In-Floor Electrical Services Boxes

This guide note sets out Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)
requirements in regard to the use and selection of in-floor boxes for electrical services on
government building construction projects.
While the need to use in-floor boxes to provide access to power, data, audio and video services
in locations where there is no ready alternative is recognised by the (DPTI), a number of risks
have been identified with their selection and use which must be considered by designers and
constructors.
The risks include but are not limited to:
 slipping and tripping
 cable damage/sever
 finger injury/sever
 electrical conduction/electrocution
 liquid spills/dust and dirt entry
 floor structure integrity
Following consultation with lead agencies, a revised policy position in regard to the installation
of in-floor boxes has been implemented.

Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) Projects

Installation of in-floor boxes is not permitted in any DECD projects.
If the lead professional service contractor or coordinating architect in consultation with the
design team determines that, after exhausting all alternatives, in-floor boxes are necessary then
written authority shall be sought through the DPTI Project Risk Manager from the Director of
Capital Programs and Asset Services, DECD.
Such an application shall include plans of the proposed in-floor box locations, details of the in-
floor box to be specified, reasons why alternatives have not been adopted and a discussion of
how each of the risk issues outlined in this guide note are being addressed.
Where approved for installation, in-floor boxes shall have non-conductive lids.

Other Lead Agency Projects

Installation of in-floor boxes in projects other than for DECD is not preferred but will be accepted
provided that the lead professional service contractor or coordinating architect and lead agency:
 have undertaken a risk assessment considering the likelihood and consequences of risks
having considered the end users and activities to be undertaken in the facility
 are in agreement that the use of in-floor boxes is an appropriate solution
 in-floor boxes have non-conductive lids

in floor electrical boxes bp19 g167 v1-3

Updated in February 1029
In-Floor Electrical Services Boxes

Contact
For further information contact:

Robbie Delben
Construction Adviser

Phone: 08 8343 2198

Email: robby.delben@sa.gov.au

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