The

Electricity Wiring Regulations

Amendment No. 1

Issued by:

the Regulation and Supervision Bureau

for the Water, Wastewater and Electricity Sector in
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
www.rsb.gov.ae

November 2008

Publication No. ED/R01/010 (Rev 1)

 Foreword

The Regulation and Supervision Bureau for the water, wastewater and
electricity sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (the Bureau) issued new
Electricity Wiring Regulations in December 2007, covering the design,
installation and maintenance of electrical installations in premises.

Following implementation of these Regulations and feedback received from

building developers, contractors and distribution companies the Bureau has
drafted an amendment to the Regulations, referred to as
Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008). This amendment contains a number of
clarifications and additional guidance. Two items of particular note relate
to the arrangements for RCD protection in Final Distribution Boards
(clause 7.8.6) and the method for calculating Diversified Load (clause
3.2.5). The Amendment was published in draft on 10 August 2008 and
comments received from interested parties have been considered in detail
before preparing the final document.

Amendment No. 1 shall be incorporated in the Electricity Wiring

Regulations from 1 January 2009, but may be used voluntarily before that
date.

Nick Carter
Director General

4 November 2008

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 227

Amendment No.1
[Note: new or replaced text is shown in blue. Deleted text is shown as strikethrough.
The reason for the change is given in brief in the right margin]

1.2.2 Notes which are included below clauses, in amended to specify

notes to clauses
italic text, are not mandatory and are for as mandatory
guidance, clarification or provide supporting
technical information.

1.3.8 Relaxation of any of the requirements of the

Regulations shall be approved by the Bureau
upon written request by any Distribution
Company, Customer, property Owner,
provision for establishing
Licensed Contractor or other person. Such a dispensation panel
requests may be referred to a dispensation
panel established for such purpose by the
Bureau.

2.1.25 Diversified Load: the load at a Distribution new definition of

'Diversified Load'
Board, at the Supply Intake or at any other
point in an Installation, calculated using
diversity factors as illustrated in Appendix
A20(f) and Guidance Note G2.

3.2.5 The Customer must provide an estimate of the

Connected Load at the Premises, including at addition of term
each Distribution Board. In addition, the 'Diversified Load'
Diversified Load for the whole Premises and at
each Distribution Board, must be calculated by
the Customer’s appointed Licensed Contractor,
design engineer or other qualified person and
submitted in the format given in Appendix
A20(e), see Guidance Note G2.

4.1.10 The maximum three-phase Prospective Fault

Current (fault level) for LV supplies shall be
46 kA (1 second) at the LV busbar of the correction
Distribution Company's HV/LV substation …

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 228

4.2.15 Where a HV/LV substation is required for the correction
supply of Premises ...

5.3.2 Residual Current Devices with a residual

current rating of 30 mA and complying with correction
BS EN 61008 and BS 4293 may be used as a
means of supplementary protection against
Direct Contact. …
[Note: ... It should be noted that earth leakage
clarification
RCD devices do not protect against electric shock
between phase conductors or between phase
conductors and neutral.]

5.4.3 RCD devices for Final Circuits must have a

time-current performance characteristic correction
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS 4293. …

5.4.5 Earth Leakage Protection provided at the

Supply Intake must be set to discriminate with
ELP devices at Final Circuits (i.e. earth faults on
Final Circuits must be automatically
disconnected by the closest ELP device, except
in the case of back-up operation of devices at
the Supply Intake). See Appendix A5(m) and additional
Guidance Note G4(e). cross-reference

[Note: such discrimination may be provided by

time-delayed RCD's, earth fault relays or other clarification
suitable devices at each LV panel or circuit
breaker at the Supply Intake. ELP is not required
at Sub Distribution Boards but, if provided, must
discriminate with ELP devices on upstream and
downstream Circuits.]

5.4.6 The operating current setting for ELP devices at

the Supply Intake must take into account the
nature of the Installation (e.g. commercial,
industrial, etc), the likelihood and magnitude of
earth fault currents, and the requirement for
protection against Indirect Contact, see
Appendix A5(m) and Guidance Note G4(f).
[Note: where the Supply Intake consists of a clarification note

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 229

 multi-panel LV switchboard, each panel or circuit
breaker should be fitted with ELP devices in
order to limit the extent of power interruptions.
The ELP device for the incomer panel must
discriminate with the outgoing panels / circuits.]

5.5.9 Where Circuit conductors are installed close to

or within items of metalwork (such as correction
mentioned in clause 5.5.7) ...

5.6.8 Water heaters, air conditioning units, fan-coil new clause

units, motors and other similar items must be
provided with double pole isolation (or 4 pole
isolation for 3-phase items) to ensure safe
access for the purpose of maintenance and
repair.
[Note: double pole isolation may be provided by
a plug and socket-outlet arrangement.]

6.2.1 (b) … The Distribution Company system is

earthed at the distribution transformer correction
(11kV/400V) and separate earth and neutral
conductors are used …
[Note: these types of earthing systems are
illustrated in Appendix A5(a) – A5(c). Earth
note added
resistance values of less than 10 Ohms may be
specified by the designer for purposes such as
Functional Earthing or for specialist installations
such as petrol stations, telecommunications sites,
etc.]

6.4.3 [Note: where it is proposed to use structural steel note added

or reinforcing steel as an Earth Electrode, suitable
testing points must be provided.]

6.6.1 All Exposed-Metallic-Parts of an Installation,

including Appliances, must be connected to correction
Earth via Earth Conductors which in
accordance with the requirements of
Regulation 6.5.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 230

6.8.3 Lightning protection systems must be designed,
constructed and maintained in accordance with amended to new
BS 6651 BS EN 62305, except that the BS EN standard
lightning protection system is not to be bonded
to the Installation Main Earth Terminal.

6.8.4 The use of structural steel in place of, or in

connection with, lightning down conductors is new clause
not permitted unless approved by the
Distribution Company. Where such approval
is given provision must be made for regular
testing of the structural earth system from roof
level to ground (e.g. via a separate test cable
installed through the building). Structural
foundations or piles may be used as lightning
earth electrodes if sufficiently separated from
the Main Earth Electrodes and where
inspection / testing points are provided for
future maintenance.

7.1.3 The use of 'Shuko' CEE7/7 2-pin type plugs is amended to

clarify prohibitions
strictly prohibited. The use of 'Euro' CEE7/16
plugs is permitted only where used with an
approved adaptor converting such plugs for use
on BS 1363 type socket-outlets, see Appendix
A17(a).

7.1.4 An allowable exception to clause 7.1.1 is the

use of shaver supply units in bathrooms,
complying with BS 3535. For these types of amended to
socket-outlet, which are supplied by a SELV allow the use of
safety isolating transformer, 2-pin unearthed CEE7/16 'Euro'
type plugs may be used but which must also plugs in shaver
supply units
comply with BS 3535. See Appendix A17(c).

7.1.7 Socket-outlets for normal use must be

positioned at a standard height of 300 mm or amended to allow
450 mm above floor level or 100 mm above alternative mounting
height of socket-outlets
work surfaces, see Appendix A16.

7.1.9 Socket-outlets in kitchens or other areas where

water is used must be positioned at least 1.0 m
away from sources of water (e.g. sinks, basins,

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 231

 filter units, supply taps). Consideration must be requirement for
splash-proof socket-
given to the use of splash proof socket-outlets outlets deleted
(IP 54).

7.1.14 Outdoor socket-outlets must be of the weather

protected type (IP55) and incorporate a 30 mA
RCD, see Guidance Note G7(c).
[Note: where a number of outdoor socket-outlets note added for
are installed in close proximity, the above groups of outdoor
requirement may be met by one RCD device socket outlets
protected by
serving the group of outlets, provided that the one RCD
RCD device is readily accessible and visible to
persons using the socket-outlets and is clearly
labelled.]

7.3.2 The rating of lighting Circuits shall be selected

in accordance with the number of connection
points to be supplied, the type and rating of amended to meet
luminaires to be used, and the Connected Load sizing according to
for the Circuit. A standard method of Connected Load
calculating Connected Load is given in
Guidance Note G2 and illustrated in Appendix
A20(f).

7.4.6 Where conduit is buried installed within a wall,

floor or ceiling it must be installed at a
minimum depth of 50 mm from the surface. If
it is installed at a shallower depth then metal
conduit must be used. See Guidance Note
G7(e).
[Note: for a solid wall, floor or ceiling the above
required depth may be reduced to 25 mm for note added to relax
depth requirement
lengths of conduit which are within 4 m of a
for buried conduits
visible Accessory or connection point, or where
the Circuits contained in the conduit are
protected by a 30 mA RCD.]

7.5.10 The cross-section of cables must be selected

according to the expected load, voltage drop,
ambient temperature and installation
conditions ...

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 232

 [Note: the sizing of Final Circuits and Circuits
noted added
feeding FDBs must be in accordance with the
Connected Load. Other Circuits may be sized in
accordance with the Diversified Load, with
allowance made for future load growth where
appropriate. See clause 7.6.1, 7.7.7 and
Guidance Note G2.]

7.5.12 Other than as allowed under clause 7.5.15, all amended to allow
the use of metallic
cables that are not armoured, or that do not sheathed or
have a metallic sheath or screen, must be screened cable
installed in plastic or metal conduit or trunking without conduit
throughout their entire length.

7.6.1 The sizing of Final Circuits must be in

accordance with the Connected Load on each amended to specify
Circuit (see Guidance Note G2), whilst taking sizing according to
Connected Load
account of ambient temperature, grouping
factors and power factor, see Appendix A7(a) -
A7(h).

7.7.6 Busways, bus ducts and busbar risers shall have

neutral conductors of equal size to the phase
conductors and shall have a dedicated Earth amended to allow the
Conductor. The use of the metal casing as an use of Busways where
Earth Conductor shall not be is permitted only the metal casing is
for Earth Leakage Protected Installations, and used as an Earth
Conductor
with the prior approval of the Distribution
Company.
[Note: Aluminium metal casings should be used
in preference to steel due to the risk of corrosion
and high resistance joints. In either case the sizing
of such conductors must meet the values
equivalent to copper conductors given in
Appendix A5(j).]

7.7.7 The current rating of busways, bus ducts and

busbar risers shall be based on the Connected
Load Diversified Load of the relevant part of amended based on
the Installation being supplied, with allowance new definition of
made for future load growth where appropriate. Diversified Load
However, additional diversity factors may be

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 233

 applied for high-rise buildings or other large
installations rather than taking the sum of
Connected Loads. Diversity factors must be
justified and submitted with the design for
approval by the Distribution Company, see
Regulation 3.2 and Guidance Note G2.

7.8.2 Distribution Boards must be of robust

construction, capable of withstanding expected
electrical, thermal, and environmental stresses
in normal service and during faults.
[Note: Final Distribution Boards, including the note added to
incoming cable, will normally be rated for the clarify rating of
Connected Load of the Circuits supplied; other Distribution Boards
Distribution Boards and Distribution Circuits may
be rated for the Diversified load, using
appropriate diversity factors, and with allowance
made for future load growth where appropriate.
- see Guidance Note G2.]

7.8.6 All Final Distribution Boards must have at least

two busbar sections, be arranged so as to
provide for at least two zones of Earth Leakage clarification and
Protection (e.g. 100mA and 30mA) and to note to explain the
avoid complete disconnection of power to the requirement for two
area being served, in the event of an earth fault. busbar section DBs
and alternative
This may be achieved by either of the following arrangements
methods:

(a) two or more busbar sections, each protected

by an RCD;
(b) one busbar section, with individual RCBOs
fitted on all Final Circuits (the incomer device
may be a time-delayed RCD or an isolator switch
where adequate fault protection is provided by an
upstream Protective Device);
(c) two or more FDBs installed together to
serve an area, each having one busbar section
protected by an RCD of appropriate rating (e.g.
one DB with an incomer 100mA RCD for
lighting and another DB with incomer 30mA

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 234

 RCD for power circuits)

[Note: either solid busbar or removable ('comb')

busbar DB's are acceptable (horizontal or vertical
type) if factory assembled and where the
manufacturer's type tests are provided. Single
phase DBs up to 12 ways, serving a limited area,
may be provided with one busbar section, and
one incomer RCD of appropriate rating, e.g. hotel
rooms, pump room, central a/c room, etc.]

7.8.8 The number of Final Distribution Boards and

Sub Distribution Boards provided in a
Premises shall take into account the future
accessibility, maintainability and safety of the
system, whilst limiting the extent of possible
power outages to serviced areas.
[Note: to meet the above requirement Final
Distribution Boards should be limited to a
maximum capacity of 14 ways 3-phase (or 42 ways clarification to
single phase) and Sub Distribution Boards should include Sub
be limited to 18 ways 3-phase. Distribution Boards

7.8.13 All outgoing circuits of Distribution Boards clarification

must be provided with only circuit-breakers
(such as CBs, MCBs, MCCBs, RCDs, RCBOs,
etc) and shall not contain fuses of any kind,
except for capacitor banks. See Regulation 10.2.
[Note: the incoming device of a DB may be an
clarification note
isolator switch, where adequate fault protection is
provided by an upstream Protective Device.]

7.8.15 Distribution Boards of rating above 200 A shall

be installed in a dedicated room. Distribution amended to allow
Boards of rating 200 A and below may be use of enclosures
for small DBs
installed in a cupboard or other suitable
enclosure complying with clause 7.8.14 and
clause 3.5.9.
[Note: Main Distribution Boards of rating 200 A
and above must be located in a Supply Intake
room, see Appendix A12(b).]

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 235

9.3.2 (a) all Final Circuits must be protected by an
RCD of residual current rating 30 mA and Correction
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS 4293.
Such protection may be grouped across several
Additional text allowing
Circuits at the Final Distribution Board. 100mA RCD protection
However, fan-coil units mounted in a ceiling for FCUs in a bathroom
void in a bathroom may be provided with ceiling void
100mA RCD protection.

9.3.2 (e) Appliances, Luminares or Accessories which

are within Arm's Reach from a bath, shower or
similar facility must be supplied by SELV or
PELV and have a minimum level of ingress
clarification of
protection of IPX4. Underwater lighting must requirements
be supplied by SELV at a maximum voltage of for ingress protection
12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c. and with ingress
protection IPX8.

9.4.1 (a) all Final Circuits must be protected by an

RCD of residual current rating 30 mA and correction
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS 4293. …

9.4.1 (e) Appliances, Luminares or Accessories which

are within Arm's Reach from a swimming pool
must be supplied by SELV or PELV and have a clarification of
minimum level of ingress protection of IPX7. requirements
Underwater lighting must be supplied by SELV for ingress protection
at a maximum voltage of 12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c.
and with ingress protection IPX8.

9.5.1 (a) all Final Circuits must be protected by an

RCD of residual current rating 30 mA and correction
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS 4293. …

9.5.1 (e) Appliances, Luminares or Accessories which

are within Arm's Reach from a water fountain
must be supplied by SELV or PELV and have a clarification of
minimum level of ingress protection of IPX7. requirements
Underwater lighting must be supplied by SELV for ingress protection
at a maximum voltage of 12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c.
and with ingress protection IPX8.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 236

APPENDICES

A3 Reference standards … continued (p112) added reference

standard for RCD
- add row as follows: socket-outlets

RCD socket-outlets BS EN 7288

A5(j) Sizing of earth conductors

Note 2: Earth Conductors must always be
insulated and a cross-sectional area of less than changed from
2 2.5mm 2

1.5 mm must not be used unless they are an

integral part of a sheathed cable (e.g. an
Appliance flexible cord).

A5(k) Minimum number of earth electrodes

note added
Note 2: Structural foundations of large buildings
may be used as Earth Electrodes, see clause 6.4.3
and 6.8.4.

A5(m) Residual operating current settings for RCDs

and ELP devices
last row of table:
LV main circuit breakers clarification for
or switchboards (Supply See Note 4 discrimination
of protection
Intake)

Note 2: all Final Circuits in a bathroom (including additional notes

lighting, but excluding FCUs in the ceiling void) added
must be provided with 30 mA RCD protection.
See clause 9.3.2(a).
Note 3: where a circuit supplies more than one
type of equipment the lower value must be used
for RCD protection (e.g. a circuit supplying
bedroom lighting and bathroom lighting must be
protected by a 30 mA RCD).
Note 4: the selection of ELP devices at main
switchboards must take into account the

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 237

 requirement for discrimination with downstream
protective devices (clause 5.4.5 and 5.4.6). For
small supplies (200A or less) a 300mA RCD
device may be used, with time delay of 200ms.
For larger supplies (above 200A) earth fault relays
may be used in conjunction with MCCBs (e.g. 1A,
3A, 5A with time delay up to 400ms) or ACBs
with integral earth fault setting. In the latter case
the earth fault setting must trip the ACB within
400ms, taking into account the Earth Fault Loop
Impedance of the installation.

A6(f) MCBs selection criteria

amend row 4 and 5 as follows:
Cable Cable Cable Typical
MCB size rating at rating at applications
rating 2 o o
mm 30 C 40 C
Radial Circuit to
20 4.0 32 (6.3) 27.8 (5.4) fixed appliances amended to allow
(e.g. a/c unit) 2 x 4mm
2

Ring Circuit to conductors instead

32 2 x 4.0 48 (9.3) 41.7 (8.1) of 6mm
2
socket-outlets

Note 1: cable ratings are taken from Appendix A7(a),

assuming one circuit in conduit, with temperature
clarification notes
correction factors applied from Appendix A7(g). added
Power factor of 0.85 is assumed to calculate kW
ratings at 230V.
Note 2: selection of MCBs for overload protection of
cables must take account of the device
characteristics given in Appendix A6(b) to A6(d).
These are based on minimum MCB operating
currents of 1.45 times the MCB nominal rating
(In) and a maximum 'non-tripping' current of 1.15
times In. Hence, cables must be selected with
ratings at least 1.15 times the MCB nominal rating
(see IEE Guidance Note 6 - section 2).

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 238

A12(b) Diagram: Typical layout of supply intake room
- amend table as follows:
Main circuit breaker Intake room
rating (A) dimensions (m)
amended to specify
1600 - 2500 3.5 x 3.5 dimensions of supply
intake rooms
1000 - 1200 3.0 x 3.0
600 - 800 2.5 x 2.5
400 - 500 2.5 x 2.0
200 - 300 2.0 x 2.0

Note 1: the above rooms sizes are given for guidance and
other requirements for access and safety should
be taken into account (see Regulation 3.5)
note added

A12(c) Typical layout of final distribution board

- amend drawing to show 2-section busbar correction

A12(d) Typical layout of LV switchroom

correction
- amend drawing (outgoing circuits should be
above panels 2 and 3)

A14 Diagram: Typical layout for ring circuit and

radial circuits
- amend to show 2 or more 15A socket-outlets correction
- remove joint on spur socket-outlet

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 239

A15 Minimum number of socket-outlets and
connection points

Room Minimum number of

outlets for domestic
premises

Kitchen:
13A socket-outlets Minimum 2 double, plus
(worktops) every 2 m of worktop amended to cater
for various sizes
13A socket-outlets Minimum 1 single, plus as of kitchens
(Appliances) required for free standing
Appliances (e.g. fridge)

20A spur Connection Minimum 1, plus as

points for washing required for number of
machine, dryer, etc items installed (flex outlets
or socket-outlets)

45A Cooker control 1

unit

Bedrooms 2 double, 1 single adjusted to provide

for safety and
convenience
Lounge or dining 3 double, 1 single

Hall or corridor 1 single

Bathrooms only BS 3535 shaver socket

(if required)

Note 1: in general, double socket-outlets should be used

notes added
in preference to single socket-outlets wherever for clarification
possible
Note 2: socket-outlets should be conveniently located to
avoid the need for extension cables and adapters
(which introduce risk of overheating and fire)
Note 3: 15A BS 546 socket-outlets are not permitted in
domestic premises (see clause 7.1.1)

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 240

Note 4: the maximum number of socket-outlets on a
Circuit is not limited and is dependent on the
load supplied and the wire size (see Appendix
A6(f) and Guidance Note G2)

A16 Diagram: Mounting height for accessories and

socket-outlets correction
- amend to show double socket-outlets

A19(g) Sequence of testing for new installations

Note 2: testing of RCDs must include measurement of the
operating time (ms) at In and at 5 x In, as well as new note added
check of non-operation at 50% x In.

A19(h) Additional test procedures

- additional test procedures to be added for RCDs addition
and ring circuits

A20(a) Electrical installation certificate

addition of term
add "Total Diversified Load", in row 3 ’Diversified Load’

A20(b) Inspection report

addition of term
add "Total Diversified Load", in row 3 ’Diversified Load’

A20(e) Load Distribution Schedule amended to show

calculation of
- see last page diversified load

A20(f) Load Distribution Schedule - example example added

showing calculation of
- see last page diversified load

G1 Guidance note on supply voltage change

… the UK has adopted a supply voltage of correction

230 / 400 V

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 241

G2 Estimation of Connected Load and Diversity Factors
- amended to reflect realistic Circuit ratings (Connected Load)
and typical Diversity Factors

Estimation of Connected Load and Diversified Load

for domestic premises

Type of load Connected load Typical

[see note 1] diversity factor
[see notes 3 and 7]

Lighting • sum of wattage of all luminaries or 75%

assume 100W for each lighting point
(except chandelier points)
• chandelier lighting points – 500W
• 1.8 x lamp wattage for fluorescent
lighting
13A socket-outlets • 1,000 W for first socket-outlet plus 50%
200 W for remainder socket-outlets
(including kitchen ring circuits),
[see note 2]

Kitchen power • kitchen appliance connection points - 50%

points assume 1,500 W each or actual rating
of appliance (e.g. washing machine,
dryer, dish washer etc)
• cooker – assume 3,000 W or actual
rating of oven plus the largest ring
• fridge – assume 300 W or actual
rating
Other power points • water heater – 1,500 W or actual 50%
rating
• motors (e.g. lifts) – actual rating
Air conditioning • split air conditioning units – full rating 90%
• window air conditioning units – full
rating
• central a/c units (see note 5)

- page 195 text deleted and replaced with the

following notes:

Note 1: the Connected Load values shown above are revised values of
based on typical Appliances and connection Connected Load

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 242

 points. Specific site information should be used
where available.
Note 2: the Connected Load (and cable rating) for
Circuits supplying socket-outlets should be based revised calculation of
on 1,000 W for the first socket-outlet, plus 200 W Connected Load for
for the remainder, where a double socket outlet is socket-outlet Circuits
counted as 2 (e.g. circuit rating for 5 x double
socket-outlets = 1kW + 9 x 0.2kW = 2.8kW).
Note 3: typical diversity factors for domestic premises
are shown above but the designer may select a selection of
different value representing the intensity of appropriate
usage (e.g. higher value for high usage Circuits, diversity factors
such as communal kitchens, lower value for
lower occupancy dwellings, etc)
Note 4: additional diversity factors may be applied at Sub diversity factors for
Distribution Boards and Main Distribution Main and Sub
Boards, typically 0.9. Hence, the expected Distribution Boards
demand at the Supply Intake may be 0.81 times
the sum of the FDB Diversified Loads.
Note 5: a 90% diversity factor may be applied for split or
window type air conditioning units; diversity correction
factors for central a/c units should be based on
manufacturers data or load data taken from other
similar installations (during summer temperature
conditions)
Note 6: The calculated Diversified Load for Premises
should be checked against electricity usage data check of diversified
for similar Premises (typically 30 - 80 W / sq m load vs. floor area
for domestic Premises and 100 – 150 W / sq m
for offices and shops, including air conditioning).
Note 7: for non-domestic Premises an assessment of
diversity factors must be made by a qualified
designer or engineer with knowledge of the
assessment of
proposed usage of the Installation. For offices diversified load for
and shops diversity factors of 80% – 90% may be non-domestic Premises
typical for lighting and power Circuits. However,
for industrial equipment (e.g. machinery, water
pumps, etc) diversity factors may range from 20%
to 100%, depending on the operating cycle of the
equipment.

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 243

G5(a) RCD operating characteristics and electric
shock

… This is normally achieved with RCD devices

correction
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS 4293. …

G7(c) Weather protected outdoor socket-outlets

diagram note:
correction
IP66 IP55 weather protected socket-outlet
with 30mA RCD

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 244

 Appendix A20(e) Load Distribution Schedule
Project / Building Name: ............................................................. Main Contractor: .............................................................
Address / Location: ............................................................. Electrical Contractor: .............................................................
Distribution Board No. / Ref. ............................................................. Incoming Cable size / type: ............................................................. Date: ........................
Fed from: ............................................................. Main breaker type & rating: ............................................................. Document No. .......................
Busbar CCT MCB Phase & Earth Cable Circuit name No. of Connected Circuit Load (kW) Diversity Circuit
Incomer

section ref. rating Neutral size rating / Point reference points Load per factors load after
/ RCD No. (A) Size mm2 A (kW) (double / point R Y B diversity
mm2 [see notes] single) (kW) (kW)

R1
Y1
B1
Section 1 ...........

R2
Y2
B2

R3
............................

Y3
B3

R4
Y4
B4
Section 2 .............

R5
Y5
B5

R6
R7
R8

GROSS FLOOR = ........ sq m TOTAL CONNECTED LOAD = ...... kW

FLOOR AREA DIVERSIFIED LOAD = ...... W / sq m TOTAL DIVERSIFIED LOAD = ...... kW (%)

Notes: 1. Cable ratings taken at xx oC and xx power factor, installed as single circuits in conduit
2. Cable rating must be above circuit Connected Load and at least 1.15 times MCB nominal rating

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 245

 Appendix A20(f) Load Distribution Schedule - sample
Project / Building Name: Mr Mubarak Al Hosni Villas Main Contractor: Sedmand Construction LLC.........
Address / Location: Sector ME-10 Plot C-96, Abu Dhabi Electrical Contractor: Al Ramal EC .................................
Distribution Board No. / Ref. FDB-2 second floor apartment......... Incoming Cable size / type: 4C x 16mm XLPE with SWA-earth…....................... Date: 4-7-08
Fed from: MDB-1 (intake room)....................... Main breaker type & rating: 63A isolator + 2 RCD (see below)…...................... Document No. ARE-34-8.
Busbar CCT MCB Phase & Earth Cable Circuit name No. of Connected Circuit Load (kW) Diversity Circuit
Incomer

section ref. rating Neutral size rating / Point reference points Load per factors load after
/ RCD No. (A) Size mm2 A (kW) (double / point R Y B diversity
mm2 [see notes] single) (kW) (kW)

R1 6 1.5 1.5 17.5 (3.4) Lighting, bedrooms 1, 2, 3 10 0.1 1.0 0.75 0.75
Y1 6 1.5 1.5 17.5 (3.4) Lighting (fluorescent) - kitchen 10 0.05 0.50 0.75 0.38
100mA RCD 40A 3ph

B1 6 1.5 1.5 17.5 (3.4) Lighting - lounge (inc. chandelier 500W) 11 0.1/0.5 1.5 0.75 1.13
R2 6 1.5 1.5 17.5 (3.4) Smoke detectors 3 0.02 0.06 1.0
Section 1 -

0.06
Y2 10 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) FCU-1, FCU-2, FCU-3 3 0.6 1.8 0.9 1.62
B2 10 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) FCU-4 1 1.6 1.6 0.9 1.44
R3 32 6.0 2.5 41.0 (8.0) Cooker 1 3.0 3.0 0.5 1.50
63A isolator 3ph

Y3 spare
B3 spare

R4 16 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) Water heater: kitchen 1 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.75
Y4 16 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) Water heater: bathrooms 1 and 2 2 1.2 2.4 0.5 1.20
B4 6 1.5 1.5 17.5 (3.4) Lighting (fl) + shaver socket - bathrooms 1, 2 6 0.05 0.3 0.75
30mA RCD 40A 3ph

0.23
R5 32 2 x 4.0 2 x 2.5 48.0 (9.3) Socket-outlets - kitchen ring (inc. fridge) 3d + 1s 1.0 / 0.2 2.2 0.5
Section 2 -

1.10
Y5 16 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) Socket-outlets: maid's room + corridor 1d + 2s 1.0 / 0.2 1.6 0.5 0.80
B5 20 4.0 2.5 32.0 (6.3) Flex-outlets - dishwasher, dryer 2 1.5 3.0 0.5 1.50
R6 16 2.5 1.5 24.0 (4.7) Flex outlet – washing machine 1 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.75
R7 32 2 x 2.5 2 x 1.5 36.0 (7.0) Socket-outlets (ring) - lounge 4d + 3s 1.0 / 0.2 3.0 0.5 1.50
R8 32 2 x 4.0 2 x 2.5 48.0 (9.3) Socket-outlets (ring) - bedrooms 1, 2, 3 8d + 3s 1.0 / 0.2 4.6 0.5 2.30
GROSS FLOOR = 200 sq m TOTAL CONNECTED LOAD = 29.6 kW 9.3 9.3 11.0
FLOOR AREA DIVERSIFIED LOAD = 85 W / sq m TOTAL DIVERSIFIED LOAD = 17.0 (57%) 17.0 kW

Notes: 1. Cable ratings taken at 30oC and 0.85 power factor, installed as single circuits in conduit
2. Cable rating must be above circuit Connected Load and at least 1.15 times MCB nominal rating

The Electricity Wiring Regulations - Amendment No. 1 (Nov 2008) 246