Electrical Building Design – Professional Consultant Guide

A Complete Beginner-to-Professional Handbook for Electrical MEP

Consultants

Prepared in accordance with IEC, NEC, NFPA, BS, SBC, and Egyptian Electrical
Code

Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1 – Electrical Design Fundamentals
2. Chapter 2 – Understanding Project Documents
3. Chapter 3 – Starting a New Project
4. Chapter 4 – Load Calculations
5. Chapter 5 – Power Distribution
6. Chapter 6 – Building Systems
7. Chapter 7 – Cable Design
8. Chapter 8 – Shop Drawings
9. Chapter 9 – Complete Design Example

Chapter 1 – Electrical Design Fundamentals

1.1 Design Stages
Understanding the design stages is critical because each stage has specific
deliverables, review cycles, and approval requirements. Missing a stage or
delivering incomplete documentation will result in RFIs (Requests for
Information), delays, and cost overruns.
Stage 1: Concept Design (CD)
Purpose: Establish the electrical design strategy and feasibility.
Consultant Deliverables: - Design philosophy report - Preliminary load estimate
- Proposed electrical room locations - Preliminary single-line diagram (schematic)
- Utility connection strategy - Preliminary budget estimate

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Key Engineering Decisions: - Voltage level selection (LV vs. MV) - Number and
location of substations - Backup power strategy (generators, UPS, dual utility
feeds) - Sustainability targets (solar, energy efficiency)
Consultant Tip: At concept stage, never commit to exact numbers. Use ranges
and state assumptions clearly. The architect may still be moving walls.
Common Mistake: Junior engineers try to produce detailed calculations at
concept stage. This is premature. Focus on strategy, not detail.

Stage 2: Schematic Design (SD)

Purpose: Develop the electrical distribution concept with approximate sizing.
Consultant Deliverables: - Single-line diagram (developed) - Preliminary load
analysis - Electrical room layouts (preliminary) - Lighting concept (type and
control strategy) - Power distribution strategy - Coordination matrix with other
disciplines
Key Engineering Decisions: - Transformer sizing (preliminary) - Generator
requirement (yes/no, approximate kVA) - Distribution hierarchy (MDB → SMDB
→ DB) - Cable routing strategy (risers, horizontal distribution)
Engineering Note: SD is approximately 15-20% of design effort. Do not over-
engineer. The goal is to demonstrate that the concept is viable and fits within the
architectural constraints.

Stage 3: Design Development (DD)

Purpose: Finalize all major engineering decisions and prepare for tender.
Consultant Deliverables: - Final single-line diagram - Complete load analysis
with demand calculations - Transformer and generator sizing calculations - Panel
schedules (preliminary) - Lighting calculations (lux levels, uniformity) - Power
plan layouts - Lighting plan layouts - Fire alarm system design - Earthing and
lightning protection design - Cable sizing calculations - Specification sections
Key Engineering Decisions: - Final transformer kVA rating - Final generator
kVA rating - Final panel locations and quantities - Cable types and routing -

2
Protection device ratings - Emergency system classification (life safety
vs. standby)
Consultant Tip: DD is where most engineering mistakes occur. This is the last
stage where major changes are “easy.” After DD, changes become expensive.
Triple-check your load calculations.

Stage 4: Tender Documentation (TD)

Purpose: Provide complete documentation for contractor bidding.
Consultant Deliverables: - Complete drawing set (plans, sections, details, SLD)
- Complete technical specifications - Bill of Quantities (BOQ) - Tender drawings
and specifications - Preliminary construction schedule
Key Engineering Decisions: - Equipment specifications (manufacturer-neutral
or named) - Installation standards - Testing and commissioning requirements -
Warranty periods - Spare parts requirements
Common Mistake: Writing specifications that are too generic. Contractors will
bid the cheapest option. Be specific about performance requirements, not brand
names (unless approved equals are allowed).

Stage 5: Issued for Construction (IFC)

Purpose: Final approved drawings for construction.
Consultant Deliverables: - IFC drawing set (stamped and approved) - Approved
material submittals - Construction issue specifications - Coordination drawings
(merged with structure and architecture)
Key Engineering Decisions: - Final cable routes (coordinated with structure) -
Final penetration locations - Final equipment access clearances - Final ceiling
space coordination
Consultant Tip: IFC is a contractual document. Any error in IFC drawings is the
consultant’s liability. Review every dimension, every note, every symbol.

3
Stage 6: As-Built Documentation
Purpose: Record actual installed conditions.
Consultant Deliverables: - As-built drawings (red-lined and then drafted) - Final
cable schedules - Final panel schedules - Testing and commissioning records -
O&M manuals - Final BOQ (as-installed quantities)
Key Engineering Decisions: - Verify all changes are documented - Update
single-line diagram to match as-built - Record any deviations from design
Common Mistake: Leaving as-builts until the end of the project. Insist on weekly
red-line updates from the contractor.

1.2 Consultant Responsibilities

Professional Liability
As a consultant, you are responsible for:
1. Competence: Designs must be prepared by qualified engineers under
your supervision.
2. Code Compliance: All designs must comply with applicable codes and
standards.
3. Coordination: Electrical design must be coordinated with architecture,
structure, and mechanical.
4. Documentation: Complete and accurate drawings and specifications.
5. Site Supervision: Review contractor work for compliance with design
(varies by contract).
6. Commissioning: Witness and approve testing of installed systems.
Contractual Boundaries
Responsibility Typically Consultant Typically Contractor

Design calculations ✓

Equipment selection ✓ (specify) ✓ (procure)

Installation method (specify standards) ✓

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Responsibility Typically Consultant Typically Contractor

Cable routing detail ✓ (conceptual) ✓ (detailed)

Shop drawings ✓

As-built drawings ✓ (consultant reviews)

Testing & commissioning ✓ (witness) ✓ (perform)

Consultant Tip: Clearly define your scope in the contract. “Design only”
vs. “Design + Supervision” have very different fee structures and liability
exposures.

1.3 Required Design Codes and Standards

Primary Codes
Code Full Name Application

IEC 60364 Electrical Installations of International standard for

Buildings building electrical
systems

NEC (NFPA 70) National Electrical Code USA installations

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Fire alarm system design

Signaling Code

NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency Generator systems

and Standby Power
Systems

BS 7671 Requirements for UK and Commonwealth

Electrical Installations
(IET Wiring Regulations)

BS EN 12464 Light and Lighting – Lighting design

Lighting of Work Places

SBC 401 Saudi Building Code – Saudi Arabia

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Code Full Name Application
Electrical

Egyptian Electrical Code Egyptian Code for Egypt

Electrical Installations

IEC 61439 Low-Voltage Switchgear Panel boards

and Controlgear
Assemblies

IEC 60947 Low-Voltage Switchgear Circuit breakers,

and Controlgear contactors
Why Multiple Codes?
Different projects follow different codes based on: - Project location: Local
codes are mandatory (e.g., SBC in Saudi Arabia, Egyptian Code in Egypt) -
Client preference: International clients may require IEC or BS - Insurance
requirements: Some insurers require specific standards - Funding source:
World Bank projects often require IEC
Engineering Note: When codes conflict, the most stringent requirement applies.
Document your code selection rationale in the design criteria.
Key IEC 60364 Parts
Part Title Relevance

60364-1 Fundamental Principles General requirements

60364-4-41 Protection for Safety – Earthing, insulation

Protection against
electric shock

60364-4-42 Protection against Overload protection

thermal effects

60364-4-43 Protection against Circuit breaker sizing

overcurrent

60364-5-52 Selection and erection of Cable selection

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Part Title Relevance
electrical equipment –
Wiring systems

60364-5-54 Earthing arrangements Earthing design

and protective
conductors

60364-6 Verification Testing requirements

1.4 Design Workflow

Standard Consultant Workflow
PROJECT KICKOFF
│
▼
STAGE 1: DOCUMENT REVIEW
• Read all architectural drawings
• Read structural drawings (slab thickness, beams)
• Read MEP drawings (mechanical loads, plumbing)
• Review employer requirements
• Review utility requirements
│
▼
STAGE 2: DESIGN CRITERIA
• Define voltage levels
• Define distribution strategy
• Define code requirements
• Define load estimation methodology
│
▼
STAGE 3: LOAD ANALYSIS
• Connected load calculation
• Demand load calculation
• Diversity factor application
• Future load allowance
│
▼
STAGE 4: EQUIPMENT SIZING
• Transformer sizing
• Generator sizing
• Panel sizing
• UPS sizing (if required)
│

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 ▼
STAGE 5: DISTRIBUTION DESIGN
• Single-line diagram
• Panel schedules
• Cable sizing
• Protection coordination
│
▼
STAGE 6: SYSTEM DESIGN
• Lighting design
• Power circuits
• Fire alarm
• Emergency systems
• Earthing
• Lightning protection
│
▼
STAGE 7: DRAWING PRODUCTION
• Lighting plans
• Power plans
• Single-line diagram
• Riser diagrams
• Details and sections
• BOQ
│
▼
STAGE 8: COORDINATION & REVIEW
• Internal peer review
• Coordination with structure (penetrations)
• Coordination with architecture (ceiling space)
• Coordination with mechanical (equipment loads)
• Client review and approval
│
▼
STAGE 9: TENDER/CONSTRUCTION
• Issue tender drawings
• Respond to contractor RFIs
• Review shop drawings
• Site supervision (if in scope)
• Witness testing
• As-built documentation

Document Control
Every drawing must have: - Title block: Project name, drawing title, drawing
number, scale - Revision block: Revision number, date, description, by whom -

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Status: Concept / SD / DD / Tender / IFC / As-Built - Approval stamps:
Consultant, client, authority (where required)
Consultant Tip: Use a document numbering system from day one. Example:
EL-PL-01 (Electrical – Plan – 01), EL-SLD-01 (Electrical – Single Line Diagram –
01).

Chapter 1 Checklist
• ☐ Design stage clearly identified on all deliverables

• ☐ Applicable codes and standards listed in design criteria

• ☐ Client requirements documented and acknowledged

• ☐ Utility requirements obtained and reviewed

• ☐ Design workflow established and team roles defined

• ☐ Document control system implemented

• ☐ Coordination matrix with other disciplines prepared

• ☐ Fee proposal and scope of work clearly defined

• ☐ Professional liability insurance confirmed adequate

• ☐ Project schedule with milestones agreed with client

Chapter 2 – Understanding Project Documents

2.1 Architectural Drawings
Why Electrical Engineers Must Read Architecture First
The architectural drawings define the building’s function, which determines the
electrical load profile. A hospital has a completely different electrical requirement
than an office building. Before touching a single calculation, understand the
building.

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Key Architectural Drawings
1. Site Plan
What to look for: - Building footprint and orientation - Adjacent buildings
(shadow analysis for solar) - Utility connection points (transformer location,
generator location) - Access roads (generator delivery, maintenance access) -
Landscaping (underground cable routes, lighting poles) - Boundary walls
(security lighting, gate power)
Engineering Note: The site plan determines your external electrical
infrastructure. Where does the utility cable enter? Where can you place the
generator without violating noise or exhaust regulations?
2. Floor Plans
What to look for: - Room names and functions (determines load type) - Room
areas (for lighting calculations and load estimation) - Ceiling heights (for lighting
mounting, cable tray space) - Wall thickness and construction (cable routing,
penetration sizes) - Door and window locations (lighting switch positions,
emergency exit lighting) - Furniture layouts (power outlet locations, data points) -
Toilet locations (exhaust fan power, water heater loads) - Kitchen/cafeteria
locations (heavy power loads)
Consultant Tip: Print the floor plan and color-code room types. Red for high-
power (kitchen, server room), yellow for medium-power (offices), green for low-
power (corridors, storage).
3. Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP)
What to look for: - Ceiling type (false ceiling = space for cables and lights,
exposed = surface mounting) - Ceiling height (affects lighting photometric
calculations) - HVAC diffusers and grilles (coordinate with lighting positions) -
Sprinkler locations (coordinate with lighting, maintain clearances) - Access
panels (must not be blocked by light fixtures or panels)
Common Mistake: Designing lighting without checking the RCP. You will place
a light fixture directly under a sprinkler or HVAC diffuser.

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4. Sections and Elevations
What to look for: - Floor-to-floor heights (cable riser space) - Structural beams
(cable tray routing constraints) - Window heights (daylight contribution to lighting
design) - Façade materials (lightning protection attachment points)
5. Room Data Sheets / Room Schedules
What to look for: - Room function and occupancy - Special requirements
(medical equipment, lab power, clean power) - Finishes (affects lighting
reflectance values)

2.2 Structural Drawings

Why Structural Drawings Matter to Electrical Engineers
Every cable, tray, conduit, and panel must fit within the structural envelope. You
cannot penetrate a structural beam without structural engineer approval. You
cannot hang equipment from a slab that cannot support the weight.
Key Structural Drawings
1. Slab Plans
What to look for: - Slab thickness (determines embedded conduit capacity) -
Post-tensioned slabs (ABSOLUTELY NO CORE DRILLING without structural
approval) - Hollow core slabs (limited conduit embedding, surface routing
preferred) - Drop panels and capitals (affect ceiling space)
Engineering Note: In post-tensioned slabs, electrical conduits must be placed in
the non-tensioned zone (typically the middle third of the slab thickness). Never
route conduits where tendons are located.
2. Beam Layouts
What to look for: - Beam depths (ceiling space = slab bottom to beam soffit) -
Beam locations (cable tray must route around, not through, structural beams) -
Opening locations (structural openings may be available for risers)
Consultant Tip: Calculate available ceiling space: Slab bottom elevation minus
beam soffit elevation minus minimum clearance. If less than 150mm, you cannot
fit cable tray. Plan surface routing or raised floor.

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3. Column Schedules
What to look for: - Column sizes (affect room layouts, panel locations) - Column
locations (may block cable routes)
4. Foundation Plans
What to look for: - Foundation type (affects earthing electrode installation) -
Ground water level (affects earthing design, cable burial)

2.3 MEP Drawings

Mechanical Drawings
What to look for: - HVAC equipment schedules (motor ratings, power
requirements) - Chiller plant (largest electrical load in most commercial buildings)
- Air handling units (AHU) locations and ratings - Exhaust fans (kitchen, toilets,
carpark) - Fire pumps (emergency power requirement) - Booster pumps
(domestic water) - Sewage pumps
Engineering Note: The mechanical engineer’s equipment schedule is your
primary source for motor loads. Verify every rating. Mechanical engineers
sometimes change equipment after electrical design is complete.
Plumbing Drawings
What to look for: - Water heater locations (electric or gas?) - Pump ratings -
Drainage pump requirements
Fire Protection Drawings
What to look for: - Sprinkler pump ratings (often the largest fire safety electrical
load) - Jockey pump ratings - Fire alarm device locations (coordinate with your
fire alarm design)

2.4 Specifications
Types of Specifications
1. Employer Requirements (ER) / Performance Specifications
What to look for: - Required codes and standards - Performance targets (power
density, lighting levels) - Sustainability requirements (LEED, Estidama, etc.) -
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Future expansion requirements - Maintenance access requirements - Warranty
periods
2. Technical Specifications (Consultant’s Specifications)
What to look for: - Equipment standards and ratings - Installation methods -
Testing requirements - Acceptance criteria
Consultant Tip: Always write specifications before finalizing drawings.
Specifications define quality; drawings define quantity and location.

2.5 Utility Requirements

What to Obtain from the Utility Company
1. Available supply voltage: 415V three-phase? 11kV? 33kV?
2. Fault level at point of connection: Required for switchgear sizing
3. Supply capacity: Maximum demand allowed
4. Metering requirements: CT/PT specifications, meter location
5. Connection charges: May affect design strategy
6. Wayleave requirements: For underground cables on public land
7. Approval process and timeline: Often 3-6 months
Engineering Note: Never assume the supply voltage. In some countries,
commercial buildings receive 11kV and require an indoor substation. In others,
415V is standard. This fundamentally changes your design.

2.6 Site Plan Analysis

External Electrical Infrastructure
SITE BOUNDARY

UTILITY MAIN
POLE/ DB
TOWER (MDB)
│ │
│ Utility Cable │
└───────────────────────────────────┘
│
GENERATOR ┌───────┴───────┐

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 │ │ ATS │
│ │ │
└──────────────────────────►│ │
└───────┬───────┘
│
▼
MDB Busbar
│
┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
SMDB-1 SMDB-2 SMDB-3
(Floor) (Floor) (Floor)
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
DB DB DB
(Rooms) (Rooms) (Rooms)

Chapter 2 Checklist
• ☐ All architectural drawings reviewed and marked with electrical notes

• ☐ Structural drawings reviewed for cable routing constraints

• ☐ MEP equipment schedules extracted and verified

• ☐ Employer requirements documented and acknowledged

• ☐ Utility requirements obtained in writing

• ☐ Site plan analyzed for external infrastructure

• ☐ Coordination issues logged and distributed to team

• ☐ Drawing register prepared with revision tracking

• ☐ Missing information listed and RFIs issued

• ☐ Document control system established

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Chapter 3 – Starting a New Project
3.1 Step-by-Step Project Startup
This chapter explains exactly what to do after receiving a new project. Follow
these steps in order. Do not skip steps.

Step 1: Review Drawings

Action Items:
1. Print the floor plans (yes, print them – you need to mark them up)
2. Read every sheet number and verify you have a complete set
3. Check the drawing index against what you received
4. Verify the revision – are these the latest drawings?
5. Check the scale – is it consistent? (1:100 is typical for floor plans)
What to Mark on Drawings:
• Room names (verify against room schedule)
• Room areas (calculate if not provided)
• Ceiling heights (note on each plan)
• Structural beams (highlight – cable routing constraints)
• Columns (panel locations cannot be here)
• Staircases (emergency lighting required)
• Elevator shafts (elevator power, pit lighting)
• Toilet blocks (exhaust fans, water heaters)
• Kitchen areas (heavy power)
• Server rooms / IT rooms (UPS power, cooling)
• Mechanical rooms (HVAC equipment)
• Fire pump rooms (emergency power)
Consultant Tip: Use colored highlighters: yellow for lighting loads, pink for
power loads, green for mechanical loads, blue for special systems.

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Step 2: Study Codes
Action Items:
1. Identify the applicable code based on project location
2. Obtain the latest version of the code (codes are updated regularly)
3. Read the scope and definitions section
4. Identify mandatory vs. recommended requirements
5. Check for local amendments (many countries modify international
codes)
Code Study Checklist:
IEC 60364
Topic Reference NEC Reference Key Requirements

Voltage levels 60364-1 Article 110 Standard

voltages,
tolerances

Protection against 60364-4-41 Article 250 Earthing, bonding,

shock RCDs

Overcurrent 60364-4-43 Article 240 Circuit breaker

protection coordination

Cable selection 60364-5-52 Article 310 Current carrying

capacity

Voltage drop 60364-5-52 Article 215 Maximum 4% for

lighting, 5% for
power

Earthing 60364-5-54 Article 250 Earth electrode

resistance

Lightning IEC 62305 NFPA 780 Risk assessment,

protection LPS class

Fire alarm IEC 62676 NFPA 72 Device spacing,

16
 IEC 60364
Topic Reference NEC Reference Key Requirements
power supply

Emergency IEC 60598-2-22 NFPA 101 Escape route

lighting illumination
Common Mistake: Using an old version of the code. Always verify you have the
current edition.

Step 3: Identify Occupancy

Why Occupancy Matters
The occupancy type determines: - Load density (W/m²) - Lighting
requirements (lux levels) - Emergency system classification (life safety
vs. standby) - Fire alarm requirements - Earthing requirements (medical
locations have special requirements)
Common Occupancy Types and Electrical Characteristics
Typical Load Emergency
Occupancy Density Lighting (lux) Class Notes

Office 80-120 W/m² 300-500 Standby High small

power load

Retail 150-250 W/m² 300-750 Life Safety High lighting

load

Hospital 150-300 W/m² 300-1000 Life Safety Medical

earthing

School 60-100 W/m² 300-500 Standby Socket outlets

every 4m

Hotel 100-150 W/m² 100-300 Life Safety Guest room

circuits

Warehouse 20-40 W/m² 150-200 Standby High bay

17
 Typical Load Emergency
Occupancy Density Lighting (lux) Class Notes
lighting

Car Park 15-30 W/m² 50-75 Life Safety Ventilation

interlock

Restaurant 200-400 W/m² 200-500 Life Safety Kitchen heavy

load

Data Center 1000-2000 300-500 Life Safety UPS +

W/m² Generator
mandatory
Engineering Note: Load density values are rules of thumb for early-stage
estimation. Final design must be based on actual equipment schedules.

Step 4: Determine Electrical Loads

Load Categories
Every building has three categories of electrical load:
1. Lighting Load - Interior lighting (offices, corridors, toilets) - Exterior lighting
(façade, landscape, parking) - Emergency lighting (escape routes, exits) -
Specialty lighting (display, medical, stage)
2. Power Load (Small Power) - Socket outlets (general use) - Dedicated circuits
(water coolers, printers, kitchen appliances) - IT equipment (computers, servers,
network)
3. Mechanical Load - HVAC (chillers, AHUs, FCUs, pumps) - Plumbing (water
heaters, booster pumps, drainage pumps) - Vertical transportation (elevators,
escalators) - Fire protection (sprinkler pumps, smoke exhaust)
Preliminary Load Estimation Method
For early-stage design (Concept / SD), use the load density method:
Total Estimated Load = Building Area (m²) × Load Density (W/m²)

Example: Office building, 5,000 m², load density 100 W/m²

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Total Estimated Load = 5,000 × 100 = 500,000 W = 500 kW

Then apply diversity:

Estimated Demand = Total Estimated Load × Diversity Factor
= 500 kW × 0.7 = 350 kW

Consultant Tip: Always state your assumptions. Write: “Based on office

occupancy at 100 W/m² per ASHRAE/IES guidelines, with 0.7 diversity factor per
IEC 60364.”

Step 5: Coordinate with Architect

Key Coordination Items
Item What to Discuss Why It Matters

Electrical room locations Size, ventilation, access Transformers need

ventilation; panels need
maintenance access

Ceiling space Available depth for cable Determines if surface or

trays recessed routing

Riser locations Shaft sizes, fire rating Cable risers need fire-
rated enclosures

Penetrations Beam locations, slab Structural approval

thickness required for penetrations

Light fixture types Recessed, surface, Affects ceiling design and

pendant HVAC coordination

Switch locations Wall construction, Cannot place switches on

finishes structural columns

Socket locations Furniture layouts, skirting Power must reach where

details users need it
Electrical Room Requirements
Main Electrical Room (Substation): - Minimum size: 3m × 4m for small
building, 6m × 8m for large building - Clear ceiling height: 3.0m minimum (3.6m

19
preferred for transformer removal) - Floor loading: 10 kN/m² (transformers are
heavy) - Ventilation: Natural or forced, calculate heat rejection - Access: Double
door minimum 1.5m wide (for transformer) - Fire rating: 2-hour fire-resistant
construction - Location: Central to load center to minimize voltage drop
Secondary Electrical Rooms (Floor DB Rooms): - Minimum size: 2m × 2.5m -
Clear ceiling height: 2.4m minimum - Ventilation: Natural ventilation adequate -
Access: Single door 0.9m wide - Fire rating: 1-hour fire-resistant construction
Consultant Tip: Never accept the architect’s first suggestion for electrical room
location. They often propose leftover spaces. Demand a location that is: 1.
Central to the electrical load 2. Accessible for maintenance (not behind locked
tenant spaces) 3. Ventilated (not an interior room with no exterior wall) 4. Sized
correctly (not a closet)

Step 6: Define Electrical Rooms

Room-by-Room Analysis
For each floor, identify: 1. Main Distribution Board (MDB) location: Usually
ground floor or basement 2. Sub-Main Distribution Boards (SMDB): One per
floor or per zone 3. Distribution Boards (DB): One per tenant or per functional
area 4. Fire alarm panel: Ground floor, near main entrance 5. UPS room: Near
IT equipment, climate-controlled 6. Generator room: External, with exhaust and
fuel storage
Load Center Concept
The “load center” is the geometric center of electrical load on a floor. Placing the
SMDB at the load center minimizes cable lengths and voltage drop.
Calculation Method:
X_load_center = Σ(Load_i × X_i) / Σ(Load_i)
Y_load_center = Σ(Load_i × Y_i) / Σ(Load_i)

Where (X_i, Y_i) is the location of load i.

Consultant Tip: In practice, the load center is an approximate guide.
Architectural constraints often override the theoretical optimum. Document your
room location rationale.
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Step 7: Prepare Design Criteria
Design Criteria Document Structure
1. PROJECT INFORMATION
1.1 Project Name
1.2 Project Location
1.3 Client Name
1.4 Design Stage
1.5 Date

2. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

2.1 Primary Code (e.g., IEC 60364)
2.2 Secondary Codes
2.3 Local Amendments
2.4 Client Standards

3. UTILITY SUPPLY
3.1 Supply Voltage
3.2 Supply Frequency
3.3 Number of Phases
3.4 Fault Level at POC
3.5 Supply Capacity

4. VOLTAGE LEVELS
4.1 Distribution Voltage
4.2 Utilization Voltage
4.3 Control Voltage
4.4 ELV Systems

5. LOAD ESTIMATION CRITERIA

5.1 Lighting Load Density
5.2 Small Power Load Density
5.3 Mechanical Load Source
5.4 Diversity Factors
5.5 Future Load Allowance

6. DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
6.1 Distribution Hierarchy
6.2 Panel Types and Locations
6.3 Cable Routing Strategy
6.4 Earthing System

7. LIGHTING DESIGN CRITERIA

7.1 Interior Lighting Levels
7.2 Exterior Lighting Levels
7.3 Emergency Lighting Levels

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 7.4 Lamp Types
7.5 Control Strategy

8. SPECIAL SYSTEMS
8.1 Fire Alarm
8.2 Emergency Power
8.3 UPS
8.4 Lightning Protection
8.5 Earthing

9. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
9.1 Transformer Standard
9.2 Switchgear Standard
9.3 Cable Standard
9.4 Panel Board Standard

10. DRAWING STANDARDS

10.1 Drawing Scale
10.2 Symbol Legend
10.3 Line Types
10.4 Annotation Style

3.2 Real Commercial Building Example

Project Brief
Project: ABC Office Building Location: Cairo, Egypt Building Type:
Commercial Office Floors: Ground + 5 typical floors + Roof Floor Area: 800 m²
per floor Total Area: 4,800 m² Ceiling Height: 2.8m (false ceiling at 2.4m)
Structural System: Reinforced concrete flat slab Occupancy: Office (open plan
+ meeting rooms)
Step-by-Step Startup
Step 1: Drawing Review
Floor Plan Analysis (Typical Floor): - Open plan office: 500 m² - Meeting
rooms: 3 rooms × 20 m² = 60 m² - Manager offices: 4 offices × 15 m² = 60 m² -
Reception: 40 m² - Pantry/kitchen: 20 m² - Toilets: 2 blocks × 30 m² = 60 m² -
Corridor/circulation: 60 m² - Total: 800 m² ✓
Mark-ups Required: - Ceiling is false ceiling at 2.4m → recessed lighting and
cable tray in ceiling void (400mm depth available) - Structural system is flat slab

22
→ no beams, easy cable routing - Columns at grid intersections → avoid for
panel locations - Staircase at north-east corner → emergency lighting required -
Two elevators at center → elevator power required
Step 2: Code Study
Applicable Codes: - Egyptian Electrical Code (primary – mandatory in Egypt) -
IEC 60364 (reference standard) - NFPA 72 (fire alarm) - IEC 62305 (lightning
protection)
Key Requirements from Egyptian Electrical Code: - Supply voltage:
380/220V, 3-phase, 50Hz - Maximum voltage drop: 4% for lighting, 5% for power
- Earthing system: TN-S (separate PE and N throughout) - RCD protection:
30mA for socket outlets - Emergency lighting: Required for all escape routes
Step 3: Occupancy Identification
Occupancy: Office (B2 per Egyptian Building Code)
Implications: - Load density: 100 W/m² (typical office) - Lighting: 300-500 lux for
work areas - Emergency system: Standby (not life safety for offices) - Fire alarm:
Required, addressable system - Socket outlets: Minimum 1 per 10 m²
Step 4: Load Determination (Preliminary)
Method: Load Density × Area
Area Load Density Estimated Load
Floor (m²) (W/m²) (kW)

Ground (Reception + 800 150 120

Retail)

Floor 1 (Office) 800 100 80

Floor 2 (Office) 800 100 80

Floor 3 (Office) 800 100 80

Floor 4 (Office) 800 100 80

Floor 5 (Office) 800 100 80

Roof (Mechanical) 400 200 80

23
 Area Load Density Estimated Load
Floor (m²) (W/m²) (kW)

Total 4,800 600

Apply Diversity:
Estimated Demand = 600 kW × 0.7 = 420 kW

Add Future Load (20%):

Total Design Demand = 420 kW × 1.2 = 504 kW

Convert to kVA (assuming PF = 0.85):

Apparent Power = 504 kW / 0.85 = 593 kVA

Consultant Tip: This is a preliminary estimate for SD stage. DD stage requires

detailed load analysis per Chapter 4.
Step 5: Architect Coordination
Electrical Room Proposal:
Room Location Size Rationale

Main Electrical Ground floor, rear 4m × 5m Near utility entry,

Room central to building

SMDB Room Floor 2, center 2.5m × 3m Central to floors 1-

(Floor 1-3) 3 load

SMDB Room Floor 4, center 2.5m × 3m Central to floors 4-

(Floor 4-5) 5 load

Fire Alarm Panel Ground, near 1m × 1m wall Code requirement

entrance

Generator External, north 4m × 6m Exhaust away

side from air intakes
Coordination Issues Logged: 1. Generator location needs structural pad –
inform structural engineer 2. Main electrical room needs ventilation louver –
architect to confirm façade 3. Cable riser shaft required – architect to allocate 1m
× 2m shaft 4. Ceiling void depth 400mm – confirm adequate for cable tray +
lights

24
Step 6: Design Criteria Summary
DESIGN CRITERIA – ABC OFFICE BUILDING

1. SUPPLY: 380/220V, 3-phase, 50Hz from utility

2. DISTRIBUTION: TN-S earthing system
3. PRELIMINARY DEMAND: 593 kVA
4. TRANSFORMER: 630 kVA (next standard size)
5. GENERATOR: 250 kVA (for emergency loads only)
6. LIGHTING: LED, 400 lux open plan, DALI dimming
7. EMERGENCY: 90 minutes battery backup + generator
8. FIRE ALARM: Addressable, NFPA 72 compliant
9. LIGHTNING: Class III LPS per IEC 62305
10. FUTURE LOAD: 20% spare capacity in all panels

Chapter 3 Checklist
• ☐ Complete drawing set received and verified

• ☐ All drawings reviewed and marked up

• ☐ Applicable codes identified and obtained

• ☐ Occupancy type determined and documented

• ☐ Preliminary load estimate completed

• ☐ Architect coordination meeting held

• ☐ Electrical room locations agreed

• ☐ Design criteria document prepared and issued

• ☐ Coordination issues logged and distributed

• ☐ Missing information RFIs issued

• ☐ Project kickoff meeting minutes issued

• ☐ Design schedule agreed with client

25
Chapter 4 – Load Calculations
4.1 Connected Load
Definition
Connected Load is the sum of the nameplate ratings of all electrical equipment
connected to the system. It represents the maximum possible load if every
device operates simultaneously at full rating.
Why Connected Load Is Not the Design Load
In any building, not all equipment operates simultaneously, and not all operates
at full load. Designing for connected load would result in massively oversized
equipment and wasted investment.
How to Calculate Connected Load
Step 1: List every electrical device in the building.
Step 2: Record the nameplate rating of each device.
Step 3: Sum all ratings.
Example: Office Floor Connected Load
Equipment Quantity Unit Rating (W) Total (W)

LED Panel Light 600×600 40 36 1,440

LED Downlight 20 18 360

Emergency Light 10 5 50

Socket Outlet (assumed load) 30 100 3,000

FCU (Fan Coil Unit) 8 250 2,000

Water Cooler 2 500 1,000

Printer/Copier 3 1,500 4,500

IT Rack 1 3,000 3,000

Total Connected Load 15,350 W

Consultant Tip: For socket outlets, use an assumed load per outlet, not the
socket rating. A 13A socket does not draw 13A continuously. Typical assumed
loads: - Office socket: 100W - Kitchen socket: 500W - Laboratory socket: 1,000W

26
4.2 Demand Load
Definition
Demand Load is the actual load expected to be drawn at any given time,
considering that not all equipment operates simultaneously.
Demand Factor
Demand Factor (DF) = Maximum Demand / Connected Load
Demand Load = Connected Load × Demand Factor

Typical Demand Factors

Load Type Demand Factor Basis

Lighting 0.9 – 1.0 Most lights operate

during working hours

Receptacles (offices) 0.5 – 0.7 Not all sockets used

simultaneously

Receptacles (schools) 0.4 – 0.6 Intermittent use

HVAC (cooling) 0.8 – 1.0 Depends on climate

HVAC (heating) 0.6 – 0.8 Depends on climate

Elevators 0.5 – 0.7 Not all elevators at peak

simultaneously

Water heaters 0.3 – 0.5 Thermostatic control

Motors (general) 0.6 – 0.8 Not all at full load

Kitchen equipment 0.6 – 0.8 Diversity of cooking

cycles

Fire pumps 1.0 Must operate at full

capacity

UPS 0.7 – 0.9 Depends on IT load

profile

27
Engineering Note: Demand factors vary by code and application. The Egyptian
Electrical Code provides specific demand factors for different building types. NEC
Article 220 provides demand factors for dwelling units and commercial
occupancies.

4.3 Diversity Factor

Definition
Diversity Factor is the ratio of the sum of individual maximum demands to the
maximum demand of the whole system.
Diversity Factor = Σ(Individual Maximum Demands) / System Maximum Deman
d

Or equivalently:
System Maximum Demand = Σ(Individual Maximum Demands) / Diversity Facto
r

Diversity Factor vs. Demand Factor

Demand Factor Diversity Factor

Applies to Individual load type Multiple loads or feeders

Value Less than 1.0 Greater than 1.0

Use Reduces connected load Reduces sum of

to expected load individual demands to
system demand
Typical Diversity Factors
Application Diversity Factor

Between distribution boards 1.2 – 1.5

Between sub-mains 1.3 – 1.6

Between main feeders 1.5 – 2.0

Transformer sizing 1.5 – 2.0

Generator sizing 1.0 – 1.2 (be conservative)

28
Consultant Tip: For generator sizing, use a diversity factor close to 1.0. You
cannot afford to undersize emergency power. For transformer sizing, you can be
more aggressive because overload is temporary and transformers have thermal
inertia.

4.4 Future Load

Why Include Future Load
Buildings change. Tenants add equipment. Technology evolves. Designing for
today’s exact load means the system will be obsolete before the building is
complete.
Standard Future Load Allowance
Building Type Future Load Allowance

Office 20% – 30%

Retail 30% – 50%

Hospital 20% – 30%

School 20% – 30%

Industrial 30% – 50%

Data Center 50% – 100%

How to Apply Future Load
Design Demand = (Connected Load × Demand Factor) / Diversity Factor × (
1 + Future %)

Or, more commonly:

Design Demand = Present Demand × (1 + Future %)

Engineering Note: Future load is not spare capacity in panels – it is increased

demand on the upstream system (transformer, generator, main cables). Panel
spare ways handle future branch circuits.

29
4.5 Worked Examples
Example 1: Office Floor Load Calculation
Building: ABC Office Building, Typical Floor Area: 800 m²
Step 1: Lighting Load
Lux Wattage
Room Area (m²) Required Lumens/m² (LED) Total (W)

Open 500 400 400 4 W/m² 2,000

Office

Meeting 60 500 500 5 W/m² 300

Rooms

Manager 60 350 350 3.5 W/m² 210

Offices

Reception 40 300 300 3 W/m² 120

Pantry 20 200 200 2 W/m² 40

Toilets 60 150 150 1.5 W/m² 90

Corridor 60 150 150 1.5 W/m² 90

Total 2,850 W
Lighting
Connected Lighting Load = 2,850 W Demand Factor = 0.95 (most lights on
during working hours) Demand Lighting Load = 2,850 × 0.95 = 2,708 W
Step 2: Small Power Load
Item Quantity Assumed Load (W) Total (W)

General Socket Outlets 30 100 3,000

Dedicated Printer Circuits 3 1,500 4,500

Water Cooler 2 500 1,000

IT Rack 1 3,000 3,000

Kitchen Appliances 2 2,000 4,000

30
Item Quantity Assumed Load (W) Total (W)

Total Small Power 15,500 W

Connected Small Power = 15,500 W Demand Factor = 0.6 (not all sockets
used simultaneously) Demand Small Power = 15,500 × 0.6 = 9,300 W
Step 3: Mechanical Load
Item Quantity Rating (W) Total (W)

FCU (Fan Coil Unit) 8 250 2,000

Exhaust Fan (Toilet) 4 80 320

Exhaust Fan (Kitchen) 1 200 200

Total Mechanical 2,520 W

Connected Mechanical = 2,520 W Demand Factor = 0.85 (HVAC operates
most of working hours) Demand Mechanical = 2,520 × 0.85 = 2,142 W
Step 4: Floor Total
Category Connected (W) Demand Factor Demand (W)

Lighting 2,850 0.95 2,708

Small Power 15,500 0.6 9,300

Mechanical 2,520 0.85 2,142

Floor Total 20,870 14,150

Floor Diversity Factor = 1.1 Floor Demand = 14,150 / 1.1 = 12,864 W ≈ 12.9
kW
Step 5: Building Total
Floor Area (m²) Floor Demand (kW)

Ground 800 18.5

Floor 1 800 12.9

Floor 2 800 12.9

Floor 3 800 12.9

Floor 4 800 12.9

31
Floor Area (m²) Floor Demand (kW)

Floor 5 800 12.9

Roof 400 8.0

Total 91.0 kW
Building Diversity Factor = 1.4 Building Demand = 91.0 / 1.4 = 65.0 kW
Step 6: Apply Future Load
Future Load = 20% Design Demand = 65.0 × 1.2 = 78.0 kW
Convert to kVA (PF = 0.85):
Design kVA = 78.0 / 0.85 = 91.8 kVA

Consultant Tip: This is the demand for one typical floor multiplied across the
building. In reality, each floor should be calculated individually because the
ground floor (reception/retail) and roof (mechanical) have different load profiles.

Example 2: Complete Building Load Analysis

Project: ABC Office Building Total Area: 4,800 m²
Detailed Load Schedule
Lighting Small Mechanical Connected Demand
Floor (kW) Power (kW) (kW) (kW) (kW)

Ground 4.5 25.0 8.0 37.5 22.5

Floor 1 2.9 15.5 2.5 20.9 13.0

Floor 2 2.9 15.5 2.5 20.9 13.0

Floor 3 2.9 15.5 2.5 20.9 13.0

Floor 4 2.9 15.5 2.5 20.9 13.0

Floor 5 2.9 15.5 2.5 20.9 13.0

Roof 1.5 2.0 12.0 15.5 11.0

Total 20.5 104.5 32.5 157.5 98.5

Building Diversity Factor = 1.5 Building Demand = 98.5 / 1.5 = 65.7 kW
Add Future (20%):

32
Design Demand = 65.7 × 1.2 = 78.8 kW

Convert to kVA:
Design kVA = 78.8 / 0.85 = 92.7 kVA

Transformer Selection: Next standard size = 100 kVA

Wait – this seems low compared to the preliminary estimate in Chapter 3 (593
kVA). Why?
Explanation: The preliminary estimate used 100 W/m² for all floors including
ground and roof. The detailed calculation shows: - Ground floor has higher load
(retail) = 18.5 kW - Typical floors = 12.9 kW each - Roof mechanical = 8.0 kW
The preliminary estimate of 593 kVA was conservative (using total area ×
density). The detailed calculation of 92.7 kVA is more accurate but may be too
low for a building with elevators, fire pumps, and central chillers.
Consultant Tip: The detailed calculation is missing central plant loads (chiller,
main fire pump, elevators). These are typically fed from the main distribution
board, not floor DBs. Add these separately.
Adding Central Plant Loads
Equipment Rating (kW) Demand Factor Demand (kW)

Chiller 45.0 0.9 40.5

Chiller Pump 7.5 0.9 6.8

Cooling Tower 5.5 0.9 5.0

Fire Pump 22.0 1.0 22.0

Jockey Pump 2.2 1.0 2.2

Elevator 1 7.5 0.7 5.3

Elevator 2 7.5 0.7 5.3

Total Central Plant 97.2 87.1

Revised Building Demand:
Total Demand = Floor Demand + Central Plant Demand
= 65.7 + 87.1 = 152.8 kW

Design Demand (with 20% future) = 152.8 × 1.2 = 183.4 kW

33
Design kVA = 183.4 / 0.85 = 215.8 kVA

Transformer Selection: Next standard size = 250 kVA

Consultant Tip: This demonstrates why preliminary estimates can be
misleading. Always perform detailed load calculations before sizing major
equipment.

4.6 Load Calculation Summary Table

Parameter Symbol Formula Example Value

Connected Load CL Sum of nameplate 254.7 kW

ratings

Demand Factor DF Demand Load / 0.6 – 0.95

Connected Load

Demand Load DL CL × DF 152.8 kW

Diversity Factor DiF ΣIndividual 1.3 – 1.5

Demands /
System Demand

System Demand SD ΣIndividual 152.8 kW

Demands / DiF

Future Load FL SD × Future % 30.6 kW (20%)

Design Demand DD SD + FL 183.4 kW

Power Factor PF kW / kVA 0.85

Design kVA S DD / PF 215.8 kVA

Chapter 4 Checklist
• ☐ Complete equipment schedule prepared

• ☐ Connected load calculated for every floor

• ☐ Demand factors applied per code requirements

34
 • ☐ Diversity factors applied at each distribution level

• ☐ Future load allowance included

• ☐ Power factor estimated and applied

• ☐ Central plant loads added separately

• ☐ Load calculation checked by senior engineer

• ☐ Results compared with preliminary estimate

• ☐ Discrepancies explained and documented

Chapter 5 – Power Distribution

5.1 Distribution Hierarchy
Standard Building Distribution
UTILITY SUPPLY
│
▼
MAIN DISTRIBUTION BOARD (MDB)
│
├──► SMDB-1 (Floor 1-2)
│ │
│ ├──► DB-1A
│ └──► DB-1B
│
├──► SMDB-2 (Floor 3-4)
│ │
│ ├──► DB-2A
│ └──► DB-2B
│
├──► SMDB-3 (Floor 5 + Roof)
│ │
│ ├──► DB-3A
│ └──► DB-3B
│
├──► Fire Pump
├──► Chiller
├──► Elevators
└──► UPS

35
Distribution Levels Explained
Level Name Typical Rating Function

1 Main Distribution 400A – 4000A Receives utility

Board (MDB) supply, distributes
to SMDBs

2 Sub-Main 160A – 630A Floor-level

Distribution Board distribution,
(SMDB) receives from
MDB

3 Distribution Board 63A – 250A Final distribution

(DB) to rooms/areas

4 Final Circuits 10A – 63A Individual lighting

and power circuits

5.2 Transformer Sizing

Why Transformer Sizing Is Critical
The transformer is the heart of the building’s electrical system. Undersizing
causes overheating and premature failure. Oversizing wastes capital, increases
no-load losses, and reduces efficiency.
Transformer Sizing Procedure
Step 1: Calculate total design demand in kVA (from Chapter 4)
Step 2: Apply transformer diversity factor (typically 1.2 – 1.5)
Step 3: Select the next standard transformer size
Step 4: Verify voltage regulation at full load
Step 5: Verify short-circuit withstand capability
Standard Transformer Sizes (IEC)
Impedance Typical
kVA Primary (kV) Secondary (V) (%) Application

36
 Impedance Typical
kVA Primary (kV) Secondary (V) (%) Application

100 11 400/230 4% Small office,

villa

160 11 400/230 4% Small

commercial

250 11 400/230 4% Medium office

400 11 400/230 4% Large office

630 11 400/230 4% Commercial

complex

1000 11 400/230 6% Hospital, hotel

1250 11 400/230 6% Large

commercial

1600 11 400/230 6% Industrial,

data center

2000 11 400/230 6% Large facility

Worked Example: Transformer Sizing for ABC Office Building
From Chapter 4:
Design Demand = 183.4 kW
Design kVA = 215.8 kVA (at PF = 0.85)

Transformer Diversity Factor = 1.3

Required Transformer Size = 215.8 / 1.3 = 166 kVA

Select next standard size: 250 kVA

Loading at Design Demand:
% Loading = (215.8 / 250) × 100 = 86.3%

This is acceptable. Transformers operate efficiently between 50% and 100%

load.
Future Capacity:
Spare Capacity = 250 - 215.8 = 34.2 kVA (13.7%)

37
This is marginal. Consider 400 kVA if future expansion is likely.
Consultant Tip: For commercial buildings, size the transformer for 70-80%
loading at day-one demand. This provides 20-30% spare capacity for future
growth without excessive no-load losses.
Transformer Specifications
Parameter Specification Notes

Type Oil-filled or Dry-type Dry-type preferred

indoors (no fire risk)

Cooling AN (Air Natural) or ANAF ANAF for ratings above

1000 kVA

Vector Group Dyn11 Standard for distribution

transformers

Impedance 4% or 6% Higher impedance =

lower fault current

Tap Changer Off-circuit ±2.5%, ±5% Standard for distribution

transformers

Efficiency IE2 or IE3 Higher efficiency = lower

operating cost

Temperature Rise 80K (dry-type) Class F insulation

Enclosure IP23 (indoor) IP54 for dusty

environments

5.3 Generator Sizing

Why Generator Sizing Is Different from Transformer Sizing
Generators must handle: 1. Running load: Steady-state power demand 2.
Starting load: Motor inrush currents (5-7× running current) 3. Transient
response: Voltage dip during load steps 4. Non-linear loads: Harmonics from
UPS, VFDs, LED drivers

38
Generator Sizing Procedure
Step 1: Identify emergency loads (life safety + critical standby)
Step 2: Calculate running kW and kVA
Step 3: Calculate starting kVA for largest motor
Step 4: Apply motor starting factor
Step 5: Select generator size based on the larger of running kVA or starting kVA
Emergency Load Classification
Category Examples Generator Required?

Life Safety Fire pumps, emergency Yes – mandatory

lighting, fire alarm

Critical Standby Data centers, medical Yes – client requirement

equipment, security

Standby HVAC, general lighting, Optional – client decision

elevators
Worked Example: Generator Sizing for ABC Office Building
Step 1: Identify Emergency Loads
Equipment Rating (kW) Demand Factor Running kW

Fire Pump 22.0 1.0 22.0

Jockey Pump 2.2 1.0 2.2

Emergency Lighting (all floors) 3.5 1.0 3.5

Fire Alarm System 2.0 1.0 2.0

Elevator (1 of 2) 7.5 0.7 5.3

Security System 1.5 1.0 1.5

Total Emergency Load 36.5 kW

Step 2: Calculate Running kVA
Running kVA = 36.5 / 0.8 = 45.6 kVA

Step 3: Calculate Starting kVA

Largest motor: Fire pump = 22 kW

39
Motor Starting Current = 6 × Full Load Current
Starting kVA = 22 × 6 / 0.8 = 165 kVA

Step 4: Apply Motor Starting Factor

Using reduced voltage starter (star-delta):
Starting kVA (reduced) = 165 / 3 = 55 kVA

Step 5: Select Generator Size

Required size = Maximum of: - Running kVA: 45.6 kVA - Starting kVA: 55 kVA
Select: 60 kVA generator
But wait – we need to check voltage dip:
Voltage Dip Calculation:
Voltage Dip (%) = (Starting kVA / Generator kVA) × (Xd" / 100) × 100

Where Xd” = subtransient reactance (typically 15-20% for diesel generators)

Voltage Dip = (55 / 60) × 0.18 × 100 = 16.5%

Maximum allowable voltage dip for fire pump motors: 15% (per NFPA 20)
16.5% > 15% → Generator too small
Revised Selection: 80 kVA generator
Voltage Dip = (55 / 80) × 0.18 × 100 = 12.4% ✓

Consultant Tip: Always check voltage dip for the largest motor starting. NFPA
20 requires voltage dip not to exceed 15% for fire pump motors. For other
motors, 20-25% may be acceptable depending on the application.
Generator Specifications
Parameter Specification Notes

Prime Rating Equal to calculated size Prime = continuous

operation

Standby Rating 1.1 × Prime Standby = limited hours

per year

Voltage 400/230V, 3-phase Match building voltage

Frequency 50 Hz Match utility frequency

Speed 1500 RPM Standard for 50 Hz

40
Parameter Specification Notes

Voltage Regulation ±1% AVR controlled

Frequency Regulation ±0.5% Electronic governor

Fuel Diesel Standard for standby

Fuel Tank 8-24 hours capacity Per code requirements

Enclosure Weatherproof / Acoustic Acoustic for noise-

sensitive areas

ATS Automatic Transfer Automatic start on utility

Switch failure

5.4 Main Distribution Board (MDB)

MDB Components
UTILITY ──► [Main Breaker] ──► [Busbar] ──► [Outgoing]
(ACB/MCCB) (Cu/Al) (MCCB)
│
[Energy Meter]
│
[CTs/PTs]
│
[Surge Protection]

GENERATOR ──► [ATS] ──► [Busbar]

Outgoing Feeders:
• SMDB-1 (Floor 1-2)
• SMDB-2 (Floor 3-4)
• SMDB-3 (Floor 5 + Roof)
• Fire Pump
• Chiller
• Elevators
• UPS
• Spare (20%)

MDB Sizing
Main Incomer Rating:
Main Incomer (A) = (Transformer kVA × 1000) / (√3 × V_line)
= (250 × 1000) / (1.732 × 400)
= 360.8 A

41
Select: 400A ACB (Air Circuit Breaker)
Busbar Rating:
Busbar Rating = Main Incomer × 1.25 (future)
= 400 × 1.25 = 500 A

Select: 630A busbar (next standard size)

Outgoing Feeders:
Feeder Load (kVA) Current (A) Breaker (A) Cable (mm²)

SMDB-1 50 72 100 35

SMDB-2 50 72 100 35

SMDB-3 50 72 100 35

Fire Pump 35 50 63 25

Chiller 60 87 125 50

Elevators 20 29 40 10

UPS 15 22 32 6

Spare 50 72 100 35
Consultant Tip: Always include 20% spare ways in the MDB. The client will add
loads you didn’t anticipate.

5.5 Sub-Main Distribution Board (SMDB)

SMDB Function
The SMDB is the intermediate distribution level between the MDB and final DBs.
It typically serves one floor or a group of floors.
SMDB Sizing Example (Floor 2 SMDB)
Feeding: Floor 2 offices + common areas
Load: - Lighting: 2.9 kW - Small Power: 15.5 kW - Mechanical: 2.5 kW - Total:
20.9 kW
Demand: 13.0 kW (from Chapter 4)
Current:
I = (13.0 × 1000) / (√3 × 400 × 0.85) = 22.1 A

42
Incomer: 63A MCCB
Outgoing: - DB-2A (East wing): 40A - DB-2B (West wing): 40A - Mechanical
Panel: 32A - Spare: 40A
Consultant Tip: Group DBs logically. Don’t put a DB at one end of the building
on the same SMDB as a DB at the other end. Voltage drop increases with
distance.

5.6 Distribution Board (DB)

DB Function
The DB is the final distribution point before the consumer. It contains MCBs
(Miniature Circuit Breakers) protecting individual circuits.
Typical DB Layout
DB-2A (Floor 2, East Wing)

Incomer: 40A TP MCCB

Outgoing MCBs:
• L1: Lighting Circuit 1 (10A)
• L2: Lighting Circuit 2 (10A)
• L3: Lighting Circuit 3 (10A)
• P1: Power Circuit 1 (20A)
• P2: Power Circuit 2 (20A)
• P3: Power Circuit 3 (20A)
• P4: Power Circuit 4 (20A)
• SP: Spare (20A)
• SP: Spare (20A)
• SP: Spare (20A)
• SP: Spare (20A)

Total: 12 ways (can be expanded to 18 ways)

DB Specifications
Parameter Specification

Standard IEC 61439-3

Enclosure Steel, IP42 (indoor)

Busbar Copper, tin-plated

43
Parameter Specification

Incoming Isolator or MCCB

Outgoing MCBs (Type B for lighting, Type C for power)

Surge Protection Type 2 SPD recommended

Neutral Bus Sized for 100% of phase bus

Earth Bus Sized per fault current calculation

5.7 Panel Schedules

What Is a Panel Schedule?
A panel schedule is a table that documents every circuit in a panel, including: -
Circuit number - Description (what it feeds) - Load (W or A) - Breaker rating -
Cable size - Voltage drop
Panel Schedule Example: DB-2A
Descripti Current Cable Voltage
Circuit on Load (W) (A) Breaker (mm²) Drop (%)

L1 Open 800 3.6 10A B 2.5 1.2

Office
Lighting
(North)

L2 Open 800 3.6 10A B 2.5 1.2

Office
Lighting
(South)

L3 Corridor 400 1.8 10A B 2.5 0.8

+ Toilet
Lighting

P1 Office 2,000 9.1 20A C 4.0 1.5

Sockets

44
 Descripti Current Cable Voltage
Circuit on Load (W) (A) Breaker (mm²) Drop (%)
(North)

P2 Office 2,000 9.1 20A C 4.0 1.5

Sockets
(South)

P3 Meeting 1,500 6.8 20A C 4.0 1.1

Room
Sockets

P4 Kitchen 3,000 13.6 20A C 6.0 1.8

Applianc
es

SP Spare - - 20A C 4.0 -

SP Spare - - 20A C 4.0 -

SP Spare - - 20A C 4.0 -

SP Spare - - 20A C 4.0 -

Total 10,500 47.7

Connected Load: 10.5 kW Demand Load: 10.5 × 0.7 = 7.35 kW Current: 7,350
/ (400 × 0.85) = 21.6 A Incomer: 40A (adequate)

5.8 Single Line Diagram (SLD)

What Is a Single Line Diagram?
The SLD is the most important electrical drawing. It shows the complete power
distribution system from utility to final circuits using single-line representation.
SLD Drawing Standards
Symbol Meaning

──── Busbar / Cable

▭ Circuit Breaker

45
Symbol Meaning

○ Transformer

▽ Earth connection

△ Delta connection

Y Wye (Star) connection

⏚ Generator

⏻ Utility supply
SLD Example: ABC Office Building
UTILITY SUPPLY
11kV, 3-phase, 50Hz
│
▼
┌─────────┐
│ HV │
│ SWITCH │
│ GEAR │
└────┬────┘
│
▼
┌─────────┐
│ 250 │
│ kVA │
│ △/Y │
│ 11/0.4 │
│ kV │
└────┬────┘
│ 400V
▼
┌─────────┐
│ 400A │
│ ACB │
│ (MDB) │
└────┬────┘
│
┌────┴────┬────────┬────────┬────────┬────────┬────────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐
│ 100A │ │ 100A │ │ 100A │ │ 63A │ │ 125A │ │ 40A │ │ 32A │
│ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │
│SMDB-1 │ │SMDB-2 │ │SMDB-3 │ │ Fire │ │Chiller│ │Elev. │ │ UPS │

46
│F1-F2 │ │F3-F4 │ │F5+Roof│ │ Pump │ │ │ │ │ │ │
└───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐
│ 63A │ │ 63A │ │ 63A │ │ 40A │ │ 80A │ │ 32A │ │ 20A │
│ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │ │ MCCB │
│DB-1A │ │DB-2A │ │DB-3A │ │Jockey │ │A.H.U. │ │Elev. │ │UPS │
│DB-1B │ │DB-2B │ │DB-3B │ │ Pump │ │ Panel │ │Panel │ │Panel │
└───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───┬───┘ └───────┘ └───────┘ └───────┘ └───────┘
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────┐ ┌───────┐ ┌───────┐
│MCB │ │MCB │ │MCB │
│10-20A │ │10-20A │ │10-20A │
│Final │ │Final │ │Final │
│Circuits│ │Circuits│ │Circuits│
└───────┘ └───────┘ └───────┘

GENERATOR (80 kVA)

│
▼
┌─────────┐
│ ATS │◄────── Utility Supply
│ │ (Normal Source)
└────┬────┘
│
▼
MDB Busbar

Consultant Tip: The SLD must show every breaker rating, every cable size, and
every transformer rating. It is the “master document” of the electrical design. Any
change to the distribution system must be reflected in the SLD first.

Chapter 5 Checklist
• ☐ Distribution hierarchy defined (MDB → SMDB → DB)

• ☐ Transformer sized based on calculated demand + diversity

• ☐ Generator sized for emergency loads with motor starting check

• ☐ MDB incomer and busbar rated correctly

• ☐ All outgoing feeders from MDB sized and breaker-rated

47
 • ☐ SMDBs sized for floor/zone loads

• ☐ DBs sized with adequate spare ways (minimum 20%)

• ☐ Panel schedules prepared for all panels

• ☐ Single Line Diagram completed and checked

• ☐ Voltage drop checked on all feeders

• ☐ Short-circuit levels calculated for breaker coordination

• ☐ Future expansion capacity included at all levels

Chapter 6 – Building Systems

6.1 Lighting Design
Lighting Design Fundamentals
Why Lighting Design Matters: Poor lighting reduces productivity, causes eye
strain, and wastes energy. Good lighting design balances illuminance, uniformity,
glare control, and energy efficiency.
Key Lighting Terms
Term Symbol Unit Definition

Luminous Flux Φ Lumen (lm) Total light output from a source

Illuminance E Lux (lx) Light falling on a surface (lm/m²)

Luminance L cd/m² Brightness of a surface

Efficacy η lm/W Light output per watt of power

Color Temperature CCT Kelvin (K) Warm (2700K) to Cool (6500K)

Color Rendering Index CRI Ra Color accuracy (0-100)

Unified Glare Rating UGR - Glare discomfort (lower is better)

Recommended Illuminance Levels (BS EN 12464-1)
Area / Task Illuminance (lux) UGR Limit CRI

Corridors, circulation 100 28 80

48
Area / Task Illuminance (lux) UGR Limit CRI

Stairs, escalators 150 25 80

Archives, storage 200 25 80

Reception, waiting 300 22 80

General offices (computer work) 300-500 19 80

Meeting rooms 300-500 19 80

Drawing offices 500-750 16 80

Classrooms 300-500 19 80

Laboratories 500-750 19 80

Retail – general 300 22 80

Retail – display 500-1000 19 90

Hospital – general wards 100-200 19 80

Hospital – examination 300-500 19 90

Hospital – operating theatre 10,000+ - 90

Car parks – general 75 28 60

Car parks – entrance/exit 300 25 60

Lighting Calculation Methods
Method 1: Lumen Method (for preliminary design)
Required Lumens = (E × A) / (UF × MF)

Where:
E = Required illuminance (lux)
A = Area (m²)
UF = Utilization Factor (0.4-0.6 for typical offices)
MF = Maintenance Factor (0.7-0.8)

Example: Open office, 500 m², 400 lux required

Required Lumens = (400 × 500) / (0.5 × 0.8) = 500,000 lm

Number of LED panels (3600 lm each) = 500,000 / 3600 = 139 panels

Wattage = 139 × 36W = 5,004 W

49
Method 2: Point-by-Point (for detailed design)
Use lighting calculation software (Dialux, Relux, AGi32) for accurate results.
Input data required: - Room dimensions - Surface reflectances (ceiling, walls,
floor) - Luminaire photometric data (IES files) - Mounting height - Maintenance
factor
Output: - Average illuminance - Minimum illuminance - Maximum illuminance -
Uniformity (Emin / Eave) - UGR values
Consultant Tip: Always specify a uniformity ratio. For offices, Emin/Eave should
be ≥ 0.7. Poor uniformity creates bright and dark patches that cause eye strain.
Lighting Control Strategies
Strategy Description Energy Savings

Occupancy sensors Lights on when motion detected 20-40%

Daylight harvesting Dim lights when daylight available 20-30%

Time scheduling Lights off after hours 10-20%

DALI dimming Individual luminaire control 30-50%

Scene setting Pre-programmed light levels 10-15%

Consultant Tip: DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is the modern
standard for lighting control. It allows individual addressability, dimming, and
feedback. Specify DALI-2 for new projects.

6.2 Small Power Design

Socket Outlet Requirements
Location Minimum Quantity Notes

Open plan office 1 per 10 m² Or 1 per workstation

Private office Minimum 4 Plus data points

Meeting room 4-6 Plus presentation power

Reception 4 Computer, phone, printer

Corridor 1 per 20m Cleaning equipment

50
Location Minimum Quantity Notes

Toilet 1 Hand dryer or exhaust fan

Kitchen 6-8 Appliances, kettle, microwave

Server room 8-12 Racks, UPS, cooling

Car park 1 per 500 m² Maintenance

Socket Circuit Design
Standard Circuit: 20A MCB, 4.0 mm² cable, max 8 socket outlets per circuit
Why 8 outlets per circuit? - Assumed load per outlet: 100W - 8 outlets × 100W
= 800W - Current = 800 / 230 = 3.5A - 20A breaker provides adequate protection
with diversity
Dedicated Circuits Required For: - Water coolers (dedicated 20A) -
Printers/copiers (dedicated 20A) - Kitchen appliances (dedicated 20A or 32A) - IT
racks (dedicated 32A) - Vending machines (dedicated 20A)

6.3 HVAC Power Design

HVAC Equipment Power Requirements
Equipment Typical Power Electrical Notes

Chiller (screw) 100-500 kW Soft starter or VFD required

Chiller (centrifugal) 300-2000 kW VFD standard

AHU 5-30 kW DOL or star-delta starter

FCU 0.1-0.5 kW Single-phase or three-phase

Cooling tower fan 5-15 kW DOL starter

Chilled water pump 10-75 kW VFD recommended

Condenser water pump 10-50 kW VFD recommended

Exhaust fan 0.5-5 kW DOL starter

Motor Starter Selection
Starter Type Starting Current Starting Torque Application

51
Starter Type Starting Current Starting Torque Application

DOL (Direct On 6-8 × FLC 100% Small motors

Line) (<5kW)

Star-Delta 2-3 × FLC 33% Medium motors

(5-15kW)

Soft Starter 3-5 × FLC 50-100% Large motors (15-

200kW)

VFD (Variable 1-1.5 × FLC 100% All sizes, energy

Frequency Drive) saving
Consultant Tip: For motors above 15kW, always specify soft starters or VFDs.
The reduced starting current minimizes voltage dip and allows smaller generator
sizing.
VFD Harmonics
VFDs generate harmonics that can distort the voltage waveform and cause: -
Transformer overheating - Neutral conductor overloading - Motor bearing
damage - Malfunction of sensitive equipment
Mitigation: - Specify VFDs with built-in DC chokes (5% impedance) - For large
VFD installations (>30% of transformer capacity), specify active harmonic filters -
Size neutral bus for 200% of phase current (triplen harmonics)

6.4 Fire Alarm System Design

Fire Alarm System Types
Type Description Application

Conventional Zones with multiple Small buildings (<2000

detectors m²)

Addressable Each device has unique Medium to large buildings

address

Analog Addressable Each device reports Large, complex buildings

52
Type Description Application
signal level

Wireless Battery-powered wireless Heritage buildings,

devices retrofits
System Components
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

┌─────────────┐
│ FIRE PANEL │◄────── Mains Power + Battery Backup
│ (Addressable)│
└──────┬──────┘
│ Loop 1
┌────┴────┬────────┬────────┬────────┐
│ │ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐
│Smoke │ │Smoke │ │Heat │ │MCP │ │Sounder│
│Det. │ │Det. │ │Det. │ │ │ │Base │
│(Opt.)│ │(Opt.)│ │ │ │ │ │ │
└──────┘ └──────┘ └──────┘ └──────┘ └──────┘

Loop 2: (Repeat for other zones)

Outputs:
• Sounders (evacuation)
• Flashers (for hearing impaired)
• Fire dampers (HVAC shutdown)
• Elevator recall
• Sprinkler release (if deluge system)
• Interface to BMS

Detector Spacing (NFPA 72 / BS 5839)

Detector Type Maximum Coverage Maximum Spacing

Smoke detector (flat ceiling) 80 m² 9.1m between detectors

Smoke detector (corridor) - Centerline, max 7.6m apart

Heat detector 50 m² 7.3m between detectors

Beam detector 100m × 15m Per manufacturer

Aspirating (high sensitivity) 2000 m² Per manufacturer

53
Consultant Tip: Reduce spacing by 15% for ceilings higher than 4m. For
ceilings with beams deeper than 150mm, treat each beam pocket as a separate
zone.
Manual Call Point (MCP) Requirements
• Maximum travel distance to MCP: 30m (45m in some codes)
• Height: 1.2m – 1.4m above floor
• Location: Near exits, staircases, corridors
• Quantity: Minimum one per floor
Sounder Requirements
• Minimum sound level: 65 dB(A) at bed head (sleeping areas)
• Minimum sound level: 75 dB(A) in other areas
• Sound level must exceed ambient noise by 5 dB(A)
• Maximum sound level: 120 dB(A)

6.5 Emergency System Design

Emergency Power Classifications (NFPA 110)
Type Description Application

Type 10 Power within 10 seconds Life safety (fire pumps,

emergency lighting)

Type 60 Power within 60 seconds Critical operations (data

centers, hospitals)

Type 120 Power within 120 Essential services

seconds (HVAC, elevators)
Emergency Lighting Requirements
Location Minimum Duration Minimum Illuminance

Escape routes 90 minutes 1 lux at floor level

Open areas (>60 m²) 90 minutes 0.5 lux at floor level

54
Location Minimum Duration Minimum Illuminance

High-risk task areas 90 minutes 10 lux at task level

Exit signs 90 minutes Visible in smoke

Staircases 90 minutes 1 lux at tread level

Emergency Lighting Design
Spacing for exit signs: Maximum 15m between signs, visible from any point in
corridor.
Spacing for escape route lighting: - Wall-mounted: 2-2.5m mounting height, 8-
10m spacing - Ceiling-mounted: Per photometric calculation, typically 6-8m
spacing
Consultant Tip: Use maintained emergency lighting (always on) for high-
occupancy areas and non-maintained (battery only on failure) for low-occupancy
areas. Maintained lighting is more expensive to operate but ensures lamps are
always functional.

6.6 UPS Design

When Is UPS Required?
Application UPS Required? Typical Runtime

Data center / Server Yes – mandatory 15-30 minutes

room

Security system Yes 4-24 hours

Fire alarm panel Yes (battery backup) 24-72 hours

Emergency lighting Yes (battery backup) 90 minutes

Medical equipment (life Yes – mandatory Until generator starts

support)

BMS / Building Recommended 30 minutes

automation

Elevator No (generator backup) N/A

55
UPS Types
Type Topology Efficiency Application

Offline / Standby Transfer to battery 95-98% Small loads, non-

on failure critical

Line-Interactive Voltage regulation 90-95% Small to medium

+ battery loads

Online Double- Always on inverter 85-92% Critical loads, data

Conversion centers

Delta-Conversion Hybrid online 90-95% Large data

centers
UPS Sizing
Step 1: List all critical loads
Step 2: Sum the load in kW
Step 3: Apply power factor (typically 0.8 for IT loads)
Step 4: Add 20-30% spare capacity
Step 5: Select UPS rating
Example:
Server rack: 5 kW
Network equipment: 2 kW
Security system: 1 kW
Total: 8 kW

UPS kVA = 8 / 0.8 = 10 kVA

With 25% spare: 10 × 1.25 = 12.5 kVA

Select: 15 kVA UPS (next standard size)

Battery Sizing
Battery Capacity (Ah) = (Load (W) × Runtime (h)) / (Battery Voltage × E
fficiency × DOD)

Where:
DOD = Depth of Discharge (0.8 for lead-acid, 0.9 for lithium)
Efficiency = 0.9 (inverter efficiency)

Example:

56
Load: 8,000 W
Runtime: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours
Battery Voltage: 192V (16 × 12V batteries)
DOD: 0.8
Efficiency: 0.9

Battery Capacity = (8000 × 0.5) / (192 × 0.9 × 0.8) = 28.9 Ah

Select: 40 Ah batteries (next standard size)

6.7 Earthing Design

Why Earthing Is Critical
Earthing provides: 1. Safety: Limits touch voltage during fault conditions 2.
Protection: Allows overcurrent devices to operate 3. Function: Provides
reference voltage for electronics 4. Lightning: Dissipates lightning current safely
Earthing System Types (IEC 60364)
System Code Description Application

TN-S Separate PE and Commercial

N throughout buildings
(preferred)

TN-C Combined PEN Not recommended

conductor for new buildings

TN-C-S Combined at Utility distribution

supply, separate
downstream

TT Independent earth Rural areas, no

electrode utility earth

IT Isolated or Critical systems

impedance- (hospitals, mines)
earthed
Consultant Tip: Always specify TN-S for commercial buildings. The separate PE
and N conductors provide better EMC performance and safety.

57
Earth Electrode Design
Earth Resistance Requirements
Application Maximum Earth Resistance

General building 10 ohms

Lightning protection 10 ohms

Telecommunications 5 ohms

Substations 1 ohm

Medical locations 0.5 ohms

Earth Electrode Types
Type Description Application

Rod electrode Copper-clad steel rod, Standard for most

1.2-3m long buildings

Plate electrode Copper plate, High soil resistivity areas

600×600mm

Strip electrode Copper strip, 25×3mm, Large areas, rocky soil

buried 0.5m

Mesh electrode Grid of copper Substations, data centers

conductors

Foundation electrode Reinforcement in New buildings (excellent)

foundation
Earth Resistance Calculation (Single Rod)
R = (ρ / 2πL) × [ln(8L/d) - 1]

Where:
R = Earth resistance (ohms)
ρ = Soil resistivity (ohm-m)
L = Rod length (m)
d = Rod diameter (m)

Typical Soil Resistivity Values:

Soil Type Resistivity (ohm-m)

58
Soil Type Resistivity (ohm-m)

Clay, moist 10-50

Sandy clay 50-100

Sand, moist 100-500

Sand, dry 500-2000

Rock 1000-10000
Example:
Soil: Sandy clay, ρ = 80 ohm-m
Rod: 3m long, 16mm diameter

R = (80 / (2π × 3)) × [ln(8×3/0.016) - 1]

R = 4.24 × [ln(1500) - 1]
R = 4.24 × [7.31 - 1]
R = 4.24 × 6.31
R = 26.8 ohms

This exceeds 10 ohms. Solutions: 1. Add more rods in parallel (2 rods: R ≈

26.8/2 × 1.5 = 20.1 ohms) 2. Use longer rods (6m: R ≈ 15 ohms) 3. Use chemical
treatment (bentonite backfill) 4. Use plate or strip electrode
Consultant Tip: Always measure earth resistance after installation. Calculations
are estimates. Actual soil resistivity varies with moisture content and season.
Equipotential Bonding
All extraneous-conductive-parts must be bonded to the main earthing terminal:
Item Bonding Conductor Size

Gas pipes 10 mm²

Water pipes 10 mm²

Structural steel 25 mm²

Lightning protection 25 mm²

Cable trays 10 mm²

Elevator rails 16 mm²

HVAC ductwork 10 mm²

59
6.8 Lightning Protection Design
Risk Assessment (IEC 62305-2)
Lightning protection is required if the risk exceeds tolerable levels. The risk
assessment considers:
1. Nd: Annual number of dangerous events
2. Nc: Tolerable frequency of damage
3. Risk R: Actual risk (must be < Nc)
Simplified Approach:
Building Type LPS Class Protection Level

Ordinary commercial III 89% protection

Hospitals, schools II 97% protection

Explosive facilities I 99% protection

Lightning Protection System (LPS) Components
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

┌─────────┐
│Air Term │ ← Air termination network
│(Rod/Mesh)│ (rods, mesh, or catenary)
└────┬────┘
│
Down conductors
│
┌────────────────────┼────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
┌──────┐ ┌──────┐ ┌──────┐
│Ring │ │Ring │ │Ring │
│Earth │ │Earth │ │Earth │
│Elect.│ │Elect.│ │Elect.│
└──────┘ └──────┘ └──────┘

Earth electrode: Ring electrode around building perimeter

Air Termination Network

Method Application Spacing

60
Method Application Spacing

Rods Small buildings 2 rods minimum, 20m apart

Mesh Flat roofs 10m × 10m grid (Class III)

Catenary Large roofs Per rolling sphere method

Rolling Sphere Method
The rolling sphere method determines protection zones: - Class I: Sphere radius
20m - Class II: Sphere radius 30m - Class III: Sphere radius 45m - Class IV:
Sphere radius 60m
Any point the sphere can touch is unprotected.
Down Conductors
Building Height Minimum Down Conductors

< 20m 2

20-40m 2-3

40-60m 3-4

> 60m 4+
Spacing: Maximum 20m between down conductors (Class III)
Size: Minimum 50 mm² copper or equivalent
Surge Protection Devices (SPD)
Location SPD Type Protection Level

Main distribution Type 1 (Class B) 4 kV

Sub-distribution Type 2 (Class C) 2.5 kV

Equipment Type 3 (Class D) 1.5 kV

Consultant Tip: SPDs are mandatory at the main distribution board (Type 1)
and recommended at all sub-distribution boards (Type 2). Without SPDs,
lightning-induced surges will destroy electronic equipment.

Chapter 6 Checklist
• ☐ Lighting levels calculated for all areas

61
• ☐ Lighting uniformity checked (Emin/Eave ≥ 0.7)

• ☐ UGR values checked for office areas

• ☐ Lighting control strategy defined

• ☐ Socket outlet locations and quantities determined

• ☐ Dedicated circuits identified for heavy loads

• ☐ HVAC equipment schedules reviewed and loads verified

• ☐ Motor starter types selected

• ☐ Fire alarm system type selected

• ☐ Detector spacing calculated per code

• ☐ MCP locations determined

• ☐ Sounder coverage verified

• ☐ Emergency lighting designed for all escape routes

• ☐ Exit sign locations determined

• ☐ UPS sized for critical loads

• ☐ Battery runtime calculated

• ☐ Earthing system type selected (TN-S)

• ☐ Earth electrode type and quantity determined

• ☐ Earth resistance calculated and verified

• ☐ Equipotential bonding schedule prepared

• ☐ Lightning protection class determined

• ☐ Air termination network designed

• ☐ Down conductors sized and located

• ☐ SPDs specified at all distribution levels

62
Chapter 7 – Cable Design
7.1 Cable Selection
Cable Selection Criteria
Cable selection must satisfy four conditions:
1. Current carrying capacity: Cable must carry the load current without
overheating
2. Voltage drop: Voltage drop must be within limits
3. Short-circuit rating: Cable must withstand fault current for protection
device operating time
4. Environmental conditions: Cable must suit installation conditions
Cable Types
Type Insulation Application Max Temp

PVC Polyvinyl chloride General indoor 70°C

XLPE Cross-linked Power distribution 90°C

polyethylene

LSZH Low smoke zero Public buildings, 70-90°C

halogen escape routes

Mineral (MICC) Magnesium oxide Fire-resistant 250°C+

circuits

Armored Steel wire Underground, Per insulation

armored mechanical
protection
Standard Cable Sizes (IEC)
Current Rating (PVC,
Cross-Section (mm²) 30°C) Typical Application

1.5 17A Lighting circuits

2.5 24A Small power, lighting

63
 Current Rating (PVC,
Cross-Section (mm²) 30°C) Typical Application

4.0 32A Power circuits

6.0 41A Power circuits, small

motors

10 57A Motors, sub-mains

16 76A Motors, sub-mains

25 101A Distribution feeders

35 125A Distribution feeders

50 151A SMDB feeders

70 192A SMDB feeders

95 232A MDB feeders

120 269A MDB feeders

150 300A Main feeders

185 341A Main feeders

240 400A Transformer feeders

Note: Ratings are for single-core PVC cables in free air at 30°C ambient.
Derating factors apply for grouping, temperature, and installation method.

7.2 Voltage Drop Calculation

Voltage Drop Limits
Application Maximum Voltage Drop

Lighting circuits 3% of nominal voltage

Power circuits 5% of nominal voltage

Total (from transformer to final circuit) 4% lighting, 5% power

Voltage Drop Formula
For three-phase circuits:

64
Vd = (√3 × I × L × (R cos φ + X sin φ)) / 1000

Where:
Vd = Voltage drop (V)
I = Load current (A)
L = Cable length (m)
R = Cable resistance (ohm/km)
X = Cable reactance (ohm/km)
cos φ = Power factor

For single-phase circuits:

Vd = (2 × I × L × (R cos φ + X sin φ)) / 1000

Worked Example: SMDB Feeder Voltage Drop

Cable: 4-core 35 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC Load: 50 kVA, PF = 0.85 Length: 50m
Voltage: 400V three-phase
Step 1: Calculate current
I = (50 × 1000) / (√3 × 400) = 72.2 A

Step 2: Cable parameters (from manufacturer data)

R = 0.524 ohm/km (at 90°C)
X = 0.080 ohm/km

Step 3: Calculate voltage drop

cos φ = 0.85, sin φ = 0.53

Vd = (√3 × 72.2 × 50 × (0.524 × 0.85 + 0.080 × 0.53)) / 1000

Vd = (1.732 × 72.2 × 50 × (0.445 + 0.042)) / 1000
Vd = (6248.5 × 0.487) / 1000
Vd = 3.04 V

Step 4: Calculate percentage

%Vd = (3.04 / 400) × 100 = 0.76%

0.76% < 5% → Cable acceptable

7.3 Short-Circuit Rating

Why Short-Circuit Rating Matters
During a short circuit, enormous current flows (thousands of amps). The cable
must withstand this current for the time it takes the protection device to operate.

65
Short-Circuit Current Calculation
From transformer:
Isc = (Transformer kVA × 1000) / (√3 × V × Z%)

Where:
Z% = Transformer impedance (%)

Example:
Transformer: 250 kVA, 4% impedance
Isc = (250 × 1000) / (1.732 × 400 × 0.04)
Isc = 250,000 / 27.71
Isc = 9,021 A ≈ 9 kA

Cable Short-Circuit Withstand

I²t = k² × S²

Where:
I = Short-circuit current (A)
t = Duration (s)
k = Material constant (143 for PVC copper, 166 for XLPE copper)
S = Conductor cross-section (mm²)

Minimum required cross-section:

S = (I × √t) / k

Example:
Isc = 9,021 A
Breaker operating time = 0.1s (MCCB)
k = 143 (PVC copper)

S = (9021 × √0.1) / 143

S = (9021 × 0.316) / 143
S = 2852 / 143
S = 19.9 mm²

Minimum cable: 25 mm²

Our 35 mm² cable is adequate.

7.4 Cable Tray Design

Cable Tray Types
Type Application Load Capacity

66
Type Application Load Capacity

Ladder Power cables, heavy loads 100-200 kg/m

Perforated Mixed power and data 50-150 kg/m

Solid bottom Sensitive circuits, EMC 50-100 kg/m

Wire mesh Light loads, data cables 25-50 kg/m

Cable Tray Sizing
Fill ratio: Maximum 40% of tray cross-section for power cables, 50% for control
cables.
Example:
Cables to be installed:
- 4 × 35 mm² (diameter ≈ 25mm)
- 2 × 25 mm² (diameter ≈ 22mm)
- 6 × 10 mm² (diameter ≈ 16mm)

Total cable area:

= 4 × (π × 12.5²) + 2 × (π × 11²) + 6 × (π × 8²)
= 4 × 491 + 2 × 380 + 6 × 201
= 1964 + 760 + 1206
= 3930 mm²

Required tray area = 3930 / 0.4 = 9825 mm²

Select tray: 150mm × 75mm = 11,250 mm² ✓

Cable Tray Supports

Tray Width Support Span Support Type

< 150mm 2.0m Trapeze hanger

150-300mm 2.0m Trapeze hanger

300-600mm 1.5m Cantilever bracket

> 600mm 1.5m Underfloor support

Consultant Tip: Always specify that cable trays must be installed with the
perforations facing down (for ladder trays) to prevent dust accumulation and
moisture trapping.

67
7.5 Conduit Design
Conduit Types
Type Application Bending

Rigid metal (RMC) Heavy duty, exposed Threaded

Intermediate metal (IMC) Medium duty Threaded

Electrical metallic tubing Light duty, exposed Compression fittings

(EMT)

PVC rigid Corrosive environments, Heated bending

buried

Flexible metal Connections to Pre-formed

equipment
Conduit Fill Ratio
Number of Cables Maximum Fill

1 cable 53% of conduit area

2 cables 31% of conduit area

3+ cables 40% of conduit area

Example:
3 × 4.0 mm² cables (diameter 12mm each) in PVC conduit

Cable area = 3 × (π × 6²) = 339 mm²

Required conduit area = 339 / 0.4 = 848 mm²

Conduit diameter = √(848 × 4 / π) = 32.9 mm

Select: 40mm (1.5") PVC conduit

Conduit Sizing Table (Quick Reference)

Cable Size 1 Cable 2 Cables 3 Cables

1.5 mm² 16mm 20mm 20mm

2.5 mm² 16mm 20mm 25mm

4.0 mm² 20mm 25mm 25mm

68
Cable Size 1 Cable 2 Cables 3 Cables

6.0 mm² 20mm 25mm 32mm

10 mm² 25mm 32mm 40mm

16 mm² 32mm 40mm 50mm

7.6 Protection Coordination

What Is Protection Coordination?
Protection coordination ensures that when a fault occurs, only the breaker
nearest to the fault operates, minimizing the outage area.
Coordination Principles
Fault at DB level:

MDB (400A) ──► SMDB (100A) ──► DB (40A) ──► Circuit (20A)
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ ▼
│ │ │ [Fault]
│ │ ▼
│ │ [DB breaker trips]
│ │ (Only this DB affected)
│ ▼
│ [SMDB breaker does NOT trip]
▼
[MDB breaker does NOT trip]

Selectivity Methods
Method Description Application

Current selectivity Upstream breaker has Simple systems

higher rating

Time selectivity Upstream breaker has Medium systems

longer delay

Energy selectivity Breakers coordinated by Complex systems

energy let-through

Zone selectivity Communication between Critical systems

breakers

69
Breaker Rating Hierarchy
Level Typical Rating Trip Characteristic

Final circuit 6A – 32A MCB Type B, C, or D

Distribution 40A – 250A MCCB Adjustable thermal/magnetic

Main 250A – 4000A ACB Microprocessor-based

Example Coordination:
Fault Location DB (40A) SMDB (100A) MDB (400A)

Circuit overload (25A) Trips No trip No trip

DB fault (2kA) Trips No trip No trip

SMDB fault (5kA) Trips (damage) Trips No trip

MDB fault (9kA) Trips (damage) Trips (damage) Trips

Consultant Tip: For critical buildings, specify zone-selective interlocking (ZSI)
between ACBs and MCCBs. ZSI uses control wires to communicate fault levels,
ensuring perfect selectivity.

Chapter 7 Checklist
• ☐ Cable type selected per application and environment

• ☐ Current carrying capacity verified with all derating factors

• ☐ Voltage drop calculated for every cable run

• ☐ Voltage drop within limits for all circuits

• ☐ Short-circuit rating verified for all cables

• ☐ Cable tray sized with proper fill ratio

• ☐ Cable tray supports specified at correct spacing

• ☐ Conduit sized per fill ratio requirements

• ☐ Conduit types specified per application

• ☐ Protection coordination study completed

70
 • ☐ Breaker selectivity verified (upstream/downstream)

• ☐ Fault levels calculated at all distribution points

• ☐ Cable schedules prepared with sizes and lengths

• ☐ Cable routing coordinated with structure and architecture

Chapter 8 – Shop Drawings

8.1 Drawing Types
Complete Electrical Drawing Set
Drawing No. Title Scale Stage

EL-G-001 Drawing Index and Legend - All

EL-G-002 Design Criteria and Notes - DD/Tender

EL-G-003 Single Line Diagram - DD/Tender

EL-G-004 Riser Diagram - DD/Tender

EL-L-001 Ground Floor Lighting Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-L-002 Typical Floor Lighting Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-L-003 Roof Lighting Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-P-001 Ground Floor Power Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-P-002 Typical Floor Power Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-P-003 Roof Power Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-F-001 Fire Alarm Plan – Ground 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-F-002 Fire Alarm Plan – Typical 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-E-001 Earthing and Lightning Plan 1:100 DD/Tender

EL-D-001 Details and Sections 1:20 / 1:10 DD/Tender

EL-S-001 Panel Schedules - DD/Tender

EL-B-001 Bill of Quantities - Tender

71
8.2 Lighting Plans
What to Show on Lighting Plans
1. Light fixture locations (exact position, not approximate)
2. Fixture type reference (matching legend)
3. Switch locations
4. Dimmer locations (if applicable)
5. Emergency light locations
6. Exit sign locations
7. Daylight sensor locations
8. Occupancy sensor locations
9. Circuit numbers (each fixture labeled with circuit ref)
10. Ceiling type (recessed, surface, pendant)
Lighting Plan Example (Typical Office)
┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐
│ L1 │ │ L1 │ │ L1 │ │ L1 │ │ L1 │ │ L1 │
│ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │
└─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘

┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐

│ L2 │ │ L2 │ │ L2 │ │ L2 │ │ L2 │ │ L2 │
│ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │ │ ○ │
└─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘ └─────┘

S1 S2
[□] [□]

Legend:
○ = Recessed LED panel 600×600 (Type LP-01)
◉ = Emergency light (Type EL-01)
□ = Light switch (Type SW-01)
L1, L2 = Circuit numbers
S1, S2 = Switch references

Consultant Tip: Always dimension light fixture locations from walls, not from
other fixtures. The contractor measures from walls during installation.

72
8.3 Power Plans
What to Show on Power Plans
1. Socket outlet locations
2. Socket types (single, double, floor, desk-mounted)
3. Dedicated circuit outlets (printers, kitchen, IT)
4. Panel locations (DB, SMDB)
5. Cable tray routes
6. Conduit routes (if surface)
7. Floor box locations
8. Data outlet locations (if combined)
9. Circuit numbers
10. Panel references
Power Plan Example
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DB-2A │
│ [Panel] │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Legend:
◇ = Double socket outlet (Type SO-01)
◆ = Floor box (Type FB-01)
▲ = Dedicated outlet (Type DO-01)
P1, P2 = Circuit numbers
─── = Cable tray route

8.4 Riser Diagrams

What Is a Riser Diagram?
A riser diagram shows the vertical distribution of electrical services from floor to
floor. It is essential for understanding cable routing and panel relationships.
73
Riser Diagram Example
ELECTRICAL RISER DIAGRAM

Roof ──────► [RTU] ──► [EL Panel] ──► [EL Lights]

│
Floor 5 ────► [SMDB-3] ◄──┐
│ │
▼ │
Floor 4 ────► [SMDB-3] ◄──┘
│
▼
Floor 3 ────► [SMDB-2] ◄──┐
│ │
▼ │
Floor 2 ────► [SMDB-2] ◄──┘
│
▼
Floor 1 ────► [SMDB-1] ◄──┐
│ │
▼ │
Ground ─────► [SMDB-1] ◄──┘
│
▼
Basement ───► [MDB] ◄─── Utility Supply
│
▲
External ───► [ATS] ◄─── Generator Set

Legend:
───► = Power cable (size labeled)
[ ] = Panel / Equipment
RTU = Roof Top Unit

8.5 Details and Sections

Common Details Required
Detail Description Scale

Electrical room layout Equipment arrangement, 1:50

clearances

Cable tray installation Support details, 1:20

penetrations

74
Detail Description Scale

Earthing detail Earth bar, connections, 1:10

electrode

Lightning protection Air terminal, down 1:10

conductor, test clamp

Fire alarm device Detector mounting, wiring 1:10

Floor box installation Cutout, conduit, box 1:10

detail

Panel mounting Wall / floor mounting 1:20

detail

Busbar riser Vertical busbar, supports, 1:20

fire stopping
Electrical Room Layout Detail
ELECTRICAL ROOM LAYOUT (1:50)

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ 250 │ │ MDB │ │
│ │ kVA │ │ Panel │ │
│ │ TR │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ │
│ │
│ ←── 1.5m ──→ ←──── 1.2m ────→ │
│ │
│ [Cable tray route] │
│ ═══════════════════ │
│ │
│ Door → 1.5m wide (double leaf) │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Notes:
1. Minimum clearance: 1.0m front, 0.8m sides/rear
2. Floor loading: 10 kN/m²
3. Ventilation: Natural + forced (calculate heat rejection)

75
4. Fire rating: 2-hour fire-resistant construction
5. Lighting: 300 lux, emergency lighting required

8.6 Legends and Notes

Legend Requirements
Every symbol used on drawings must be defined in the legend. Standard
symbols per IEC 60617 or IEEE 315.
General Notes (Example)
GENERAL NOTES:

1. All work shall comply with IEC 60364, Egyptian Electrical Code,
and project specifications.

2. All materials shall be new and approved by the engineer.

3. Contractor shall submit shop drawings for approval before

commencing work.

4. Cable routes shown are indicative. Contractor shall verify

actual routes on site and coordinate with other trades.

5. All penetrations through fire-rated walls/floors shall be

fire-stopped to maintain fire rating.

6. Earthing connections shall be made before energizing any circuit.

7. All circuits shall be tested before handover per IEC 60364-6.

8. As-built drawings shall be submitted within 30 days of

practical completion.

9. All light fixtures shall be installed level and plumb.

10. Minimum ceiling void depth for cable tray: 150mm.

8.7 Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

BOQ Structure
Item No. Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

76
Item No. Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

A. DISTRIBUTION
EQUIPMENT

A.1 250 kVA, 11/0.4kV No. 1

transformer, dry-type

A.2 400A ACB, 3-pole, No. 1

draw-out type

A.3 100A MCCB, 3-pole, No. 6

adjustable

A.4 40A MCCB, 3-pole No. 4

A.5 12-way DB, IP42, with No. 12

MCBs

B. GENERATOR
SET

B.1 80 kVA diesel No. 1

generator, weatherproof

B.2 Automatic transfer No. 1

switch (ATS), 400A

C. CABLES AND
WIRING

C.1 4C × 35 mm² m 150

XLPE/SWA/PVC cable

C.2 4C × 25 mm² m 200

XLPE/SWA/PVC cable

C.3 4C × 10 mm² PVC cable m 500

C.4 2C × 4.0 mm² PVC m 2,000

cable

77
Item No. Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

C.5 2C × 2.5 mm² PVC m 3,500

cable

D. CABLE TRAYS
AND CONDUITS

D.1 Cable tray, 150mm × m 300

75mm, perforated,
galvanized

D.2 Conduit, 25mm PVC, m 1,500

heavy gauge

D.3 Conduit, 20mm PVC, m 2,000

heavy gauge

E. LIGHTING
FIXTURES

E.1 Recessed LED panel, No. 240

600×600, 36W, 3600lm

E.2 LED downlight, 18W, No. 120

1800lm

E.3 Emergency light, LED, No. 60

3W, 90min battery

E.4 Exit sign, LED, double- No. 30

sided

F. SOCKET
OUTLETS AND
SWITCHES

F.1 Double socket outlet, No. 180

13A, white

F.2 Single socket outlet, No. 60

78
Item No. Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount
13A, white

F.3 Light switch, 1-gang, No. 120

10A, white

F.4 Light switch, 2-gang, No. 60

10A, white

G. FIRE ALARM
SYSTEM

G.1 Addressable fire alarm No. 1

panel

G.2 Smoke detector, No. 80

addressable, optical

G.3 Heat detector, No. 20

addressable

G.4 Manual call point No. 15

G.5 Sounder base with No. 80

detector

H. EARTHING AND
LIGHTNING

H.1 Earth electrode, copper- No. 6

clad steel, 3m × 16mm

H.2 Earth bar, copper, No. 12

25mm × 3mm × 300mm

H.3 Lightning rod, copper, No. 4

2m

H.4 Down conductor, m 80

50mm² copper

79
Item No. Description Unit Quantity Rate Amount

H.5 SPD, Type 1, 4-pole No. 1

H.6 SPD, Type 2, 4-pole No. 3

Chapter 8 Checklist
• ☐ Complete drawing set prepared per drawing index

• ☐ Legend prepared with all symbols defined

• ☐ General notes written and reviewed

• ☐ Lighting plans show all fixtures, switches, and circuits

• ☐ Power plans show all outlets, panels, and cable routes

• ☐ Single line diagram completed with all ratings

• ☐ Riser diagram shows vertical distribution

• ☐ Details prepared for all special installations

• ☐ Panel schedules completed for all panels

• ☐ BOQ prepared with complete itemization

• ☐ Drawing title blocks completed

• ☐ Revision block updated

• ☐ All drawings checked by senior engineer

• ☐ Drawings coordinated with architecture and structure

• ☐ Drawing register maintained

Chapter 9 – Complete Design Example

9.1 Project Overview
Project: ABC Office Building – Complete Electrical Design Location: New Cairo,
Egypt Building Type: Commercial Office Floors: Basement + Ground + 5
Typical + Roof Floor Area: 800 m² per floor (basement 600 m²) Total Area:

80
5,400 m² Ceiling Height: 2.8m (false ceiling at 2.4m) Structural: Reinforced
concrete flat slab, 250mm thick Occupancy: Office (open plan + meeting rooms
+ manager offices)

9.2 Architectural Drawing Review

Floor Plan Analysis
Basement (-3.0m): - Parking: 400 m² - Storage: 100 m² - Electrical room: 50 m² -
Pump room: 50 m²
Ground Floor (±0.0m): - Reception: 100 m² - Retail shop: 200 m² - Café: 100 m²
- Open office: 300 m² - Toilets: 60 m² - Corridor: 40 m²
Typical Floor (Floors 1-5): - Open plan office: 500 m² - Meeting rooms: 3 × 20
m² = 60 m² - Manager offices: 4 × 15 m² = 60 m² - Pantry: 20 m² - Toilets: 2 × 30
m² = 60 m² - Corridor/circulation: 100 m²
Roof: - Mechanical room: 150 m² - Lift machine room: 30 m² - Staircase head: 40
m² - Remaining: 580 m² (accessible roof)
Ceiling Analysis
• False ceiling throughout (except basement, mechanical rooms)
• Ceiling void: 400mm (2.8m – 2.4m)
• Structural: Flat slab, no beams → easy cable routing
Structural Constraints
• Slab thickness: 250mm
• No post-tensioning → conduits can be embedded
• Columns at 8m grid → avoid for panel locations

9.3 Load Estimation

Step 1: Lighting Load by Floor
Floor Area (m²) Lux W/m² (LED) Lighting Load (kW)

Basement 600 150 1.5 0.9

81
Floor Area (m²) Lux W/m² (LED) Lighting Load (kW)

Ground 800 300-500 3-5 3.5

Floor 1-5 (each) 800 400 4 3.2

Roof 800 150 1.5 1.2

Step 2: Small Power Load by Floor
Floor Sockets Assumed Load Dedicated Circuits Total (kW)

Basement 10 1.0 2.0 3.0

Ground 40 4.0 8.0 12.0

Floor 1-5 (each) 35 3.5 6.0 9.5

Roof 5 0.5 1.0 1.5

Step 3: Mechanical Load
Equipment Location Rating (kW) Qty Total (kW)

FCU Each floor 0.25 40 10.0

AHU Roof 15.0 2 30.0

Exhaust fans Each floor 0.08 20 1.6

Chiller Roof 45.0 1 45.0

Chiller pump Basement 7.5 2 15.0

Cooling tower Roof 5.5 1 5.5

Fire pump Basement 22.0 1 22.0

Jockey pump Basement 2.2 1 2.2

Elevator Shaft 7.5 2 15.0

Total Mechanical 146.3

Step 4: Complete Load Schedule
Small
Lighting Power Mechanic Connecte Demand Demand
Floor (kW) (kW) al (kW) d (kW) Factor (kW)

82
 Small
Lighting Power Mechanic Connecte Demand Demand
Floor (kW) (kW) al (kW) d (kW) Factor (kW)

Basemen 0.9 3.0 39.2 43.1 0.85 36.6

t

Ground 3.5 12.0 2.5 18.0 0.75 13.5

Floor 1 3.2 9.5 2.5 15.2 0.70 10.6

Floor 2 3.2 9.5 2.5 15.2 0.70 10.6

Floor 3 3.2 9.5 2.5 15.2 0.70 10.6

Floor 4 3.2 9.5 2.5 15.2 0.70 10.6

Floor 5 3.2 9.5 2.5 15.2 0.70 10.6

Roof 1.2 1.5 80.5 83.2 0.85 70.7

Total 21.6 64.0 136.7 222.3 173.8

Building Diversity Factor = 1.5
Building Demand = 173.8 / 1.5 = 115.9 kW

Add Future Load (20%):

Design Demand = 115.9 × 1.2 = 139.1 kW

Convert to kVA (PF = 0.85):

Design kVA = 139.1 / 0.85 = 163.6 kVA

Transformer Selection: Next standard size = 250 kVA (provides 53% spare
capacity)

9.4 Transformer Sizing

Selected Transformer
Parameter Value

Rating 250 kVA

Type Dry-type, cast resin

83
Parameter Value

Primary 11 kV ± 2 × 2.5%

Secondary 400/230V, 3-phase

Vector Group Dyn11

Impedance 4%

Cooling AN (Air Natural)

Efficiency IE3

Enclosure IP23 indoor

Loading Verification
% Loading at Design Demand = (163.6 / 250) × 100 = 65.4%

65.4% is ideal. Transformer operates efficiently and has 34.6% spare capacity
for future growth.
Heat Rejection Calculation
Transformer Losses ≈ 2% of rating (at full load)
= 250 × 0.02 = 5 kW

At 65% load:
Losses ≈ 5 × (0.654)² = 2.14 kW

Ventilation required: 2.14 kW = 2,140 W

Airflow = Heat / (1.2 × ΔT) [ΔT = 10°C]
= 2,140 / (1.2 × 10)
= 178 m³/hour

Natural ventilation with louver is adequate.

9.5 Generator Sizing

Emergency Loads
Equipment Rating (kW) Demand Factor Running kW

Fire Pump 22.0 1.0 22.0

Jockey Pump 2.2 1.0 2.2

Emergency Lighting 4.5 1.0 4.5

84
Equipment Rating (kW) Demand Factor Running kW

Fire Alarm 2.0 1.0 2.0

Elevator (1 of 2) 7.5 0.7 5.3

Security 1.5 1.0 1.5

Smoke Exhaust 5.5 1.0 5.5

Total 45.2 43.0

Running kVA
Running kVA = 43.0 / 0.8 = 53.8 kVA

Starting kVA (Fire Pump)

Fire pump: 22 kW with star-delta starter
Starting kVA = (22 × 6 / 0.8) / 3 = 55 kVA

Generator Selection
Check Calculation Requirement Result

Running kVA 53.8 kVA < Generator kVA ✓

Starting kVA 55 kVA < Generator kVA ✓

Voltage dip (55/80) × 0.18 × 100 = 12.4% < 15% ✓

Selected: 80 kVA diesel generator

Generator Specifications
Parameter Value

Prime Rating 80 kVA / 64 kW

Standby Rating 88 kVA / 70 kW

Voltage 400/230V, 3-phase, 50Hz

Speed 1500 RPM

Fuel Diesel

Fuel Tank 8 hours at full load

Enclosure Weatherproof acoustic

85
Parameter Value

Noise Level 75 dB(A) at 1m

ATS 400A, 3-pole

9.6 MDB / SMDB / DB Design

Main Distribution Board (MDB)
Location: Basement electrical room Incomer: 400A ACB (from transformer)
Busbar: 630A copper
Outgoing Feeders:
Cable
Feeder Load (kVA) Current (A) Breaker (mm²) Length (m)

SMDB-1 (G 60 87 125A 50 30
+ F1 + F2)

SMDB-2 50 72 100A 35 50
(F3 + F4)

SMDB-3 50 72 100A 35 70
(F5 + Roof)

Fire Pump 35 50 63A 25 20

Chiller 60 87 125A 50 40

Elevators 20 29 40A 10 25

UPS 15 22 32A 6 15

Spare 50 72 100A 35 -
Sub-Main Distribution Boards
SMDB-1 (Ground + Floor 1 + Floor 2): - Incomer: 125A MCCB - Outgoing: -
DB-G (Ground): 63A - DB-1A (Floor 1 East): 40A - DB-1B (Floor 1 West): 40A -
DB-2A (Floor 2 East): 40A - DB-2B (Floor 2 West): 40A - Mechanical Panel G:
32A - Spare: 40A (×2)

86
SMDB-2 (Floor 3 + Floor 4): - Incomer: 100A MCCB - Outgoing: Similar to
SMDB-1
SMDB-3 (Floor 5 + Roof): - Incomer: 100A MCCB - Outgoing: - DB-5A (Floor 5
East): 40A - DB-5B (Floor 5 West): 40A - AHU Panel: 80A - Roof Lighting: 32A -
Spare: 40A (×2)
Distribution Boards (DB)
Typical DB (e.g., DB-2A): - Incomer: 40A MCCB - 12-way outgoing: - 3 × 10A
MCB (lighting circuits) - 4 × 20A MCB (power circuits) - 5 × 20A MCB (spare)

9.7 Lighting Design

Interior Lighting Design
Ground Floor – Reception (100 m²): - Required: 300 lux - Selected: Recessed
LED downlight, 25W, 2500lm - Number: (300 × 100) / (2500 × 0.5 × 0.8) = 30
fixtures - Layout: 5 × 6 grid - Circuit: 3 circuits × 10 fixtures each
Typical Floor – Open Office (500 m²): - Required: 400 lux - Selected: Recessed
LED panel 600×600, 36W, 3600lm - Number: (400 × 500) / (3600 × 0.5 × 0.8) =
139 panels - Layout: 10 × 14 grid (approximate) - Circuits: 7 circuits × 20 panels
each
Emergency Lighting: - Escape routes: 1 lux minimum - Exit signs: Every 15m
along escape routes - Emergency lights: Wall-mounted, 3W LED, 90min battery -
Quantity: 60 units (10 per floor)
Exterior Lighting
Façade Lighting: - LED floodlights, 50W, 5000lm - Quantity: 12 units - Control:
Photocell + timer
Parking Lighting: - LED pole lights, 100W, 10,000lm - Quantity: 6 poles -
Mounting height: 4m - Spacing: 15m

87
9.8 Power Circuits
Socket Outlet Circuits
Standard Office Circuit: - 20A MCB, Type C - 4.0 mm² PVC cable - Maximum 8
double sockets per circuit - Assumed load: 100W per socket
Dedicated Circuits:
Equipment Circuit Cable Protection

Water cooler Dedicated 4.0 mm² 20A MCB

Printer/copier Dedicated 4.0 mm² 20A MCB

Kitchen appliances Dedicated 6.0 mm² 32A MCB

IT rack Dedicated 10 mm² 32A MCB

Vending machine Dedicated 4.0 mm² 20A MCB

Motor Circuits
Motor Rating (kW) Starter Cable (mm²) Breaker

Chiller 45 Soft starter 4C × 70 125A MCCB

AHU 15 Star-delta 4C × 16 40A MCCB

Fire pump 22 Star-delta 4C × 25 63A MCCB

Elevator 7.5 VFD 4C × 10 32A MCCB

FCU 0.25 DOL 3C × 2.5 10A MCB

9.9 Cable Sizing

Main Feeder Cables
Transformer to MDB:
Load: 250 kVA
Current: (250 × 1000) / (1.732 × 400) = 361 A

Selected: 2 runs of 1C × 185 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC per phase

Rating: 2 × 341 = 682 A (adequate with derating)

MDB to SMDB-1:
Load: 60 kVA
Current: (60 × 1000) / (1.732 × 400) = 87 A

88
Length: 30m

Selected: 4C × 50 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC

Rating: 151 A (adequate)
Voltage drop: 0.8% (acceptable)

Final Circuit Cables

Circuit Type Cable Protection Max Length

Lighting (10A) 2C × 2.5 mm² PVC 10A MCB B 50m

Power (20A) 2C × 4.0 mm² PVC 20A MCB C 40m

Power (32A) 2C × 6.0 mm² PVC 32A MCB C 35m

Motor (DOL) 4C × 2.5 mm² PVC 10A MCB C 30m

9.10 Earthing Design

Earthing System: TN-S
Components: - Separate PE and N conductors throughout - Main earthing
terminal in MDB room - Earth electrode array - Equipotential bonding to all
services
Earth Electrode Design
Soil Resistivity: 80 ohm-m (sandy clay)
Calculation:
Single rod (3m × 16mm):
R = 26.8 ohms (exceeds 10 ohms)

Solution: 4 rods in parallel, 3m spacing

R_4 = 26.8 / (4 × 0.7) = 9.6 ohms ✓

Selected: 4 × copper-clad steel rods, 3m × 16mm, spaced 3m apart

Equipotential Bonding
Service Bonding Conductor Connection Point

Water main 10 mm² Cu Main earthing terminal

Gas pipe 10 mm² Cu Main earthing terminal

Structural steel 25 mm² Cu Main earthing terminal

89
Service Bonding Conductor Connection Point

Elevator rails 16 mm² Cu Local earth bar

Cable trays 10 mm² Cu Every 20m

HVAC ductwork 10 mm² Cu Local earth bar

9.11 Lightning Protection

Risk Assessment
Building: Office, 5 stories, 25m height Location: New Cairo (thunderstorm days:
10-15/year) Conclusion: Class III LPS required
Air Termination
Method: Mesh system on roof Grid size: 10m × 10m (Class III) Material:
Copper tape, 25mm × 3mm
Air rods: - 4 × 2m copper rods at corners - Additional rods at equipment
protrusions
Down Conductors
Quantity: 4 (one at each corner) Material: 50 mm² copper Route: External,
direct path to earth electrode Test clamps: One per down conductor at 1.5m
above ground
Earth Termination
Type: Ring electrode around building perimeter Material: 25mm × 3mm copper
tape Burial depth: 0.5m Connection: Welded to earth electrode array
Surge Protection
Location Type Rating Quantity

MDB incomer Type 1 (Class B) 12.5 kA, 4-pole 1

SMDB-1 Type 2 (Class C) 40 kA, 4-pole 1

SMDB-2 Type 2 (Class C) 40 kA, 4-pole 1

SMDB-3 Type 2 (Class C) 40 kA, 4-pole 1

UPS input Type 3 (Class D) 10 kA, 4-pole 1

90
9.12 Fire Alarm Design
System Type: Addressable
Panel: 2-loop addressable panel, 250 devices per loop Location: Ground floor,
near main entrance
Device Schedule
Device Quantity Location

Smoke detector (optical) 80 All areas except kitchens, toilets

Heat detector 20 Kitchens, plant rooms, garages

Manual call point 18 Every floor, near exits

Sounder base 80 With each detector

Flash beacon 10 Accessible toilets, staircases

Interface module 15 Fire dampers, elevator recall

Loop Design
Loop 1: Ground + Basement + Floors 1-2 (120 devices) Loop 2: Floors 3-5 +
Roof (100 devices)
Device Spacing
• Smoke detectors: 9.1m maximum spacing
• Heat detectors: 7.3m maximum spacing
• MCP: 30m maximum travel distance
• Sounders: 75 dB(A) minimum, spaced per coverage

9.13 Single Line Diagram Summary

UTILITY SUPPLY (11kV)
│
▼
┌─────────┐
│ 250 │
│ kVA │ Dyn11, 4%, Dry-type
│ TR │
└────┬────┘

91
 │ 400V
▼
┌─────────┐
│ 400A │
│ ACB │ MDB
│ (MDB) │
└────┬────┘
│
├──► 125A ──► SMDB-1 (G+F1+F2)
│ ├──► 63A ──► DB-G
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-1A
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-1B
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-2A
│ └──► 40A ──► DB-2B
│
├──► 100A ──► SMDB-2 (F3+F4)
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-3A
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-3B
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-4A
│ └──► 40A ──► DB-4B
│
├──► 100A ──► SMDB-3 (F5+Roof)
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-5A
│ ├──► 40A ──► DB-5B
│ ├──► 80A ──► AHU Panel
│ └──► 32A ──► Roof Lighting
│
├──► 63A ──► Fire Pump (with ATS)
├──► 125A ──► Chiller
├──► 40A ──► Elevator Panel
└──► 32A ──► UPS Panel

GENERATOR (80 kVA)

│
▼
┌─────────┐
│ ATS │◄────── Utility Normal
│ │
└────┬────┘
│
▼
MDB Busbar

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9.14 Panel Schedules Summary
MDB Schedule
Position Description Rating Type Cable

Incomer Transformer 400A ACB 2×1C×185 mm²

1 SMDB-1 125A MCCB 4C×50 mm²

2 SMDB-2 100A MCCB 4C×35 mm²

3 SMDB-3 100A MCCB 4C×35 mm²

4 Fire Pump 63A MCCB 4C×25 mm²

5 Chiller 125A MCCB 4C×50 mm²

6 Elevators 40A MCCB 4C×10 mm²

7 UPS 32A MCCB 4C×6 mm²

8 Spare 100A MCCB -

9 Spare 100A MCCB -

Typical DB Schedule (DB-2A)
Circuit Description Load (W) Breaker Cable

L1 Office Lighting N 900 10A B 2C×2.5

L2 Office Lighting S 900 10A B 2C×2.5

L3 Corridor/Toilet 500 10A B 2C×2.5

P1 Sockets N 2000 20A C 2C×4.0

P2 Sockets S 2000 20A C 2C×4.0

P3 Meeting Room 1500 20A C 2C×4.0

P4 Kitchen 3000 20A C 2C×6.0

SP Spare - 20A C 2C×4.0

SP Spare - 20A C 2C×4.0

SP Spare - 20A C 2C×4.0

SP Spare - 20A C 2C×4.0

93
Circuit Description Load (W) Breaker Cable

SP Spare - 20A C 2C×4.0

9.15 BOQ Summary

Major Equipment
Item Description Unit Qty

1 Transformer 250 kVA, dry-type No. 1

2 Generator 80 kVA, diesel, acoustic No. 1

3 ATS 400A, 3-pole No. 1

4 MDB 400A ACB + 630A busbar No. 1

5 SMDB 125A, 8-way No. 1

6 SMDB 100A, 8-way No. 2

7 DB 40A, 12-way No. 12

8 Fire alarm panel, 2-loop addressable No. 1

9 UPS 15 kVA, online double-conversion No. 1

Cables
Item Description Unit Qty

1 1C×185 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC m 200

2 4C×50 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC m 150

3 4C×35 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC m 300

4 4C×25 mm² XLPE/SWA/PVC m 200

5 4C×10 mm² PVC m 500

6 2C×6.0 mm² PVC m 1,000

7 2C×4.0 mm² PVC m 3,000

8 2C×2.5 mm² PVC m 5,000

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Lighting
Item Description Unit Qty

1 LED panel 600×600, 36W No. 280

2 LED downlight, 25W No. 50

3 Emergency light, 3W, 90min No. 60

4 Exit sign, LED, double-sided No. 35

5 LED floodlight, 50W No. 12

6 LED pole light, 100W No. 6

Fire Alarm
Item Description Unit Qty

1 Smoke detector, addressable No. 80

2 Heat detector, addressable No. 20

3 Manual call point No. 18

4 Sounder base No. 80

5 Flash beacon No. 10

Earthing & Lightning
Item Description Unit Qty

1 Earth rod, 3m × 16mm Cu-clad No. 4

2 Earth bar, 25×3mm Cu No. 15

3 Lightning rod, 2m Cu No. 4

4 Down conductor, 50mm² Cu m 100

5 Ring electrode, 25×3mm Cu m 120

6 SPD Type 1, 4-pole No. 1

7 SPD Type 2, 4-pole No. 3

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9.16 IFC Drawing Package
Drawing List
Drawing No. Title Scale Status

EL-G-001 Drawing Index and Legend - IFC

EL-G-002 Design Criteria and Notes - IFC

EL-G-003 Single Line Diagram - IFC

EL-G-004 Riser Diagram - IFC

EL-L-001 Basement Lighting Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-L-002 Ground Floor Lighting Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-L-003 Typical Floor Lighting Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-L-004 Roof Lighting Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-P-001 Basement Power Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-P-002 Ground Floor Power Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-P-003 Typical Floor Power Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-P-004 Roof Power Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-F-001 Fire Alarm Plan – Basement/Ground 1:100 IFC

EL-F-002 Fire Alarm Plan – Typical Floors 1:100 IFC

EL-E-001 Earthing and Lightning Plan 1:100 IFC

EL-D-001 Electrical Room Layout 1:50 IFC

EL-D-002 Cable Tray Details 1:20 IFC

EL-D-003 Earthing Details 1:10 IFC

EL-D-004 Lightning Protection Details 1:10 IFC

EL-S-001 MDB Panel Schedule - IFC

EL-S-002 SMDB Panel Schedules - IFC

EL-S-003 DB Panel Schedules - IFC

EL-B-001 Bill of Quantities - IFC

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9.17 Design Verification Checklist
Load Calculations
• ☒ Connected load calculated for all floors

• ☒ Demand factors applied per code

• ☒ Diversity factors applied at all levels

• ☒ Future load (20%) included

• ☒ Central plant loads added

• ☒ Power factor applied (0.85)

Equipment Sizing
• ☒ Transformer sized (250 kVA)

• ☒ Generator sized (80 kVA) with voltage dip check

• ☒ MDB incomer rated (400A)

• ☒ All SMDBs sized

• ☒ All DBs sized with spare ways

Distribution
• ☒ Single line diagram completed

• ☒ Panel schedules prepared

• ☒ Voltage drop checked on all feeders

• ☒ Short-circuit levels calculated

• ☒ Protection coordination verified

Systems
• ☒ Lighting designed (400 lux offices)

• ☒ Emergency lighting designed (1 lux escape routes)

• ☒ Fire alarm designed (addressable)

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 • ☒ UPS sized (15 kVA)

• ☒ Earthing designed (TN-S, 4 rods)

• ☒ Lightning protection designed (Class III)

Drawings
• ☒ Complete drawing set prepared

• ☒ All plans at correct scale

• ☒ Legend complete

• ☒ General notes written

• ☒ BOQ prepared

• ☒ Drawings coordinated with structure and architecture

Chapter 9 Checklist
• ☐ Architectural drawings fully reviewed and marked

• ☐ Load calculations completed with all diversity factors

• ☐ Transformer sized with loading verification

• ☐ Generator sized with motor starting check

• ☐ MDB/SMDB/DB hierarchy designed

• ☐ All panel schedules completed

• ☐ Single line diagram finalized

• ☐ Lighting calculations performed

• ☐ Power circuits designed

• ☐ All cables sized (current, voltage drop, short-circuit)

• ☐ Earthing system designed with resistance calculation

• ☐ Lightning protection designed per risk assessment

• ☐ Fire alarm system designed with device spacing

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 • ☐ BOQ prepared with complete quantities

• ☐ IFC drawing package completed

• ☐ Internal design review conducted

• ☐ Design approved by senior engineer

• ☐ Drawings issued for construction

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Useful Formulas
Electrical Formulas
Power (Single-phase): P = V × I × cos φ
Power (Three-phase): P = √3 × V × I × cos φ
Current (Three-phase): I = P / (√3 × V × cos φ)
kVA (Three-phase): S = √3 × V × I
Power Factor: PF = P / S = cos φ

Voltage Drop (3-phase): Vd = (√3 × I × L × (R cos φ + X sin φ)) / 1000

Voltage Drop (1-phase): Vd = (2 × I × L × (R cos φ + X sin φ)) / 1000

Earth Resistance (rod): R = (ρ / 2πL) × [ln(8L/d) - 1]

Transformer Impedance: Z% = (Isc × √3 × V) / (kVA × 1000)

Conversion Factors
From To Multiply by

kW kVA 1 / cos φ

kVA kW cos φ

HP kW 0.746

kW HP 1.34

mm² AWG See table

°C °F (°C × 9/5) + 32

Appendix B: Standard Sizes

Transformer Standard Sizes (kVA)
100, 160, 200, 250, 315, 400, 500, 630, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500

99
Cable Standard Sizes (mm²)
1.5, 2.5, 4, 6, 10, 16, 25, 35, 50, 70, 95, 120, 150, 185, 240, 300, 400
MCB Standard Ratings (A)
6, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125
MCCB Standard Ratings (A)
16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 630
ACB Standard Ratings (A)
400, 630, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000
Appendix C: Code References Quick Guide
Topic IEC NEC BS

General requirements 60364-1 Art. 110 7671 Ch. 13

Protection against shock 60364-4-41 Art. 250 7671 Ch. 41

Overcurrent protection 60364-4-43 Art. 240 7671 Ch. 43

Cable selection 60364-5-52 Art. 310 7671 Ch. 52

Earthing 60364-5-54 Art. 250 7671 Ch. 54

Inspection and testing 60364-6 Art. 110 7671 Ch. 61

Fire alarm IEC 62676 NFPA 72 BS 5839

Emergency lighting IEC 60598-2-22 NFPA 101 BS 5266

Lightning protection IEC 62305 NFPA 780 BS EN 62305

Appendix D: Common Mistakes Checklist

Design Mistakes
• ☐ Forgetting future load allowance

• ☐ Using wrong demand factors

• ☐ Ignoring voltage drop on long runs

• ☐ Undersizing generator for motor starting

• ☐ Forgetting harmonics from VFDs

• ☐ Wrong earthing system selection

100
 • ☐ Inadequate lightning protection class

• ☐ Missing fire alarm device coverage

• ☐ Wrong SPD type at wrong location

• ☐ Forgetting maintenance access clearances

Drawing Mistakes
• ☐ Missing dimensions on plans

• ☐ Wrong scale

• ☐ Incomplete legend

• ☐ Missing revision block

• ☐ Wrong title block information

• ☐ Missing north arrow

• ☐ Inconsistent line types

• ☐ Missing circuit numbers

• ☐ Wrong panel references

• ☐ Missing general notes

Coordination Mistakes
• ☐ Panel on structural column

• ☐ Cable tray through beam

• ☐ Light under sprinkler

• ☐ Switch on structural column

• ☐ Electrical room too small

• ☐ No ventilation for electrical room

• ☐ Generator exhaust toward air intake

• ☐ Missing fire stopping details

• ☐ Cable tray conflicts with ductwork

101
 • ☐ No access panel for maintenance

END OF DOCUMENT

This guide was prepared as a comprehensive reference for electrical building

design consultants. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy,
designers must always verify requirements against the applicable codes and
standards for their specific project location and jurisdiction.
Document Version: 1.0 Date: 2026 Classification: Professional Engineering
Reference

102