MINISTRY OF HOUSING

Western Sector Projects

Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

SECTION 33 71 19
UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES
PART 1:
1.01
A

GENERAL

SECTION INCLUDES
Underground electrical services including, but not limited to the following:
1. Duct banks.
2. Stub-ups.
3. Manholes.
4. Handholes.
5. Earth rod pits.
6. Concrete pads.
7. Cable warning signs and tapes.

1.02

RELATED SECTIONS

Section 01 31 00

Project Management and Coordination.

Section 0133 00

Submittal Procedures.

Section 01 61 00

Common Product Requirements.

Section 01 78 36

Warranties.

Section 31 23 16.13

Trenching.

Section 33 05 13

Manholes and Structures.

Section 33 05 00

Common Work Results for Plumbing.

Section 03 30 00

Cast-in Place Concrete.

Section 26 05 00

Common Work Results for Electrical.

Section 26 05 53

Electrical Identification.

Section 26 05 13

MV Cables and Accessories.

Section 26 05 19

LV Cables and Wires.

Section 26 05 33

Electrical Raceways.

Section 26 05 29

Equipment Connections and Supports.

UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

Section 26 56 00

Exterior and Street Lighting.

Section 26 05 26

Earthing System.

1.03

REFERENCES

SASO

Saudi Arabian Standards Organization.

SASO 14

Standard for uPVC Pressure Pipes.

IEC 60346

Electrical Installation of Buildings.

BSEN ISO 1452

Plastics Piping Systems for Water Supply and for Buried and above
Ground Drainage and Sewerage under Pressure, Un-plasticized
Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC).

BSEN 61386

Conduit Systems for Cable Management.

BS 7671

Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

ASTM C 33

Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates.

ASTM D 1557

Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil using

Modified Effort.

SEC DPS

SEC Distribution Planning Standards.

SEC SDMS

SEC Distribution Materials Specifications.

SEC SDCS

SEC Distribution Construction Standards.

1.04

SUBMITTALS

Comply with section 0133 00.

Submit catalogues, brochures, factory test certificates and samples of various items proposed for
underground electrical services.

Submit complete schedule of proposed pipes, accessories and fittings.

Submit shop drawings indicating all required information about the underground electrical
services, including the following:

1.

Routing of underground ducts and their arrangement.

2.

Sections indicating duct details and crossings of other services.

3.

Termination of uPVC ducts to Manholes.

4.

Detailed drawing indicating arrangement of ducts, spacing between ducts, spacers, etc.

5.

Internal arrangement within manholes.

Submit duct sizing calculations as required by the Engineer.

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

1.05

Project Specification

QUALITY ASSURANCE

All items for underground electrical services shall be manufacturer's standard construction and
materials except civil works such as excavation, backfilling and concreting. Where this conflicts
with any part of the specification, the contractor shall so state at the time of tender.

Manufacturers: Firms regularly engaged in the manufacture of such items of the types and sizes
required, and whose products have been in satisfactory use in similar service for a period not
less than 5 years. Preference shall be given to local manufacturers.

All underground electrical services for power and communications shall comply with the
requirements and standards of the electricity supply authority (SEC), telecommunications
supply authority, BS and SASO.

1.06

DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

Comply with section 01 61 00.

Avoid rough handling during unloading of pipes and other items for underground electrical
services. Chains or wire ropes may be used, provided they are suitably covered, to protect pipes
and other items from damage.

Unloading by mechanical means such as crane or forklift may be used where pipes and other
items for underground electrical services are delivered in bundles or in crates. However,
consideration shall be given to the total weight and the lifting capacity of the mechanical
equipment, and the observance of the statutory safety requirements.

Pipes and other items for underground electrical services shall not be dropped or thrown to the
ground, knocked against other conduits or against sharp objects that may cause permanent
damage.

In preparing for laying pipes in trenches, the pipes and fittings may be unloaded along the
trench direct from the back of a truck. Ducts and fittings shall be unloaded on the side opposite
to backfill. Fittings including end bells, couplings and other accessories such as solvent cement
and lubricant shall be stored at the trench site under cover to prevent loss or damage.

When storing on site, pipes and other similar items shall be placed at a level surface and shall be
supported to minimize distortion, and protected from direct sunlight. Horizontal supports of
adequate width shall be spaced not more than 1.5 meter from center to center beneath pipes to
provide continuous and even support.

Vertical side supports shall be provided at 3 meter spacing on rectangular stacks. The maximum
free height of such stacks shall not exceed 1.5 meter.

1.07
A
1.08
A

WARRANTY
Comply with section 01 78 36.
SEC/MUNICIPALITY COMPLIANCE
Contractor shall comply with all applicable SEC distribution material specification,
construction and planning standards for power distribution networks and municipality
specification for road lighting. Some of the specifications and standards are attached with the
contract documents for guidance, however contractor shall obtain copy of all applicable

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

specification and standards from the concerned authorities as required on site or instructed by
the Engineer.
B

Any conflict found between this project specification and SEC or municipality
specification/standards shall be immediately brought to the notice of Engineer for final
decision.

PART 2:
2.01

PRODUCTS

ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS
Not Used.

2.02

GENERAL

Underground electrical services for power, lighting, low current systems, control cables and
earthing shall comprise manholes and handholes interconnected via concrete encased PVC
pipes, direct buried uPVC pipes or cable trenching, all as shown on the drawings and described
in the specifications or required on site for proper installation and maintenance of electrical
systems.

Any trenching, backfilling, compaction and general grading required for electrical works shall
be carried out in accordance with section 31 23 16.13 (Trenching). The excavation and
backfilling for MV and LV power distribution networks shall also comply with SEC
specification and standards, whereas trenching for street/road and landscape lighting shall
comply with specification of local municipality having jurisdiction.

Any metal frames, covers, louvers, etc. related to the works described under this section shall be
carried out in accordance with section 33 05 13.

Any cast-in-place concrete related to underground electrical services described under this
section shall be carried out in accordance with section 03 30 00.

2.03

DUCT BANKS

Duct banks shall be either direct buried type or concrete encased type, as applicable and
required on site.

Class 4 Un-plasticized Poly Vinyle Chloride (uPVC) pipes shall be used for direct buried or
concrete encased underground duct systems. uPVC pipes and fittings including bends, joints,
coupling, etc. shall be from the same manufacturer. The pipes shall be capable to withstand a
pressure of 10 bars.

uPVC pipes shall be suitable for a temperature range of 10 C to 60 C. Pipes within the duct
bank shall be supported on plastic interlocking spacers, at intervals of approximately 1500 mm.
A 40 mm minimum separation, edge to edge, shall be maintained, both horizontally and
vertically, between the ducts.

Jointing of pipe work and fittings shall be by use of solvent weld sockets carried out in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Solvent weld cement shall be from the same
manufacturer or of a type approved by the manufacturer of the pipe work.

Additional ring seal joints shall be provided as necessary to account for expansion and

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

contraction.
F

All duct banks shall have a 75 mm concrete cover on the top, sides, and bottom of the uPVC
pipes. Anchorage shall be used to hold the ducts in place while pouring the concrete
encasement.

Where the duct bank enters a building below ground level, the conduit shall terminate in an
appropriate fitting. An end bell shall be used on conduits entering manholes.

After completion of the installation of cables in the duct bank, seal the ends of duct banks using
special caulking compound of a putty-like consistency which shall be workable with the hands
at temperatures as low as 1.7 oC, and shall not slump up to a temperature of 149 oC and shall not
harden significantly when exposed to air.

A run of conduit shall not contain more than the equivalent of four quarter bends. Bends in
conduit shall be made without reducing the internal diameter of the conduit. The inside radius
of conduit bends shall not be less than one meter.

Matching end bells and plugs, constructed of high impact plastic, shall be provided throughout
the duct bank at the ends and in manholes.

Each length of conduit shall be provided with one standard coupling. Couplings shall have a
center step to ensure proper seating. Joints shall be made with solvent cement as recommended
by the conduit manufacturer.

Concrete encasement shall be class C20 concrete with 13 mm maximum size aggregate for all
duct banks. For warning purposes, a red dye shall be troweled into the top surface after pouring
the concrete.

Expansion joints of 55 mm per 100 meters maximum shall be provided in duct banks.
Additionally, a construction joint shall be installed if pouring of concrete is commenced any
time after initial set of adjacent concrete. Neither expansion nor construction joints shall be
installed under a roadway.

For duct banks in stable soils, the soil below the duct bank shall be compacted to 90 % of
maximum density to a minimum depth of 300 mm. A dewatering system shall be used to lower
the water table below the final excavation depth to eliminate disturbance of in-situ soil
densities.

2.04

STUB-UPS

Stubs-up for electrical equipment connections and other requirements shall consist of either 100
mm or 150 mm diameter hot double-dipped galvanized rigid steel conduit entirely encased in
concrete.

Rigid steel conduits and bends for stub-ups shall comply with the requirements of section 26 05
33.

The bends for stub-ups shall be 90 degrees with a minimum radius of 1200 mm.

Bends for stub-ups shall serve as transition between PVC conduits embedded below grade and
rigid steel conduit installed exposed on surface. Such bends shall be provided with a PVC steel
coupling on one end and a threaded male or female adapter on the other end.

Use rigid aluminium or galvanized steel conduit for bends and for all sections extending
above finished grade level. For ducts carrying single conductor cable, use only aluminium

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SECTION 33 71 19 - 5

MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

conduit.
2.05

MANHOLES

Appropriate type and size of manholes shall be provided as shown on the drawings or required
on site in compliance with the requirements of local codes and Saudi Electricity Company
(SEC) or the telecommunications supply authoritys regulations.

Manholes for communication and low current systems shall be constructed in accordance with
the standard practice and requirements of the telecommunications supply authoritys
regulations.

A sump pit shall be built into the base slab directly beneath the manhole opening to collect and
retain any water present in the manhole. Periodic maintenance may be required since sump
pumps will not be permanently installed.

The duct bank manhole/interface shall include an expansion joint to take up longitudinal
movement due to expansion and construction of the duct bank. This joint shall also act as a
water stop to prevent water from seeping inside the manhole.

The exterior of the manhole shall be waterproofed, with a bituminous coating in accordance
with section 03 30 00.

Each manhole shall have two cable pulling irons opposite each duct bank entrance.

Access to deep manholes shall be through a chimney. Permanent ladders or rungs shall be
installed, if required by the Engineer on site or shown on the drawings.

Manholes shall be provided with earth-rods and cable supports when required as per the local
codes or SEC standards.

Frames and covers of all manholes shall be heavy duty, cast iron, round or square with solid
type gasket lids, and countersunk locking devices. Covers shall seal tightly and not rock when
installed.

2.06

HANDHOLES

Handholes may be formed either monolithically or built up to designed sizes by combining

several concrete sections cast in various shapes and sizes.

Handholes shall be provided with cast iron covers, sumps, ground-rods, etc. as shown on
drawings or required as per the requirements of local codes or other applicable standards.
Section joints shall be grouted.

The frames and covers of all hand holes shall be heavy duty, cast iron, round or square with
solid type gasket lids, and countersunk locking devices. Covers shall seal tightly and not rock,
when installed.

2.07

EARTH ROD PITS

Earth rods pits shall be provided for all earth rods in accordance with the requirements of
section 26 05 26 (Earthing System).

Earth rod pits shall be precast concrete of either square or round section with cover.

Covers of earth rod pits shall have appropriate markings as approved by the Engineer.

UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

SECTION 33 71 19 - 6

MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

2.08

Project Specification

CONCRETE PADS

Concrete pads shall be provided for all pad mounted equipment whether shown on drawings or
not.

Concrete pads shall be minimum 150 mm high, unless otherwise indicated, complete with steel
reinforcement and necessary bolts, anchors, etc. required for the proper installation of pad
mounted equipment.

Structural calculations for concrete pads supporting heavy equipment shall be submitted for
Engineers approval before commencement of work on site.

2.09

CABLE WARNING SIGNS AND TAPES

Where cables are directly buried, cable warning signs shall be installed to minimize the
likelihood of damage to the cables by excavation. These signs shall be suitable for mounting on
a riser pole, substation fence or separate stakes to suit the installations.

Posts for cable warning signs shall be placed as close to the cable as practical, but not closer
than 900 mm horizontally from the cable.

Cable warning tapes shall be provided in accordance with the requirements given in section 26
05 19 (LV Cables and Wires). Tapes shall be placed at least 300 mm above the buried cables
and shall cover full width of the cable trench.

PART 3:
3.01

EXECUTION

INSPECTION

Comply with section 01 31 00.

Establish and propose exact routes and requirements of underground electrical services for
approval of the Engineer, after co-ordination with all other existing or new underground
services, before commencement of the work on site.

Examine the areas and conditions under which the underground electrical services are to be
installed, and correct any unsatisfactory conditions detrimental to the proper and timely
completion of the work. The contractor shall not proceed with the work until all unsatisfactory
conditions have been corrected in a manner acceptable to the Engineer.

Ensure that a responsible and competent supervisor is present during concreting operations.
Advise the Engineer in advance of concreting, so that he may inspect the ducts up to placing,
be present during the pour and inspect the complete duct bank before backfilling.

3.02

EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING

Before commencement of the excavation, check the presence of any existing underground
services by means of appropriate tools and equipment. The contractor shall be penalized for
damaging any existing services in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the
owner and described in section 26 05 00.

Carry out excavation and backfilling in accordance with the requirements of section 31 23 16.13
(Trenching).

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

3.03

Project Specification

DUCT BANK INSTALLATION

Direct buried PVC ducts shall have a minimum dry sand cushion of 150 mm and a minimum
dry sand cover of 300 mm.

Depth of direct buried PVC ducts and PVC coated rigid steel conduits shall not be less than 500
mm from finished grade level to the top of conduits.

Provide underground pipe bridges to support the duct bank where it crosses previous
excavations or other excavations which are part of this contract.

Where additional excavation below the trench bottom is required, slope the walls at 45
degrees along the direction of the trench, and backfill with granular material compacted to
95% of modified proctor. The trench bottom shall be flat or convex in cross section.

Prior to laying pipes for concrete encased duct banks, construct a concrete skim slab not less
than 50 mm thick. Provide base spacers across the skim slab at 1500 mm intervals, leveled to
the grades indicated for the bottom layer of ducts.

Trenches and duct banks shall be graded so that conduits will have a fall of at least 75 mm per
30 m towards the lower manholes or from the high point of the section towards the manholes or
from the building towards a manhole.

Construct a dry well of crushed stone at the low points of the duct bank, and where indicated at
manholes. Dry wells shall be pits not smaller than 500 mm square x 1200 mm deep below the
invert elevations of the low points of the duct banks or manholes.

Lay ducts with configurations and reinforcement as shown, using plastic or other suitable
intermediate spacers to maintain the correct spacing. Maintain spacing between ducts of not less
than 40 mm horizontally and vertically. Concrete encasement surrounding the duct bank shall
be rectangular in cross-section, having a minimum concrete thickness of 75 mm beyond any
surface of the conduit.

Provide intermediate spacers at maximum 1500 mm centres, and stagger in adjacent layers. Use
anchors, ties and trench jacks as required to secure the ducts. Ensure that ducts are not broken,
damaged or disturbed during placing of the concrete. Remove weights or wood braces before
the concrete has set, and fill the voids.

Top of concrete encased duct banks shall be 500 mm minimum below finished grade and shall
connect manholes and handholes as shown and required on site. Where a duct bank connects to
a building, adapt the duct bank, at one meter beyond the building exterior wall, to the building
conduit with the required couplings.

Changes in direction of duct bank runs shall be accomplished by using special couplings limited
to 5 degree and/or 45 degree bends having a 1 m radius sweep with straight sections of ducts
between changes of direction and S sweep sections having a minimum of 500 mm offset.

Where duct bank enters manholes, conduits shall terminate in end bells. Clean each conduit
thoroughly before laying. During construction and after completion of the duct banks, plug the
ends of conduits to prevent water washing mud into the conduits. Take particular care to keep
the conduits clean of concrete or any other substance during the course of construction.

Securely anchor duct and brace with intermediate and base plastic spacers to prevent movement
during the placement of concrete.

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

All duct banks shall enter manholes through rectangular openings of suitable dimensions
provided in walls. Such holes shall be sized to properly receive the duct, but shall not be too
large for proper caulking. The space between duct banks and manhole walls shall be caulked
tight with lead wool.

Reinforcing steel and metal ties may encircle all ducts, but shall not encircle any duct or
group of ducts in the duct bank.

Place concrete carefully and spade continuously to ensure a flow between and under the
individual ducts and to provide a solid mass of concrete. Vibrators shall not be used, until
specifically required by the Engineer.

Cut, ream and taper ends of ducts in the field in accordance with the manufacturer
recommendations, so that duct ends are equal to factory made ends.

Immediately after placing of concrete, pull through each duct a mandrel not less than 300 mm
long and of a diameter of 6 mm less than the internal diameter of the duct, followed by a stiff
bristle brush to remove all sand, earth and other foreign matter. Work the mandrel through
the ducts carefully to avoid disturbing or damaging ducts where concrete has not set
completely.

Replace or repair to the approval of the Engineer any completed ducts which are defective or
unsatisfactory in any way, at no additional cost to the contract.

Provide a 6mm dia (minimum) nylon rope in each conduit after cleaning, after which the
conduits shall be capped/plugged immediately.

Ensure that concrete has attained 50% of its specified strength before backfilling.

Back opening in ducts with asbestos, braid packing and seal the asbestos packing with
permanently resilient silicon base non inflammable water proof compound.

Pull a stiff bristle brush and a swab to remove water, mud and fine sand through each duct
immediately before pulling in cables.

3.04

STUB-UP INSTALLATION

Comply with applicable requirements of section 26 05 33.

Exact stub-up locations and termination requirements for each item of equipment shall be
verified on site, before commencement of laying underground or under floor PVC conduits for
required power and control wiring.

Where extensions of PVC conduits above grade are required as stub-ups, a transition bend
having PVC/Steel coupling on one end and threaded male or female adapter on the other end
shall be used.

The PVC coated rigid steel transition bend or conduit shall extend minimum 150 mm above
grade. Unless otherwise specified or indicated on the drawings, a concrete envelope 100 mm
high above the finished floor shall be formed around such risers to minimize corrosion at point
of emergence. The top of the envelope shall be sloped for drainage.

3.05

CONSTRUCTION OF MANHOLES AND HANDHOLES

UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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MINISTRY OF HOUSING
Western Sector Projects
Sitework & Infrastructure
OMRANIA and ASSOCIATES

Project Specification

Manholes and handholes shall be constructed of precast or cast-in-place concrete as approved by

the Engineer to sizes shown on the drawings. Horizontal concrete surfaces of floors shall have a
smooth steel trowel finish.

Frames and covers shall be watertight and covers shall fit the frames without undue play. These
shall be free from warp and blow holes that may impair their strength or appearance.

Steel and iron shall be formed to shape and size with sharp lines and angle and shall have a
smooth finish.

Provide all necessary lugs and brackets.

Set pulling-in irons and other built-in items in place before pouring concrete.

When required by SEC or local authority having jurisdiction, provide a 3 meter earth rod external
to each manhole and handhole and an earth bar in each manhole and handhole affixed to the wall
above the duct bank box-outs. Connect to earth rod using 70 mm bare copper conductor and
bond earth conductors associated with each power cable inside the manhole or handhole.

3.06

CABLE WARNING SIGNS AND TAPES INSTALLATION

Direct buried cables shall be installed in accordance with SEC specification/standards and the
requirements for external cable installation given in sections 26 05 13 (MV Cables) and 26 05 19
(LV Cables & Wires).

Direct buried cables shall have a minimum dry sand cushion of 100 mm below the cable and a
minimum dry sand cover of 100 mm from top of the cable.

Cable warning signs shall mark all direct buried splices and shall be placed at intervals not
exceeding 30 meter along the cable route.

Cable warning tapes shall be installed 300 mm directly above cable throughout the entire cable
route and shall cover the full width of cable trench.

END OF SECTION

UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

SECTION 33 71 19 - 10