General Background Sometimes electrical and mechanical services grouped together and referred to as m and e services as a collective term. A sound knowledge of electrical technology is required to understand the specification and to interpret the schematic drawings provided by the consulting engineer. A detailed knowledge of the IEE regulations for the electrical equipment of buildings and a knowledge of circuitry and wiring systems is essential so that trunking, tray and conduit runs can be plotted and the correct number of cables required measured for the service. Measurement Procedure Where circuits are to be measured in detail, such as circuits other than lighting and small power, the route of the conduit and / or cable must be plotted on the plan or tracing overlay and the number of cables indicated. This sketch will then form a record of what is taken. An isometric sketch is often useful to illustrate complex runs. Conduit and / or cable runs should be plotted using a standard nomenclature to illustrate high level, low level, rise, fall and number of cables. A suggested notations system is shown separately. When plotting conduit and cables it is usual to draw runs at right angles to each other than running diagonally. This is usually necessary because of the nature of the structure through which the conduits and cables are passing for example following joists and or beams. Conduits and cables can sometimes be laid diagonally where running in floor screed or in pitched roof spaces. Once the route has been plotted and the specifications fully understood, the measurement is relatively straightforward comprising basically enumerated items of equipment and linear items conduit, cable trunking, cable tray and cables. Detailed Measurement Conduit Conduit is measured in meters, distinguishing between straight and curved, giving the radii, and stating the type, external size, method of fixing and background (SMM Y60.1.1 2.1.1 5, and particulars of materials as appropriate (SMM Y60.S1 6). The conduit is measured is over all conduit fittings and branches (SMM Y60.M12). The conduit is deemed to include bending, cutting, screwing, jointing and such conduit fittings such as tees, elbows, bends, cover plates, bushes, locknuts, nipples, stopping lugs and reducing bushes, clips, saddles and crampets, forming holes for conduit entry, draw wire and draw cables and components for earth continuity (SMM Y60.C3).
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Special, adaptable, floor traps, purpose made and rectangular junction boxes and expansion joints are enumerated as extra over the conduit in which they occur, stating the type, size, cover and method of fixing and background (SMM Y60.2.1 6.1.1). Cutting and jointing to conduit boxes is deemed to be included (SMM Y60.C4). Connections of conduit to trunking and to equipment and control gear are enumerated, stating the type, size and method of jointing (SMM Y60.3 4.1 2.1.0). Cable trunking, cable tray, ladders and racks These are measured similarly to conduit, but additionally stating the method of jointing and spacing and method of fixing supports (SMM Y60.5 and 8.1 2.1.1), and both trunking and cable tray are deemed to include components for earth continuity (SMM Y60.C5 &7). Fittings for trunking, cable tray, ladders and racks, which include stop ends, bends, tees, crosses, offsets and reducers are enumerated as extra over the items in which they occur (SMM Y60.6 & 10.1.1.1) while any necessary cutting and jointing to fitting is deemed to be included (SMM Y 60.C6 and 8). Connections of cable trunking to equipment and control gear are enumerated, including forming holes and flanges, stating the size opening and type and size of flange as appropriate (SMM Y60.7.1 3.1 2.1). Cable tray stools are enumerated stating the type and size (SMM Y60.9.1.0.0), while supports for trunking, cable tray, etc, which differ from those given with these items are separately enumerated and fully described (SMM Y60.11 12.1.1.1). Cables Cables are measured in meters, giving the type, size, number of cores, armouring and sheathing, location, method of support and background (SMM Y60.1.1.1 7.1 2), and relevant particulars of materials (SMM Y61.S1 7). Cables in conduits or trunking, or fixed to trays are measured as the net length of the conduit, trunking or tray, while other cables are measured as fixed without allowances for sag (SMM Y61.M2). The following allowances are made to cables which are measured net; 1. 0.30 m on each cable entering fitting, luminaries or accessories, 2. 0.60 m on each cable entering equipment or control gear (SMM Y61.M3). Cables are deemed to include wall, floor and ceiling plates, cable sleeves and connecting tails (SMM Y61.C3). Flexible cable connections, cable joints, line taps, cable termination glands, and cable supports which differ from those given with cables are each enumerated, giving the various particulars prescribed in SMM Y61.2-6. Busbar trunking to carry three-phase supplies is measured in meters, distinguishing between straight and curved, and giving the particulars
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listed in SMM Y61.7.1 2.1.1, while fittings such as stop-ends, bends, tees, crosses, offsets and reducers are enumerated as extra over the busbar trunking in which they occur stating the type (SMM Y61.8.1.1.0). Tap off units, feeder units, fire barriers, trunking supports and other ancillary items are enumerated, giving the particulars prescribed in SMM Y61.9 12 & 14 18. Switch Gear and Distribution Boards These are enumerated, stating the type, size, related capacity and method of fixing, usually with a cross reference to the specification, and giving details of fuses, supports provided with the equipment and method of fixing, and background (SMM Y71.1 2.1.1.1 3). Supports not provided with the equipment are enumerated and described separately (SMM Y71.5.1.0.1). Providing everything necessary for jointing is deemed to be included (SMM Y71.C1), as also are plates, discs and labels for identification provided with the equipment (SMM Y71.C3). 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. Luminaries and accessories for electrical services Luminaries are enumerated stating the type, size and method of fixing, often with cross reference to the specification, and any other relevant details listed in the fourth columns (SMM Y73.2.1.1.1 13). Pendants are also enumerated, distinguishing between those with a drop 1.00 m and those >1.00 m. Lamps may be separately enumerated, stating the type, size and rated capacity (SMM Y73.3.1.0.0), or alternatively they can be given in the description of the luminaries (SMM Y73.M2). 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 and may provide for plugs to be provided with socket outlets (SMM Y74.5.1.1.1 2). The description of accessories should state the number of gangs comprised in the accessory. Testing and commissioning electrical services This is given as an item, stating the installation and any other relevant requirements listed in SMM Y81.5.1.1 2.1 2. Provision of electricity and other supplies and of test certificate is deemed to be included (SMM Y81.C1 & C2). Identification of electrical work This is enumerated, if not provided with equipment or control gear, categorized as plates, discs, labels, tapes and bands, arrows, symbols and numbers, and charts, giving the type, size and method of fixing (SMM Y82.4.1 6.1.1 2).