EDITED BY DAVID ADLER

METRlC
HANDBOOK
PLANNlNG
AND
DESIGN
DATA
SECOND EDITION Architectural
Press
45 Service distribution
The editor acknowledges help from Don Montague’s chapter on Planning and from CI/Sfb (28.8)
Ove Arup & Partners UDC: 696, 697
Uniclass: L782

KEY POINT: significant quantity. The methods to be used in distributing

•The space required by services is often under-estimated in
sketch designs
services needs to be considered in the early design stage, as this
may well control the final concept.

Contents
2 SERVICE ENTRIES/EXITS AND DISTRIBUTION
1 Introduction
Table I lists the services that are to be provided with entries or exits
2 Service entries/exits and distribution
into different types of buildings. Table II lists those that will be
3 Plant rooms and distribution zones
distributed around the building.
4 Domestic heating and hot water

3 PLANT ROOMS AND DISTRIBUTION ZONES

1 INTRODUCTION
It is said that many modern buildings are in effect enclosures for 3.01 Plant to service the building itself can be a major space-user.
the building services. Even in modest houses the space needed to Some equipment can be accommodated within general areas; but
provide those services now considered essential has become a some, for one reason or another, requires dedicated and segregated

1000 m2/floor
1500 m2/floor 2000 m2/floor
5.0

4.5
HVAC riser space % of floor plate area

4.0
3000 m2/floor
3.5

3.0
4000 m 2 /floor
2.5
5000 m2/floor
2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8 0 9 0 100 110 120
2
2000 HVAC riser space m /floor

4000
building size (gross floor area) m 2

6000

8000
max supply air vel = 15 m/s
10000
max supply air vel = 6 m/s
12000

14000

16000

18000

20000 50 75 100 50 75 100 125

125
room sensible heat gain W/m2

45.1 HVAC riser space for VAV plus perimeter heating in two-storey buildings
45-1
Table I Service entries and exits

Services Industrial Offices, shops, Health Catering Recreation Religious Education, Houses Flats Hostels, hotels
transport administration laboratories, art
galleries, museums

Electricity High voltage Low voltage Medium voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage
Medium voltage three-phase Low voltage three-phase three-phase three-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase for lifts three-phase
Low voltage three-phase
three-phase

Gas Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Possibly Yes Yes Yes Yes

Heating oil Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly

Hot water or steam Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly

for heating

Fresh water Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

High pressure water Yes Probably Possibly Possibly Possibly No Possibly No No Possibly
for sprinklers etc

Sewerage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Separate rainwater Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly Possibly

Flue or flues Yes Yes Yes Yes Only crematoria No Yes Possibly Possibly

Telephone Many lines Possibly many lines Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cable Possibly Unlikely Possibly Yes Yes Yes Yes Possibly Yes Yes

TV aerial feed Yes Yes

Table II Services to be distributed in buildings

Services Industrial, Offices, shops, Health Catering Recreation Religious Education, Houses Flats Hostels, hotels
transport administration laboratories, art
galleries, museums

Electricity Medium voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage
Low voltage three-phase three-phase three-phase three-phase single-phase for three-phase single-phase for three-phase three-phase
three-phase Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage power Low voltage power Low voltage Low voltage
Low voltage single-phase for single-phase for single-phase for single-phase for Low voltage single-phase for Low voltage single-phase for single-phase for
single-phase for power power power power single-phase for power single-phase for power power
power Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage Low voltage lighting Ultra-low voltages lighting Low voltage Low voltage
Low voltage single-phase for single-phase for single-phase for single-phase for (12 V DC, 6 V DC single-phase for single-phase for
single-phase for lighting lighting lighting lighting etc) lighting lighting
lighting Uninterruptible and Possibly UPS UPS Possibly UPS
protected power
supply (UPS)
Gas (for heating etc) Yes Probably Probably Yes Probably Possibly Possibly Yes Probably (depending Probably
on construction)

Fresh water from Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
mains

Water from tank Yes Yes Yes Yes Possibly Possibly Yes Yes, as long as Yes, as long as Yes
regulations insist regulations insist

Hot water for Yes, or may be Yes, or may be Yes Yes, or may be Yes, or may be Not likely Yes, or may be Yes Yes Yes
washing etc locally heated locally heated locally heated locally heated locally heated

Dry riser Possibly Possibly Possibly No No No Possibly No Yes Possibly

Sewerage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rainwater drainage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Special drainage for Probably No Possibly Possibly No No Possibly No No No

contaminated water

Hot water/steam for Possibly Possibly Probably Possibly Probably Possibly Probably Most probably Most probably Most probably
heating

Fresh air/exhaust Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Limited to Limited to Possibly
(ventilation) bathrooms and bathrooms and
kitchens kitchens

Conditioned air Possibly Probably Probably Probably Possibly No Possibly Unlikely Unlikely Possibly

Compressed air Possibly No Possibly No No No Possibly No No No

Gases such as Possibly No Yes No No No Possibly No No No

oxygen, nitrous
oxide etc

Telephone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cable Possibly Possibly Yes Yes Yes Possibly Yes Possibly Yes Yes

TV aerial No No Yes Yes Possibly Possibly Yes Yes Yes Yes

Computer network Yes Yes Yes Possibly Possibly Yes No No Possibly

Other Public address Public address Fire alarms Fire alarms Public address Fire alarms Public address Intruder alarms Intruder alarms Public address
communications Fire alarms Fire alarms Possible intruder Intruder alarms Fire alarms Fire alarms Entryphone systems Fire alarms
Intruder alarms Intruder alarms alarms Intruder alarms Intruder alarms Intruder alarms

Lamson tubes Possibly Possibly Possibly No No No No No No No

45-4 Service distribution

Table III Relationship of plant rooms and risers to building form

Plan Elevation Comments

Key to table:

15 m

Small building: One plant room, one riser. Location of riser not important due to
up to 4 storeys small building size, although central location preferred. Plant room
2
up to 2500 m must relate to riser.

150 m

Several plant rooms, no risers. Plant adjacent to areas served. Some

Large single storey building:
central plant, eg for gas intake, electrical intake and boilers may be
min 4000 m2
required.

40 m roof

Large tall building: Plant room floors at basement and/or roof levels. Intermediate plant

60 m
intermediate
min 15 storeys rooms may be required. Vertical distribution within the central core.

basement

60 m

Several plant rooms, several risers. Risers and air conditioning plant
L-shaped building
2 rooms related to vertical circulation routes. Separate energy plant
1000–3000 m
room located at ground/basement level. Riser spacing related to
3 to 10 storeys
16.21 m economic horizontal length.
radius

60 m

Atrium building: Four roof air-conditioning plant rooms on roof, one basement energy
typically 2000 m2 per floor plant room. Four risers related to vertical circulation routes. Basement
5 to 10 storeys plant room below atrium gives best connection to risers.

atrium
(typically 2000 m2
per floor)
(5-10 storeys)

Generally air-conditioning plant room on roof, energy plant in the

Specialised basement. Several local plant rooms and distribution may be
appropriate where areas have different services requirements.

space. The main plant areas which may be needed in all kinds of 3.04 Air ducts and plenums
buildings are: Table V summarizes the factors to be taken in account 45.6 to 45.8
illustrate the importance of good early planning.
• Intake rooms, for water, gas, electricity, communications
• Tank rooms forchambers
Transformer and switch rooms 3.05 Boiler and calorifier plant

• Standby water and oil 45.9 illustrates a boiler room and the dimensions are given in Table

• Boiler andgenerator rooms VI. 45.10 shows a calorifier installation with dimensions in Tables

• Sewage pump rooms rooms

calorifier VII and VIII.

• Lift motor rooms 3.06 Air handling and conditioning plant

• handling and conditioning plant rooms and Table IX summarises the different possible arrangements for air
• Air handling units. 45.11 shows an air handling plant room. 45.12 is a
• Building management system control rooms full air air-conditioning plant with dimensions in Table X.

3.02 The relationships of plant rooms and risers to the forms of 3.07 Fan coils
particular building types are summarized in Table III. Fan coil units are approximately 250 mm deep. Their lengths
depend on their ratings as follows:

3.03 Heating, ventilation and air conditioning 1.0–1.2 kW sensible cooling, 820 mm
Figures for estimating the amount of space to be allocated, to 1.2–2.4 kW, 1135 mm
HVAC plant are given in Table IV. The graphs in 45.1 to 45.5 2.4–3.0 kW, 1335 mm
indicate the space needed for HVAC risers. 3.0–4.4 kW, 1925 mm
 1500 m2/floor
1000 m2/floor 2000 m2/floor
2
2
1000 m /floor 1500 m /floor 5.0
5.0 2000 m2/floor

HVAC riser space % of floor plate area

HVAC riser space % of floor plate area 4.5 3000 m2/floor
4.5

3000 m2 /floor 4.0

4.0
3.5 4000 m2/floor
3.5

4000 m2/floor 3.0

3.0
2.5
2.5 5000 m2/floor 5000 m2/floor
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.0
0.5
0.5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
2000 HVAC riser space m2/floor
2000 HVAC riser space m2/floor
4000
4000

building size (gross floor area) m2

building size (gross floor area) m2

6000
6000
8000 max supply air vel = 15 m/s
8000
max supply air vel = 6 m/s
max supply air vel = 15 m/s 10000
10000
max supply air vel = 6 m/s 12000
12000
14000
14000
16000
16000
18000
18000

125 100 125 20000

5 storeys
10 storeys
75

2 storeys
5 storeys
2 storeys
20000
50 75 100 50
room sensible heat gain W/m2

45.2 HVAC riser space for VAV plus perimeter heating in buildings of five or more
storeys 45.3 HVAC riser space for four-pipe fan coil systems (primary air 3 ac/h)
 1500 m2/floor 1000 m2/floor 1500 m2/floor
2
2000 m /floor
5.0
1000 m2/floor 2000 m2/floor
5.0 3000 m2/floor

HVAC riser space % of floor plate area

4.5
HVAC riser space % of floor plate area
4.5
4.0
3000 m2/floor
4.0
3.5 4000 m2/floor
3.5
4000 m2/floor 3.0
5000 m2/floor
3.0
2.5
2.5
5000 m2/floor 2.0
2.0 75000 m2/floor
2 1.5
75000 m /floor 10000 m2/floor
1.5
10000 m2/floor 1.0
1.0
0.5
0.5
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8 0 90 100 110 120
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 HVAC riser space m2/floor
2000 HVAC riser space m2/floor
4000

building size (gross floor area) m2

4000
6000
building size (gross floor area) m2

6000
8000
8000 max supply air vel = 15 m/s
10000
10000 max supply air vel = 6 m/s
12000 max supply air vel = 15 m/s
12000
14000 max supply air vel = 6 m/s
14000
16000
16000
18000
18000
20000

5 storeys

2 storeys
10 storeys

2 storeys

10 storeys
5 storeys
20000
5 storeys

2 storeys
5 storeys
10 storeys

2 storeys
10 storeys

45.5 HVAC riser space for heating only and 6 ac/h mechanical ventilation
45.4 HVAC riser space for heating only and 3 ac/h mechanical ventilation
 Service distribution 45-7

Table IV Floor area percentages occupied by HVAC plant Table IV Continued

System type Building size (m 2 ) System type

2
Building size (m )

2000 5000 10 000 20 000 2000 5000 10 000 20 000

OFFICES HOTELS, continued

Heating only, natural ventilation: Two pipe fan coils to bedrooms,

Central plant 1.1–1.4 0.7–0.8 – – VAV and terminal reheat to
Terminals: radiators 0.6–0.7 0.6–0.7 – – public rooms:
Central plant 2.5–3.0 1.6–2.1 1.2–1.3
Heating only, mechanical Air handling plant 5.8–6.6 3.9–4.5 3.2–4.2
ventilation: Heat rejection cooling towers 0.6–0.7 0.4–0.5 0.3–0.4
Central plant 1.1–1.4 0.7–0.8 – – Variations:
Air handling plant 4.6–6.4 3.6–5.1 – –
Floor by floor AHU 2-storey 4.7–5.7 4.2–5.2 4.0–4.9
Terminals: radiators 0.4–0.5 0.4–0.5 – –
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey 5.7–6.7 4.4–5.4 4.2–5.1
Heat rejection by air-cooled 2.0–2.6 1.5–2.0 1.5–2.0
Four-pipe fan coil system condenser
(3 ac/h primary air):
Central plant 3.8–4.2 2.0–2.3 1.1–1.5 0.8–1.2 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
Air handling plant 4.6 2.7 1.6 1.6
Heat rejection cooling towers 1.2–1.4 0.6–0.8 0.4–0.6 0.3–0.5 VAV and terminal reheat:
Central plant 5.3–6.1 2.7–3.4 – –
Variations: Air handling plant 7.8–11.4 6.5–3.4 – –
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 3.6 2.7 2.6 Heat rejection cooling towers 1.3–1.8 0.8–1.2 – –
Floor by floor AHU 10-storey – 5.4 3.5 2.6
Heat rejection by air-cooled 3.2–4.3 1.8–2.8 1.2–2.4 0.7–2.4 Variation:
condenser Heat rejection by air-cooled 4.2–5.9 2.7–3.7 – –
Floor-mounted terminals 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.4 condenser

VAV and perimeter heating:

Central plant 3.8–4.2 2.0–2.3 1.1–1.5 0.8–1.2
Air handling plant 7.5–10.8 6.0–9.0 4.0–8.7 2.3–7.7
Heat rejection cooling towers 1.2–1.4 0.6–0.8 0.4–0.6 0.3–0.5
Terminals: radiators 0.4–0.5 0.4–0.5 0.4–0.5 0.4–0.5

Variations:
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 6.0–12.0 4.8–10.4 3.7–9.2
Floor by floor AHU 10-storey – 7.8–15.6 7.8–10.4 3.7–9.0
Heat rejection by air-cooled 3.2–4.3 1.8–2.8 1.2–2.4 0.7–2.4
condensers

RETAIL

Four-pipe fan coil system:

Central plant – 2.5–2.8 1.5–2.1 1.0–1.3
Air handling plant – 3.4–3.5 3.2–3.3 3.1–3.2
Heat rejection cooling towers – 0.8–l.0 0.5–0.7 0.5–0.7

Variations:
Floor by floor AHU 2-storey – 6.0–12.0 3.1 3.0
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 7.8–15.6 3.9 3.0
Heat rejection by air-cooled 3.2–4.3 1.8–2.8 2.0–3.7 1.9–3.3
condenser

VAV and terminal reheat: root plant

Central plant – 2.5–2.8 1.5–2.1 1.0–1.3
vertical riser
Air handling plant – 6.7–12.9 6.4–11.1 5.5–9.9
Heat rejection cooling towers – 0.8–1.0 0.5–0.7 0.5–0.7

Variations:
Floor by floor AHU 2-storey – 6.5–12.2 6.1–12.0 5.9–11.8
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 7.8–13.8 7.1–11.8 5.9–11.8
Heat rejection by air-cooled – 2.5–3.7 2.0–3.7 1.9–3.3
condenser

HOTELS

Heated only, mechanical

ventilation:
Central plant 2.5–3.0 1.6–2.1 1.2–1.3
Air handling plant 5.0 4.8 4.7
basement plant
Terminals: radiators 0.4 0.4 0.3
a c
Four-pipe fan coil system:
Central plant – 2.5–3.0 1.6–2.1 1.2–1.3
Air handling plant – 2.7 2.7 2.6
Heat rejection cooling towers – 2.0–2.6 1.5–2.0 1.5–2.0

Variations:
Floor by floor AHU 2-storey – 3.3 2.8 2.6
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 3.3 2.6 2.6
Heat rejection by air-cooled – 1.5–2.0 1.5–2.0 1.5–2.0
condenser

VAV and perimeter heating:

Central plant – 2.5–3.0 1.6–2.1 1.2–1.3
Air handling plant – 6.0–7.0 4.4–6.0 4.7–5.9
Heat rejection cooling towers – 0.6–0.7 0.4–0.5 0.3–0.4

Variations: b d
Floor by floor AHU 2-storey – 4.7–7.5 4.7–7.4 4.7–6.8
Floor by floor AHU 5-storey – 5.0–8.4 5.0–7.2 4.6–6.5
Heat rejection by air-cooled – 2.0–2.6 1.5–2.0 1.5–2.0
45.6 Examples of showing good connection of plant areas to
condensers vertical risers. a Section. b Plan. c Section. d Plan
45-8 Service distribution

duct duct
depth: depth:
600 600
main vertical riser occupies 500 500
horizontal service space due 400 400
to offset (or rotation of) core 300 300

18-21 m from 18-21 m from

vertical riser vertical riser

plant rooms remote from risers

result in transition zones required
to connect with vertical risers
45.7 Examples of poor distribution efficiency: avoid these
a b
45.8 Effects of riser location on duct depths, a A building 40 m
square with air duct located at the corner. The longer the duct,
the deeper it must be where it joins the riser. This increases the
size of the suspended ceiling or raised floor zone, b With the
riser located centrally the duct runs are shorter and their depths
are reduced

access for
flue cleaning emergency exit
water
900 treatment
emergency exit divided flue
chimney plant

sink
1200 750

750
900

1350 1350 1500

750
pressure unit

walkway over boilers

750
W
sump
space for
floor trench for fuel oil circulating
pipework, electric power pumps
space for tube cleaning
and control cable
B and withdrawal or for
moving a boiler into or 750
alternative position out of room whichever
for main door is the greater personnel
door 750

control and oil pumping

instrumentation and filtering
unit

45.9 Plant room space using oil-fired, three boiler installation

 Service distribution 45-9

Table V Builder’s work air ducts and plenums Table VII Calorifier capacity and dimensions

Notes on Use Capacity Dimensions Heater Dimensions

litres including insulation, battery Z
1 The use of builders’ work enclosures as air ducts and plenums should be very
mm withdrawal mm
carefully evaluated at the early stages of design. In many cases, they do not
(max)
represent a cheaper solution in terms of overall building costs. Sheet metal and
Diameter Height 8 mm
building materials should be compared in terms of costs, performance and
d h
construction aspects.

2 The use of builder’s work supply ducts should be generally avoided. Filtered 500 700 1800 800 750
and thermally treated air requires careful handling. If such ducts are used, the 650 800 1800 1000 750
expected standards of air tightness, insulation and moisture control are difficult 800 850 1900 1000 750
and costly to achieve. Standards of workmanship should be very high and 1000 950 1900 1150 750
require great care to enforce in practice. 1200 1000 2100 1150 750
1500 1150 2100 1300 850
Summary of technical considerations 2000 1150 2500 1300 850
Energy Increased fan power; friction coefficient increases for brick/block/ 2500 1300 2600 1450 950
implications concrete ducts when compared to sheet steel: 3000 1350 2700 1500 1050
4000 1450 3100 1600 1050
× 1.4 for fair-faced brickwork 5000 1600 3100 1750 1150
× 2.0 for rough-finished brickwork 6500 1700 3400 1850 1300
Fan power is directly proportional to friction coefficient.

Thermal Thermal losses increase; greater absorption of heating or cooling
losses/gains energy by thermally heavy containing walls. System time constants
increase, can impose control problems. Duct lining to reduce
losses, must be considered with care to avoid introducing fine
fibres into the air stream. Regular inspection and maintenance is
required.
Leakage and Brick and blockwork is porous; settlement, expansion and
filtration contraction will result in significant leakage, particularly through
mortar joints; not recommended without a generous allowance for
leakage. Brick or blockwork must be rendered or plastered,
preferably both sides. Access for personnel is required to allow for
resealing of the duct. Adverse effect on the standard of filtration.
Full consideration should be given to differential pressures across
containing walls; if supply and extract ducts run adjacent, pressure
differentials can be appreciable.
Construction Branches leaving large vertical risers can be problematic: (a) Detail
constrains of sheet steel duct connections is crucial. (b) Structurally, passing
the branch through a highly stressed element of the building.
Specification Involvement in the design of builders work ducts maybe outside
the scope of the standard HVAC services, eg defined by ACE
agreements. It is important to establish early in the design who will
take responsibility for design and site supervision.
Dimension Z has been determined on the basis of angled withdrawal of the heater
battery.
If battery withdrawal normal to the wall is required, dimension W should be
increased by B-Z.
Inspection holes should be easily accessible.
Vertical spindle glandless in-line pumps can be accommodated within the overall
space.
When horizontal direct-driven pumps are required, dimension W should be
increased by 300 to 600 mm depending on the make of pump. Dimensions are
based on conventional storage calorifiers.
Key to symbols used in Figure 45.10
X Space at sides and rear of calorifiers, nominal allowance 750 mm with a
minimum of 700 mm.
Y Space between adjacent calorifiers, nominal allowance 600 mm with a minimum
of 550 mm.
Z Space for withdrawal of heater battery.
R Minimum space above calorifier, dimensions allowed:
up to 1000 litres 750 mm
1200 to 3000 litres 1050 mm
4000 to 6500 litres 1350 mm
S Space for supporting feet or plinth, 100–300 mm depending on method of
support.

Table VI Boiler and boiler room sizes

Total installed Clear dimensions of boiler Boiler Minimum dimensions of door

Boiler power room (mm) Boiler dimensions (mm) masses openings, (mm)
kW t
Length Width Height Length Width Height Width Width Height
L W H* l w h A B

9000 19500 12000 5400 6325 3175 3475 22 4200 3900 4200
7500 19200 11100 5100 5850 3125 3175 19 4200 3900 3900
6000 17400 10300 5100 6000 2700 3150 16 3600 3300 3900
4500 16800 10200 5100 5075 2650 3150 14 3600 3300 3900
3600 16200 9300 4500 4475 2450 2475 11 3300 3000 3000
3000 15600 9300 4500 5050 2375 2350 9 3300 3000 3000
2400 15300 9000 4500 4425 2300 2275 8 3300 3000 3000
1950 15000 8400 4200 4000 2275 2150 7 3300 3000 2700
1500 14400 7800 4200 3525 2000 1950 5 3000 2700 2700
1200 14400 7800 4200 3900 1950 2075 5 3000 2700 2700
900 14400 7800 3900 3750 1950 1975 4 3000 2700 2700
750 14100 7200 3900 2825 1800 1750 3 2700 2400 2400
600 14100 7200 3900 3075 1950 1975 3 3000 2700 2700
450 12900 6000 3900 2675 1500 1725 2 2400 2100 2400

*A nominal 2100 mm has been allowed between walkway and ceiling. This dimension may be reduced to 1500 mm locally under beams
Location depends on building design
Some boilers require additional space, eg rear access doors, tube cleaning and withdrawal
45-10 Service distribution

Table VIII Spaces for multiple calorifiers

Total storage capacity and dimensions of spaces for two For each additional Minimum width of
calorifiers calorifier add L door opening
mm mm
Capacity L W H (mm)
litres mm mm mm

1000 3600 2400 3000 1500 800

1300 3600 2400 3000 1500 900
1600 3900 2400 3000 1500 900
2000 3900 2700 3000 1500 1200
2400 4200 2700 3600 1800 1200
3000 4500 2700 3600 1800 1200
4000 4500 2700 3900 1800 1200
5000 4800 3000 3900 2100 1600
6000 4800 3300 4200 2100 1600
8000 5100 3300 4800 2100 1600
10000 5400 3600 4800 2400 1800
13 000 5700 3900 5100 2400 1800

possible
attenuators
R

exhaust
air riser
H air handling unit
(min)
h

outside
air riser
S
supply air
return air from
ceiling void
W
a toilet below
exhaust air

45.11 Plant room for floor-by-floor VAV AHU

L1

X Y

access
a
return air fan
B
withdrawal e
space attenuator
Y L
fresh air louvres

main filter

spray coil

X Z b
fan attenuator

reheater
X
withdrawal space 19 m 3/s
pre-heater d and above (40,000 ft3/min)
1m
b
b sump
45.12 Built-up single duct air-conditioning plant room. Space
45.10 Vertical storage calorifier space additional to this will be required for withdrawing the coils,
requirements. a Section, b Plan. See Tables VI depending on the size and position of the equipment.
and VII and key on p. 45-9 a Elevation, b Plan
 Service distribution 45-11

Table IX Floor-by-floor AHU arrangements

Configuration Comments

Central fans serving main outdoor air and exhaust air risers.
Size of risers can be minimised if only minimum fresh air supplied.
Effectiveness of free cooling reduced.

Outdoor air and exhaust air shafts, no rooftop air handling plant.

Floor by floor air and exhaust air.

No rooftop air handling plant required and avoidance of risers within the building.
Improves nett to gross floor area ratio.
Problems could be experienced in siting outdoor air and exhaust air louvers on The building elevation.

Table X Air-conditioning plant sizes

Air Dimension (m) Plant room % of Building

volume at OA m3/min
2
m3/s a b c d e h Area Minimum access m per per m2
m2 m X m m3/s

9.438 9.40 3.12 2.55 2.85 1.15 3.50 49.60 2.00 X 2.00 5.25 3.50%
14.157 10.20 4.10 2.55 3.75 1.15 3.80 63.75 2.30 X 2.30 4.50 3.00%
18.875 10.60 4.10 3.20 1.90 1.40 4.20 68.80 2.60 X 2.60 3.65 2.40%
23.595 10.90 5.00 3.20 2.30 1.40 4.60 80.70 2.75 X 2.75 3.32 2.25%
28.314 11.20 5.00 3.80 2.30 1.70 5.10 86.20 3.10 X 3.10 3.05 2.00%

double door, double door,

louvred louvred
air vent

W1
LV
gate, with bund
wall if required

air vent
including space for future panels

including space for future panels

TX1

W3
HV

HV switchgear
LV switchgear
cable trench

cable trench

D1 W2
D2 D3
LV
gate, with bund
wall if required
TX2

air vent
HV

air vent 45.13 Electrical sub-station

plan door, louvred door, louvred space requirements
45-12 Service distribution

Table XI Percentage of gross floor area occupied by electrical plant

Installation Building size (m 2 )

2000 5000 10 000 20 000

GENERAL-PURPOSE OFFICE

Electrical load (kVA) 40–110 100–280 200–560 400–1100

1 Transformer
Liquid × 1 – – 0.25 0.12–0.15
× 2 – – – 0.25
Cast resin × 1 – – 0.22 0.10–0.14
× 2 – – – 0.17

2 HV switchroom
RMU 1 – – 0.28 0.14
2 – – – 0.21
Panels 1 – – 0.33 0.17
2 – – – 0.22

3 LV switchroom
rear access 1.67 0.67 0.33 0.17–0.18
front access 1.20 0.48 0.24 0.12–0.13

4 Packaged substation (1000 kVA) – – 0.69 0.35–0.42

GENERAL-PURPOSE OFFICE WITH AIR CONDITIONING

Electrical load (kVA) 80–280 200–700 400–1400 830–2800

1 Transformer
Liquid × 1 – 0.50 0.24–0.33 0.14–0.17
× 2 – – 0.50 0.22–0.30
Cast resin × 1 – 0.44 0.20–0.27 0.12–0.15
× 2 – – 0.34 0.14–0.21

2 HV switchroom
RMU 1 – 0.56 0.28 0.14
2 0.42 0.21
Panels 1 – 0.46 0.33 0.17
2 0.44 0.22

3 LV switchroom
rear access 1.67 0.67 0.37 0.25
front access 1.20 0.48 0.27 0.19

4 Packaged substation(s) (1000 kVA) – 1.46 0.6–0.91 0.37–0.82 (2 no)

HIGH-TECH OFFICE

Electrical load (kVA) 190–460 730–1600 1400–3300 2900–6500

1 Transformer
Liquid × 1 – 0.55–0.66 0.33 –
× 2 – 1.10 0.55–0.60 0.30
× 3 – 1.00 1.00–1.05
Cast resin × 1 – 0.49–0.54 0.27–0.30 –
× 2 – 0.76 0.34–0.41 0.21–0.23
× 3 – – 0.68 0.34–0.40

2 HV switchroom
RMU 1 – 0.56 0.28 0.14
2 0.42 0.21
3 0.56 0.28
Panels 1 – 0.66 0.33 0.17
2 0.44 0.22
3 0.55 0.28
3 LV switchroom
rear access 1.65 0.74 0.51 0.46
front access 1.20 0.54 0.38 0.32
4 Packaged substation(s) (1000 kVA) – 1.46–1.61 0.80–1.64 (2 no) 0.82 (2 no) – 1.48 (4 no)

RETAIL

Electrical load (kVA) 400–650 1000–1700 2000–3200 4000–6500

1 Transformer
Liquid × 1 1.40 0.61–0.66 0.33 –
× 2 – 1.10 0.44–0.60 0.30
× 3 – – 1.00 0.50–0.52
Cast resin × 1 1.10 0.54–0.60 0.30 –
× 2 – 0.67 0.38–0.41 0.45
× 3 – – 0.68 0.36–0.41

2 HV switchroom
RMU 1 1.40 0.56 0.28 –
2 – 0.42 0.21
3 0.56 0.28
Panels 1 1.70 0.66 0.33 –
2 0.88 0.44 0.22
3 0.55 0.28

3 LV switchroom
rear access 1.65 0.74 0.51 0.46
front access 1.20 0.54 0.38 0.32
4 Packaged substation(s) (1000 kVA) 3.51 1.46–1.61 0.89 – 1.64 (2 no) 1.08 (4 no) – 1.48 (6 no)
 Service distribution 45-13

Table XI Continued

Installation Building size (m 2 )

2000 5000 10 000 20 000

HOTEL

Electrical load (kVA) 250 700 1500 3000

1 Transformer
Liquid × 1 – 0.55 0.33 0.17
× 2 – – – 0.30
Cast resin × 1 – 0.49 0.27 0.15
× 2 – – – 0.19

2 HV switchroom
RMU 1 – 0.56 0.28 0.14
2 0.42 0.21
Panels 1 – 0.66 0.33 0.17
2 0.44 0.22

3 LV switchroom
rear access 1.67 0.73 0.51 0.46
front access 1.20 0.53 0.38 0.32

4 Packaged substation(2) (1000 kVA) – 1.46 0.91 0.82 (2 no)

Table XII Percentage of gross floor area occupied by standby electrical plant Table XV Switchgear, air circuit breaker, space requirements

2
Electrical load (kVA) Space required (m ) Current Dimensions (m) Area Weight
rating m2 kg
200 500 1250 A D2 W2 H2

1 Generator single machine, water – 33 46 600 3.65 0.65 2.25 2.40 438
cooled – 15 dBA enclosure 800 3.65 0.65 2.25 2.40 438
1200 3.85 0.70 2.30 2.70 535
2 U P S : ( a ) static 17 25
1600 3.85 0.75 2.30 2.90 463
(b) rotary 56 71
2400 3.85 0.95 2.30 3.65 590
(c) battery 13 22

Table XIII Riser space for power distribution

Allowance Comments Table XVI HV switchgear, oil circuit breaker, space requirements
Building type

Max s/c Current Dimensions (m) Area Weight

Speculative office 0.23–0.29 This includes provision for Landlord riser
rating rating m2 kg
High tech, 0.25–0.29 Applies where local PDUs are in use MVA A W2 H2
D2
dealing office

0.50–0.55 Applies where duplicate UPS distribution system 250/350 400 4.20 0.65 2.95 2.75 680
is installed alongside a normal power distribution 800 4.20 0.60 2.25 2.55 680
system 1200 4.20 0.65 2.95 2.75 680
For prestige high star-rated hotels, it is recommended that 1600 4.65 0.95 2.30 4.45 1190
Hotels
each room has its own separate lighting and power circuits. 2000 4.65 0.95 2.30 4.45 1220
This will influence distribution board sizes and consequently
riser space. Transformer height H1 includes necessary height clearance, H2 and H3 exclude
clearances
Two cable trays should be installed per riser: one to support
sub-mains distribution and the other to carry the numerous
telecommunications cable, video, PA and other services found
in a modern hotel. The latter tray should be sized at 300 mm
per 150 bedrooms

Table XVII Cross-sectional zones

Table XIV 116 V/433 V oil-filled transformer space requirements Zone Letter Comment

Transformer Dimensions (m) Area Weight Structural A Specified by structural engineer

rating m2 kg Services B 50 mm deflection and tolerance
kVA D1 W1 H1 Approximately 500 mm HVAC duct or terminal device
C
D 50 mm support and tolerance
300 3.35 2.90 3.10 9.75 1439 E 50–150 mm sprinkler sub-zone
500 3.50 3.00 3.30 10.50 2245 F 150 mm lighting and ceiling sub-zone
750 3.55 3.05 3.25 10.85 2910
Headroom G Specified by client and architect
1000 3.80 3.20 3.45 12.25 3590
1500 4.00 3.50 3.70 14.00 5180 Raised floor H Data, communications, small power
45-14 Service distribution

dealers duct leaving riser/core

min norm space below deep beams consider universal
structural final terminal conn. only columns as beams
A
zone vav terminal box
B

services C 700 A
750
zone D 850/
E B

500
1000 C
F 400 D
E
F

headroom G
main duct run-outs
below normal
max beam size G

raised floor H 200 250

450+
FFL
H
45.14 Typical cross-section for structure and services
Key for 45.14 to 45.18 is given in Table VII 45.15 Horizontal service distribution with universal steel beams

primary duct zone

secondary duct zone vav terminal box primary service zone elevation

A structural
C zone
D B
E
F

FFL
H

45.16 Horizontal service distribution with tapered beams

elevation
vav terminal box
structural zone

A
primary service zone
B
E
F

primary service zone

FFL

45.17 Horizontal service distribution with haunched tapered beams

 Service distribution 45-15

balanced
A flue
B domestic
room hot water
C D combi
E thermostat
boiler
F (inc.
extract duct pump)

gas flow

G
return

floor box floor outlet

rising water
main
H
45.21 Domestic central heating and hot water system using
cable tray supply duct/ pipework gas-fired combination boiler
vav terminal box/
fan coil unit

45.18 Horizontal service distribution with floor supply system

10

8 11

hot cold
main cold water
hot

supply tank 9
heating system-
header tank

7
rising domestic hot
flue
main water draw off
(water) 6 cold
hot water tank
(calorifier)
controls radiators

flow

boiler return

gas motorised valve

pump
hot

45.19 Domestic central heating system using conventional gas cold

boiler, small bore pumped supply to radiators on two-pipe
system, and gravity circulation to heat domestic hot water hot

1 2 3 4 5

45.22 Combination boiler

Key:
1 Gas inlet
2 Domestic hot water supply
3 Water inlet
4 Heating water flow
water out 5 Heating water return
hot gases from 6 Combination gas valve
combustion 7 Heating circulating pump
water in
gas 8 Heating element
9 Hot water coil
45.20 Diagrammatic representation of a water boiler, in this 10 Balanced flue
case using gas 11 Expansion vessel
45-16 Service distribution

draw-off A transformer and associated switchgear chamber is shown in

45.13, the dimensions for which are given in Tables XIV, XV and
XVI.
immersed
electric element 3.09 Suspended ceilings and raised floors
water supply 405.14 to 45.18 show spaces required for horizontal distribution
with explanation in Table XVII.
45.23 Diagram of electric immersion heater in hot water
cylinder

4 DOMESTIC HEATING AND HOT WATER

3.08 Electrical equipment
Table XI gives information enabling the allocation of space
required for general electrical services, while Table XII covers the
provision of stand-by plant that might be required in buildings
such as hospitals. The space required for the electrical risers is
given in Table XIII.
45.19 is a diagrammatic representation of a traditional domestic
water-borne heating and stored hot water system. A diagram of the
workings of this gas-fired boiler is shown in 45.20. A more modern
system using a combination boiler, which generates the hot water
on demand, is shown in 45.21, and the boiler in 45.22. A domestic
electric hot water storage heater is shown in 45.23.
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