MEASUREMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
WORKS - BUT 307
Mr. K. Abban
kaabban@[Link] (0249950713)
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LESSON 4:
INTRODUCTION MEASUREMENT OF
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
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4.0 ELECTRICAL SERVICES MEASUREMENT – Y60 to Y92
• Electrical Supply/Power/Lighting Systems (V)
• Communications/Security/Control Systems (W)
The measurement of electrical services has the same challenges as the measurement of
mechanical services. The two are often grouped together and referred to as M and E
(Mechanical and Electrical) services as collective term.
Electrical Supply/Power/Lighting Systems (Section V, Appendix B) and
Communications/Security/Control Systems (Section W, Appendix B) are all measured in
accordance with the rules in Sections Y60 – Y92 (pages 161 – 169) under their appropriate
work section headings.
Some examples of electrical supply/power/lighting systems include electricity generation
plant, HV supply/distribution/ public utility supply, LV distribution, general and emergency
lighting, general LV power, uninterruptable power supply, street/flood lighting,
studio/auditorium/arena lighting, electrical installation, etc (SMM7 Appendix B page 182).
Some examples of communications/security/control systems include public
address/conference audio facilities, radio/TV/CCTV, information/advertising display,
projection, fire detection and alarm, earthing and bonding; telecommunications,
electromagnetic screening, paging and emergency call (SMM7 Appendix B page 182).
4.1 CONDUIT AND CABLE TRUNKING – Y60
4.1.1 Conduit
Conduit (not in final circuit) is measured in metres. The shape of the conduit whether
straight or curved including the radii of the curve, the type of conduit, external size, method
of fixing and background (whether to surfaces, in chases, in floor screeds or in insitu
concrete) are all stated in item description (Y60.1.1-2.1.1-5). Conduits are measured over all
conduit fittings and branches (Y60.M2). The conduit is deemed to include bending, cutting,
screwing, jointing and conduit fittings such as tees, elbows, bends, cover plates, bushings,
lock nuts, clips, saddles and crampets, forming holes for conduit entry, draw wires and draw
cables and components for earth continuity (Y60.C3).
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4.2 HV/LV CABLES AND WIRING – Y61
4.2.1 Cables
Cables (not in final circuit) are measured in metres. The type of cable, size, number of
cores, armouring and sheathing, location, method of support and background are all stated
in item description (Y61.1.1.1-7.1-2). Cables in conduits or trunking and cables fixed to
trays are measured as the net length of the conduit, trunking or tray, while other cables are
measured as fixed without allowance for sag (Y61.M2).
The following allowances shall be made to those cables which are measured net:
a) 0.30m on each cable entering fittings, luminaries or accessories
b) 0.60m on each cable entering equipment or control gear (Y61.M3).
4.2.2 Cables and Conduit (In Final Circuit)
These are enumerated on an enumerated point basis where they form part of a domestic or
similar simple installation from distribution boards and the like (Y61.M7).The description
for cable and conduit in final circuits shall state the size and type of cable/conduit and give a
description of the final circuit, including the number of sockets, switch outlets and the like;
immersion heaters, cooker outlets and the like; lighting outlets; one way, two way and
intermediate switches; together with earthing details; special boxes, whether surface or
concealed, background and method of fixing (Y61.19.1-2.1-6.1-5). Voltage and Amperage
shall also be stated in item description (Y61.S8).
Y61.P2 requires the following information to be given in connection with final circuits:
a) a distribution sheet setting out the number and location of all fittings and accessories;
and
b) a location drawing showing the layout of the points.
The distribution sheet should contain information relating to the location, number and type
of lamps, the number of lightings, switch and socket points and the type of fittings,
appliances and accessories, together with any other information relevant to the circuit
arrangement for each distribution board and the like.
Examples of these documents are illustrated on pages 11 to 17.
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4.3 SWITCHGEAR AND DISTRIBUTION BOARDS (MAIN SWITCH) - (Y71)
These are enumerated stating the type, size, rated capacity and method of fixing, usually
with cross reference to the specification, and giving details of fuses, supports provided with
the equipment and method of fixing and background type (Y71.1-[Link]-3). Supports not
provided with the equipment are enumerated and described separately (Y71.[Link]).
Fuse links and miniature circuit breakers supplied with the switchgear and distribution
boards shall be included in the description of the control gear; whereas those supplied
independently shall be measured separately.
4.4 LUMINAIRES AND LAMPS – Y73
ACCESSORIES FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICES – Y74
4.4.1 Luminaires and Lamps (Y73.2 - 4)
Luminaires are measured stating the number, type, size and method of fixing, often with
cross reference to the specification and any other relevant details listed in the fourth column
(Y73.[Link]-13). Pendants are also enumerated, distinguishing between those with a drop ≤
1.00m and those with a drop > 1.00m (Y73.2.2.1-2).
Lamps may be separately enumerated stating the type, size and rated capacity (Y73.[Link])
or alternatively, they can be given in the description of the luminaires (Y73.M2).
4.4.2 Accessories (Y74.5)
Accessories, which include lighting switches, socket outlets, thermostats, telephone cord
outlet points and bell pushes, are enumerated stating the type, box, method of fixing,
background and rated capacity. Plugs (plastic / wooden) are to be provided with the socket
outlets (Y74.[Link]-2). The description of accessories should state the number of gangs
comprised in the accessory.
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4.5 PARTICULAR SPECIFICATION ITEMS
These are items that are enumerated stating the type and description with particular
reference to specification (Y74.[Link]-13). They are those items of a fitting or ancillary
nature particular to the work section concerned (Y74.D2).
Examples of particular specification items include clocks, telephones, alarm bells, loud
speakers, battery chargers, convector heaters, storage heaters, facsimile equipment, aerials,
microphones, amplifiers, recording/playback instruments, central lock control equipment,
computer control systems, alarm, security and telephone equipments and control indicator
panels.
4.6 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES – Y81
This is given as an item stating the installation and any other relevant requirements listed in
Y81.5.1.1-2.1-2). Provision of electricity and of other supplies and of test certificates are
also deemed to be included (Y81.C1 & C2).
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4.7 SOME ILLUSTRATIONS OF ELECTRICAL SUPPLY/POWER/LIGHTING SYSTEMS
PLATE A
Surface type, metal clad distribution board
(DB) or consumer unit (CU).
PLATE B PLATE C
PLATES B & C above show the interior of domestic SPN distribution panel. The three
incoming phase wires connect to the bus bars via a main switch in the bottom of the panel (Ref.
Plate B). On each side of the panel are two bus bars, right for neutral (Ref Plate C) and left for
earth (Ref Plate C). The incoming neutral connects to the lower bursbar on the right side of the
panel while the incoming earth wire connects to the lower bus bar on the left side of the panel.
A typical Consumer Unit (CU) used as a main panel may have from 6 to 24 ways for devices
(some of which may occupy two ways), and will be split into two or more sections. From the
plates above, it can be seen that this CU has 24 ways, i.e. 12 miniature circuit breakers in each
column with varying ratings.
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PLATE E
Plates E shows a typical domestic rewirable
fuse box, MEM type. Fuse holders in these
boxes may not provide protection from
accidental contact with live terminals.
PLATE F PLATE G PLATE H
PLATES F, G & H above are circuit breakers mounted on wooden boards. These circuit breakers
are connected to the mains to prevent power surges. In the event that a problem occurs on any
circuit within the premises connected to the CU, the circuit breakers trips off, thereby preventing
damage and risk of fire outbreak.
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PLATE J
PLATE J: This shows three electric wires
drawn in white, flexible PVC conduit. Wires
with green and yellow insulation represent
earthing (grounding) connections. Wires with
red or brown insulation represent live
connections and wires with blue or black
insulations represent neutral connections
PLATE K PLATE L
PLATES K & L are accessories. A typical double pole, switch socket outlet, white plastic,
flush plate with three rectangular pins and neon indicator light, plastic PVC box, size 150 x 75 x
50mm, fixed to blockwall.
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PLATE M
This is an accessory. A typical 5 amp 1 – gang, 1 –
way light switch, silent action, white plastic, flush
plate, screwed to metal box size 75 x 75 x 50mm,
fixed in chases in blockwall.
PLATE N
This is also an accessory. A typical 5 amp 2 – gang, 1
– way light switch silent action, with Westpoint, SMC,
Crompton Elbee, Bajaj or other equally approved
ceiling fan regulator.
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Worked Example L4-1
The worked example shows the method of measuring the electrical services to two bedroom
flat at Adenta, Accra in accordance with the details and specifications shown on the drawing
below:
SPECIFICATION NOTES FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION TO
2-BEDROOM FLAT AT ADENTA, ACCRA
Generally Voltage system – single phase 240 volt, 50Hz, wiring system to be
600/1000 volt grade PVC insulated and colour coded cables drawn
into PVC conduit of appropriate diameter. Conduit to be concealed
in plastered walls or sunk in screeded floors or surface mounted in
ceiling void. Conduit to have screwed fittings and to act as earth
continuity throughout.
Floor to ceiling height is 3.00m. Height of apartment building is 12m
with T & G ceiling.
Lighting circuits 1.5mm2 single core PVC insulated copper cables, colour coded,
drawn into rigid PVC 20mm Ø conduit, located in ceiling void and
chases in masonry.
Power circuits 2.5mm2 single-core PVC insulated copper cables, colour coded,
drawn into rigid PVC 20mm Ø conduit, mainly embedded in floor
screeds and masonry.
Distribution board Surface type metal clad 8 way, SPN consumer unit with 130 amp
main switch, and fitted with miniature circuit breakers of ratings; 3
at 30 amp, 2 at 15 amp, 2 at 5 amp and 1 spare. Model MEM or
similar.
Heater cables 4.0mm2 single core PVC insulated cables in connection from 3-phase
distribution board drawn into 32mm Ø conduit. Earthing continuity
to be provided through new conduit by fixing with locknut and star
washer connection.
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Globe fittings Opalescent bowl / Globe fitting, GLS 20 watts soft mounting, and
brass BS lamp holder with shade ring.
Pendant fittings 3-core, 0.75mm2 PVC insulated and protected flexible 800mm drop,
white plastics ceiling rose and brass BS lamp holder with shade ring.
Fluorescent fittings 1200mm long, 65 watts single tube pattern with diffuser; 1200mm
long, 65 watts double tube pattern with diffuser; 600mm long, single
tube pattern with diffuser.
Lighting switches 5 amp single-pole silent action white plastics plate switches, one-
way, two-way or in gangs as appropriate. Switches to be 1400mm
above floor level.
Power outlets 13 amps / 15 amps single or double switched socket outlets, flush
white plastics pattern, 3-rectangular pins in single or double metal
steel box. Power outlets to be 450mm above floor level.
Cooker control unit 30 amps switched socket outlet, surface white plastic clad, 3-
rectangular pins, with neon indicator lights, in double metal steel
box.
Heater outlets 15 amps single switched socket outlet, flush white plastics pattern, 3-
rectangular pins with neon indicator lights, in single metal steel box.
Plans and label Contractor to prepare and provide 4 prints of plans of installation
‘as fitted’ showing circuits and conduits runs. Contractor to provide
white plastic label EIN BOARD 1/12’ with list of each circuit under.
Label to be fixed to wall adjacent to consumer unit.
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