5

ETSA

ETSA Utilities, ABN 13 332 330 749,

a partnership of:
CKI Utilities Development Limited,
ABN 65 090 718 880.
HEI Utilities Development Limited,
ABN 82 090 718 951.
CKI Utilities Holdings Limited,
ABN 54 091 142 380.
HEI Utilities Holdings Limited,
ABN 50 091 142 362.
CKI/HEI Utilities Distribution Limited,
ABN 19 091 143 038.
each incorporated in The Bahamas

Utilities

Delivering energy to South Australians

Copyright 2004

TRENCHING AND CONDUIT STANDARD

FOR
UNDERGROUND CABLE NETWORKS
Technical Standard TS-085

Issued: April 2005

Trenching & Conduit Technical Standard

1.0

TS - 085

DEFINITIONS

The term "ETSA Utilities" means :ETSA Utilities, ABN 13 332 330 749, a partnership of:
CKI Utilities Development Limited, ABN 65 090 718 880.
HEI Utilities Development Limited, ABN 82 090 718 951.
CKI Utilities Holdings Limited, ABN 54 091 142 380.
HEI Utilities Holdings Limited, ABN 50 091 142 362.
CKI/HEI Utilities Distribution Limited, ABN 19 091 143 038.
each incorporated in The Bahamas
1 Anzac Highway, Keswick, South Australia, 5035.

2.0

BACKGROUND

The responsibility for the installation of a trench for the installation of ETSA Utilities
infrastructure can be:
The developer for land developments or a customer for network extensions and
alterations to the ETSA electrical network.
Council for Power Line Environment Committee (PLEC) projects.
ETSA for capital works and, under specific arrangements, some customer works.
ETSA Utilities may agree to provide a quotation for the installation of a trench on
behalf of a customer or a developer. For access to the list of Civil Contractors utilised
by ETSA Utilities refer to section 15.0.
This Technical Standard is based on the Electricity (General) Regulations 1997. For
any situation that is not covered by this Technical Standard, the requirements of
AS/NZS 3000-2000 shall apply.
Trenching needs to be undertaken in a workman-like manner and must meet the
requirements in TS 085 and any other relevant specification. A Civil Works
Compliance form is required prior to any Network connection. Refer to section 14.0
for further information.
Section 5.0 of the ETSA Utilities Terms and Conditions for External Contractor
Construction (refer to sect 15.0 for access) details the customer/developers
obligations.
The trench is a critical and integral part of the electrical installation. ETSA cables are
covered in a soft layer of polyethylene which is very easily damaged.
A contractor should not work near any live electrical cables. Dial Before You Dig
should be contacted on telephone number 1100 to verify the location of ETSA and
other infrastructure prior to the commencement of any civil works. An access permit
may be required if any electrical cables are in close proximity. A contractor can
contact the Network Access Officer on 84044119 for further information.
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TS - 085

A contractor should not work in the area where there is electrical infrastructure, even
if the asset is de-energised without a high degree of due care as the cables can be
easily damaged.
To reduce the severity of damage to the outer sheath, all contractors who have to
work in the area of the electrical infrastructure MUST utilise a safe edge (blunt
nosed) shovel.
This style shovel minimises cable damage if a contractor inadvertently comes in
contact with a cable. Any damage to ETSA infrastructure will be at the cost of the
responsible party. If any party is aware of any damage to the electrical infrastructure,
ETSA or the electrical contractor undertaking an installation should be notified at the
earliest opportunity. Early notice may reduce future repair costs.
The trench containing the electrical works is a component of the asset inspection
process and it is the responsibility of the developer/customer to ensure that the trench
meets the specification. An ETSA Asset Compliance Officer may inspect the trench
and any requirement for remedial work to a trench to ensure it satisfies this Technical
Standard and any associated specification will be at the developer/customers cost.
If there are any queries on this Technical Standard (TS 085) the Project Officer
responsible for your project should be contacted.
3.0

RETAINING WALLS

A transformer can weigh from 2.0 tonnes for a 150 kVA transformer up to 6.2 tonnes
for a 2000 kVA transformer. There may be a requirement to establish a retaining wall
to ensure the transformer has a stable footing. The involvement of a Certified
Engineer may be required to verify the adequacy of any retaining wall installation.
Council approval may also be required. ETSA Utilities reserves the right to request
engineering calculations for any retaining wall.
A retaining wall for a Padmounted Transformer or a Switching Cubicle will normally
be installed in any location where there is a change in the natural (unchanged) ground
level of 300 mm or more within two metres of the standard easement boundary for the
electrical equipment.
Any retaining wall above 1.0 metre in height will require engineering confirmation of
the design and Council approval.
A Retaining wall must be completed prior to the installation of a padmounted
transformer and a switching cubicle.
The retaining wall should ideally be positioned at the extremity of the ETSA Utilities
easement and should not encroach into the area occupied by the transformer or
switching cubicle. The easement shall be of such a size that the retaining wall is
constructed entirely within the easement (see Figure 1). Where the wall is placed
beyond the standard easement, the easement must be extended to include the area
occupied by the retaining wall.
In situations where a retaining wall is required for the retainment of fill material, the
easement boundary is to be extended by 1.0 metre to allow the retaining wall to be
constructed 1.0 metre inside the easement boundary.
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The retaining wall and backfill must be designed to drain the area behind the wall
completely and to continue to do so indefinitely without blockage, so that hydrostatic
pressure is not exerted on the wall at any time.
Retaining walls shall be constructed of concrete masonry materials. If interlocking
style blocks are utilised, they must be of a pinned or socket and nib type. The two top
courses shall pinned and glued with an epoxy style resin and the top course shall
consist of a glued top capping
Open style interlocking blocks may be acceptable provided the soil is retained. The
use of Geo cloth type material may also be acceptable. To ensure the material to be
utilised for a retaining wall will be acceptable to ETSA Utilities, please contact your
ETSA Utilities Project Officer prior to installation. This style of retaining wall
construction has the potential to require an easement larger than standard.
ETSA Utilities will consider a submission from a certified engineer to a variation to
the construction material utilised for a retaining wall as described in this section.
Material to be retained shall be classified in one of the 3 types listed below:
Coarse grained soil without admixture of fine soil particles. Very
permeable (clean sand or gravel)
Coarse grained soil of low permeability due to admixture of particles of
silt size.
Residual soil with stones, fine silty sand and granular materials with
conspicuous clay content.
Materials not acceptable include very soft or soft clay, organic silt or silty clays, and
medium or stiff clay.
Weep holes shall be provided in the retaining wall at the lowest points. An open drain
shall be provided to remove water from the area of the toe of the wall. A more
effective system of drainage consists of a continuous agricultural pipe located at the
base of all retaining walls and be surrounded by gravel or crushed stone with a
continuous vertical layer of granule material at least 300 mm thick covering the rear
face of the wall area.
Retaining W all

Easement to be
extended to
include the area
occupied by the
retaining wall if
required.

RETAINING WALL

Issued: April 05

Area for ETSA

Equipment (on
standard
easement, 3.5 x
2.5 m).

TRANSFORMER
OR
SW ITCHING CUBICLE

Figure 1

TS -085

Boundary of Public
Area if appropriate.

Operating area
Refer to TS - 102

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Trenching & Conduit Technical Standard

Note
Retaining wall to be
built up to the height
of the base

ETSA
Transformer/
switching cubicle

Granulated material
behind all retaining
wall sections

Ground level
Suitable retaining
fill
Continuous agricultural
pipe the length all retaining
wall sections plus external
weep holes on the lowest
section of the retaining
ll
RETAINING WALL - FILL

ETSA
Transformer/
switching cubicle

Weep hole
300mm
minm

Retaining
wall

Retaining W all
W ith 100mm lip
above ground
level

W eep hole
RETAINING WALL - CUT

Ground level

Figure 2

Ag pipe to exit at the

front of the retaining wall

Ground
level

TS - 085

Figure 3

Ground level
Continuous agricultural
pipe the length all retaining
wall sections plus external
weep holes on the lowest
section of the retaining
ll
Preferred
Easement
300mm

Dispensation for the installation of a retaining wall can be granted by the relevant regional
Network Manager when the following can be verified;

4.0

The short and long term stability of the transformer will not be compromised.
The easement site will not be impacted by erosion run off, i.e. it can be
demonstrated that the site adjacent to the easement is well consolidated and
/or there is other means of retainment or removal of any run off material.

TRENCHING
4.1

General

When conduits or cables are to be installed, the trench shall be as straight as possible
with a firm and smooth base.
The installation of multiple conduits requires a minimum separation of 25mm in all
directions between ETSA conduits and ETSA cables to ensure the bedding sand fully
encompasses the conduit at the time of back filling. This will reduce future
compaction issues.

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Trenching & Conduit Technical Standard

TS - 085

There shall be a minimum separation of 50mm between direct laid ETSA cable
circuits. The greater the cable circuit separation, the greater the current carrying
capacity of the electrical cable. If the trench width is such that the minimum
separation can be increased and the 50mm clearance to the trench wall is met, then the
separation should be increased. From time to time there may be a requirement for a
specific separation that is greater then the minimum.
Separation from a trench wall to any ETSA infrastructure will normally be a minimum
of 50mm. This is to reduce any damage to electrical infrastructure from sharp edges,
stones, etc. Under some circumstances ETSA may approve a lesser dimension if it can
be verified the trench edge is such that it will not damage the installed cables or if the
installed conduit is medium or heavy duty.
Conduit

25mm

50mm

Cable circuit separation

50mm minimum (refer 4.1)
Cables

25mm

Bedding Sand
Bottom of trench

Dimensions for ETSA infrastructure in this standard are the minimum except where
shown.
The maximum depth of any length of trench or conduit should not be greater then 1.5
metres unless ETSA has approved a section of trench/ conduit installation at a greater
a depth. Any depth beyond this will be labelled an excavation and may require
shoring to be installed. Refer to the Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare
Regulations 1995.
The Trench shall be located, when practicable, in accordance the publication A Code
for the Placement of Infrastructure Services in New and Existing Streets (Services in
Streets Code) prepared by the Public Utilities Advisory Committee (PUACC) and
available from the Local Government Association.
All variations to the Construction drawing must be noted by the installation contractor
and included on the As Constructed ETSA drawing.
4.2

Road Reserves and Road Crossings

The minimum cover under a carriageway shall be 750mm. A Transport SA road has
specific requirements and these are detailed in section 4.3
All cables under carriageways shall be installed in conduit. Any variation to this must
be under the direction of ETSA. Spare conduit installation under a carriageway is to
be as per section 5.2. and 5.4 of this standard.
For a primary cable network that is buried direct in the primary trench in a road
reserve such as a single customer network extension and a common service trench for
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a development there is a requirement for spare conduits. Spare conduits installed at a

road crossing will need to match the spare conduits in the primary trench. The road
crossing conduits need to be continuous with the primary trench spare conduits.
These conduits will be in addition to the conduits at a road crossing that will be
utilised for a direct buried cable installation.
A road crossing for a low voltage tee off (such as a common service trench) that is not
part of a continuous run of cable only requires a conduit for a cable.
Conduits installed at a road crossing that are for a direct buried cable installation shall
extend the full width of the carriageway and extend 900mm into the footpath verge
from the back of kerb.
The electrical designer and contractor responsible for conduit installation at road
crossings should ensure that the appropriate number of conduits are installed. Any
road crossing excavation for continuous conduits needs to consider the cover and
trench floor invert of the conduits that are to be installed in the road verge.
4.3

Requirements for Transport SA Roads

Transport SA have very specific requirements for any work being undertaken on a
Transport SA (TSA) controlled road. The requirements include both excavation and
traffic management and apply to overhead and underground works.
The Transport SA specification for the Excavation and Reinstatement of Road
Pavement is available from TSA on (tel 82268222). ETSA Utilities recommends that
any contractor involved with the installation of either underground or overhead
electrical works on a TSA road obtain the latest TSA Standard Specification and be
fully conversant with all of the requirements.
Roadside Significant Sites of an environmental or cultural significance must be
considered by both the designer and the contractor. In country regions TSA have
highlighted most TSA controlled roadside sites with a distinctive but discreet marker.
Information and a list of Roadside Significant sites is available from the Land
Development Account Manager at Keswick on 84045439.
Some of the relevant sections of the specification dated February 2003 are detailed
below.
4.3.1.

Open trenching
Most trenching involves work on medium or heavily trafficked roads with an
asphalt surface. There is a requirement that all services must be at a
minimum depth of 1 metre cover. Any trenching involving an ETSA Utilities
installation and other authorities may require a wider trench to ensure that
appropriate separations are achieve without shoring requirements.
Reinstatement needs to be as per the TSA standard specification. Excavated
material can not normally be reused.

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Trenching & Conduit Technical Standard

4.3.2.

TS - 085

Trenchless method
Multiple conduits can be passed through a single bore or tunnel. There is a
requirement though for multiple bores to have a minimum spacing of 10D
between individual bores.
where D = the diameter of the largest conduit.
The minimum depth of a trenchless bore is 1.5 metres.
Ground level

Bore 1
100mm conduit

Minimum
1.5 metres
10 X 125mm =
1.25m minimum

Bore 2

125mm conduit

4.3.3.

TSA Notification
The designer
The electrical designer should submit any design to TSA for comment where
any ETSA infrastructure, ie, poles, cable or conduit, will be running parallel
to the kerb for some distance. This is to ensure any installation takes into
account any future road widening.
The Constructor
An electrical or civil contractor will need to submit a Notification of Works
Impacting SA Roads form NICC-251 (refer to sect 15.0 for access) 5
working days prior to the commencement of works. Any civil works that will
be undertaken on a TSA road over a period greater then one day requires 4
weeks notice.
The notice is required for the following:
Any work that requires traffic management
This includes work on overhead mains
An open trench and trenchless boring
Any cable pulling through installed conduits.

4.3.4

Traffic Control Notification

The Metropolitan Traffic Control Centre - telephone 1800018313 must be
notified of any ETSA and civil works that require TSA approval (refer 4.3.3).
The centre needs notification 15 minutes prior to work commencing and 15
minutes after the road has reopened.

4.3.5. Installation Details

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TS - 085

There is a requirement that TSA receives within 3 days of the completion of

works a log of any excavation with the construction date, location and depths
and details of the reinstatement.
ETSA Utilities also requires a copy of the installation details and who
undertook the civil works with the Civil Works Compliance form. The
form is a part the electrical works compliance and connection process.
4.3.6

Emergency Work
TSA requires verbal notification to the appropriate TSA representative at the
earliest opportunity. This must be followed with the submission of the
Notification of Works Impacting SA Roads form within 24 hours of the
emergency.

4.3.6. Maintenance Period

The contractor undertaking the civil component of the electrical works
associated with the TSA road crossing will be responsible for the cost of
making good any settlement or other deteriation in the reinstated excavation
for the maintenance period which is one year.
4.4.

Installation of Conduits Within Railway Boundaries

Australian Standard AS4799 2000 Installation of underground utility services and

pipelines within railway boundaries covers the requirements for both the design and
installation of electrical infrastructure within a railway property.
There is specific design information and approvals that are needed for right of entry as
well as easement agreements.
The form Application to Cross Railways With Electric Power Cables NICC-252
(refer to sect 15.0 for access) must be filled out by the designer a minimum of 28
working days prior to any work taking place and forwarded to;
ETSA Utilities Easements Coordinator
level 3, 1 Anzac Highway Keswick 5035
Telephone 84045897 fax 84045193
You will need to supply a preliminary design drawing or a section of DCDB with
street names, rail lines and the crossing point marked.
There are a number of authorities that ETSA may require approval from.

Australian Rail and Track Corporation

Australian Southern railroad

Trans Adelaide
Transport SA

Confirmation that any conduit to be installed satisfies the design load for the railway
loading may be required. Confirmation from the railway authority that the electrical
design has approval will be required prior to ETSA Utilities issuing a Specification
Compliance.
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Trenching & Conduit Technical Standard

TS - 085

An electrical conduit should be a minimum of 2metres deep under any rail line and for
a 3metre distance beyond the outer rails. Conduits in other locations in a railway
property must have 1 metre minimum cover. A railway authority may approve a
lesser depth, but the depth must not be less then the ETSA Utilities standard.
4.5

Clearances between Services.

Comms
plant pipe
Comms
plant pits
Gas pipes
ETSA LV
power
ETSA HV
power

Comms
plant pipe
150

Comms
plant pits
150

Gas pipes
200

ETSA LV
power
100

ETSA HV
power
300

150

1000

200

100

100

200
100

200
100

X
200

200
X

200
X

300

100

200

X = undefined in this application.

Comms = Telecommunications

All clearances are in millimetres

Note: These clearances are applicable for the full circumference of the service (360)
These are minimum separations. For any other authority a minimum separation of
150mm is required. Greater separation may be requested in the ETSA specification
from time to time.
To achieve these clearances it may be necessary to increase the cover on ETSA cables
and/or conduit or increase the trench width.
4.6

Changes in levels and directional changes

The depth of any conduit installation in the carriageway should match that of any
conduit installation on the road verge (footpath). If this is not achievable the cover at
the end of a conduit at a road crossing should be at the same level as the conduit in the
verge. Conduit bends may need to be installed to achieve this.
Straight lengths of the standard 80 and 100mm very light duty / class 4.5 conduit can
be subjected to a minor degree of bending (approximately 10 - 15 degrees over the
length of the conduit) Any deviation greater then 15 degrees will require the
installation of appropriate bends.
Conduit is not to be installed with a kink in its length under any circumstances. Any
section that is damaged will need to be repaired prior to ETSA accepting the asset.
Any major variation to the depth of a conduit will have an impact on the ease the
electrical installer will have installing a cable in a conduit. A gradient rise or fall
should be limited to 100mm per metre for the primary run of ETSA cables and
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conduits. Appropriate bends with the smallest radius requirement to achieve a

satisfactory clearance to other of services should be utilised.
Retrospective undergrounding projects will provide challenges to the civil contractor
from time to time when other service providers infrastructure is encountered within
the trench. It will be the civil contractors responsibility to resolve these issues and the
assistance of the Project Officer should be sought to ensure that a resolution is agreed
on that is to the satisfaction of ETSA Utilities prior to construction.
Below are some examples of conflict and possible solutions
Note
If Y > 1.5m it may be
preferreble to go
over service.

INCORRECT
G.L.
X Sharp bends

PREFERRED

`Y
ETSA
conduit

X Coupling
location is not
appropriate if there is
any tension. This
creates a lip which
can damage cables

Preferred
gradient rise/fall
of conduit
100mm per
1metre

G.L.
Alternative
Conduit
route

150mm
minimum
under service.

The example shows an in-appropriate conduit coupling with tension applies to both a
straight length of conduit and a bend.
It is important that the developer and electrical contractor establish appropriate ground
levels at the time of the installation of the electrical works to ensure that there is no
requirement to alter ground levels by a third party after installation. Under the
Electricity Corporations Act 1999 the SA Independent Regulator can impose a fine for
any breach.
Part 6 of this Act states the following:
38. (1) A person must not, without the written authority of the electricity
infrastructure operator
cut away, excavate or remove, or cause to be cut away excavated or removed, earth or
material supporting electricity infrastructure so as to endanger the stability of the
infrastructure.
4.7 Common Service Trench
A Common Service Trench is normally installed as part of a greenfield housing
project. The trench is the responsibility of the Developer and contains electrical and
other infrastructure providers.
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A trench will normally be 600 mm wide but could be up to 1200 mm wide depending
on soil type and footpath location. With consultation with the electrical contractor, a
width of 450 mm may be acceptable. The design drawings should specify any nontypical width.
Reference should be made to the Services in Streets Code for any trench location in
a road reserve.
The depth of the trench shall be such as to achieve a minimum cover of 750 mm above
conduits and 1000 mm above all direct buried cables to finished ground level. A
typical cross section of trench occupied by the underground mains, Telstra and Gas is
shown below
COMMON SERVICE TRENCH
main Side

FOOTPATH
Property
line

KERB

450mm
600mm

Top of
bedding sand

TELSTRA
GAS

750 mm
1000 mm

LV

HV

P/L

50mm

Spare conduit
Cables buried direct
(Refer to Services
in Streets Code)

1600mm

50mm
Typical
width

600 mm

Notes

BEDDING
SAND

Refer section 4.1

COMMON SERVICE TRENCH - Road Crossing (non TSA road)

road level

450mm

Notes
Refer section
4.1

600mm

TELSTRA
GAS

BEDDING SAND
50mm

SPARE CONDUIT
Note
Cover slabs or warning tape is
to be placed 75 mm above
ETSA plant if ETSA is the
only occupant of the road
crossing

LV

HV

P/L

50mm

750 mm
minm at the
finished
road service
level at the
kerb invert
For a TSA
road refer to
sect 4.3

600 mm
Typical width

4.8. Trenching for Retrospective Undergrounding (eg PLEC schemes)

Trench dimensions shall be sufficient to satisfy the minimum dimensions and
clearances ETSA specifies in this Standard or as specified in the ETSA specification.
The designer will need to also consider for each installation the available space and
proximity to other services.
The preferred method of trenching in an existing road reserve which is located in a
busy footpath and vehicular traffic area is to install a fully conduited system at the
appropriate depth and back fill on completion of specific sections. A draw wire
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should be installed for any future cable installations. This method of installation
minimises disruption to footpath and vehicular traffic and business premises.
Property line

Telstra, when applicable

Footpath
600mm

Kerb

450 mm
Warning
tape

Gas, when applicable

Additional conduit
Refer 5.2

50mm

750mm
200mm
maxm

Bedding sand

Notes
Refer to
section4.1

50mm

LV HV P/L

RETROSPECTIVE UNDERGROUNDING (PLEC)

COMMON SERVICE TRENCH

Footpath

Property line

Kerb

W arning tape
750 mm
200mm
maxm

50mm

Additional conduit
Refer to 5.2.

Bedding sand
LV HV P/L

50mm

Notes
Refer
section 4.1

RETROSPECTIVE UNDERGROUNDING (PLEC)

ETSA ONLY TRENCH

4.8.1 Pit Installations

There are a number of pits of increasing size that are available and the pit that is to be
installed needs to be appropriate for the purpose. The designer also needs to be mindfull of other services.
When conduits are installed into the body of a pit, the conduit needs to be 25 50mm
inside the body. All conduit edges are to have no sharp edges. All conduit entries are
to be capped by the contractor to stop the entry of foreign material between the time of
the conduit installation and the installation of ETSA cables. Refer to section 5.10.
Expanding foam or silicon should be utilised as a sealer at the conduit entry point into
the wall of a service pillar if the conduit is not a tight fit.

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TS - 085

CABLE & CONDUIT ENTRY INTO JUNCTION PITS

Note
1
Refer to E1921 sht 2.1
for standard arrangements
2
Refer to E1921 sht 6.1 to 6.4
for assembly details
3
A P5 pit is preferred for LV
cable junctions and service
arrangements for approved
below ground connections

Extended P5 pit
(1 Standard body plus one
shortened body or collar)
at preferred 985mm invert

Preferred 0 40mm to pit

bottom for low voltage
cable entry to ensure
appropriate room for
cable cones

5.0

Conduit to finish
25mm - 50mm inside pit

CONDUIT REQUIREMENTS
5.1

General

Cables shall be installed in conduits in the following circumstances:

Road crossings

Full length of pathways with restricted access ie, a pathway between

fenced allotments)

Cables installed through easements.

Public lighting cables
Retrospective undergrounding (i.e. PLEC Projects)
On private property where cables vest in ETSA Utilities (Refer to section
6.0 for all options)
Earth cables do not need to be installed in conduits
Where there will be access roads, driveways and footpath crossings greater then 2.5
metres in width, conduits for a cable installation as well as spare conduit requirements
may need to be included in a design.
Full details of the conduits must be included on a design drawing and the As
Constructed drawing must reflect the actual installation. Any breaks in a continuous
conduit installation must be noted as must any changes in the as installed conduit size.
11kV cables must not be installed in the same conduit as low voltage cables
5.2

Spare conduit provision

Spare conduits are required to be included in the design and installed for the
following;
5.2.1

Wherever an electrical cable is buried direct, ie in a road reserve.

The conduit installation needs to be such that any buried direct cable can be
reinstated in a spare conduit.
As an example;
There are three circuits of low voltage and one circuit of 300mm2 high
voltage cable being buried direct in a common service trench. In accordance
with section 5.4 Conduit Sizes the cables require the following;
For the Low voltage: 3 x 80mm VLD conduit

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For the high voltage: 3x 80mm VLD conduit

Note: Where one LV circuit consists of two or more parallel bundles of
cables, a spare conduit must be provided for each bundle of cables.
5.2.2

When a cable is installed in a conduit

To ensure future access to ETSA infrastructure is kept to a minimum there is
a requirement where cables are to be installed in conduit for additional
conduits.
Unless specified differently in the ETSA specification the requirement is:
A PLEC project One spare conduit for all of the low voltage circuits
One spare conduit for all of the high voltage circuits up to
and including 300mm2.
One spare conduit per phase for any 630mm2 high voltage
installation
A Customer project ( ie, through any easement)
For every 3 conduits (or part there of) installed that are to be occupied by
cables, there is one additional conduit included in the installation.
As an example,
There are 3 cable circuits installed in conduits made up of 2 low voltage
circuits in 2 x 80mm (or 100mm) conduits and one 300mm2 high voltage
cable with one phase installed in a each of 3 x 80mm conduits.
Note: Any public lighting cable installed in a medium or heavy duty conduit
is excluded from the requirements of 5.2.2
There are a total of 5 conduits with cables. With a requirement of one spare
conduit per 3 occupied conduits, or part thereof, there will need to be 2
additional conduits included in the installation.

5.2.3.

Road crossings
There is a requirement for spare conduits as well as the conduits that are to be
utilised at the time of the cable installation at road crossings. Refer to section
4.2 of this standard for details.

5.3

Spare Conduit and Bend Requirements

Where spare conduits are required (refer to section 5.0), the extent of the installation
should satisfy the following table:
Situation
Common trench T intersections
Transformer vaults - general
Transformer vault for a future stage
Trench direction changes greater than 90 deg
Trench direction changes less than 90 deg
Road crossing - primary cable run
Road crossing tee off/non continuous
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Requirement
no bend requirement
no bend requirement
bends required
no bend requirement
Bends required
Continuous
nil

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The requirement for bends will need to be assessed at the time of installation as well
as at the time of trench design layout.
5.4

Conduit Sizes

While the chart specifies minimum conduit sizes, a larger conduit may be installed on
the proviso that the conduit can be made continuous with any existing or future
continuous conduit installation.
A conduit of a higher classification can be utilised then those specified.
The minimum size of a conduit for a specific cable size are as follows:
Cable Circuit
LV Main & Service
bundled
HV 35mm2
HV 95mm2
HV
300mm2
and
630mm2
Public Lighting
CBD installation

Conduit Size
1 x 80mm VLD

Conduit Bend
1800 radius, Light duty

1 x 80mm VLD
1 x 100mm VLD
3 x 80mm VLD

1800 radius, Light duty

1800 radius, Light duty
1800 radius, Light duty

1 x 32mm HD
No x 125mm VLD

312 radius, Heavy duty

The ETSA standard class 4.5 is equivalent to very light duty (VLD)
The ETSA standard class 6.0 is equivalent to light duty (LD)
Care must be taken in joining conduits. Different grades have different internal
diameters and the resultant raised internal edge has the potential to damage the outer
layer of cable during cable pulling.
5.5

Compliance to Australian Standard

Conduits and couplings shall be uPVC material and meet the requirements of AS/NZS
2053 Parts 1 and 2 for Rigid Plain designation. The conduit will be marked with the
word electrical, the conduit size and class, eg ELECTRICAL DUCTING 100 mm
4.5 class. No other form of rigid conduit is permitted without the approval of the
Network Standards Manager .
Conduits shall also meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1477 - 1996 for the Test for
Impact at 20 degrees C.
5.6

Colour of Conduit

Conduits and couplings shall be light orange in colour.

5.7

Conduit for Directional Boring

The conduit used for directional boring must :

a) meet our minimum requirements and AS/NZS4130.
b) be able to withstand the forces involved in the directional boring process.
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c) be light orange in colour. Black conduit with orange stripes may be utilised
with the approval of the project officer if orange conduit is not available.
d) be of size and characteristics to allow the cable to achieve its current rating.
e) Be anchored at conduit entry/exit appropriately to maintain its horizontal
profile. The polyethelyne material has a memory and will attempt to coil
up. This will introduce stress at conduit transition locations and at the
start/end of a directional boring conduit installation.

Edge of
entry/exit
hole
Directional
boring conduit

End of polyethylene
pipe to be concrete
encased or
sandbagged

Floor of trench /opening for bore

Securing the end of directional boring conduit

5.8

Design of Conduit Installation

Conduit designs shall be prepared to ensure that pulling tensions do not exceed the
maximum permissible as required by the Construction Standard TS 087.
Installation details and techniques for cable pulling through conduits are in E1906.
Reference to an indication of cable pulling tensions is listed in E1910 sheet 4.2
5.9

Conduit Installation

Conduits shall be laid on an evenly bedded 50mm thick layer of well-graded sand
substantially free from lumps and particles having a dimension in excess of 6mm.
After the laying of each length, bedding material shall be placed and tamped to hold
the conduit securely in position and provide a cover of 50mm when compacted.
A minimum of one hour should be allowed between any conduit gluing and the
installation a draw rope. The gluing of conduits should be carried out to the
manufacturers recommendations.
Draw rope with a 6mm minimum diameter and made from a material approved by
ETSA Utilities may be required for some projects.
The exposed ends of all conduits shall be cleanly and squarely cut and fitted with PVC
caps to prevent the entry of water, dirt or other foreign matter.
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For spare conduits in a group, the position of the ends shall not vary by more than
300mm. Where conduits are installed in layers, the ends shall be positioned
horizontally.
Conduits between new and existing subdivisions must be joined together.
Cable markers are required wherever ETSA conduits/ cables pass through private
property. Refer to E1979 for installation details.
5.10 Sealing of Conduits
For a cable Installation
Where cables have been installed in conduits, a conduit end shall be adequately sealed
to prevent the entrance of dirt, stones, white ants and moisture into the conduit by the
use of polyethylene expanded foam applied in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
The expanding foam should not encroach into the conduit any further then 75mm.
This will ensure that the foam/cable can be easily removed if the need arises.
Cable
Scrunched plastic or
newspaper

Expanding foam
Approx 75mm

Sealing of conduits with cables

For conduits with no cables

The use of end caps is a requirement for any conduit that is to remain vacant. This
includes the installation of end caps on a temporary basis on a conduit that will not
have a cable installed immediately.
Description
Cap, push on 40mm for consumers conduit
Cap, push on 50mm for consumers conduit
Cap, push on 80mm
Cap, push on 100mm
6.0

Stock Item No
NC 6462
NC 6470
NC 6501

TRENCHING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Trench dimensions shall be sufficient to satisfy the minimum ETSA requirements as

specified in this Technical Standard and an ETSA specification.
There are three options for cable installation:
Diagram A. Install all cables in conduits buried at a depth of 1000 mm as shown.
The polymeric cover slabs are not required but may be installed if desired.
Diagram B Install cables in conduit at a depth of 750mm. Install polymeric cover
slabs (if required) and warning tape as shown. Conduit requirements are as per
section 5.0.

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Install cables buried direct at a depth of 1000 mm. Spare conduits as

section 5 are required for the cable circuits that are to be installed. Polymeric cover
slabs are still to be installed.
Warning tape is required in all cases.

Diagram C

The general trench configuration shall be in accordance with the following diagrams.

WARNING
TAPE

POLYMERIC
COVER SLAB

1000mm

75mm
maxm

200 mm
maxm
50mm
BEDDING
SAND

PL LV Spare HV

Diagram A

BEDDING
SAND

50mm

cable in conduit at 1000 mm

50mm

P/L LV Spare HV

Cable in conduit at 750mm

Diagram C

750 mm
minm

75mm
maxm

Spare conduits
BEDDING
SAND

Diagram B

50mm

1000 mm

POLYMERIC
COVER SLAB
5mm thick

7.0

750 mm
minm.

Cable buried direct

50mm
Notes
P/L LV

HV

Refer section 4.1

50mm

TRENCHING FOR SINGLE CUSTOMER ON VERGE

(Option)

Trench dimensions shall be determined as required by ETSA Utilities and the

customer, and will depend on the available space and proximity to other services.
Where the cables are to be direct buried, the trench configuration shall be in
accordance with the following diagram.
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BEDDING
SAND

1000 mm

Spare conduit
Cables buried direct
Public lighting can be
in conduit or buried
direct

TS - 085

750mm

50mm

50mm

Notes
Refer section 4.1

ROAD VERGE SINGLE CUSTOMER

Any ETSA cable system that needs to be located under a road needs to satisfy either the
requirements detailed in section 4.5. for common service trenches or section 4.3 if it is a
Transport SA road

In situations where public lighting circuits within conduits are to be located in a trench
alone, (eg no adjacent power circuits or spare conduits), the minimum cover shall be
600mm with warning tape installed at 400 mm.
Any public lighting network that is a Customer Lantern Energy Rate (CLER) or is fed
from a metered supply point requires a minimum separation of 150mm from any
ETSA infrastructure.
8.0

EXCAVATION FOR VAULTS

The excavation for vaults shall be as follows:
(a)

Padmount Transformer Vaults:

the dimensions are in the order of 1850 long x 1000 wide x 1250 deep, totalling
approximately 2.5 m of spoil to be excavated.

(b)

Switching Cubicle Vaults:

the dimensions are in the order of 2250 long x 1000 wide x 1175 deep, totalling
approximately 2.7 m of spoil to be excavated.
The spoil requiring excavation for the above two cases allows working room for
the placement of cables in conjunction with installation of the vaults.

9.0. BEDDING SAND

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Bedding sand must be :

used prior to and after the laying of cables.
layed below and above the cable and conduits to the depths shown in section 3 of this
standard
used under any cable vault and service pit installation.
lightly and evenly compacted by tamping with feet or by rolling the trench bed prior to
backfilling. Minimum coverage requirements must be maintained.
in compliance with the ETSA specification:

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Some common sand types are designated as DS4B and PM64. The specification for these
types differs from the ETSA standard. It is the contractors responsibility to ensure the
installed sand meets the ETSA specification.

TEST METHOD

TEST

PERMITTED
TEST VALUES
Percent Passing

Grading
AS1141.11

AS1289 C3.1

Sieve Sizes

mm

AS1152

4.75
2.36
1.18
0.6
0.425
0.3
0.15
0.075

Plasticity Index

100
98 - 100
94 - 100
85 - 100
55 - 100
25 - 100
5 - 40
0 - 10
Maximum
(non plastic)

10.0 POLYMERIC CABLE COVERS / MARKER TAPE

The stock item for the 5mm polymeric cable cover is RN 0202 which is supplied as a
15 metre long roll, 300mm wide. To satisfy AS/NZS 3000 the strip must be placed no
more than 75mm above ETSA infrastructure and must overlap the ETSA
infrastructure by 40mm per side.
Marker tape is a requirement for PLEC projects. For any other installation, if the
conduits installed for electrical infrastructure are not a light orange in colour, marker
tape will be required to be installed not more then 200mm above the conduits. If
polymeric cable covers have been installed marker tape is not a requirement
11.0 BACKFILLING and CONSOLIDATION
The backfilling of trenches and excavations will be carried out as soon as practicable
after cable and conduit laying is completed.
Before backfilling operations of any trench excavation commence, surplus jointing
materials, any waste materials and all rubbish including timber and foreign material
will be removed from the trench.
Backfill material will not be placed in any excavation containing free water or slurry.

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Backfilling material must be clean and completely free from all fibrous and vegetable
matter and other material which may attract or be attacked by termites.
Excavated material from the trench may be used as backfill above the bedding sand
provided that this material is predominantly soil. If the material does contain any
metal or rocks, then it may only be used if :
the amount of metal and rocks is less than 20% of the material (by volume)
the metal and rocks pass through a 50 mm screen.
Where conduits are laid beneath other buried services, the backfill beneath such
services is adequately compacted such that :
(a) no voids between conduit layers, and
(b) the other buried service(s) is adequately supported to prevent damage.
Consolidation of the backfilled excavations will be in accordance with the local
Council or Transport SA specifications as appropriate.
12.0

CIVIL WORKS

12.1 Applicants Responsibilities

The Applicant or an agent of the applicant shall be responsible for:
Ensuring that all allotment pegs, including any replacement pegs, easement
pegs and level pegs are correctly placed, clearly visible, and numbered to
show allotment numbers, reserves, easements etc.
Carrying out and co-ordinating all the pegging, trenching, backfilling,
reinstatement, levelling, and associated work including retaining walls,
necessary for the installation of cables, transformers and switching stations,
service pits and pillars and lighting columns.
The safety of the open trench and any liability arising from the Applicant's
works. This includes ensuring that there is suitable clearance between any
excavation and existing ETSA infrastructure, including poles and footings. A
financial penalty can be applied by the industry Regulator for any unlawfull
interference
All street and ground openings and all costs including the compaction and
reinstatement of road and footpath surfaces and services where disturbed or
damaged, to the satisfaction of the authority or owner concerned.
Arrangements with the local authorities and public service utilities for the
temporary disturbance of any driveway, culvert, pipe, drain, kerb, survey
mark etc.
Excavations of padmount transformer vaults and footings and switching
cubicle vaults and footings and the reinstatement of the remaining excavation
surrounding vaults.
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Damage caused to vaults and associated equipment during backfilling and

compaction
13.0

CONTAMINATED SOIL
Where ETSA Utilities constructs the Works, it is the Applicant's responsibility to
ensure that the soil is free from any contaminants that may be a risk to the health of
ETSA Utilities distribution workers. Written assurance may be required to
demonstrate that the soil is free from contamination and if necessary a report detailing
known contamination and steps taken to alleviate the health risks. Further testing may
be required before ETSA Utilities agrees to work on the site.

14.0

CIVIL WORKS COMPLIANCE

Part of ETSA Utilities regulatory requirements includes an undertaking that any
electrical installation is compliant. Civil works and conduit installation forms a part of
the ETSA electrical asset and must be at a standard that satisfies all of the relevant
ETSA Utilities standards and specifications.
To assist in the verification that the civil works are to standard a Civil Work
Compliance form is required from the civil contractor as part of the electrical
compliance.
There is a spreadsheet that details responsibilities for both the Civil Works
Notification form and the Civil Works Compliance form in appendix A of this
specification.
14.1 Civil Works Notification
Civil works form a component of the asset inspection and vesting process. The Civil
Works Notification form NICC-453 (refer to sect 15.0 for access to the form) must be
submitted to the appropriate ETSA Utilities representative. The following notice is
required:
A section (contestable projects) 10 working days notice
B section
5 working days notice
14.2 Civil Works Compliance
The Civil Works Compliance form NICC-452 (refer to sect 15.0 for access to the
form) must be completed by the civil contractor and forwarded on to the Electrical
Contractor or the nominated ETSA Utilities Officer.
The form is an integral component of the Certificate of ETSA Utilities Electrical
Compliance If it is not available at the time of the final asset audit and sign off there
is the possibility that the customers connection will be delayed.

15.0

FURTHER INFORMATION
A comprehensive listing of information bulletins and forms that are of interest to a
customer and a contractor can be found on the ETSA Utilities web page

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www.etsautilities.com.au for external users. Open services/business services/

Network Information
Any ETSA Utilities employee has access via the Intranet index and opening up
Network/Quality Management Systems/Network Information.

Some of the information that is relevant to this technical standard include the
following;

Civil Contractors Utilised by ETSA Utilities - NICC-203

For a TSA road: The Notification of Works Impacting SA Roads - NICC-251
For a railway line: Application to Cross Railways With Electric Power Cables
NICC-252
Civil Works Notification form NICC-453
Civil Works Compliance form NICC-452
Terms & Conditions for Network Installation by a Contractor

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CIVIL WORKS NOTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY

CaMS / BSO
(minor works only)

Civil Works notification form NICC - 453

Customer doing the
trenching

CPO
(major projects only)

Customer (when
responsible for
trenching)

Civil Contractor

Customer to forward
form to the contracted
civil contractor

Return form to:

A for a contestable
project
B for all other projects
(Contract
Supervisor / TSW8)

Intranet: Network/QMS/Network Information

1. Insert point of
contact:
Compliance Co-ord
2. Issue to customer
as part of
information pack

1. Fill in B:
Contract Supervisor
/ TSW8
2. Issue to customer
1. Fill in B:
Contract Supervisor
/ TSW8
2. Issue to civil
contractor

ETSA doing the

trenching

Civil Works Compliance form NICC - 452

Customer doing the
trenching

CaMS / Contract
Svisor (minor &
major project)

Return form to:

Contract Supervisor
/ TSW8

Intranet Network/QMS/Network Information

1. Highlight point of
contact as electrical
contractor
2. Issue as part of
information pack

1. Insert name of
Contract Supervisor
/ TSW8
2. Issue to customer

1. Customer to insert
electrical contractor
details
2. Forward form to
civil contractor

1. Fill in ETSA
Contract Supervsor
/ TSW8
2. Issue to civil
contractor

ETSA doing the

trenching

Return form to:

Electrical contractor.
If unknown, the
customer
Return form to:
Electrical contractor.
If unknown, Contract
Supervisor / TSW8

Note: The Civil Works Compliance form must be completed for all projects with a trenching component as

it is a prerequisite to acceptance of the Certificate of ETSA Utilities Electrical Compliance

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Appendix A