice for roof
i 125 covering is BS 6915: 1988.
7.04 Zinc
Zinc is now covered by BS EN 988: 1997. It is available in metric
thicknesses of 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.8 and 10 mm, but as the old
traditional gauge may still be encountered Table XXI from the
previous edition is reprinted here.

8 GLASS
Table XIV Recommended metric sizes for aluminium and aluminium alloy Since our previous edition there has been something of a
round bars
revolution in the use of glass. This is due partly to Building
Diameter (mm)
Regulations and their influence on energy conservation which
makes the use of solar control and similar glasses virtually
3.0 12.0 30.0 65.0 130.0 mandatory in many situations. In addition, health and safety
4.0 14.0 32.0 70.0 140.0 legislation and regulation requires the use of safety glasses in
5.0 16.0 35.0 75.0 160.0
18.0 40.0 80.0
many places where ordinary glazing has been used in the past.
6.0 180.0
7.0 20.0 45.0 90.0 200.0 The complexities of this situation means that a full description
8.0 22.0 50.0 100.0 of each type (as in the previous edition) is now beyond the scope
9.0 25.0 55.0 110.0
10.0 28.0 60.0 120.0
of this handbook. There is really only one general glass
manufacturer in Britain, and their literature should be consulted for
details.
A summary of the different functions is given in Table XXII,
and the different types of glass related to these functions is covered
Table XV Recommended metric sizes for aluminium and aluminium alloy
by Table XXIII. Many of the types have proprietary names which
square bars
will be found in the trade literature, particularly Glass from
Side (mm) Pilkington United Kingdom Limited.
A general point on this table relates to the maximum sizes given.
3.0 8.0 20.0 50.0 120.0 It should not be assumed that panes of these sizes would
4.0 10.0 25.0 60.0 160.0 necessarily be safe. A procedure for determining the safe thickness
5.0 12.0 30.0 80.0 200.0
6.0 16.0 40.0 100.0 of glass for a specific pane size is given in BS 6262: 1982, Code
of practice for glazing for buildings.
 Materials 46-9

Table XVII Aluminium structural sections to BS 1161: 1977 Table XVII Continued

Nominal size Thickness Mass (kg/m) Nominal size Thickness Mass (kg/m)

Web Flange

A B

A
A
Channels
Equal angles
240 × 100 9 13 12.5
120 × 120 10 6.47 200 × 80 8 12 9.19
7 4.68 180 × 75 8 11 8.06
160 × 70 7 10 6.58
100 × 100 8 4.31 140 × 60 7 10 5.66
6 3.34 120 × 50 6 9 4.19
80 × 80 6 2.59 100 × 40 6 8 3.20
80 × 35 5 7 2.29
5 2.23
60 × 30 5 6 6.69
60 × 60 3.5 1.17

50 × 50 5 1.62
3 0.836

40 × 40 3 0.647

30 × 30 2.5 0.404 D

B
I-section
A
160 × 80 7 11 7.64
140 × 70 7 10 6.33
120 × 60 6 9 4.77
B
100 × 50 6 8 3.72
Unequal angles 80 × 40 5 7 2.54
60 × 30 4 6 1.59

140 × 105 11 7.26

8.5 5.83 A
120 × 9 0 10 5.65
7 4.11 B
100 × 75 8 3.77
6 2.94
Tees
80 × 60 6 2.26
5 1.96
120 × 90 10 5.68
6 0 × 45 5 1.41
100 × 75 8 3.79
3.5 1.03
80 × 60 6 2.27
5 0 × 38 4 0.947 60 × 45 5 1.42
3 0.738 50 × 38 4 0.952

Table XVIII Thicknesses and sizes of copper sheet for traditional roofing Table XIX Maximum widths and lengths of copper strip for the long strip
system

Thickness Bay width Roll Standard Length of Mass

2
mm Standing mm width of sheet each sheet kg/m Thickness Width of Centres of Length of
seam to form bay m mm strip standing seams each panel
mm mm mm mm m

0.45 525 500 600 1.8 4.0 Normal conditions 0.6 600 525 8.5
0.60 525 500 600 1.8 5.4 Exposed conditions 0.6 450 375 8.5
0.70 675 650 750 1.8 6.3

9 WINDOWS AND DOORS imperial rounded dimensions, although they may be expressed in
millimetres. Co-ordinated dimensions do exist for new construc-
9.01 Windows and door frames are generally available in four tion, and the drawings in the previous edition are here reproduced
materials: as Tables XXIV to XXVI.

• Wood
9.02 Doors
• Steel
Although doors of steel and of aluminium construction are
• Aluminium
manufactured for mainly external use, these are usually classified
• Unplasticised vinyl chloride (UPVC)
as windows, and will be found in that section. Doors of basically
As much work of the industry is in the field of replacements for timber construction are available in old imperial sizes for
deteriorated existing windows and doors, it has tended to retain replacement purposes. Metrically co-ordinated sizes are shown in
46-10 Materials

Table XX Milled lead sheet and strip sizes to BS 1178: 1982 Table XXI Traditional Zinc gauges

BS Code no. Thickness Average weight Colour Gauge Thickness Mass

(mm) (kg/m 2 ) marking mm k g / m2

3 1.32 14.97 green 1 0.102 0.73

4 1.80 20.41 blue 2 0.152 1.10
5 2.24 25.40 red 3 0.178 1.28
6 2.65 30.06 black 4 0.203 1.16
7 3.15 35.72 white 5 0.254 1.83
8 3.55 40.26 orange 6 0.279 2.01
7 0.330 2.38
8 0.3811 2.74
9 0.432 3.11
10 0.483 3.48
11 0.559 4.02
Tables XXVII to XXVIII. Standard door leaf thicknesses are 40 or 12 0.635 4.57
44 mm, and heights 2040 mm internally, 1994 mm for external 13 0.711 5.12
14* 0.787 5.67
situations. 15* 0.914 6.58
Doors come in a variety of patterns, principally those shown in l6* 1.041 7.50
17 1.168 8.41
46.4 and 46.5. The different ways that these are used are covered
18 1.295 9.33
in Tables XXIX and XXX. 19 1.448 10.43
20 1.600 11.52
21 1.778 12.80
9.03 Disabled people
When specifying or designing doors and windows, consideration * Normal gauges for external building
should be given to the needs of disabled people. For wheelchair work nos 14, 15 and 16

Table XXII Functions of glazing from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited

Orientation of Principal Primary function

glazing requirement
Environmental control Fire Safety and Privacy and Structural
resistance security appearance strength
Solar Thermal Acoustic
control insulation insulation

Factor A B C D E F G

Vertical Curtain walling * * * *

Window * * * * *
Door * * *
Barrier * *
Partition * * * * *
Vision panel * * *

Horizontal or Sloping wall * * * *

sloping Roof glazing * * * *
* * *
Canopy
Floor * * *

110 110 110 110 110 110 110

110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110

110 110 110 110 240 240

400 600 1000 1500 400 400 600

46.4 Standard glazing in flush doors to BS 4787

users clear door openings should never be less than 750 mm, and
80
should preferably be 800 mm or greater, particularly when the
80 80 wheelchair may need to turn into the opening. It will be seen from
Tables XXVII and XXVIII that internal door sets of 900 mm with
single leaf, and external door sets of 1000 mm are minimum
requirements. Narrower doors should only be used for cupboards
or service spaces into which wheelchairs will not ever be required
46.5 Standard glazing in panelled doors to BS 4787 to enter.
 Materials 46-11

Table XXIII Types of glass and glazing from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited

No. Type Functions (see Thicknesses Maximum size Minimum size when
Table XXII) (mm) (mm) supplied toughened
(mm)

1 Clear float glass 4 1500 × 2200 300 × 500

5, 6, 8, 10, 12 2000 × 4200
15 1700 × 4200
19 1500 × 4200

2 Insulating units B C various check with manufacturer

3 Low emissivity (<0.2) glass B 4 1500 × 2 2 0 9 300 × 500

6 2000 × 4200

4 Clear float glass with low E coating B 6, 10 2000 × 3500 300 × 750

5 Tinted float glass with very low E coating A B 6 2000 × 3 5 0 0 300 × 750

6 Tinted float glass with very low external reflection A 6 1500 × 2 2 0 0 300 × 750
2000 × 3500

7 High-performance reflective solar control coated float glass A 6 1500 × 2 2 0 0 300 × 750
2 0 0 0 × 3500

8 Medium-performance reflective solar control coated float A 6 2000 × 4200 300 × 500
glass

9 Medium-performance silver/bronze reflective solar control A 4 1500 × 2 2 0 0 300 × 500

coated clear float glass 5, 6 1800 × 3 3 0 0

10 Low/medium solar control body tinted glass A 4 (bronze, grey, green) 1500 × 2200 300 × 500
5, 6, 8, 10, 12 (bronze, grey) 2000 × 4200
6 (blue) 2000 × 300
6, 10 (green) 2000 × 4200

11 Spandrel panel of toughened glass with coloured ceramic A B 6, 8 10, 12 1500 × 3 0 0 0 300 × 500
coating

12 Spandrel panel of solar control glass of one of the above A B 6, 10 1500 × 2 6 0 0 300 × 750
types treated with a silicone opacifier

13 Laminated glass with a special acoustic cast-in-place (CIP) C 7, 9, 11, 13 and 17 2100 × 3500 300 × 300
resin interlayer

14 Clear glass with a 13 mm square electrically welded, D G 6 1985 × 3300

chemically treated steel wire mesh sandwiched in the centre
during the continuous rolling manufacturing process

15 As 14 but with a stronger and thicker steel mesh D E G 6 1985 × 3 3 0 0

16 As 14 but with using a textured glass D G 7 1985 × 3 5 0 0

17 As 15 using a textured glass D E G 7 1985 × 3 5 0 0

18 A product with three glass layers, an intumescent interlayer D 10 1400 × 2 0 0 0 (as tested)
and an ultraviolet interlayer giving Class B impact
performance to BS 6206 and 30 min fire integrity

19 As 18, but with four glass layers and two intumescent layers D 13 1400 × 2000 (as tested)
giving Class A impact performance and 60 min fire integrity

20 A product with four glass layers and three intumescent D 15 1600 × 2 6 0 0 (as tested)
interlayers for internal use

21 As 20 but with five glass layers and four intumescent layers D 21 1600 × 2 2 0 0 (as tested)

22 Combinations of 20/21 or 21/21 with an 8 mm cavity between D 44, 50 1400 × 2 0 0 0 (as tested)

23 A range of products as 20 to 22 but with additional glass D 18 1600 × 2 6 0 0 (as tested)

layers incorporating a UV filter layer. These are for external 27 1600 × 2 2 0 0 (as tested)
use where sunlight may degrade the intumescent interlayers 47, 56 1400 × 2 0 0 0 (as tested)

24 Toughened glass: a range of glass products manufactured by E G Details in the various types
subjecting final size edgeworked panes to a heating and
cooling treatment

25 Laminated glass: a range of products made by combining two C E F G 6.4 3210 × 2500
or more glass sheets with one or more plastic interlayers,
which may be of polyvinalbutyral (PVB) or of resin CIP. See
Table XXII

26 A product specifically for shop doors and windows using E

laminated anti-bandit glass permanently bonded to steel
beading to be internally fixed to conventional openings

27 A series of glasses having specially formulated coatings E various 1300 × 2400 (laminated)
which resist the transmission of electromagnetic radiation 2000 × 3500 (insulating)
using the Faraday cage principle. These are for use where
interference with computer or communication equipment must
be avoided

28 One-way glass having a partial mirror coating which allows E 6 mm annealed or 2100 × 3210
vision only from a dark side to a light one 6.4 mm laminated

29 One-way glass with vertical mirror stripes for where lighting E 4 1220 × 1840
levels are similar on each side

30 A frame containing two striped panes and an internal louvred E 400 × 400
glass allowing adjustment for vision or obscuration. only size available

31 Textured glass in a variey of patterns F 3 (not available toughened) 1200 × 1200 300 × 500
4 and 6

32 Acid etched glass F 4 and 6 1320 × 1840

33 Sand blasted glass F various

46-12 Materials

Table XXIII Continued

No. Type Functions (see Thicknesses Maximum size Minimum size when
Table XXII) (mm) (mm) supplied toughened
(mm)

34 Float glass printed with a ceramic ink design and F 4–15 1500 × 2 7 0 0 200 × 350
subsequently fired and toughened

35 Two sheets of float glass with a CIP resin layer formulated to A 8 2100 × 3500 300 × 500
reduce ultraviolet transmittance (three grades available)

36 An on-line pyrolitically coated float glass with a very high F 3, 4 and 6 2240 × 3300
reflectance and a low light transmittance. This, depending on
the lighting conditions will act either as a mirror or as a
viewing mirror

37 Silvered float glass for mirrors F various as for float

38 As 37 but decorated for advertisement purposes F various as for float

39 Stained glass F bespoke

40 Glass with self-adhesive coloured film F various

41 Glass with fired-on transfer F 4–12 1000 × 1500

42 Leaded glass: small individual pieces joined using lead cames. F 4 or less 2000 × 3500
The glass can be float or more commony textured

43 Bevelled glass F 4 or more 1200 × 1800 100 × 100

44 Brilliant cut glass F 4–12 1400 × 2500

45 Shaped cut glasses, panes with non-rectangular and curved F

sides

46 A total system combining superior engineering, fittings and G 10, 12

glass.

47 Another high performance cladding system with a flush G

all-glass exterior surface

48 Thick float glass C G 10–25

transom height
chosen to allow
a view through
window
no transom
between 900
and 1200 mm
above floor
level

wall or safety
glazing complying
with BS 6180

46.6 Height of window opening to allow a view from a

wheelchair or a chair

Windows also need to be carefully designed so that a transom
interrupting vision for a seated person should not be between 900
and 1200 mm from the floor, 46.6 Safety considerations also
dictate that no opening in a window (other than a french window)
should be less than 800 mm from the floor; also it is desirable that
all glazing below this level should be of a safety type. The height
for window controls to be used by people in wheelchairs should be
between 800 and 1000 mm from the floor, and no window control
should be above 1650 mm from the floor.
10 PIPES FOR PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE
10.01 Pipes for the conveyance of liquids and gases vary widely
in material, quality, size and jointing methods. Many types are still
based on inch measures and Whitworth screw threads, particularly
as these were and are widely used not just in the United Kingdom
but also in continental Europe. Even where pipe sizes are
metricated, they do not always conform to the recommended series
of dimensions. This series requires the outside diameter of a pipe
 Materials 46-13

Table XXIV Co-ordinating sizes of timber windows

450 600 900 1200

600

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1500

1800

600

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1500

2400
600

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1500

to be one of the following (in mm): 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, • Stainless steel
20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 125, 140, 160, 180, 200, 225, • Cast iron
250, 280, 315, 355, 400, 450, 500, 560, 630, 710, 800, 900, 1000, • Plastics
1200, 1400, 1600, 1800 or 2000. • Glass (for specialist laboratories, etc)
10.02 Pipe materials • Vitrified clay.
Pipes are made of the following materials:

• Steel Steel and copper are used in thick- and thin-walled versions,
• Copper depending on the system of connection.
46-14 Materials

Table XXV Co-ordinating sizes of steel windows

600 800 900 1200

200 also 500 × 200
300

500

600

700

900

1100

1300

1500

2100
doors & panel

panel also 300 & 500 wide

• W20 range (heavier duty) + module 100 range

1500 1800
200
300

500

600

700

900

1100

1300

1500

2100
doors & panel

panel also 300 & 500 wide

• W20 range (heavier duty) + module 100 range

 Materials 46-15

Table XXVI Co-ordinating sizes of aluminium windows

600 900 1200

300
500

600

700

900

1100

1300

1500

1800

2100

1500 1800 2100 2400

300

500

600

700

900

1100

1300

1500

1800

2100
46-16 Materials

Table XXVII Co-ordinating sizes of internal doorsets Table XXVIII Co-ordinating sizes of external doorsets

1500 900 1000 1200 1500 1800 2100

1800
600 700 800 900 1000 1200 2100
2100

2100

2300

2300

2400

2350

2700
2400

3000
2700

3000

10.03 Pipe joints EN 1057-R220 soft

The methods in general use are: EN 1057-R250 half-hard
EN 1057-R290 hard
• Screwed joints – steel, plastic and copper (rarely nowadays)
• Welding – steel Sizes and thicknesses are given in Table XXXII.
• Spigot and socket dry (push-fit)
• Spigot and socket with cementitious material – cast iron 10.07 Stainless steel
• Spigot and socket with solvent cement – plastics These are used as a lower-cost substitute for copper pipe. They are
• Compression fittings – copper, stainless steel, light-gauge steel, supplied in the same sizes corresponding to external diameter, as
plastics
above.
• Capillary soldering – copper.

10.08 Cast iron

10.04 Insulation
Pipes carrying hot or chilled liquids, or in exposed conditions, will
be insulated. The thickness of insulation will be between 25 and
75 mm depending on material used and the size of the pipe. After
allowing for any such insulation, the space allowed for any pipe
should be between two to three times the actual diameter of the
barrel. This will allow for sockets, joints, bends and clearances.
10.05 Steel pipes for screwed joints
These are available in light, medium and heavy qualities. The sizes
given in Table XXXI are to international standard ISO/65, and are
based on nominal inch sizes.
10.06 Copper
Copper pipes are specified in accordance with EN 1057-R25.
Joints in these pipes are made with compression fittings or
capillary soldered fittings. There are three quality grades:
Cast iron pipes are still made to the following three
specifications:
• BS 460: 1964 Light grade rainwater pipes
• BS 416 Part 1: 1990 for soil waste and vent pipes with spigots
and sockets above ground
• BS 416 Part 2: 1990 for socketless systems
• BS 437: 1978 for underground pipework, whether buried or in
ducts.
They are made in nominal inch sizes, the external diameters of
which are given in Table XXXIII.
10.09 Plastics
The types of plastic used for pipes, and the uses of the pipes, are
both numerous. Consequently, there are a considerable number of
British and European Standards governing this material. BS 3867:
1987 lays down some general information on sizing and pressure
 Materials 46-17

Table XXIX Types of internal doors

coordinating sizes
600 700 800 900 1000 1200 1500 1800 2100

flush
unglazed

flush
glazed

ABCDEF ABCDEF ABE ABE ABE ABE

panelled

RSTU RSTU RU RU RU RU

leaf length 526 626 726 362 826 412 926 462 562 712 862 1012
clear opening 472 572 672 641 772 741 872 841 1041 1341 1641 1941
(min)

Table XXX Types of external doors Table XXXII Sizes of copper pipes
to BS EN 1057

coordinating sizes
Size; external diameter Thicknesses
900 1000 1200 1500 1800 2100

R220 and R250

flush 6 0.6, 0.8
unglazed 8 0.6, 0.8
10 0.7, 0.8
12 0.6, 0.8
15 0.7, 1.0
22 0.9, 1.2
28 0.9, 1.2
flush
35 1.2, 1.5
glazed 42 1.2, 1.5
54 1.2, 2.0
BCDG BCDG B B B B 66.7 1.2, 2.0
76.1 1.5, 2.0
108 1.5, 2.5

R250
panelled
133 1.5
159 2.0
RSTU RSTU RU RU RU RU

leaf length 807 907 552 702 825 1002

clear opening 751 851 1018 1318 1618 1918
(min)

Table XXXI Mean outside diameters of steel pipes (mm)

Table XXXIII Maximum external diameters of cast iron pipe (mm)

Nominal bore mm Light Medium
in and heavy
Nominal BS 460 BS 416 BS 437
bore rainwater above ground below ground
1
/3 6 9.9 10.1
pipes s, w and v
¼ 8 13.4 13.6
in mm pipe socket
3
/8 10 16.9 17.1
15 21.2 21.4 pipe socket pipe socket
½
3
/8 20 26.6 26.9
1 25 33.5 33.8 2 50 54 69 64 89 65 117
1¼ 32 42.2 42.5 2½ 65 67 89 76 103 – –
1½ 40 48.1 48.4 3 75 79 94 89 116 92 150
2 50 59.9 60.3 3½ 90 – – 102 130 – –
2½ 65 75.6 76.0 4 100 105 120 114 143 119 185
3 80 88.3 88.8 5 125 130 146 140 171 – –
4 100 113.4 114.1 6 150 156 175 165 197 173 239
5 125 – 139.6 9 225 – – – – 256 337
46-18 Materials

Table XXXIV Sizes of plastic pipes to BS 3867: Table XXXV Sizes of polypropylene and
1987 (More larger sizes are also included in the thermoplastic waste pipes to BS 5254: 1976 and
standard) BS 5255: 1989

Size: nominal Mean external Nominal size: Outside diameter

inches diameter (mm) in/mm (mm)

1
/8 10.2 1¼ /32 38.25 ± 0.15
¼ 13.5 1½ /40 44.60 ± 0.15
3
/8 17.2 2/50 57.30 ± 0.15
½ 21.3
3
/4 26.3
1 33.7
1¼ 42.4
1½ 48.3
2 60.3
2½ 75.3
3 88.9
4 114.3
6 168.3

Table XXXVI Dimensions of PVC insulated, PVC sheathed electric cables (mm)

Cross-sectional Approximate Single Flat twin Flat three Flat twin Flat three
area of single normal rating (dia) + earth + earth
2
conductor (mm ) (amps)

1.0 6 4.2 6.7 × 4.4 9.0 × 4.4 7.8 × 4.4 10.2 × 4 . 4

1.5 8 4.4 7.2 × 4.6 9.8 × 4.6 8.3 × 4.6 11.0 × 4 . 7
2.5 11 5.0 8.6 × 5.4 11.9 × 5.5 9.7 × 5.4 13.0 × 5.5
4.0 15 6.2 10.7 × 6.5 15.0 × 6.7 12.0 × 6.5
6.0 19 6.8 12.0 × 7.3 16.7 × 7.3 13.8 × 7.3
10.0 26 8.1 14.9 × 8.8 21.0 × 8.9 17.4 × 8.8

Table XXXVII Dimensions of flexible electric cords (for connection of mobile appliances to outlets)

Cross-sectional Suspension Approximate Tough rubber sheathed Circular cotton PVC sheathed
area of single capacity normal braided
conductor (kg) rating twin three-core four-core twin flat twin round three-core four-core
2 twin three-core
(mm ) (amps)

0.5 2 3 6.2 6.6 7.3 5.1 5.5 4 . 0 × 6.1 6.1 6.5 7.0
0.75 3 6 6.6 7.2 7.8 6.3 6.8 4.2 × 6.5 6.5 6.9 7.5
1.0 5 10 7.2 7.8 8.3 6.7 7.2 6.9 7.3 8.2
1.5 5 15 8.8 9.3 10.3 7.3 7.8 7.5 8.1 9.0
2.5 5 20 10.2 10.9 12.1 9.8 10.8
4.0 5 25 12.1 12.8 14.2 11.6 12.7

gradings for inch-series pipes, as given in Table XXXIV. BS 5254:
1976 covers polypropylene waste pipes and fittings and BS 5255:
1989 those of thermoplastic material. Table XXXV gives the
dimensions of these limited ranges.
10.10 Pipes of vitrified clay
These pipes are covered in BS EN 295. The series of sizes is as
follows, with the first preference in ordinary type and the second
in italics:
75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 375, 450, 525,
600, 675, 750, 825, 900 mm
11 MATERIALS FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND
DISTRIBUTION
11.01 Electricity supply and distribution cables are mainly:
• Armoured cable for intake (not covered here, see the technical
literature)
• PVC insulated, in conduits of steel or plastic
• PVC insulated, PVC sheathed
• Mineral insulated copper (or aluminium) conductors
• Wiring harnesses (manufactured for specific locations, hence
non-standard).
11.02 PVC double-insulated cables
These are normally used in electrical distribution for the smaller
building types. Table XXXVI gives the dimensions of these, which
are often accommodated in small ducts or voids in the construc-
tion. Conductor cross-sectional areas of 1 and 1.5 mm2 are used for
lighting circuits, while ring mains are composed of cables with
conductors of 2.5 mm2 . Since earth-continuity conductors are now
used in all circuits, all cable types have integral earth conductors.
Cables with three insulated cores plus earth are used for circuits
with two-way switching of lights. Flexible electrical cords for the
connection of mobile and portable equipment are detailed in Table
XXXVII.
11.03 Mineral insulated cables (MICC or ‘pyro’)
These are used mainly when space is at a premium, or in external
situations. Table XXXVIII gives the dimensions of these.
11.04 Steel conduits
These are covered in BS 4568: Part 1: 1970, and conduits of
plastics in BS 4607: Part 1: 1984; summarised in Table XXXIX.
 Materials 46-19

Table XXXVIII Sizes of mineral insulated cables

No of Cross-sectional Copper sheathed Aluminium sheathed

conductors area of single
conductor Approximate normal Cable diameter Approximate normal Cable diameter
(mm )
2 rating (amps) over copper rating (amps) over aluminium
sheath (mm) sheath (mm)
single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase

1 1.0 22 18 3.1
1.5 27 23 3.4
2.5 36 31 3.8
4.0 46 41 4.4

6 63 56 6.4
10 85 75 7.3
16 112 99 8.3 100* 88* 8.6
25 146 128 9.6 130* 114* 9.9

2 1.0 17 5.1 19 5.4

1.5 22 5.7 24 5.4
2.5 29 6.6 33 6.8
4.0 38 7.7 44 7.9

6 53 10.9 55 9.0
10 71 12.7
16 94 14.7 84* 15.0
25 124 17.1 113* 18.8

3 1.0 14 14 5.8 16 16 6.0

1.5 18 18 6.4 21 21 6.6
2.5 26 26 9.3
4.0 34 34 10.4

6 44 44 11.5
10 59 59 13.6
16 78 78 15.6 71* 71* 16.0
25 103 103 18.2 94* 94* 20.0

4 1.0 15 15 6.3 16 16 6.0

1.5 19 19 7.0 21 21 7.3
2.5 27 27 10.1
4.0 35 35 11.4

*Aluminium conductors

Table XXXIX Electrical conduits

Nominal size Minimum internal diameter d 2 Non-circular conduits

corresponding
to maximum Steel Rigid Pliable plastic self- Maximum Minimum
external PVC extinguishing outside dims inside dims
diameter d 1 Light gauge Heavy gauge
plain ends screwed ends Plain Corrugated

13 – – – – – 13.0 × 8.1 11.0 × 6.1

16 13.5 12.7 13.0 10.7 11.7 16.3 × 9.9 14.3 × 7.9
20 17.5 16.2 16.9 14.1 15.5 22.6 × 11.4 20.6 × 9.4
25 21.9 21.1 21.4 18.4 19.8 28.7 × 11.4 26.5 × 9.2
32 28.9 28.1 27.8 24.4 26.4 32.5 × 11.4 30.3 × 9.2
40 – – – 31.2 34.0 – –
50 – – – 39.7 43.5 – –
63 – – – 49.6 56.0 – –

d2

d2 d2 d2 d2

d1 d1 d1 d1

d1
46-20 Materials

Table XL Circular boxes for electrical conduit systems: minimum outside Table XLI Rectangular boxes for the accommodation of electrical wiring
dimensions (diameter × depth) accessories

Box type Nominal Rigid PVC Cast iron Steel Box Nominal External Nominal Cast Steel
conduit type conduit face external depth iron
size sizes dimensions Insulating
material

Small circular box 16 64.4 × 28.6 64.3 × 2 7 . 0 63.2 × 26.5

20 64.4 × 28.6 64.3 × 27.0 63.2 × 26.5 UA1 16, 20 and 25 75 × 75 17.5 18.0 17.0
25 64.4 × 31.8 64.3 × 30.0 63.2 × 29.5 27.0 27.3 26.2
37.0 37.3 36.2
Cover thickness – 2.4 1.15
43.0 43.3 42.2
49.0 49.3 48.2
Circular looping box 16 64.6 × 32 (nom) 67.5 × 34.0 66.4 × 33.5
20 64.6 × 32 (nom) 67.5 × 34.0 66.4 × 33.5 UA2 16, 20 and 25 135 × 7 5 17.5 18.0 17.0
25 – 67.5 × 34.0 66.4 × 33.5 27.0 27.3 26.2
37.0 37.3 36.2
Cover thickness – 2.0 1.47
43.0 43.3 42.2
49.0 49.3 48.2
Large circular box 20 86.6 × 37.8 85.7 × 36.5
25 86.6 × 37.8 85.7 × 36.5 UA3 20 and 25 195 × 7 5 43.0 43.3 42.2
32 86.6 × 40.8 85.7 × 39.5 UA4 20 and 25 135 × 135 43.0 43.3 42.2
UA6 20 and 25 195 × 135 43.0 43.3 42.2
Cover thickness 3.2 1.47

Extension rings 20 nominal depths – –

of 13, 20, 25
and 32 mm

These British Standards also give details of the round connection
boxes used for junctions, looping and for the attachment of ceiling
roses (known colloquially as ‘beezer’ boxes). Table XL summaries
the dimensional information about these in the standards. As far as
steel conduits are concerned, it is worth noting that these are
obtainable in four classes of protection:
• Class 1: Light protection inside and out (priming paint)
• Class 2: Medium protection inside and out (stove enamel, air-
drying paint)
• Class 3: Medium heavy protection, inside as class 2, outside as
class 4
• Class 4: Heavy protection inside and out (hot-dip zinc coating,
sherardised).
11.05 Rectangular boxes
Boxes of the type used to accommodate wiring accessories such as
switches, socket outlets, cooker points etc are covered by BS 4662:
1970. These are summarised in Table XLI.
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