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    13 views99 pages

    ECMs How To Write Electrical Specs

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    FernandoCrespoMon

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    E. Q®2\AS Reprinted from May 1969 issue ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE © Copyright 1969 McGraw Hil, Ine—All rights reserved. ~Flectrical engineers talk about specs Toadda lively, stimulating note of personal attitudes on spec writing, we surveyed a small, selected number from our thousands of electrical-iesign-engineer readers across the country to get a roundup of ideas and opinions about various details of writing electrical specifications. We chose wide geographicai coverage and asked them several general questions about spec writing to reveal general trends on important considerations. Within this report on spec writing, we present the questions and summaries of the answers from these experts. The contributors to this roundtable of ideas about specs are all competent electrical design engineers who have candidly expressed their convictions, preferences and practices in writing electrical specs. EC&M thanks them publicly for taking the time to present their views. We are sure you will find this interesting. ‘THE CONTRIBUTORS ARI 4. R. Chester tian 4. Heraiger ‘Wali T. Boeddeor Chie Electrical Engineer President Engineer ers & Reaves, Ine. erage Lut, Ine Wilism T. Boeddeher & Asse, Memphis, Tenn. wake, Ws Gincinna, Ohio 2.8. Downing Robert G. oSutvan 4. Bate Thompson Partner Pipa Electrical Engineer Present Downing & Ries Engineers Portland, Oe QUESTION 1: What type of equipment re- Aires the most detail in electrical specs? How about: a. wire and cable, blighting, ¢ racensps, 4. wiring devices, «. panels and switchboaree? © Equipment which is unusual pr is kely to be unfamiliar to the contractor should be described in more detail than items such as wire, conduit and panelboards. I would include én the “inusval or unfamiliar” category such items as televi- sion antenna systems, emergency generators and nurse-call systems, © Equipment requiring the most detail are those items not installed on every electrical job; fr instance, high-voltage switchgear, elaborate con ‘trol and control panel arrangements, involved Sound systems, telemetering, supervisory and computer interphasing. © Grounding should always be carefully specified as well as detailed on plans. © Lighting fixtures require detail when a specific ‘manufacturer is not allowed. Conduit fittings outdoors often rust unless # broper type is selected. Cable trays require care- £4 specs on loadings, type of dropouts, type of connections, spacing of ladder rungs to prevent cable sagging, rigidity, strength for men to stand on, free from burrs which tear cable, Battery chargers, inverters require good per- formance requirements, tolerance, freedom from voltage fluctuations, In general, the specifier must be aware of the ratings (voltage, current, BIL) and features available that meet the requirements of his instal. Burns & Roe Ine. stead, N.Y. Seattle, Wash Marvin €. King, J Presicont (het Electrical Engineer Asifcated Consultants, Ine, Minneapolis, Minn, ‘t Loui, Mo. Look for Questions 2, 3,4 and 5 as you go through this report... ‘Tompson, Miler & Lyons Enginoers, ne Water 6. Bayne Electrical Engineer Watt Hecick Enginering Corp. ‘Bayh, Weir & Frat, Ine, Heuston, Texas [8 Francisco, Cai Avert 8. ¢. Chong LT. Vivien, Preigent Part Owner ‘bere Chong Associates Licien T. Vivien, se, & Asse. enol, Haws New Orteans, ta, David. Sebi RH. Ateisson Chief Electrical Engineer Fruco & Associates, Ine- lation, to satisty any special needs and functions. © Wire and cable require the most detail, Panels and switchboards must also be carefully specified © In our specifications, which are written for new power plants, and expansion of existing mu- nicipal power plauls, we emphasize and give more detail on produets rather than on method. Our specifications for electrical products are “most descriptive on switchgear which contains relay- ing, instrumentation and control. High-voltage conductors complete with their terminations would be next in importance, followed by misce> Jancous items such as raceways, building wiring, wiring devices, ete. © Panels and switehboards, we feel, require the most detail. Conduit and fittings are second. © We strongly advise the use of “Equipment Schedules” in listing equipment, and we list the equipment either on the drawing or in the specifi- cations. This enables the specification writer, in assembling his specifications, to either attach the “Equipment Schedule” as an Appendix to the specifications or type (or print by hand) the “Equipment Schedule” right on the drawing. The latter does make sure that i is always on hand for those doing the installation work, © The most spec detail should be given to special lighting fixtures, motor control centers, switeh- boards, sound systems, signals and fire alarms © We give greatest detail to panels, switch- boards, raceways and lighting. HE General Conditions section of project specif- cations normally consists of a selected group of considerations and regulations that apply to all sub- divisions of the project and henee all contractors in- volved. This may be presented as a standard AIA form or a variation thereof. Mechanical and electrical specifications normally contain a reference to the General Conditions noting that these shall govern the subcontractor work and shall be considered a part of the subcontract specification, ‘Special conditions relating to the olectrical installa tion ean be included as Supplementary General Con- ditions in the electrical specifications. These may cover certain considerations, such as seope of work, te,, that must be tailored to the specific installation. Depending on size, type and complexity of the project. these additions may involve a few concise paragraphs Cover these planning, organization and management aspects of the job... GENERAL CONDITIONS of several pages of detailed instructions to bidders and installing contractors. The following outline presents discussion and pro- totype specification clauses of selected typical subjects, that normally are included in a set of General Condi- tions or Supplementary General Conditions. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND WORK General description of the property, building lay- out, construction, height, type of occupaney, boundary Jines, and relevant descriptive material. Scope of work should list all systems and work to be included in the contract and detailed in subsequent pages of the specification. This section also should spell out what electrical work is not included; what electrical equipment items are to be furnished by QUICK-REFERENCE CHECKLIST 1 Bids, contract—documents 1 Bonds—pertormance D Changes—plans and specifications, addenda 5 Cutting, patching and repairs 1D Definitions —contract and specification terms 1 Description ofthe project 1D Drawings—working, shop, detailed in this contract not included i contract by others Electrical work, scope of Examination of site and other drawings Field office and storage areas Guarantee Inspections Insuranee, indemnity Interference with other trades Labor and supervision Licenses, permits, fees cO0000000 1 Materiats —type and quality —furnished and installed by this contractor —furnished by others but installed by this contractor {urished and installed by others, but connected by this contractor Payments—when, iow made and on what basis: Protection—to lite and property, watchman, ete. Removal of rubbish, etc. Rules and regulations—todes; ordinances, etc. satety Signs—protective, advertising, ete Sleeves, slots, chases and openings ‘Specifications—intent and precedence Substitutions—material and equipment, how handled Taxes—including sales taxes, where applicable Temporary facilities —ight, neat, power, water —who is to supply and pay for each Temporary work Termination of work oo000gg0uun others, but installed by this contractor; what clec- trical equipment is to be furnished and installed by others, but connected by this contractor. Typical spec- ification clauses are presented in quotes, Work included “the work covered by this specification shall in- clude furnishing all labor, material, equipment and services to construct and install the complete electri- cal system as shown on the accompanying plans and specified herein. This work shall includ “A. Outdoor high-voltage switching station Underground feeders from switching station to unit substations in plant, “C. Unit substations including primary disconne facilities, transformer, and secondary switchgear. “D. Complete distribution system for lighting in cluding the necessary transformers, feeders, distr'- bution panelboards, branch circuits, lighting fixtures, control switches and receptacles. ! : “E, Complete distribution system for power inelue ing busway feeders, branch-circuit plug-in type dis- connects, and cable drop edhnections to motors. “F. Underfloor duct distribution syatem, first floor, office area. “G. Cellular floor distribution aystem, second and third floor, office building, “H. Empty raceways and cabinets for the telephons system. “I. Clock system, including provision of clocks and regulators, “J. Paging equipment including fire alarm and se. curity systems, ‘ “K, Outdoor lightins—building and parking areas “L. Receiving, handling, setting and connecting ‘motors and controls.” Work not included “The following equipment items and work shall be the responsibility of others, “A. Motors and controls listed below shall be fur- nished by the owner but shall be moved, installed and connected by the electrical contractor as indicated on the electrical plans. (List items.) “B, Telephone system wires, cables, equipment and instruments—furnished and installed by Tele- phone Compan; “C, levator signal and control wiring beyond ser- vice feeder noted on plans—by others. “D. Controls for motors on mechanical equipment listed below will be furnished by others but shall be installed and wired by the electrical contractor, (Pro- vide a list of items.)” BIDS AND CONTRACTS Clearly state the procedures involved in submission of bids and subsequent awarding of contracts, Submission of bids “Bid proposals shall be made on forms provided yee Proposed prices shall be indicated both in figures and in writing, Proposals shall be signed by the bidder or his duly authorized representative, with his address, firm name, title, ete. Bidder’s bond shall be executed on the form attached to the proposal form, “All bids shall be presented under sealed cover plainly identified as a proposal for the work bid upon and shall have enclosed therewith a cashier’s or cer- tified check for §...... (am amount equal to .....% of the proposed bid) and made payable ta The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals or to award the contract to the responsible bidder with the lowest proposal complying with all pre- scribed requirements Award of contract “The contract award, if approved, will be made within days after opening of sealed bids. Within days after bid opening, the owner or his representative will return the proposal guar- antes accompanying proposals not to be considered in the award of the contract. “The successful bidder shall sign the contract in duplicate counterpart and return it, with the contract, bond, within ...... days after receipt of contract award notice. The contractor shall also sign a set of plans and specifications for filing with the contract.” Include clauses relevant to: Time schedules, work program, layout of work, Inspection, supervision, approvals, Extra work “For any extra electrical work the (architect, engineer, owner) may propose, this contractor shall farnish to the (architect, engineer, owner) an esti- mate of the cost (lump sum) (material, labor and insurance cost plus .....% for overhead and profit) of such work. The electrical contractor shall proceed only after receiving a written order from the (archi- tect, engineer, owner) establishing the agreed price and describing the work to be done.” Method of payment “‘The contractor shall be paid monthly, as the work progresses, an amount equal to the cast of the work installed that month less .....% of the indicated cost as a retained percentage. Monthly payments ‘shall be based upon the contractor's written statement of equipment and materials installed and labor ex- pended for that month, Verification by the engineer will be required before certificates of payment are fssued. No payments will be authorized until any de- fective work and materials have been removed, re- placed and made good. “Within ...... days after completion of the work by the contractor and its acceptanee, in writing, by ‘the (engineer, architect, owner), the unpaid balance of the contract price will be paid under a cortificate issued by the (engineer, architect, owner).”” Periodic payments may be based on prefixed dates, progress reports, progress photographs, payroll, ma- ‘terials invoices, or other appropriate established methods of payment. Other financial considerations include: Insurance coverage for fire, theft, public liability, workman's compensation, Bond for evidence of financial responsibility, Local fees related to securing all required permits, certificates, Social Security withholding tax from payroll. Liens. Responsibility for taxes, GOVERNING CONDITIONS ‘This section should include specification clauses covering: Codes, regulations, safety orders, building laws and ordinances, such’as the NE Code, American In- stitute of Architects’ contract for construction of buildings, State Industrial Accident Commission orders, plus any other national, state, munieipal, util- ity or company directives relating to the contemplated type of work. Code rulings and interpretations—by whom ren- dered in event of question. Procedence of design features outlined in specifi- cations and drawings, if they are over and above re- quirements of relevant codes. Arbitration of errors or eon‘licts—how handled, Responsibility, status and definition of owner, architect, engineer and contractor. Cutting and patching. Excavation and backfill, Installation of sleeves, chases and openings. Repair and maintenance, Removal of debris from premises during and after completion of work. On-site signs, notiess and advertisements. Use of installation photographs for commercial pur- poses, PLANS, DRAWINGS List the plans and drawings related to the specifi- cations. Also: note which ones are to be considered “working drawings"; give instructions relating to “shop drawings" to be supplied by the contractor and equipment suppliers; addition to plans or changes Afctated by local and Installation conditions; mnstrue- tions relating to preparation and submission of “as installed” drawings after job is completed, A typical specifications clause is: “The (architect's, engineer's) drawings, which eon stitute an integral part of this contraet, shall serve ett EST on welt et See co kat SHOP DRAWINGS submitted by the electrical contractor on the projector the equipment manufacturer ossure proper de- sign and instolation method, 6 fas the working drawings. They indicate the eneral layout of the complete electrical system: arrange- ment of feeders, circuits, outlets, switches, controls, panelboards, unit substations, service equipment, £- tures, and other work. “Field verification of seale dimensions on plans is directed since actual locations, distances and levels will be governed by actual field conditions. “The electrical contractor shall cheek architectural, structural, plumbing, heating and ventilating plans to avert possible installation confiets, Should dras- tic changes from original plans be necessary to re- solve such conflicts, this contractor shall notify the (architect, engineer, ete.), and secnre written ap- proval and agreement on necessary adjustments be- fore the installation is started “Discrepancies shown on different plans, or between plans and actual field conditions, or between plans land specifications, shall promptly be brought to the attention of the inspector, engineer, architect, etc., for a decision. “The following drawings are part of this specifica tion and contract: Drawine No, Tree Ba 96-68 ‘High-voltage switching station EQ 94-68 Underground distribu- tion 58 9-15-68 Power - manufacturing E4 915-68 Lighting-manufacturing BS Office electrical — ist floor ES Office electrical — 2nd floor Eq Outdoor tighting ‘These drawings may be superseded by later re- vised or detailed drawings or specification addenda prepared by the (architect, engineer), and the con- tzactor shall conform to all reasonable changes with- out extra cost to the owner, AAI items not specifically ‘mentioned in the specifications or noted on the draw- but which are obviously necessary to complete working installation shall be included.” Shop draws "Br contentor shall suai o the (architec, eng nor) detailed dimensioned shop drawings covering 0 tems of equipment and brochures of all lighting fixtures. No equipment should be put into manufac: ture (or ordered) until these shop drawings or bro- chures have heen approved by the (architect, eng ret). “The following procedure shall be observed: The contractor shall submit " prints of shop ‘drawings to the (architect, enginees) for comment or correction. ‘The contractor’ shall then submit cscrvses a6ts of prints of corrected shop draw ings to the (arehitest, engineer) for Snal approval ‘The same procedure shall aply in making shop draw i revisions Also inchide specication clauses relevant to: 3ymbols and abbreviations. Definitions. carer Em a Bone PLOT PLAN of simple electric! distribution system ives overall picture of project; supplements specifi Addenda, revisions, alternates, Visit to site and examination of drawings of other trades to verify dimensions, installation conditions and conflicts, storage facilities, and the like. Surveys for datum planes, elevations, benchmarks, ete; how to request various information and who should do it, Order of precedence—specifications, plans, draw- ings, ete. TEMPORARY POWER The electrical contractor shall furnish, install, ‘maintain, and remove after construction is completed, asses amp, ....., volt, phase, .... wire temporary power and lighting system as shown, “The system shall consist of a service, distribution system, panelboards, grounding, branch eireuits, and 20-amp duplex grounded type receptacle outlets as shown on the drawing, “Bach trade shall provide and pay for its own ex- tensions for lights or power tools beyond the recep- tacle outlets on the columns; and beyond the 3-phase panelboard sub-mains in the case of S-phase power tools : “The general contractor shall pay all energy charges for electric curvent used for temporary light ing and power.” Where the project is of sufficient size, it is advis- able to list the number, size and location of the dis- tribution panels that will be required for the tem porary electric service during construction, On large projects, call for temporary pole-line dis- tribution systems, Tt is good practice to list temporary power services not included in the electrical bid but which, if re- uired, shall be negotiated between the electrical con- tractor and the trades requiring such service. test cations and other deowings relating to equipment ‘ond instllation specifies, ‘Typical specifications would be: “The following services shall be part of the elee- trical contractor’s bid. Where required, the cost of such service shall be negotiated between the electrical contractor and the contractor requesting such service: ‘A. Special circuits required by electric welders, elevators, lifts, or other special equipment requiring high amperage and/or special voltage service. ‘"B, Exterior lighting circuits for vandalism pro- tection, public warning lights, advertising, ete. “C. Overtime maintenance of temporary service fa- cilities at the request of construction trade(s) or contractor (s).” MATERIALS Definitive statements in the General Conditions tion of the electrical specifications establish the means of identifying the type and quality of materials and equipment embodied in the system design and spect fied in subsequent subsections. On private projects, engineers “firm up” their ma- terial specifications by listing one or more manufae- turer's name(s), brand name(s), and catalog num- er (s), plus reference to relevant industry standards (NBMA, ete.). The bid is based on these items, Sub- stitutions of equivalent quality materials normally are permitted if they are submitted by the contractor fas an alternate to the base bid and accepted by the engineer. Inclusion of these statements in the General Con- ditions eliminates the necessity of repeating the “or equal a8 approved” phrase in relevant specification clauses, Without such reference in the General Con- ditions, the “or equal as approved” phrases should be uused to keep the specifications “open.” The following prototype specification clauses indi- cate how this subject can be handled, Specification by brand name “Where materials, equipment, apparatus or other products are specified by manufacturer, brand name type or catalog number, such designation is to estab- lish standards of desired quality and style and shall be the basis'of the bid. Materials so specified shall be furnished under the contract, unless changed by mu- tual agreement, Where two or more designations are listed, choice shall be optional with the contractor.” Material substitutions “It is the intent of these specifications to establish quality standards of materials and equipment. in- stalled. Hence, specific itema are identified by manu- facturer, trade name or eatalog designation, “Should the contractor propose to furnish materials ‘and equipment other than those specified, as permit- ted by the ‘or approved equal’ clauses, he shall sub- mit a written request for any or all substitutions to the (architect, engineer, owner), Such a request shall be (an alternate to the original bid) (a separate pro- posal) ; shall be accompanied with complete descrip: tive (manufacturer, brand name, catalog number, ete.) and technical Gata for all items; shall indicate any addition or deduction to contract price. “Where such substitutions alter the design or space requirements indicated on the plans, the con- tractor shall include all items of cost for the revised design and construction including cost of all allied trades involved. “Acceptance or rejections of the proposed substitu- tions shall be subject to approval of the (architect, engineer, owner). If requested by the (architect, engineer, owner), the electrical contractor shall sub- mit for inspection samples uf both the specified ad ‘the proposed substitute items. TEMPORARY POWER rcquirements should be included under General Conditions, At lorge-ofec project shown above, pole line distribution system provides temporory power while under- ground system is being installed, ‘ “In ail cases where substitutions are permitted, the contractor shall bear any extra cost of evaluating the equality of the materials and equipment to be in- stalled.” ‘The following also might be covered: Quality of related hardware on the job. Causes for rejection of materials or equipment, Gauges of metal used in enclosures and boxes; wire and cable sizes, Point of delivery on jobsite of material and equip- ment; on what dates, ‘Movement of material and equipment from jobsite delivery point to installation point—by whom; how protected against theft, damage, weather or other deterioration, LABOR ‘Where relevant, statements covering the following tems can be included: Governing labor laws, prevailing or acceptable wage seales to be followed, Specifications of labor fores, such as skill of me- chanies, supervision ratio of foremen to journeymen to apprentices, ete. Clauses relating to antidiserimination, preference to handicapped workers or veterans, senfority and similar factors where applicable. Reasons for dismiseal, APPROVALS Note procedures for obtaining necessary approvals, Claims for extensions of deadlines, overtime pay. Work suspension and related justification, Field revisions of plang, substitution of materials, departure from recommended installation procedures, conflicts between plans and specifications, conflicts with other trades, “All electrical products used on this project shall be as listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Ine., and/ or other agencies as approved. “All electrical products used on this project shall conform, unless, otherwise specifically noted, to ap- plicable ‘standards of the National Blectrical Manu facturers Assn. and/or the United States of America Standards Institute.” PROTECTION Safety precautions “The contractor shall furnish and place proper suards for prevention of accidents. He shall provide and maintain any other necessary construction re- quired to secure safety of life or property, including the maintenance of sufficient lights during all night hours to secure such protection.” Include instructions covering: Enclosed storage areas, tool cribs, work sheds, field offices, general headquarters. Provision for watchman sexviee, fire extinguishers. Guard rails around excavations or elevated work areas, padlocks on enclosures, notices and warnings pertaining to high voltage, protective guards on power saws, drills and similar tools. Approved tools, appliances, devices, scaffolds as well as cranes and hoisting equipment to he utilized during construction. N ELECTRICAL service facility includes all the conductors and equipment required to deliver energy from @ utility supply line or system to the wiring system of the individual premises being served. The specifics of an electrical service will vary with the size of the installation, voltages used, and design criteria (overhead, underground, ete.). They may range from a simple overhead service drop to more complex arrangements of primary lines, under- ground ducts, switching centers and transformer installations. Service-entranee systems may incorporate encloseé busways, specially designed bus structures, inter- locked armor cable, multiple conductors per phase enclosed in parallel conduits or ducts, direct-burial cables or conductors, multieonductor ‘cables, aerial Don’t overlook these considerations on... SERVICE ENTRANCE EQUIPMENT cables, or special insulations for open wiring. Also, included are relevant equipment and accessory items associated with power cutoff or interruption, eirouit protection, primary (or secondary) metering and grounding. Definitive specification clauses should establish quality and capacity levels of all items involved in the service system. These clauses should note type, size and number of cables; installation and support- ing methods; location, rating, type and cironit pro- tection features of disconnects and associnted items. Where multiple services are indicated (power, lighting, emergency, ete,), clearly note details of such service sources in the specifications. Emergency standby equipment (generators, bat- tories, ete.) may be included with serviee-entrance QUICK-REFERENCE CHECKLIST Bus assembly or busway —size, voltage, phase and number of conductors 1D Characteristics of service ‘volts, amperes, phase, number of wires —primary (note specific vatages) _—secondaty (nate specific voltages) 1D Conduetors —type (insulation) and size single conductor —multiconductor assembly direct burial 1D Connections types of cable connectors to be used, splicing instructions, etc. 10 Disconnecting means service equipment —primary—cireuit breakers, interrupter switches —secondary—cireuit breakers, switches and fuses 0 Ducts —conduit (metal, fiber, asbestos-cement, plastic, tie, ete.) 1D Emergency service facilities See section on Standby Power Facilities 1D Equipment—detals of service equipment (may be covered in section on Transformers) 1 Grounding ‘methods and details of grounding service and equipment 1D Location of service equipment exact location on property or building —point of attachment to utility lines 1D Multiple service requirements —titferent voltages 1 Routing of service entrance —overtead—pole line and service drop —underground—trenching details and protection 1 Structures details of switching and/or transformer structures outdoor structures indoor vaults manholes for underground service Cy Other items dictated by specific project specifications or handled separately as indicated in the section on Standby Power Facilities Electrical specification sections relating to service facilities and equipment may include any or all of the items and prototype specification clauses. presented below. SERVICE DETAILS Define the service characteristies—voltage, fre- quency, phase, and number of wires. This informa tion should also be noted on the relevant plans ac- companying the specifications Primary service Specifically state what primary service work is to be done by the electrical contractor, giving necessary details on equipment locations and service facilities. Generally this phase of the work is done by the ser ving utility, but there are eases where part of it is one by the electrical contractor. For example: “The electrical contractor shall furnish and install two primary ... kv underground ... in. fiber duct systems encased in a... in, conerete envelope, as shown on Drawing No. .... One duct line shall orig- inate at the (utility) Company ... kv limes on Street; the other at similar lines on ..... Street. Both ducts shall terminate at the (utility) Company outdoor substation behind the plant boiler house. The (utility) Company will furnish and ine stall all ... kw cables in these ducts and do all wiring for their transformers and switchgear concerned with the ... ky system, “The electrical contractor shal] (furnish and) ine stall a... kv outdoor, metalclad switching center consisting of (interrupter. switches and fuses) (cireuit breakers) of capacities as noted on Drawing No. .... This contractor shall furnish and install the No. ..., ... insulated, ... kv eables, Bround cable and conduit aystems between the in: coming ... kv sections of the metalclad switchgear and the secondary busses of the (utility) Company substation, and make all connections to these busses. INE DIAGRAM of an electrcol system design presents Imple picture of service and mojor distribution facilities Basie squlpment specifics are inluded, Accompanying specticetions indicate type, quality and construction details ef items In volved, 0 “This contractor shall furnish and install the nec essary conduits and wiring between the metalclad switchgear and the meter house as required by the (utility) Company, also the ground rods and under~ ground cable system for equipment ground of the outdoor metalclad switehgear and grounding of metal fence around switchgear, Tn an installation of this type, primary service entrance can be considered to terminate at the out door switchgear. From there on out, it is a primary distribution system to the various unit substations within the plant or building. Specifications for such feeders can be added here, as included in the section on Wire and Cable Secondary service “Power for distribution within the building will be available from the secondary side of transformers supplied by the (utility) Company. This service shall be... amp, ... phase, ... wire, .../... volts, 60- cycle, alternating current for normal power and light- ing requirements. General arrangement of the trans- former vault, switchgear room and connecting main is shown on Drawing No. .... Conductor sizes and enclosures shall be as noted on this drawing. “The electrical contractor shall (furnish and) In- stall all equipment items and connections to the see- ondary side of the transformers and make all wiring connections to the current transformers and tie Dusses as shown. This contractor shall furnish and install the tie busses, limiting lugs, terminals, ete., to make 2 complete connection in each ease. Bus shall be (size), (type) conductor as noted on plans. Terminals for secondary connections at the trans- formers shall be supported independently trom the transformers so that any transformer may be easily removed.” EQUIPMENT DETAILS Service equipment may be listed and installed sepa- rately or in combination with switching centers, dis tribution switchgear, ete. Clearly indicate on the rlans and in the specifications which type is intended ‘and include pertinent descriptive information, State whether disconnect moans (main and branch) are to be: circuit breakers (air or oil, mamually or electrically operated, automatically tripped) ; inter- mupter switches and fuses (high voltage) ; or switches and fuses. Note ratings, characteristics, terminal connection methods and construction details (where necessary). Primary equipment a. Interrupter switches. b. Cireuit breakers. Indicate manufactarer’s name, type number or other identifying designation; number of poles, volts, amperes, interrupting capacity and type of operation (manual) (automatic). Specify type and style of enclosure (indoor or outdoor) and type of conduit or cable entrance and exit fittings; pertinent data on enclosed equipment, ‘A typical specification for might read as follows: “The electrical contractor shall furnish and install interrupter switch Tonsh see eutrat SPECIFICATION CLAUSE covering grounding of service equip tment should call for grounding in accordance with the Ne Code, local inspection cuthorties and the serving utlity com: & Spole, 2-position Copen-close), sroup-operated, fased air-interrapter switeh rated... amps with an interrupting rating of ... amps at... kv. Switch shall be Type ... as manufactured by Com Pany, or approved equal; shall be mounted in a sui able metal enclosure equipped with an interlock to Permit access to fuses only when switch is in open Position. “Power fuses shail have an interrupting rating of . amps rms, ... kva symmetrical at... volts shall be Type ....as manufactured by ...... Com. any, or approved equal.’ Secondary equipment “A. Fused switch: The electrical contractor shall furnish and install where shown on the plans @ ... amp, ... volt, ... pole (solid neutral) fased switch in a NEMA Type ... enclosure as a serviee entrance disconnect. Switch shall he UL listed as suitable for use as service equipment, “Switch shall be of the positive-sction, quick-make, guick-break type with interlocking cover that pre. vents opening door when external handle is in “on” Position. Switch shall be ...... Company, Type ..., Catalog No. ..., or approved equal.” In the 1200-amp to 6000-amp range, up to 600 volts, ony. General errangement should be presented on © plan Such 5 shown; connection methods ere shown on separate drowns. bolted pressure-contact switches are available as ser- vice-entrance equipment. ‘They are used with high- capacity current-limiting or noncurrent limiting fuses (as required). When the design incorporates equipment of this type, follow the above specification Procedure noting: make, type, electrical rating, enclo- sure (ventilated) ; also ‘make, type, rating and num. ber of high-capacity fuses. “B. Cireuit breaker disconnect: The electrical con- tractor shall furnish and install where indicated on the plans a... amp, ... volt, ... pole eireuit breaker in a NEMA Type ... enclosure. Breaker shall be manually operated, ttip-free and desigtied so that all poles open simultaneously. Tripping mechanisms shall be (thermally, magnetically) operated; shall open instantaneously on short circuits and have time delay on overloads; shall have effective sealing against tam ering. Breaker shall be Type ..., Catalog No, as manufactured by the ‘Company, or ‘sp proved equal.”” Coordinated combinations of circuit breakers and current-limiting fuses are available for use as high- capacity secondary service equipment where fault currents beyond the interrupting ratings of the breakers will be encountered. The fuses interrupt the high fautt currents and protect the breakers. Specifi- “PROOF” TESTING of service ond distribution conductors is becoming © common requirement on electrical construction cation of this type of equipment should follow that of conventions circuit breakers with attention di- ected to specific characteristics of the selected fuses: Recommendations of fuse manufacturers should be closely followed when selecting and specifying fuses for this type of application, Where service-entrance disconnecting means is to consist of two to six switches (circuit breakers) in @ common enclosure, as permitted by Section 230- 70 (g) of the NE Code, clearly indicate this on the plans and in the specifications. Indicate the voltage, ampere rating and number of poles of each discon- nect, fuse or overcurrent protection size, number and size of main busbars and type of enclosure. If assem: bly is standard catalog item, give manufacturer's name and catalog designation, or approved equal; if special assembly, show detailed drawings. Circuit, protection List the overcurrent and interrupting capacity rat- ing for each disconnecting means, A typical specification clause for a ofreuit breaker might read “The main circuit breaker shall be Com- Pany, model (or type) ..., or approved equal, Breaker shall be rated ... amps at ... volts ae, with trip adjustable from... amps to... amps at volts; shall have an interrupting rating of ... rms amps at ... volts, Branch-circuit protective devices shall be rated 2s shown on the (plans) (schedule).” MULTIPLE SERVICES ‘When the system design calls for more than one service entrance, specify and list each separately. This may cover’ separate services for fire pumps, 2 projects. Specifications should define type of tests to be ‘mode, by whom and under whose supervision, emergency lighting, different voltages, varied occu- pancies and similar items. Auxiliary services Specify any suxiliary services required by the system design—such as batteries, motor-generator emergency sets, other voltages or frequencies, direct current, and similar “special use" systems, Any “spe- cial use” aystems should be clearly described and specified. ‘Typical specifieation clauses for emergency standby power sources appear in a later section on Standby Power Facilities CONDUCTORS Include instructions and specification clauses relat- ing to the number, size, voltage rating, type of insu iation of all conductors and cables involved. Where considered necessary, construction characteristics of specific eables can be added. Specification clauses may be included in the Serviee-ntrance Equipment sec- tion, or separately in the Wire and Cable section of the electrical specifications. Cables Where cables are to be of a special type (other than the common building types listed in the NE Code) or for use on high-voltage systems, definitive clauses describing such cables should be included in the specifications. Example: “All cable for the ...-kv system shall be ... MCM, -ky, single-conductor, shielded, with coated copper cemduetors, butyl base insulation and neoprene base jcket, Cable shall be (manufacturer), (trade name), Specification No. ..., or approved equal, All such cable shall be in accordance with, and conform to the latest requirements of the Insulated Power Cable Engineers Association.’ Fireproofing “The electrical contractor ehall fireproof all high- voltage cables, including splices, exposed in manholes and cable closets. Fireproofing’ shall consist of two wrappings of (manufacturer) (trade name) arc and fireproofing tape No. ..., or approved equal. Tape shall be ... in. wide. The first wrap shall be wourd half-lapped, and installed with fabric side out. ‘The Second wrap shall te installed slick side out, and Wound butt-lapped. The fireproofing shall be hound with Mone! wire at the ends of the tape and ‘at 24in, intervals along its entire length. “All ducts from manhole to building shall be sealed at the manhole end with (manufacturer) (trade name) sealing compound.” Color coding 5 ‘Specifications should define the extent and method of color coding of cireuit and phase conductors and the proposed method of fdentification at terminal points. Some engineers use a table to indicate colors to be used for specific phases and voltages. If conduits, raceways, or enclosures are to be painted distinctive colors for identifying eystems, or voltages, this item should be included in the specifi- ions. If the electrical contractor is to be respon. sible for such painting, the specification should clearly state this, Connections ’ Be specific about method of making conductor and . One transformer section with a ... kva, phase, 60-cycle, ... volt delta, .../... voit wye, air- cooled type, natural draft, ...°C rise, with four % full capacity taps (two above and two below normal primary voltage), necessary insulated ... ky bus, bare 600-volt bus and ground bus complete with connections and support. Forced air-cooling equip- ment facilities shall be provided to obtain ...9% greater capacity. This equipment shall be automat ically controlled from winding temperature devices. “e. One main breaker section with stationary and removable elements, primary diseonnecting devices and mechanical interlocks eomplete with one main air circuit breaker of proper capacity for substation rating, and tie air circuit breaker of proper rating for transfer of ... % of substation rating, each draw- QUICK-REFERENCE CHECKLIST 1D Circuit and equipment characteristics voltage —phase ampere toad — interrupting capacity 1 Service-entrance equipment Primary circuit breakers interrupter switches Secondary circuit breakers —used switches —bolted prossure-contact switches combination circuit breakers and fuses Ci Primary distribution center interrupter switches, number and size circuit breakers, number and size —type of equipment enclosure —associated wiring and connections 1 Unit substation —primary and secondary disconnect transformer type and rating low-voltage section number, type and size of units substation construction type and arrangement of enclosure instrumentation —bus and connection data circuit te and interlocking 2 Controt center or switchboard 5 main disconnect —type, size branch-circut units —number, type and size construction —type and arrangement of enclosure ‘—bus end connection data —metering or instrumentation details, if any Cl Paneltoards—power and lighting size and arrangement of main bus —number of branch-circuis devices circuit breakers —fuse and switch assembly —size and number of poles of each ‘enclosing cabinet and trim, doors and locks flush —aurface 1D High-frequency lighting panels—need for detailed specification clauses D Fuses —size and type —one time —renewabie —time delay dual element high interrupting capacity high -current limitation —number of spares Other items dictated by specific project WHEN WRITING specificotions for low-voltage svitehgeor, such os shown above, consider special feotures that boost performance and reliability. These include such items os eur Fentlimiting circuit breckers, high-interrupting ‘capacity, Shunt or undervoltage teps, remote operation and. ground: feult protection, SPLIT.BUS MAIN distribution panel how system design con- cept for all-electric office structure ‘medemizotion.- Lower fection. serves through-the-wall heating/cooling venting nits. Subdistrbution ponels‘alzo ore spit-bur oeign. Clear, contise ponelspecifcctons ore @ mut. 18 cout type, triple pole, single throw, electrically oper- ated, rated 600 volts, ... rms amp interrupting capacity respectively with three time-overeurrent and instantaneous trip coils. “One ammeter, one voltmeter, transfer switches, potential and current transformers, “iq, Two feeder-breaker sections with stationary and removable elements, primary disconnecting de- vices and mechanical interlocks complete with six (6) air circuit breakers, draw-out type, triple pole, single throw, manually operated, rated. amps, 600 volts rms «mp interrupting eapacity with three time overcurrent and instantaneous short-cireuit trip coils land two spaces for future breakers ‘Substations shall be arranged in pairs and equipped with secondary-selective devices to operate as follows: Upon loss of bus voltage on one substa tion, its main breaker shall open and its tie breaker and the breaker of the second substation shail close ‘automatically, When bus voltage is restored, the main breaker shall be closed manually, thereby opening both tie breakers.” CONTROL CENTERS “The electrical contractor shall furnish and install ‘8 centralized control center of the self-supporting, totally enclosed metal (steel, aluminum) type con: sisting of standard modular dimension units as noted on the plans. “The complete control center shall contain main disconnect, branch-cireuit breaker and combination line starters, and cizeuit-breaker disconnects of size and type and voltage noted on the drawings. Where required, startstop and reset buttons shall be pro- vided in'the cover of each motor starter section, “Interior wiring shall be NEMA Class ..., Type = (Class I, Type A, B, C) (Class TI, Type B) (Class TIT, Type 0). “Control center shall be furnished complete with necessary pullboxes, wiring gutters, assembled cop- per (or aluminum) bus connections, terminal blocks and all additionally required control features “All motor starters and branch-cireuit breakers shall be (front, back-to-back) mounted and shall be easily accessible for maintenance, repair or replace- ment. “Control centers shall be as manufactured by the Company, or approved equal.” ‘Note that the above paragraphs refer to the plans for specifie ratings of control devices, possibly in detailed drawing or schedule. A more detailed speci- feation could inelude this pertinent information as well as more detailed data on physical size and con- struction . 7 SWITCHBOARDS ‘The following prototype specification clauses can be adapted, expanded or used as a guide to the devel- opment of definitive switehboard specification. The amount of detail included depends upon the sophis- tieation of the desired equipment and is the pre~ rogative of the engineer. “Furnish and install a dead-front type, completely ‘metal enclosed, self-supporting secondary power switchboard consisting of (number) panels, or eu- Dicles, containing circuit breakers (fusible switch assemblies) of the number, rating and type noted herein or shown on the drawings, “a. Circuit breakers shall be (stationary-mounted) (molded-case) (draw-out) type of capacities and number of poles indicated, “b. Fusible switch assemblies ... pole (or as noted), quick-make, quick-break type mounted ina ‘metal enclosure with an externally operated handle Which can be locked in “on” or “off” position. Urits shall be of sizes listed and shall be removable from the front of the board without disturbing adjacent units or the swilchboard bus structure, “c. Current-limiting circuit breakers shall combine time-delay thermal-trip, instantaneous magnetic-trip, and fault-current limiting protection in one complete assembly. Units shall have ampere ratings as shown and an interrupting rating of .. rms amps at volts. Current-limiting fuses (protectors) shall be ‘mounted in a special housing with safoty-cover se- cess from the front of the board i “Switchboard main bus and connections to switeh- ing devices shall be of (eopper) (aluminum) of suff cient size to limit rated continuous current operating. temperature rise to 80°C (50°C for cireuit-breaker branches). All main bus and tap connections shell be silver surfaced and tightly bolted for maximum conductivity. Switchboard bus shall be braced for short-circuit, stresses up to... rms amps (asym- metrical) “Switchboard shail be factory assembled, wired and tested before delivery, and shall conform to UL and NE Code standards, Individual-units. (eubieles) shall be designed for bolting together at installation PANELBOARD SPECIFICATIONS describe detcils such os istrbution pane! (let ond type of overcurrent grote site and shall be bonderized and painted in standard finish as provided by manufacturer. “Switchboard shall be as manufactured by Company, or approved equal.” PANELBOARDS Power distribution “Where shown on the plans, indicated in the riser diagram, and listed in the panelboard schedule, fur nish and install distribution and power panels of the types and sizes noted. Panels shall be installed with top of cabinet . . . ft, . .. in, above floor level “a. Panelboards shall be of the combination switch and fuse type with dead-front safety construction incorporating (hinged-eover swing out; pull-out Guick-make, quick-break, safety-interlocked, exter. nally operable handle) branch-circuit units, “Panel bus structure shall be for... vott, Phase, . .. wire service and of sufficient capacity to feed the (number) . . . pole, .. . wire branch-cireuit units indicated. Mains shall be equipped with solder less lugs. Branch-cireuit units shall be of sizes indi cated, ‘Panelboard assembly shall be enclosed in a code- gauge stee] cabinet with flush (surface type) trim and ample wiring gutters on top, sides and bottom, Cabinet doors shall be equipped ‘with spring (bar) latohes (indicate whether locks are required and if all shall be keyed alike and how many Keys are to be Furnished). ‘Panelboards shall be Type .. . as manufactured by the Company, or approved equal rangement of split-bus power in lighting. onal (eight one es asco pti masons pe ee fst ere 9b | Hs US Te i or intg: Inge St, Ego 00 et Es seston 20. he, Tee an bear Ups USS epic ser Tg emp. Teste Tae pe Sts ae 18. tr me ag sie ely os tras o> ne tle eo ey on oe ae Sanda er hes re" 0, Reis ysl 496 Se sp tet Instn bt ay IM be sled pr Cale Stan ‘Ho2ab. Tne ay ne 1 sete 24 00% of ating teal. Css ated ne = TSED an Uf ge “Prd = Sindee ade fies 1/1/8 eat" Si ny Ci eae ce ‘eb U5 060 an aes Carat ‘ie or KOON 0 sy slr net ie fe iy iret cogae wh thr tec 27 CLASSIFICATION CHART of modern cortrdge fuses elds final selection end specification, %, Distribution panelbosrda shall be of the dead: front safety type equipped with thermal-magnetic cireuit-breaker branches of sizes and types noted on the drawings or indieated in the panelboard schedule. Breakers shall provide instantaneous trip on short circuits and éime-delay trip on overloads. ‘Panel bus structure shall be for .... volt, ...- phase, .... wire service and of sufficient capacity to feed the number of branch-eireuit breakers indicated. Main busbars shall be equipped with solderless lugs. “Panelboard assembly shall be enclosed in a code- gauge steel cabinet with flush (surface type) trim and ample wiring gutters on top, sides and bottom. Cabinet doors shall be equipped with spring (bar) latches (indicate whether locks are required and if all shall be keyed alike and how many keys are to be furnished with each panel) “Panelboards shall be Type . by the ...... Company, or approved equal. = as manufactured Lighting distribution “All lighting branch-circuit panelboards shall be of the (switch and fuse, eircuit-breaker) type of sizes listed in the panelboard schedule or noted on the drawings. Panels shall have mains only with solder- Jess lugs on the main busbars and shall be arranged for service on a .... volt, .... phase, .... wire system. “a, Branches shall have approved molded-block sin- sle-pole snap-switch units with (Type S) plug fuse- holders. 20 ‘. Branches shall have aingle-pole, thermal-mag- netic (noninterchangeahle) cireuit breakers of sizes noted. ‘Cabinets for lighting panelboards shall be of code- gauge steel with ample wiring gutters for all wires ‘and connections. Doors shall be the single type (unless otherwise noted) with spring latches (note if locks are required, if they should be keyed alike, and how many Keys should be furnished for each panel). Panel trim shall be furnished for flush (surface) mounting as noted. “Panelboards shall be Type .... as manufactured by ..--., Company, or approved equal.” When lighting panelboards are to be of the narrow, single-row construction, so indieate on the plans and in the specifications. Include the necessary pullbox containing the neutral bar and required wiring duet te connect column panel with pullbox above. High-frequency lighting panels Lighting distribution panels for high-frequency lighting systems differ from conventional panels and must be tailored to the specific type of system in- stalled. Circuiting from the frequency converters have definite bearing on panel arrangement. Until electri- cal components for new distribution concepts, such as this, become standard catalog items, it is advisable to be more detailed and explanatory in specificatfon clauses and to provide detailed drawings of compo- nents. ‘A specification clause for a single high-frequency lighting panelboard for a two-converter system might read 8 follows: “Furnish and install a (manufacturer's name) or approved equal, two-section, .... circuit panelboard for the .... cycle, .... volt lighting systam whsre indicated on the plans. Panel shall be rated .... volts line to ground, and .... cycles. “The top section of the panel shall contain (num- ber) .... amp, 2-pole, .... volts cireuit breakers w th bus connections arranged so that each phase of the S-phase, 6-wire, .... eyele feeder from one converter feeds .... branch-cireuit breakers. Converter can, ductors shall be connected to a terminal block at the top of the panel, {The bottom section of the panel shall be a dupli- cate of the top section with terminal block at. the bottom to receive conductors from the other con verter. “CA steel barrier shall separate the 2-panel sections, ‘Bach 2-pole branch-circuit breaker shall contro) (number) high-frequency lighting fixtures as shown on the plans, “Panel shall be of the dtad-front, safety type with & code-gauge shect metal eabinet and hinged door with spring Isteh and lock.” 277-volt fuse panels he development and availability of a line of 300- volt (UL Type G) small dimension cartridge fuses and recognition of same in Seetion 240-23(a) of the 1968 NE Code may lead to the development of prac. Heal fuse-switeh panelbdards for 277-volt lighting distribution systems. : ‘The following is a typical guide-form speciGeation for this type of panel. “Distribution panelboards for the 277-vlt lighting avetem shall be of sizes (maina, number and size of branch cireuits) noted on the plans or in the panel board schedule, Panels shall contain fusible branch switches that accept the smal! dimension, 300-volt Type ... cartridge fuses, Switches shall be toggle type, quick-make, quick-break with visual indication ie Ena. WW 225 re emg fos. nay SODA a foe 4 Te emergency ‘gn pe LOADCENTER substation drawing illustrates coordinated, unit- Peckoge assembly of primary disconnect, transformer “ord of a blown fuse for each pole. Switch mechanism and fuse carriers shall have interlocking feature to pre- ‘ent fuse removal when switch is in the ‘on’ position, Fuse carriers and bases shall have fuse-size limiting feature to prevent over-fusing. Panelboards shall be enclosed in a code-gauge galvanized steel cabinet with minimum .... in. end gutters and .... in, side gut- ters. Cabinet fronts are to be (flush) (surface) type complete with door and flush chrome-plated pin-type eylinder lock and catch and directory frames. Panel. boards shall be UL listed; shall be ...,.. Company, Type ... oF approved equal.” FUSES As utility generating and distribution capacity in- creases, 30 does the magnitude of fault currents avail able at electrical system service points. Thus, in addi tion to voltage, current rating and speed of response, interrupting eapacity becomes a major consideration in the selection and specification of fuses, Where coordination with other fuse protective de- vices and circuit breakers is required, investigate and follow manufacturers’ (fuse and breaker)” recom- ‘mendations, There is a wide range of fuses available with a wide variety of protection characteristics. Hence it is important that the electrical specifications clearly indicate the specific type of fuse to be installed at specific protection points. Otherwise, the incorrect type of fuse may be ordered and applied with disrup- tive and costly consequences, One or more specification paragraphs or clauses ‘may be necessary to cover the complete fuse list, Each should clearly indicate the type and pertinent char. scleristics of the desired fuse. To avoid confusion and misunderstanding, it is common practice to identify items by listing one or more manufacturer's name, trade name, type designation, ete, ‘Typical fuse specification ‘clauses might read as follows. 208V/120 volte _-—— lighting Gnd pone feeders 56,270 Shy naspeneaceled abe Tooley ToS Secondary distribution system concept. Specifications provide detalls cn component eatipment, a1 Plug fuses “Plog fuses shall be dual-clement, time-delay, Type S of eapacities noted on the (plans) (switchboard, panel, feeder schedules, etc.). Fuses shall be (trade name) as manufactured by ...... Company, or ap- proved equal.” Cartridge fuses “A—General Cartridge fuses shall be ... volt (one-time) (re- newable) of ampere ratings noted, Fuses shall be (trade name) as manufactured by Company, or approved equal. “

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