Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue A

Electricity Substation Construction

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10
Issue 2

Authorised by:
Technical Assurance Manager
Date: September 2008
REVISION HISTORY
Issue Date By Description
November
P1 NJ Tobin For Comment
2006
1 July 2007 NJ Tobin First Issue

P2 June 2008 NJ Tobin Issue 2 - Draft

August nd
P3 NJ Tobin Issue 2 – 2 Draft
2008
September
2 NJ Tobin Second Issue
2008
 CONTENTS
PAGE

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. NEW ASSETS 4
2.1 Buildings 4
2.2 Oil Containment 5
2.3 Perimeter Security 12
2.4 Site Lighting 18
2.5 Piling Works 20
2.6 Ducts and Trenches 21
2.7 Earth Link Pits 22
2.8 Fire Protection and Control 22
2.9 Plant Noise Attenuation - Acoustic Enclosures and Barriers 23
2.10 Drainage 24
2.11 Aggregates 26
2.12 Surfacing 27
2.13 Plant Support Structures 28
2.14 Foundations 29
2.15 Holding Down Systems 30
2.16 Other Enabling Infrastructure 31
• SF6 Gas Washing Facilities
• Mechanically Switched Capacitor/Mechanically Switched Capacitor Damping
Network (MSC/MSCDN) Compounds

3. EXISTING ASSETS 34
3.1 General Requirements 34
3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Re-use 34
3.3 Oil Containment 34

4. COMMISSIONING AND TESTING 37

5. BEST PRACTICE 38
5.1 SuperGrid Transformer Infrastructure 38
 CONTENTS
Appendices
NGTS 2.10, ‘Generic Technical Specification for Civil Engineering Works’, Issue 4,
October 1997 – Amended Sections
A C051 Buried foul & surface water drainage
B C053 Oil separators
C C131 Ducts & trenches
D C132 Medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines
E C301 Prefabricated Transformer Noise Enclosures
F C302 Brick Transformer Noise Enclosures
G C704 Liquid plastics Decothane SP system
H C705 David Roofing Novacoat system
I C707 Premare EP System
J C709 Don Chemicals Quickmast system
K C750 Bund water control units
L C760 Electrical specification
 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
Design Handbook
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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This document details mandatory prescriptive and functional requirements relating to new
build and existing ‘Civil, Structural and Building Engineering’ assets forming part(s) of
substation construction projects. It is an elaboration on, and shall be read in conjunction with,
all relevant National Grid standards as appropriate.

1.2 Design work shall comply with all appropriate National Grid Technical Specifications (NGTS’s
and TS’s), British Standards, European Standards and Codes of Practice as appropriate and
be in accordance with recognised analytical methods. It is noted that there are many technical
specifications not explicitly associated with Civil, Structural and Building Engineering that
contain requirements which may nonetheless impact on aspects of this design. For example
earthing requirements will, in certain configurations, be applicable to fencing and handrail
installations. It shall be the designer’s responsibility to ensure a holistic design solution is
achieved.

1.3 The term ‘Civil, Structural and Building Engineering’ shall apply to the design, manufacture,
installation and demolition of the following permanent works items:

• Access roads
• Footpaths
• Drainage
• Oil containment works
• Fencing
• Site security
• Surfacing
• Ducts & trenches
• Buildings
• Site and Building services (excluding electricity and telecommunications services)
• Foundations
• Piling works
• Earthworks
• Ground Improvement/Stabilisation
• Plant support structures
• Holding down systems
• Fire protection & control
• Cable Tunnels
• Acoustic enclosures
• Site Lighting
• Landscaping
• Other enabling infrastructure (Operational & Non-operational) - e.g. retaining
structures, bridges, culverts etc.

1.4 Unless stated to the contrary this scope shall also apply to all surveys, site investigations,
condition assessments and temporary works necessary to facilitate the construction of these
items. It shall additionally apply to the design only of the structural integrity of all items not
specifically listed above. This includes all electrical components such as plant, busbars,
clamps etc.

1.5 Where the terms ‘Civil’, ‘Civil Engineering’ or similar are used in any contractual context they
shall be deemed to mean ‘Civil, Structural and Building Engineering’ as defined in this
document.

1.6 The works shall comply with the materials and workmanship requirements of NGTS 2.10,
‘Generic Technical Specification for Civil Engineering Works’. Where a proposed material,
product or method of design or construction is not included in NGTS 2.10 or other NGTS or
Technical Specification (TS) appropriate specifications as necessary shall be produced.
These shall be in accordance with British Standards, European Standards and Codes of

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Practice. Where NGTS 2.10 cross references a third party document that has become
obsolete, deleted, superseded or amended their direct replacements or an equivalent British
Standard, European Standard or Code of Practice shall be used in an appropriately modified
specification. All such specifications shall be in the same format as NGTS 2.10 – including the
appropriate ‘Hold’ and ‘Notification’ points - and shall be submitted to National Grid for
consent. Figure 1 shows the decision making process.

1.7 The appendices to this document include additional and modified sections of NGTS 2.10.

1.8 Where there is conflict between the requirements in this document and any other National
Grid specifications (including the modified sections of NGTS 2.10 in the appendices) this
document shall generally take precedence otherwise the more demanding standard shall
always apply.

1.9 All drawings shall be annotated with cross-references to the appropriate specification clauses.

1.10 The designer shall ensure that in all instances new and existing works do not compromise
each other either functionally or aesthetically.

1.11 Any reference made in this document to a requirement for NG approval shall be taken to mean
whichever ‘Client side’ design assurance process is appropriate at the time of contract award.

1.12 All construction work shall be classed as ‘new build’ unless specifically identified as otherwise
and as such shall be in accordance with all appropriate standards at the time of contract
award.

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…
2

Figure 1: Material or Product Specification Procedure

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NEW ASSETS

The following requirements shall apply to all ‘new build’ construction work.

2.1 BUILDINGS

2.1.1 Substation buildings – new and modifications to existing - shall, wherever practicable, be in
accordance with the requirements of Design Handbook DH 18, ‘400kV and 275kV Gas
Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Substation Buildings’. Where
compliance with DH18 is not possible the requirements in this section shall be adopted as
appropriate.

INFORMATIVE: Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) shall NOT be employed as a structural

material or component for any substation buildings or enclosures.

2.1.2 All building work, either new build or modifications to existing, shall be in accordance with the
appropriate requirements of the Building Regulations. Where literal compliance is not possible
the work shall be to an agreed standard that uses the Building Regulations as its basis.
Specific consideration shall be given to those requirements relating to the health, safety and
welfare of people, the conservation of fuel and energy, ease of access and facilities for
disabled people and fire safety and means of escape.

INFORMATIVE: As the works are for a Statutory Undertaker, they are technically exempt
from the requirements of the Building Regulations.

2.1.3 Where the external wall of a building forms part of a substation site boundary – i.e. is not
contained within a perimeter security fence – additional measures shall be taken to ensure the
level of security at that interface is not less than that of the substation perimeter security fence
as determined in accordance with Section 2.3.

2.1.4 Internal guttering and rainwater pipes shall not be permitted.

2.1.5 Battery rooms shall comply with the requirements of BS 6133 and shall include a ‘Belfast’ style
sink for washing purposes. Explosion proof fittings shall be used throughout.

2.1.6 All rooms and areas in which people shall be required to work – either long or short term – and
mess room facilities or similar shall have sufficient heating and/or ventilation to provide an
acceptable zone of ‘thermal comfort’ of between 13°C (56°F) and 30°C (86°F) without
compromising the operation of any plant or equipment also contained therein.

INFORMATIVE: The term ‘thermal comfort’ is as used by the Health and Safety Executive
specifically in their publication HSG194, ‘Thermal comfort in the workplace, Guidance for
employers’

2.1.7 Exposed concrete floors shall be sealed against dust via the application of a chemical,
abrasion, stain and slip resistant heavy duty epoxy resin sealer. The colour shall be light grey.

Dispersed Relay Rooms

2.1.8 The layout of a ‘dispersed relay room’, that is a building housing bay or bays specific relay
panels and associated electrical equipment also referred to as a blockhouse, shall where
practicable incorporate a segregated room for the installation of the battery system. This room
shall be separately accessed – see figure 2 below.

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INFORMATIVE: Battery systems tend to require a different operating environment to

typical protection and control equipment. It is often difficult to balance the necessary
ventilation requirements against the maintenance of a stable thermal environment where
both are housed in the same room.

Utilisation of a dedicated battery room has a number of advantages:

• Where required, naturally vented cells can be used in dispersed relay room
applications.
• Battery systems can be maintained in a well ventilated environment and the risk of
overheating is minimised. Conversely the main relay room can be maintained at a
more stable temperature thus reducing energy costs.

Based on a typical life cycle cost benefit analysis it can be shown that the additional
building costs are mitigated by the reduction in forced ventilation and the associated
maintenance.

2.1.9 The segregated battery room shall comply with the requirements of BS 6133 and be
appropriate to the type of batteries that are installed. A suitable notice plus design information
shall indicate the type of batteries the room is suitable for.

2.1.10 A ‘Belfast’ style sink is not required provided suitable washing facilities exist elsewhere on site.

INFORMATIVE: Where the facility is designed for (say) valve regulated cells it would
generally not be suitable for the subsequent installation of vented cells.

RELAY ROOM
BATTERY
ROOM

Figure 2 – Example of ‘Dispersed Relay Room’

2.2 OIL CONTAINMENT

The following section shall be read in conjunction with NGTS 2.20, ‘Oil Containment at
Substations and other Operational Sites’, and the ‘Drainage’ section of this document as

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appropriate. Installations not explicitly covered shall, as a minimum, comply with the guidance
in CIRIA Report 163, “Construction of Bunds for oil storage tanks” and the Environment
Agency document PPG2, “Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks”.

General Principles

2.2.1 The following definitions shall apply to this section only;

• Oil
Any kind of oil including petrol, diesel, grease, synthetic, mineral and vegetable oil whether
in operational use or storage.

• Controlled Waters
All watercourses, lakes, lochs, canals, inland and coastal waters and water contained in
underground strata (or groundwater).

• Flame Trap
A device or system through which fluid (specifically oil and water) will freely drain at a
specified rate without allowing the passage and propagation of fire

• Primary Containment System

A tank or enclosure used for the continuous, permanent containment of oil for operating
and storage purposes. This includes any interconnecting pipes used for distribution or
filling purposes.

• Secondary Containment System

A system capable of preventing the escape of oil to controlled waters in the event of failure
to any part of a specified Primary Containment System. Secondary Containment shall
comprise, as a minimum, an ‘Oil Retaining Area’ or ‘bund’ and, where required by TS 3.1.3
an Underground Containment Facility plus interconnecting drainage system.

• Oil Separator
Refer to NGTS 2.10, Section C053, ‘Oil Separators’ for further details.

• Bund Water Control Unit

A failsafe, self-contained, automatic pumping system able to discriminate between water
and oil. Refer to NGTS 2.10, Section C750, ‘Bund Water Control Units’ for further details.

INFORMATIVE: ‘Primary Containment’ and ‘Secondary Containment’ are terms used by

the Environment Agency and CIRIA to define the two levels of control in relation to
pollution prevention.

2.2.2 Secondary Containment shall be provided to the Primary Containment Systems of the
following items of oil filled plant and equipment plus any others identified in the contract
specification;

• Transformers
• Reactors
• Quadrature Boosters
• Oil Circuit Breakers
• Diesel Generators
• Cable Oil Pressure Tanks
• Oil storage Tanks

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The following items shall also be provided with a Secondary Containment System;

• Oil filling points

• Fill and draw off pipes
• Sight gauges
• Fixed interconnecting pipework

INFORMATIVE: Twin walled, non-corrosive pipework is the preferred method of providing

secondary containment in permanent installations and is mandatory for temporary systems

2.2.3 Designated vehicle standing/parking areas shall be provided for siting plant and/or vehicles
necessary to facilitate the following operations;

• Filling or emptying Primary Containment Systems (excluding Cable Oil Pressure Tanks) –
minimum length 25 metres;
• Removing oil from Secondary Containment Systems in the event of an emergency or as
part of routine maintenance operations – minimum length 25 metres;
• Routine emptying and maintenance of Oil Separators – minimum length 8 metres.

INFORMATIVE: The site shall be optimally configured such that the minimum number of
designated vehicle standing/parking areas is necessary, i.e. wherever practicable each
shall be positioned such that it is capable of serving more than one item of equipment.
They shall be sized to suit the largest dimension necessary.

It is preferred that each area is positioned such that the connection between the ‘service’
vehicle and the equipment can be made with a single, standard length hose to ensure that
couplings are within areas of secondary containment. Where this is not possible the
number of hoses necessary shall be minimised and the distance shall not be greater than
can be accommodated by a single vehicle i.e. without necessitating additional hoses,
couplings, pumps etc.

It is not uncommon for tanker drivers to require access to the tops of their vehicles to
check fluid levels etc. Consequently for safety reasons designated vehicle
standing/parking areas shall not be installed directly below ‘oversailing’ conductor systems

2.2.4 The following enclosed areas shall be drained by a Bund Water Control Unit or Units
discharging into a closed, ‘oil tight’, drainage system incorporating an Oil Separator to remove
oil prior to discharge from site;

• Secondary Containment Systems

• Tunnels containing oil filled cables where a pumped drainage system is necessary

2.2.5 The following shall be drained via a closed, ‘oil tight’ drainage system incorporating an Oil
Separator to remove oil prior to discharge from site;

• Oil handling areas, workshops, maintenance and test areas for oil filled equipment
• Designated vehicle standing/parking areas as defined above
• Transformer (or similar plant) skidways.
• Tunnels containing oil filled cables where a pumped drainage system is not necessary
• Trenches or troughs containing oil filled cables

2.2.6 The term ‘bund’ shall refer exclusively to the ‘Oil Retaining Area’ as defined in NGTS 2.20.
That is the local, above ground tank constructed immediately around defined items of oil filled
equipment. The term shall not apply to the below ground part of a facility that is integral with

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the ‘Oil Retaining Area’ (commonly referred to as a ‘moat’ type installation) on the opposite
side of a flame trap to the Primary Containment System.

INFORMATIVE: There has been confusion over the term ‘bund’ in relation to National
Grid sites. It is often used euphemistically to refer to the entire above and below ground
construction of ‘moat’ type transformer foundations or to any tank designed to contain oil
spillages. Whereas this might be grammatically correct – one definition of ‘bund’ being an
enclosure capable of holding liquids that may escape from vessels and pipes contained
within it – it is not consistent with the NGTS 2.20 definition of ‘bund’ which exclusively
refers to the above ground element constructed immediately around and below the plant –
the ‘Oil Retaining Area’. This has a very different function, and therefore stated attributes,
to other elements of an oil containment system, for example the ‘Underground Oil
Containment Facility’, which might fit the generic description of ‘bund’.

INFORMATIVE: There is no requirement for the base of a ‘moat’ type foundation to be

formed to fall towards the sump(s) containing the bund water control unit(s).

2.2.7 The height of all ‘bund’ walls shall be a minimum of 400mm above finished substation ground
level or the support plinth(s) of the associated oil containing equipment, whichever is the
greater.

2.2.8 A single ‘Underground Oil Containment Facility’ may be connected to several ‘Oil Retaining
Areas’ however the sharing of a ‘moat’ type facility is not a preferred option and shall not be
permitted unless it can be demonstrated, by agreement with National Grid, that no other
solution is viable. Where sharing between ‘moat’ type installations occurs the interconnecting
systems shall incorporate additional flame traps.

INFORMATIVE: The sharing of ‘moat’ type facilities introduces the risk that the ‘moat’ of a
functioning transformer could be providing containment to oil which has escaped from a
catastrophically failed neighbour. In such a circumstance it becomes more important that
this oil is not burning and consequently to reduce this risk an additional flame trap is
required between the two facilities.

2.2.9 Irrespective of other dimensional or volumetric requirements where an ‘Oil Retaining Area’
(‘bund’) is connected to a remote ‘Underground Oil Containment Facility’ (commonly referred
to as a ‘dump tank’) its (i.e. the ‘bunds’) minimum gross capacity shall be 1.1 times the volume
of oil contained by all oil filled equipment within the ‘Oil Retaining Area’. This requirement
does not apply to above ground part of a ‘moat’ type foundation.

INFORMATIVE: On a significant number of substation sites ‘dump tanks’ have been

discovered to be full of water. This has been variously due to ground water ingress
caused by poor installation (e.g. differential settlement, inadequate backfilling, damage
during construction) and/or a build up of rain water due the failure of poorly maintained
bund water control units. Should there have been a catastrophic failure of the equipment
associated with these ‘dump tanks’ accompanied by the release of large quantities of oil a
major environmental incident would have resulted.

As a consequence of this risk all ‘bunds’ (Oil Retaining Areas) connected to ‘dump tanks’
are required to have a minimum gross capacity (i.e. it is not necessary to remove the
volume occupied by the oil containing equipment) as stated.

The requirement does not apply to ‘moat’ type foundations because as these are integral
with the equipment foundations as opposed to being sited remotely as is often the case
with ‘dump tanks’ it is considered less likely that an overfilling problem will go unnoticed.

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2.2.10 The minimum clear horizontal distance between the internal face of a ‘bund’ wall and any tank,
enclosure or fixed interconnecting pipework (including that for distribution and filling purposes)
used for the continuous storage of oil shall be 2 metres for Supergrid Transformers, Reactors
and Quadrature Boosters and 1 metre for all other equipment unless it can be demonstrated
via reference to CIRIA Report 163 that a lesser dimension is appropriate. Bushings must not
project beyond the internal face of a ‘bund’ wall.

INFORMATIVE: The clear horizontal distance is specified to give some protection against
‘jetting’ failure and also provide a safety zone in the event of a cooler collapse – something
which is known to be a real possibility in the event of a transformer fire.

Provided bushings have an independent, low pressure oil system (e.g. one which is
separate to that of the main equipment) the clearance requirements do not apply.
Bushings must however be within the plan area defined by the internal faces of the ‘bund’
wall.

2.2.11 ‘Moat’ type installation shall be configured to prevent routine personnel access to the below
ground sections however the design shall make allowance for the possibility that planned
access may be necessary to carry out repair work during the units design life. Consequently
man access points having minimum dimensions of 600mm by 600mm shall be incorporated at
the underside of the stone filled flame trap design, as necessary, to ensure all underground
compartments can be entered if necessary. Additionally discrete access points shall be
provided to facilitate detailed, remote visual inspections of all internal surfaces of the below
ground areas via a CCTV camera system the methodology of which shall be submitted for
approval.

INFORMATIVE: From the Health and Safety perspective it is imperative that access into
the below ground sections of a transformer foundation is not easily accomplished and can
only form part of a planned and risk assessed maintenance activity. Conversely if the
arrangement is too complex it may introduce additional risks that make its use unfeasible.
Incorporating such access points into the stone filled flame trap – thus necessitating the
removal of a significant depth of stone before they can be used – is considered to be a
practical compromise.

2.2.12 The floor of the ‘bund’ or ‘Oil Retaining Area’ shall be laid to falls (minimum of 1 in 80) towards
the flame trap(s). It shall be suitable for pedestrian access with an approved slip resistant
surface (typically brush finished concrete) which shall not comprise stone chippings, cobbles,
pebbles or other loose media. This surface shall be designed to accommodate a uniformly
distributed vertical pedestrian loading of 5.0kN/m². Maintenance requirements shall be
identified and suitable additional provision (e.g. load from scaffold) accommodated in the
design as necessary. Areas or surfaces not suitable for loads greater than pedestrian access
shall be marked with suitable warning signage indicating their limitations (e.g. ‘Pedestrian
Access Loading Only’). Modular systems shall be configured such that they will remain
structurally sound if discrete sections are removed.

INFORMATIVE: Historically stone chippings or similar have been used to surface the
base of ‘bunds’. This has proven problematic from the health and safety perspective when
inappropriately sized or shaped stone has formed tripping and/or stepping hazards and
from the environmental and commercial perspective when contaminated waste in the form
of oil stained chippings requires specialist disposal. Additionally the presence of a stone
layer often prevents the early identification of drainage and/or oil leakage problems.

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INFORMATIVE: The ‘bund’ floor shall have sufficient fall to prevent the build up of surface
moss, silt and other detritus plus the formation of ice. Additionally it shall facilitate the flow
rate specified in NGTS 2.20

2.2.13 Flame traps shall have a minimum four hour fire resistance equivalent to the requirements of
BS 8110:Part 2:Table 4.6

INFORMATIVE: Flame traps shall typically comprise either a pit or chamber of minimum
depth 300mm filled with washed and uniformly sized stone of 38mm diameter or greater or
a water filled trap, ‘u bend’ or similar configuration through which any fluid is forced to flow
full bore i.e. without oxygen to propagate the passage of flames. Other configurations
shall not be used unless proven by testing.

In all instances the flame trap(s) shall facilitate the flow rate specified in NGTS 2.20.

2.2.14 Oil separators shall be adjacent or close to access roads to allow easy access for
maintenance vehicles into the designated vehicle standing/parking areas.

2.2.15 A concrete bund shall be constructed directly above, and around the access turrets of, each oil
separator to provide a washdown and maintenance area for the coalescer and other
components. This shall have minimum internal dimensions of 3 metres wide by 7 metres long
with a perimeter wall 0.2 metres wide by 0.2 metres deep. A pedestrian handrail incorporating
access point shall be installed on top of the wall (see plate 1 below for example).

Plate 1 – Example of Coalescer Washdown Area

The bund shall drain – via a system that can be sealed against rainwater ingress when not in
use - to the penstock valve chamber upstream of the associated oil separator.

Vent pipes, oil alarm units, earth points and other control systems shall be installed within the
bund at appropriate heights to suit operation, maintenance and inspection activities.

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2.2.16 The level of the water table adjacent to each oil separator shall be shown on the appropriate
‘as built’ drawings.

2.2.17 In addition to those locations specified in NGTS 2.20 penstock valves shall be provided at the
following locations;

• Between the outlet of an Oil Separator and the connections with any third party
drainage system and the connection from all other drainage systems that may be
liable to backflows. This is to allow the oil separator to be isolated during
maintenance operations.
• Between the outlet of an Oil Separator and any pumping chambers
• Between the outlet of an Oil Separator and open waters that are tidal or liable to
flooding.

2.2.18 The functionality of any part of the oil containment system shall not be compromised by
excessive flows or back flows due to flooding or third party operations to interconnected
systems. To this end the design shall identify all such risks and incorporate additional non-
return flow devices and/or penstock valve chambers as necessary. These shall be designed
to accommodate the maximum pressure - from either direction - to which they might be
subjected.

2.2.19 Unless the topography of the site dictates otherwise pumps (except for Bund Water Control
Units) shall not be used in oil containment systems. Where it can be demonstrated that there
are no alternatives pumps shall always be installed downstream of any oil separators to avoid
the possible emulsification of oil and water prior to treatment. A standby pump shall be
provided to operate in the event of the failure of each and any duty (i.e. main) pump. All such
pumps shall be designed to operate after long periods of inactivity. Suitable alarm systems
shall indicate the failure of any of the pumps.

2.2.20 All pumps (including Bund Water Control Units) shall be fully accessible from ground level,
either by recovery or siting. Where recovery is required a handling assessment must be
completed and/or suitable lifting arrangements provided. The assessment shall consider the
loading imposed by pipework and water retention. Pumps shall be clearly and uniquely
labelled at the point of access (prior to any interaction) against an electrical and mechanical
isolation point (as appropriate).

2.2.21 Covers to oil separators and penstock valves shall be labelled to indicate the type and number
of the device (e.g. ‘PENSTOCK No 1’) with the same information recorded on the site
‘Emergency Oil Containment and Drainage Plan’ - see UKBP/TP 135, ‘Management of
Drawings (Electricity Assets)’.

2.2.22 Where an open channel (i.e. ACO type) drainage product forms part of an oil containment
system this shall be designed to be oil/water tight and shall be subjected to a maximum head
water test on completion.

2.2.23 With reference to Section 6.3 ‘Testing of Bunded Areas’ in NGTS 2.20 the water level for the
retention test may be reduced to the top of the transformer plinth.

INFORMATIVE: The specified water level for retention testing is “150 mm above the
transformer plinth, or such higher level required by the Engineer”. This precludes testing
ahead of transformer installation should the chosen method requires that a section of the
‘bund’ wall be omitted to facilitate this. It also means that during the subsequent test the
transformer will be standing in water for at least 3 days. However the purpose of the test
is to prove the integrity of the underground compartments (particularly the construction
joints) on which this level reduction will have a minimal effect.

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Containerised Diesel Generators

2.2.24 Containerised diesel generator sets shall have a Secondary Containment System whose
minimum gross capacity is 1.15 times the total volume of stored oil.

2.2.25 The engine fuel return shall be a braided steel hose and a two level alarm system be
introduced into the bund sump. A low level alarm shall indicate the presence of oil (which
might be due to a localised spill) and a second higher level one shall shut the engine down
with the assumption that this would be indicative of a significant release of oil due to some
form of fuel system or other catastrophic containment failure.

Cable Sealing End Header Tanks

2.2.26 Header tanks associated with cable sealing ends shall be sited in a reinforced concrete bund
sized to hold the maximum quantity of oil within the largest tank or within any group of
hydraulically linked tanks, whichever is the greater, plus 15%. The bund walls and slabs shall
be formed integrally with the main foundation of the tanks. Joints shall not be permitted.
Wherever practicable the concrete bund shall be fully enclosed with full height walls and a
pitched roof fabricated from oil resistant materials.

INFORMATIVE: The provision of a fully enclosed bund is the preferred solution as it

removes the necessity to install a bund water control unit or units to control rainwater and
with it the associated maintenance commitment.

2.2.27 Oil separators shall be rated at not less than the capacity of the bund water control unit pump
or 3 litres per second, whichever is the greater.

2.2.28 Oil separators shall not be subject to the requirement for a minimum storage capacity of 4000
litres.

2.2.29 The oil detecting alarm shall be set to activate for an accumulated volume of oil pro-rata to the
flow rates given in NGTS 2.10, Section 053.

2.3 PERIMETER SECURITY

Introduction

2.3.1 The National Grid perimeter security policy is currently under review. NGTS 2.22, ‘Perimeter
Security Fencing for New Substations and Extensions to Existing Substations’ will be
withdrawn and replaced by a more comprehensive and holistic security specification. In the
interim all substation sites shall comply with the minimum mandatory standards as detailed in
this section.

2.3.2 The location and/or strategic importance of certain sites will necessitate additional security
features. The identities of such CNI (Critical National Infrastructure) sites will not be available
in the public domain and their individual requirements shall be identified on a site by site basis
as necessary and incorporated into the project specification accordingly. National Grid Group
Security shall be engaged during the project development stage in order to facilitate this
assessment process and confirm whether a site is CNI rated.

2.3.3 Substation perimeter security (fencing and gates) shall, as a minimum, be either a Category 2,
‘medium risk’ fence system in accordance with NGTS 2.22 or the higher security (CNI) ‘Class
3’, Intermediate Security Palisade fence system.

2.3.4 Sites shall be assessed for either fence system in accordance with the following criteria;

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‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade fence system

Shall apply to;

• Any part of the perimeter of a site identified as CNI by National Grid Security Group

NGTS 2.22, Category 2, ‘medium risk’ fence system

Shall apply to;

• Any partial modification, extension or repair to the perimeter of an existing (non CNI)
site.
• The perimeter of all new build (green or brown field) substations.
• Any existing site where the perimeter fencing is to be replaced in its entirety.

2.3.5 The General Requirements detailed below shall apply, as appropriate, to both fence systems.

Fence Systems - General Requirements for both

2.3.6 Unless indicated otherwise all fencing shall be in accordance with BS1722: Part 12: 2006

2.3.7 The minimum foundation sizes detailed in BS1722: Part 12: 2006 shall not be used without
supporting calculations demonstrating their suitability for the specific ground and exposure
conditions. The factor of safety against overturning shall be 2.0. (See ‘Informative’ box below)

2.3.8 In addition to the loading requirements defined in BS 1722: Part 12: 2006 ‘straining’ fence
posts and their foundations shall be designed to resist the maximum load effects due to the
electric pulse fence wires including the worst cause ‘broken wire’ condition i.e. fully tensioned
wires on one side only.

2.3.9 Fence post foundations shall be of unreinforced concrete to a minimum depth of 775mm (i.e.
425mm deeper than the anti burrow concrete sill) with exact dimension to suit the site ground
conditions.

2.3.10 All steel components shall be hot dip galvanised to BS ISO 1461

2.3.11 All posts (including those at changes in direction) shall be detailed such that fence panels will
remain ‘captive’ laterally should the rail to post fixing bolts be removed.

2.3.12 The design and fabrication of the palisade fence system shall make allowance for appropriate
connection to the substation earthing mat. The preferred method shall be via direct
connection to the horizontal rails in the fence panels and suitably sized lugs on the inside face
of the gate posts. Otherwise the relevant posts shall have 2 no 14 mm diameter holes in their
back (internal) face. These shall be at 50mm vertical centres a minimum of 100mm above the
top of the concrete sill and shall not be post drilled (i.e. after galvanising).

INFORMATIVE: The additional holes in the fence posts specified in NGTS 2.22 for
“barbed tape concertina” and “rotating peeled aluminium topping” – refer to page 9,
drawing 34/2855 Issue B, notes 8 & 9 – are not required as standard and shall only be
provided where specifically requested.

2.3.13 The maximum horizontal clear gap in any part of the fence system shall not exceed that
between adjacent pales in the relevant ‘standard’ panel.

INFORMATIVE: Nominal maximum dimensions are 24mm for ‘Class 3’ Intermediate

Security Palisade fence system and 85mm for NGTS 2.22, Category 2, ‘medium risk’
fence system.

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INFORMATIVE: Unless a more sophisticated foundation design is employed fence post

planting depths may be calculated in accordance with the following procedure;

i) Calculate the overturning (destabilising) moment due to the application of the un-
factored design loads on the fence post about a fulcrum point located at (1/√2) of the
planting depth below ground.

ii) Multiply the overturning moment by the factor of safety of 2.0

iii) The moment in ii) should not exceed the ground resistance moment (Mg) obtained
using the following formula;
G.D.P 3
Mg =
10
Where:

G is a factor dependent on the ground in which the post is planted

(in kN/m² per m). Values of G are given below.

D is the minimum diameter (or minimum dimension across flats for multi
sided sections) of the section of the post in the ground (in m).

P is the planting depth (in m).

G Soil Type
Good: Compact, well graded sand and gravel, hard clay, well graded fine
and coarse sand, decomposed granite rock and soil.
630
‘Good’ material should be well drained and in locations where water will
not stand.
Average: Compact fine sand, medium clay, compact well drained sandy
loam, loose coarse sand and gravel.
390
‘Average’ soil should drain sufficiently well that water does not stand on
the surface.
Poor: Soft clay, clay loam, poorly compacted sand, clays containing a
230 large amount of silt and vegetable matter and made ground.
‘Poor’ soils will normally be wet and have poor drainage.
Where the soil type is unknown it shall be taken as ‘Poor’.

Notes:
• Fence post excavations shall always be backfilled with mass concrete.
• The effective diameter of the post may be assumed to be equal to the minimum
diameter of the excavated hole.
• The concrete backfill shall extend from the base of the post to ground level.

[This method is based on guidance included in the DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (DMRB),
Volume 2, Section 2, Part 1, BD 94/07, ‘DESIGN OF MINOR STRUCTURES’.]

2.3.14 A grade C20 concrete anti burrow sill having minimum dimensions of 300mm wide x 350mm
deep (subject to site ground conditions) and projecting 25mm above finished substation level
shall be installed between the fence post foundations on the same longitudinal centre line.
Wherever possible (i.e. where not required structurally or to control early thermal cracking)
these shall be unreinforced. Exposed arrisses shall have a nominal 25mm x 25mm chamfer.
Finishes to concrete surfaces shall be in accordance with NGTS 2.10 as follows;

Vertical Faces Type F2 Formed finish

Upper surface Type W2 worked finish

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Expansion joints comprising longitudinal epoxy coated or stainless steel dowel bars shall be
installed in the concrete sill at every other fence post position.

2.3.15 A clear area shall be provided outside the substation perimeter at the same level as the
adjacent site. Wherever possible and dependent on site logistics, topography and ground
conditions this shall be 2 metres wide and shall incorporate a 1m wide concrete footpath
immediately adjacent to the external perimeter of the fence. At CNI sites the clear area shall,
wherever practicable, be increased to a maximum of 5 metres wide

2.3.16 To prevent the formation of climbing aids the horizontal alignment of fencing shall not
incorporate linear changes in direction of less than 135º (when measured on the outside of the
substation). The distance between adjacent changes in horizontal alignment shall not be less
than 2 metres.

2.3.17 Concrete cover to all embedded steel fencing components shall be at least 50mm

2.3.18 Existing fencing systems shall not be taken down and re-erected on new alignments.

Gates – General Requirements for both

2.3.19 All gates shall provide the same (minimum) level security as the associated palisade fence.
They shall be detailed with hidden, tamper proof hinges that shall not form a climbing aid when
the gates are closed.

2.3.20 Main vehicular access gates shall be electrically operated double leaf (‘cantilever’) or
sliding/roller type fitted with a galvanised steel mounting plate to suit the future provision of a
remotely operated magnetic locking system.

2.3.21 Secondary vehicular access gate(s), that is gates that do not form the main access and egress
to the site, shall;

Only be openable from inside the substation

Comprise a fully shrouded sliding bar lock suitable for use with a padlock

2.3.22 All vehicular access gates shall be 1 metre wider than the associated road but not less than 4
metres wide.

2.3.23 The maximum allowable gap under a gate in the closed position shall be 100mm

2.3.24 Pedestrian access gates openable from inside and outside the substation shall only be
installed by agreement with National Grid. They shall not be installed at positions which
overlap with sliding gates.

2.3.25 The operation of all gates shall be linked to, and shall not compromise the functionality of, the
electronic access control, CCTV and intruder alarm systems as appropriate and where
installed.

INFORMATIVE: Additional systems such as CCTV, flood lighting etc will normally be
installed as part of a dedicated national security project and are therefore not included
within the scope of this handbook. Where it is required that security measures over and
above those specified in this document are incorporated into a ‘general’ substation
construction project contract specific documentation will be provided.

2.3.26 Automatic gates shall have electric motors capable of powering gates up to 4m high.

2.3.27 Locking mechanisms shall have the facility to disengage for manual operation during power
failure but still maintain full security function.

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Electric Pulse Fence – General Requirements for both

2.3.28 A combined PID (Perimeter Intrusion Detection) and electric fence system shall be installed on
the secure (i.e. internal) side of all substation perimeter fencing and gates. The electric fence
shall be a dual mode HV/LV (High Voltage/Low Voltage) system capable of detecting intruders
in either mode when forming part of a ‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade fence system
otherwise it shall be a HV only system. It shall be fully integrated into electronic access
control, CCTV and intruder alarm systems as appropriate and where installed.

2.3.29 While the site is unoccupied both electric fence systems shall be fully armed and operating in
HV mode. In this mode the system shall be designed to deliver a short, painful but safe
electric shock to a potential intruder.

2.3.30 When the site is occupied the dual mode system shall revert to LV mode. This shall enable
operatives to work on-site without risking an electric shock while the system is able to detect
attempts to cut through or short-circuit the electric fence wires.

2.3.31 Fence zoning shall be designed around logical areas of the site. Vehicular and pedestrian
gates forming part of a ‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade fence system shall be zoned
individually.

2.3.32 On sites that are situated in coastal or other salt laden environments the electric fence system
shall be split into a minimum of 3 vertical zones to reduce the likelihood of false alarms.

2.3.33 Consideration shall be given to the likelihood of induced voltages occurring within isolated
zones. Where cabling runs within a single duct, which may be cast into the concrete sill beam,
it shall be armoured and earthed to prevent induced voltages occurring.

2.3.34 All HV cables shall be taken across straining posts in order to remove the inherent aid to
climbing.

2.3.35 Prior to galvanising a minimum of 4 no. 4mm thick steel lugs shall be welded to the back
(internal) face of each palisade fence post at appropriate centres to facilitate connection of the
pulse fence system support posts. Shot fired nail or similar systems that will damage the
galvanising shall not be used.

2.3.36 The electric pulse fence shall comply with the following standards as a minimum;

BS EN 60335-2-76: 1999 Specification for safety of household and similar electrical

appliances. Particular requirements. Particular requirements
for electric fence energizers

BS EN 61011-1:1993 Electric fence energizers. Safety requirements for battery-

operated electric fence energizers suitable for connection to
the supply mains

BS 1722-17:2006 Fences. Specification for electric security fences. Design,

installation and maintenance

‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade Fence System

2.3.37 There shall be a nominal clearance between the bottom of the pales and the top of the
concrete sill beam of 50mm.

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INFORMATIVE: The ‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade Fence System is based on

a proprietary, patented, high security fencing system, the ‘Lochrin Bain Combi Palisade’,
which is manufactured and supplied by William Bain Fencing Ltd. This system is regularly
reviewed by Governmental organisations such as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and consequently is
subject to changes outside the control of this handbook. The following requirements are
therefore indicative and generally for information only and the fence system supplied to a
specific project may differ from that detailed below.

2.3.38 The overall fence height shall be 2.4m and, unless indicated otherwise, shall be based on BS
1722: Part 12: 2006, BS type reference SP30 incorporating a 4 metre electric pulse fence/PID
System.

2.3.39 ‘Centre rests’ shall be provided in non standard ‘make up’ fence panels such that the
maximum unsupported panel span does not exceed 960mm.

2.3.40 Posts shall generally be at 2750mm centres to suit a 2730mm standard panel. The system
shall comprise the following components (dimensions are in millimetres);

• Posts
3125mm long 127x76x13 universal beam section pointed at the top and slotted to
accommodate fishplates. Posts shall be provided with suitable connecting lugs or similar
to suit the electric pulse fence. Where necessary posts shall be strengthened to
accommodate any additional loads caused by the tension of the electric fence wires, e.g.
at changes in direction/strainer post positions. Exact dimensions and sizes shall be
agreed in consultation with the pulse fence manufacturer.

• Post Connector Plates (3 No. per post)

30mm x 8mm flat bar – length to suit

• Pales (26 No. per panel)

2350mm long x 4mm thick x 77mm wide hot rolled slit coil steel grade S275 to BS EN
10025:2004 cold-formed into corrugated ‘W’ section pales drilled to suit. Pale tops shall
be ‘single pointed’.

• Horizontal Support Rails (3 No. per panel)

2730mm long 50x50x6 equal angle with slots in the horizontal top leg to suit pales with 10
diameter holes in the vertical leg to facilitate connection to the pales.

• Centre Rests (2 No. per panel)

Approx 500mm long (nominal cranked length) x 30mm x 8mm flat bar fixed between the
9th and 10th pales from either end to the bottom Horizontal Support Rail.

• Fixings

Horizontal Support Rail to Post Connector Plate

M12 x 30 cup square bolts c/w shear nuts

Pale to Horizontal Support Rail

M8 x 25 high cup square bolts c/w shear nuts.

Centre Rest to bottom Horizontal Support Rail

M12 x 30 cup square bolts c/w shear nuts

2.3.41 All bolts shall be tightened until the hexagonal head shears off leaving a dome on either side.
These shall be countersunk on the rails.

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2.3.42 A typical ‘Class 3’ panel is shown below;

NGTS 2.22, Category 2, ‘medium risk’ fence system

2.3.43 Pale types shall be corrugated ‘W’ profile for SP fences in accordance with BS1722-12:2006
having a minimum face to view (width) of 70mm and a nominal thickness of 3mm.

Approved Product Suppliers

2.3.44 Specific products shall be supplied only by organisations approved by National Grid Group
Security. Currently these are as follows;

‘Class 3’ Intermediate Security Palisade Fence

William Bain Fencing Ltd www.lochrin-bain.co.uk

Electric Pulse Fence

Gallagher Security Management Systems (Europe) Ltd www.powerfence.co.uk

2.4 SITE LIGHTING

2.4.1 Exterior and interior lighting shall be provided at all substation sites to allow for safe movement
and the operation of equipment. All lighting shall be designed in accordance with the
appropriate Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), British Standards
Institution (BSI) and Health and Safety publications. Particular note shall be given to
environmental considerations.

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2.4.2 The minimum exterior lighting requirements are as follows:

Maintained average illuminance: 6.0 lux

Maintained minimum point illuminance: 2.5 lux

Unless noted otherwise these requirements apply to all substation perimeter fencing and
gates and access roads, verges, footpaths, designated walkways and areas occupied by plant
or other equipment (whether in service or not) contained by the substation perimeter fencing.

INFORMATIVE: The purpose of exterior lighting is to allow the safe movement of vehicles
(using their headlights) and pedestrians between any two points that they might
reasonably be expected to negotiate at night within the substation perimeter. It is not
intended to facilitate maintenance activities (planned or unplanned) for which it is assumed
additional portable equipment will be employed.

Such light sources are not required to reproduce the colours of objects faithfully in
comparison with an ideal or natural light source (i.e. have a specific Colour Rendering
Index) which is necessary in certain environments where people have to be able to make
accurate colour judgements.

The basis of the handbook requirement is CIBSE Lighting Guide LG1, ‘The Industrial
Environment’ Section 4.4, which defines values of 6.0 lux maintained average illuminance
and 2.5 lux maintained minimum point illuminance as being appropriate for factory roads,
footways or footpaths.

In comparison BS 5489-1:2003+A2:2008, ‘Code of practice for the design of road lighting -

Part 1: Lighting of roads and public amenity areas’ specifies, as a maximum, Class ‘S4’
lighting for subsidiary roads (that is access roads, residential roads and associated
pedestrian areas, footpaths and cycle tracks) in areas having ‘Low’ traffic flow and ‘Low’
crime rate. BS EN 13201-2:2003, ‘Road lighting - Part 2: Performance requirements’
defines Class ‘S4’ as 5 lux maintained average illuminance and 1 lux maintained minimum
point illuminance.

2.4.3 Where the design necessitates regular (i.e. weekly) inspection or maintenance to be carried
out on exterior plant or equipment at night the following localised requirements shall be
provided as a minimum:

Maintained average illuminance: 100.0 lux

Maintained minimum point illuminance: 50.0 lux

INFORMATIVE: Localised (or ‘task’) lighting is not a mandatory requirement and shall
only be provided where weekly inspection or maintenance is a direct function of the
design.

The basis of the requirement is HSG38, ‘Lighting at Work’ which identifies task lighting
requirements of 100 lux maintained average illuminance and 50 lux maintained minimum
point illuminance are suitable for work requiring limited perception to detail (i.e. kitchens,
factories assembling large components, potteries). This is deemed appropriate for
‘general’ equipment operations.

2.4.4 Exterior lighting shall, wherever possible, be on separate lighting columns designed to be
lowered for maintenance by one person. Where this is not possible lights may be mounted on
structures or buildings. Luminaires shall be High Pressure Sodium (SON) type with directable
light output to minimise light pollution. The installation shall be designed to minimise visual

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intrusion outside the main substation periphery in accordance with the recommendations in
CIBSE FactFile No 7, ‘Environmental Considerations for Exterior Lighting’

INFORMATIVE: It is preferable that lighting columns are sized and/or positioned such
that, in the event of a failure, they cannot fall across HV plant or equipment.

2.4.5 Lighting columns shall be bolted to their foundations rather than cast in to facilitate
removal/reinstallation.

INFORMATIVE: The installation of all light columns shall comply with the requirements of
TS 3.1.2, ‘Earthing’. The preferred connection method is via one of the column holding
down bolts.

2.4.6 In all instances exterior and interior lighting shall be designed such that safe access is
available from ground level or a fixed platform to maintain the lights without the need for
electrical circuit outages or specialist temporary equipment.

INFORMATIVE: If the only demonstrable means of maintaining any lighting is from a

MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or similar plant this must be provided, together
with the necessary training, under the contract

2.4.7 Components of the lighting system installed in proximity to an active automatic fire protection
system shall have a minimum Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 55.

2.5 PILING WORKS

2.5.1 A representative number of each type of pile shall be subjected to maintained load tests, as
defined in the Institution of Civil Engineers Specification for Piling, to verify the design. The
scope and method of testing shall be agreed with National Grid and recorded in the project
specification. A copy of the results shall be supplied to National Grid on completion together
with proposals for remedial works in the event of any failures.

INFORMATIVE: Alternative types of static load test, for example constant rate of
penetration, may be used by agreement however non destructive methods such as
integrity testing and dynamic testing shall not be considered as a direct substitute for static
load testing of piles but rather a useful supplement when the correlation between static
and dynamic test results is good.

2.5.2 All works shall accord with BRE Report BR470, ‘Working Platforms for Tracked Plant: good
practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working
platforms’ plus the recommendations of the Federation of Piling Specialists specifically their
Working Platform Certificate (or an equivalent) and ‘Handbook on Pile Load Testing’.

2.5.3 Single pile foundations shall not normally be installed unless it can be demonstrated that the
lateral stability of the pile will not be compromised during the design life.

2.5.4 The piling method employed shall make allowance for the ground vibration effect on adjacent
National Grid or third party owned equipment and buildings.

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INFORMATIVE: Acceptable vibration limits will vary depending on ground conditions,

piling methods and the age/type of the adjacent equipment and buildings under
consideration. The following peak particle velocity (p.p.v.) values may be used for
guidance however if there are any doubts over the validity of these specialist advice shall
be sought;

Equipment and buildings confirmed be in good states of repair or condition with no known
operational or structural sensitivities or limitations;
30 mm/s for intermittent vibrations and 15 mm/s for continuous vibrations

All other equipment and buildings;

10 mm/s for intermittent vibrations or 5 mm/s for continuous vibrations

Refer to BS 5228-4:1992 ‘Noise control on construction and open sites - Part 4: Code of
practice for noise and vibration control applicable to piling operations’ for further
information.

2.6 DUCTS AND TRENCHES

2.6.1 Wherever practicable covers designated as ‘Medium’ and ‘Heavy’ duty (see Appendix C -
NGTS 2.10 Amended Section 131) shall be formed from Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP). In
these instances an appropriate testing regime demonstrating compliance with the load bearing
requirements of the specification and confirming the maximum deflections are suitable for their
specific application shall be submitted for National Grid's consent. GRP covers at vehicular
crossing points shall be yellow unless specified otherwise.

2.6.2 Trench vehicle crossing points shall be clearly labelled ‘Medium’ and ‘Heavy’ duty with their
load capacity as appropriate.

2.6.3 The covers to compressor blown-down chamber shall be labelled accordingly.

2.6.4 The designer shall be responsible for deciding which of open grating or solid GRP covers are
the more appropriate for the specified purpose. The decision shall take into account the
ingress of detritus and water and the effect of sunlight on the cable sheathing. Solid covers
which will float in water shall be clipped and/or bolted down.

INFORMATIVE: Certain types of solid GRP covers are known to float in water. This has
created health and safety hazards at various substation sites where flood waters have
displaced and moved such covers.
th
Refer to National Grid SHES Bulletin 174, dated 18 January 2008 for further information.

2.6.5 Where buried ducts are used at road crossings two spare ducts of identical type, depth
diameter and length shall be provided.

2.6.6 Drawpits shall be provided at the change of direction of all buried duct systems.

2.6.7 Wherever possible duct systems shall be watertight e.g. where they form a closed system.

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INFORMATIVE: TS 2.1, ‘Substations’ states the preference that auxiliary cables are
installed in buried ducts. However long established custom and practice has lead to the
generic adoption of covered trench systems which are typically not cost effective for small
cable volumes and present greater Health and Safety Risks during installation. Each
cable route must be assessed on its own merits and take into consideration the relative
risks and project benefits however as a guide it is advised that new installations only
consider covered trench systems for main ‘arterial,’ cross site cable routes or to address
high volume ‘pinch points’ or to act as pulling chambers, typically with lengths of buried
ducting branching off these to discrete plant items as indicated below;

control
building
‘dispersed’ relay
rooms

Key

covered trench

buried ducting

Duct layouts shall consider the practical and logistical issues relating to the installation of
the associated cables for example pulling lengths, changes in direction, future extensions
etc.

2.7 EARTH LINK PITS

2.7.1 Wherever possible earth link pits shall be designed to be free draining in order to minimise
joint/connection maintenance.

2.8 FIRE PROTECTION AND CONTROL

INFORMATIVE: The majority of fire engineering design standards are intended to address
domestic fires rather than the hydrocarbon oil fires that would typically result from the
failure of a SuperGrid Transformer or similar item of oil containing plant.

Consequently in order to simplify the design process (specifically in relation to reinforced

concrete) the fire resistance requirements in NGTS 2.20, ‘Oil Containment at Substations
and Other Operational Sites’ are stated in terms of a domestic fire. However it should be
noted that the actual requirement relates to a two hour hydrocarbon fire (the
time/temperature curves for the two are very similar in their initial stages) and where it can
be substantiated design work may be in accordance with this measure.

2.8.1 Steel containerised diesel generators with integral oil containment that are not sited in a
reinforced concrete bund shall be fitted with a gas fire suppression system.

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INFORMATIVE: TS 3.05.07, ‘Installation Requirements for Power & Auxiliary Cables’

indicates that High Voltage power cables should be direct buried – see section 4.8, Depth
of Cover – and this shall be the standard solution unless specifically dictated otherwise by
the design (e.g. cooling, crossing points, interfaces etc.). Continuous surface marking (in
addition to the specified buried cable protection covers) having a design and configuration
that ensures that it will remain effective for the proposed life of the cable shall be used
throughout the substation.

INFORMATIVE: NGTS 2.20, ‘Oil Containment at Substations and Other Operational Sites’
requires that ‘Oil Retaining Areas’ (‘bunds’) shall have a four hour fire resistance (see also
Informative Box above). Where such ‘bunding’ is provided in a material that doesn’t have
this intrinsic attribute - for example unprotected steel as is the case for containerised diesel
generators – additional measures are necessary to ensure the integrity of the containment
is maintained in the event that a large release of oil from an item of equipment could occur
at the same time as a fire in the same item of equipment. The necessity for a gas fire
suppression system can be removed by installing such units in a conventional reinforced
concrete bund.

2.8.2 Further to clause 5.16 of NGTS 3.1.3 the clear distance between the heat detectors of an
‘Active Automatic Fire Protection System’ and the inside face of the walls of an adjacent ‘Oil
Retaining Area’ (or bund) containing a transformer, reactor or similar item of plant defined as a
‘Fire Hazard’ shall be not less than 6 metres.

2.9 PLANT NOISE ATTENUATION - ACOUSTIC ENCLOSURES AND BARRIERS

2.9.1 Acoustic enclosures and barriers shall have a design life of 40 years. This shall be achievable
via an inspection and maintenance regime which is consistent with that of the associated HV
plant and equipment - i.e. does not necessitate electrical outages specifically for the
enclosures and barriers - with a time to first major maintenance of not less than 20 years.

2.9.2 For the purposes of this specification the term ‘weathertight’ shall be taken to include
resistance to rainwater and its damaging effects. This shall be demonstrated by subjecting a
completed unit to an external hose test of 30psi with no visible signs of water ingress. This
‘weathertightness’ shall be achieved without the use of membrane systems, sealants or other
post applied products i.e. it shall be integral to the unit. The removal of elements for
inspection and/or replacement purposes shall be possible without necessitating significant
dismantling or compromising the units overall stability.

INFORMATIVE: The requirement for ‘weathertightness’ is related to the long term integrity
of the enclosures or barriers rather than any plant which will generally designed for
outdoor installation. Uncontrolled rainwater penetration and moisture ingress are two of
the most common threats to the structural integrity and performance of any building and
National Grid has had a number of partial failures of transformer acoustic enclosures due
to rainwater ingress into the acoustic panels.

Notwithstanding this it is accepted that the provision of a ‘weathertight’ seal is not fully
viable at the locations where oil filled parts (for example transformer bushings) by
operational necessity pass through an enclosure or barrier particularly where they are
subject to thermal movement and/or dynamic vibration. At such positions some rainwater
ingress is permissible provided this does not compromise the structural integrity, durability
(e.g. by entering the acoustic panels or causing general corrosion) or acoustic
performance of the system.

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2.9.3 The design of an enclosure roof shall facilitate all access that may be necessary to inspect
and maintain other equipment adjacent to or directly above it.

2.10 DRAINAGE

2.10.1 Where appropriate and not in conflict with the other parts of the specification the drainage
design shall consider the application of the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) techniques
as promoted by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

2.10.2 Wherever possible drainage systems under the responsibility of or carrying discharges from,
third parties shall not be installed on land owned by National Grid. Otherwise such systems
and all other systems that can be located outside of the operational perimeter (e.g. surface
water ditches and culverts) shall be located outside of the operational perimeter.

2.10.3 Foul drainage shall connect into the public sewage system wherever possible. Otherwise
permanently manned sites shall be served by a suitably sized sewage treatment works and all
other sites shall be provided with a cesspool (minimum capacity 9000 litres) fitted with a float
switch and high level alarm.

2.10.4 Access covers shall comply with the load requirements detailed in the ‘Service Trenches and
Covers’ section of NGTS 2.10 Amended Section 131 (See Appendix C) as follows;

Pedestrian only areas Light Duty

Roadways Heavy Duty
Other areas Medium Duty

2.10.5 Access covers to oil separators, penstock valves, compressor blow down pits, cess pits, septic
tanks, sampling chambers, pumps and pumping stations and any other frequently
accessed/inspected below ground equipment shall be a proprietary, ‘lift assisted’ type of
galvanised steel or aluminium components. They shall incorporate devices such as
compression springs, gas rams or hydraulic struts to aid easy operation plus an integral safety
grill.

The vertical pull required to open the cover shall not exceed 10 kg with the mechanical
assistance reducing as the cover is raised such that it is zero when the cover is in the fully
open position.

The compression springs, gas rams, hydraulic struts or other assist systems shall be
configured such that they are replaceable without detaching the cover from its frame.

The cover must open through at least 90 degrees and lock in the open position. In order to
close the cover it must be possible to disengage the locking device without leaning over or into
the chamber.

A hinged safety grill shall be incorporated beneath the cover to prevent operatives from
accidentally falling into the chamber. In the closed position this shall allow the chamber to be
visually inspected and in the open position it shall facilitate the removal of any equipment or
the access/egress of a person wearing suitable personal protective equipment without
snagging. The maximum spacing between the bars of the grill and between the sides of the
grill and the sides of the chamber in either the open or closed position shall be 150mm. There
shall be at least one opening of not less than 125mm to enable a suction hose to be inserted
into the chamber without opening the grill.

The frame shall be fitted such that its top surface (and that of the cover) is the same level as
the surrounding surfacing and it shall be physically attached to the chamber (e.g. bolted to the
brickwork and/or concrete surround).

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INFORMATIVE: It shall not be acceptable to exclusively rely on mortar bedding or the

surrounding surfacing to secure the frame.

The cover and frame shall be configured such that water will not pond on the exposed
surfaces.

The cover and frame shall incorporate an integral latch arrangement that allows the cover to
be pulled tight to the frame on closing to prevent any tripping hazards or rocking under traffic
load. The latch shall not protrude above the top surface of the cover. The means of operating
the latching device shall be contained within the cover and frame and no additional tools shall
be required. The latching device shall be capable of being locked using a National Grid issued
padlock and shall incorporate an indicator showing when the cover is latched and when it is
free to open.

The top of the cover shall have an anti skid surface such as chequer plate or other approved
textured surface.

Access covers not designated as ‘lift assisted’ shall be configured such that the maximum
lifted weight does not exceed 20kg.

INFORMATIVE: Fixed step irons or ladders are not required in any access chambers (e.g.
manhole, catchpit, oil separator, Underground Oil Containment tank etc.) because;
a) They provide an unnecessarily easy means of access that could facilitate
unplanned, unsafe or unauthorised access.
b) Without regular inspection they cannot be legally utilised.

Notwithstanding this the designer shall ensure there is a safe means of accessing such
areas for maintenance and inspection purposes. Where this can only be accomplished by
the use of specialist equipment such equipment shall be provided as part of the works.

2.10.6 The access covers to all parts of the drainage system shall be painted with a suitable
approved exterior coating system in accordance with the following convention;

Surface Water System Blue

Foul Water System Red
Oil Containment System Blue

Wherever possible (i.e. where the cover is sited in a road, a concrete hardstanding or similar)
the plan position and orientation of the pipework plus direction of flow shall be marked on the
ground using this colour convention.

2.10.7 Access chamber covers located in areas outside of the substation security fence shall be fitted
with approved locks.

2.10.8 Vent pipes shall be supported by means of a concrete post or other approved method and
protected from vehicular traffic.

2.10.9 Control panels shall be sited within the substation compound and mounted a minimum of
800mm above ground level and two metres from the perimeter security fence.

2.10.10 Penstocks shall be designed to withstand the maximum pressure due to downstream flows or
back flows from upstream drainage systems or controlled waters. This includes emergency
and flood conditions as appropriate. The ‘Open’ and ‘Shut’ positions shall be clearly marked.

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2.10.11 Keys shall be provided for all penstocks not fitted with permanently attached handles. These
shall be prominently positioned as near to the penstock, but within the substation perimeter
fence, as practicable.

2.10.12 Penstock valve chambers shall be provided at each position that any drainage system
(including oil containment system) enters or exits National Grid's operational land to enable all
discharges into and out of the site to be controlled and if necessary stopped completely in the
event of an environmental incident. Sampling chambers shall be positioned upstream of each
of these penstock valve chambers.

2.10.13 Headwalls shall be provided at all positions where a drainage system discharges into open
waters. A designated pedestrian access route to the discharge point shall be identified and
constructed. Reinforced concrete stepped access shall be provided to one side of the
headwall to allow visual inspection of the flow and facilitate actions in the event of an
emergency. Guardrails shall be provided across the top and down the sides of the headwall to
prevent falls and to aid access and egress. Where the headwall discharges into deep or fast
flowing water a stop rail shall be provided.

2.10.14 Sampling chambers shall be provided at the following locations;

• Immediately downstream of Oil Separators

• Upstream of penstock valves
• At or before the final discharge point from the site. Where the discharge is
consented the location shall be agreed with the Environment Agency otherwise it
shall be at an accessible location in direct line with the discharge.

INFORMATIVE: Wherever practicable sampling facilities shall be incorporated into

penstock chambers.

2.10.15 Sampling chambers shall be of sufficient size to allow collection from flowing (not accumulated
or standing) water. Where possible this shall be facilitated by incorporating a 100mm level
difference between the inlet and outlet pipes. Access covers shall be marked ‘Sampling Point’
with a durable label.

2.11 AGGREGATES

2.11.1 Site surfacing in substations defined in NGTS 2.10, 041.081.2 as ‘20mm single size crushed
rock’ shall be specified in accordance with EN 13043 and PD 6682-2:2003 as follows;

Grading 14/20
Grading Category GC 85/20
Fines Content f1
Flakiness Index FI20
Resistance to fragmentation LA30
Polished Stone Value PSVNR
Aggregate Abrasion Value AAVNR
Shape Index SINR
Water Absorption Category WA242

Where Water Absorption >2%

Magnesium sulfate soundness MS25

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INFORMATIVE: All British Standards relating to the composition of single sized

aggregates, i.e. BS 63 and BS 882 are now superseded by European Standards EN
13043 (Aggregates for bituminous materials) and EN 12620 (Aggregates for concrete). In
addition, a number of British Standards detailing various physical property test methods for
aggregates are also withdrawn and replaced by EN standards, e.g. EN 933-1 replaces BS
812:103.1 for grading and EN 933-3 replaces BS 812:105.1 for flakiness determination.

2.11.2 Wherever economically and environmentally viable and provided they are demonstrably fit for
purpose recycled or secondary aggregates shall be used. The specification of such materials
shall take as their basis the AggRegain Specifier Tool (http://www.aggregain.org.uk/specifier/)
and all other relevant parts of NGTS 2.10, Section 041, ‘Excavation and Filling’ and shall be
submitted to National Grid for consent prior to use.

2.12 SURFACING

2.12.1 All permanent roads, hardstandings and footpaths shall be of impervious construction.
Otherwise substation finishes shall generally comprise a 75mm thick layer of approved site
surfacing (in accordance with section 2.11 above) over a minimum thickness of 300mm
unbound free-draining sub-base complying with the Specification for Highway Works -
published by the Highways Agency as Volume 1 of the Manual of Contract Documents for
Highway Works - to provide a suitable platform for trafficking by plant with wheel loads up to 5
Tonnes. In general a 300mm sub-base thickness will be suitable for sub-grade CBR’s greater
or equal to 3. For sub-grade CBR’s less than 3 a greater thickness of sub-base will be
required in which case the sub-base material may be provided in combination with a capping
layer. For sub-grades with CBR’s greater than 15 a reduction in sub-base thickness to
150mm may be provided by agreement with National Grid. Type 4 sub-base material (asphalt
arisings) shall not be used.

2.12.2 The wheel/axle load capacity and vertical and horizontal alignments of roads shall be suitable
for all vehicles necessary to construct, operate, inspect, maintain and demolish the works.
Additionally where necessary the road design shall allow for the installation and removal of
supergrid transformers, reactors, quadrature boosters and similar equipment – proposed and
existing - usually designated as abnormal indivisible loads, wide or heavy loads.

2.12.3 Permanent minimum widths shall be as follows;

• Abnormal indivisible load, wide or heavy load access routes 5.0m

• Fire and Rescue Service vehicle routes 3.7m
• All other vehicle access routes 3.0m
• Verges and footpaths 1.0m

INFORMATIVE: The configuration of a substation shall ensure that there is acceptable

access for fire and rescue service vehicles to fire hydrants, static water tanks, buildings
and large oil filled plant items (i.e. transformers) as necessary. See the Building
Regulations 2000, Fire Safety, Approved Document B - Volume 2 - Buildings other than
dwellinghouses (2006 Edition) for further details specifically Table 20 which specifies a
minimum width of road between kerbs of 3.7m.

Where there is any doubt consultation with the appropriate Fire and Rescue Services will
be necessary.

2.12.4 Abnormal indivisible load and wide or heavy load routes shall be increased at bends to a
minimum of 6m wide with the inner curb radius of any bends not being less than 30m. In
addition a suitable trailer oversail area, permanently free from any obstructions shall be
provided on each side of the route as appropriate.

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2.12.5 Where road ramps or ‘sleeping policemen’ are positioned on an abnormal or heavy load route,
these shall be no more than 150mm high, and not positioned on the high points of undulating
roadways.

2.12.6 Reinforced concrete skidways shall be provided for all transformers, reactors, quadrature
boosters or similar equipment exceeding 60 tonnes in weight. Skidways shall be level
transversely with a maximum longitudinal slope of 1 in 30 or in level runs with vertical steps
not exceeding 1.2m. The design of the skidway shall make allowance for all loading regimes
necessary to install, maintain and remove the associated equipment. This shall include
temporary loads due to jacking, winching or lifting operations.

2.12.7 A path suitable for manually operated gas trolleys shall be provided to all plant containing SF6
gas. The width of this shall be to suit the site logistics and existing or proposed equipment but
shall be a minimum of 1 metre.

2.12.8 Safety fencing or high containment kerbing shall be used on roads within 2 metres (or other
agreed distance) of high voltage plant or other electrical equipment.

2.12.9 A concrete hardstanding area shall be provided in front of and immediately adjacent to each
marshalling kiosk. This shall be 1 metre wide and extend across the full length of the kiosk.

2.13 PLANT SUPPORT STRUCTURES

2.13.1 Plant support structures shall be of galvanised steel or aluminium construction with welded or
bolted joints. Bolted connections shall comprise a minimum of two bolts each.

2.13.2 The underside of plant support structures shall be set a nominal 50mm above finished
substation level. Base plates shall generally have a minimum of 25mm approved non-shrink,
cementitious grout (see diagram below). Where grout is not proposed the designer shall
demonstrate this will not compromise the units structural integrity or design life.

Structure Underside of structure

Grout Top of foundation

25mm
25mm
Finished substation level

2.13.3 All structures, including those integral with electrical equipment (for example circuit breaker
supports) supporting air insulated or open terminal conductors shall be detailed with
reasonably practicable measures to prevent an individual from climbing the structure without
assistance. Anti climbing spikes or other devices such as ‘cheval de frise’ that compromise
operation and maintenance activities shall not be used. Any structural elements such as cross
braces or non-structural items, for example earth tape loops, which form a foothold shall be
detailed a minimum 1.7 metres above the adjacent ground level or, if this is not possible, the
bottom 1.7 metres of the structure shall be fully encased with an appropriate mesh.

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2.13.4 Structures shall be bonded to the site earthing system and the earth continuity of all structural
components and joints shall be verified. See TS 3.1.2, ‘Earthing’ for further details.

INFORMATIVE: Reference shall be made to the Environmental Service Conditions

detailed in TS 1, ‘Ratings and General Requirements for Plant, Equipment and Apparatus
for the National Grid System’ noting that ‘substation structures’ are defined as ‘Apparatus’
in this document and must be designed accordingly.

2.14 FOUNDATIONS

2.14.1 All foundations shall be of reinforced concrete which, unless a function of the design, shall not
be cast directly against an excavated face.

2.14.2 Where ground treatment is proposed this shall be in accordance with the current edition of the
ICE Geotechnical Engineering Group document ‘Specification for Ground Treatment’
published by Thomas Telford Ltd.

2.14.3 All exposed arrisses shall have a nominal 25mm x 25mm chamfer.

2.14.4 The exposed tops of foundations shall have a non-slip brushed finish incorporating sufficient
cross fall or camber to prevent ponding of water. The provision of this cross fall shall be
monolithic with the foundation.

2.14.5 Upstand plinths (see diagram below) shall be used for gantry and any other foundations
having a large plan area where the ‘exposed’ top surface can be significantly reduced. Where
the top surfaces are not accessible by an individual on foot (due to cross bracings etc) these
shall not be classed as ‘exposed’ in this context.

50mm Depth to be
(nominal) no less than
Structure minimum
thickness of
approved site
Plinth surfacing

Finished substation level

Foundation

INFORMATIVE: The plan dimensions of the foundations necessary to support certain

plant/structure configurations can be such that if fully exposed their upper surfaces will
create significant lengths of tripping hazard and can hinder and obstruct vehicle
movements around the site. Additionally the formwork and cast in items necessary to
facilitate multicore cable and earthing connections together with the degree of concrete
finishing required to produce a free draining and aesthetically acceptable surface can be
prohibitive and impractical. Apart from gantry foundations the requirement is not
mandatory and shall generally be based on risk assessment and practical issues however
as a guide it may be considered where the ‘exposed’ top surface is greater than 4m² and
this can be reduced to no more than 10% of the original area.

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2.14.6 Where multicore cabling is required to switchgear 100mm minimum diameter uPVC or similar
duct shall be cast into the foundation. All bends shall be of a large radius with a joint collar at
90° to the appropriate vertical face of the foundation.

INFORMATIVE: Where it is necessary to provide high frequency earthing reference shall

be made to the requirements in TS 3.1.2, ‘Earthing’. Straight lengths of ducts fixed at
approximately 45º through a foundation may be used to facilitate these connections.

2.14.7 Air core reactors or similar plant capable of generating significant magnetic fields can cause
circulating electric currents to be induced in closed metallic loops. This may result in
considerable, uncontrollable and damaging heating effects in such elements.

Consequently foundations and other structures comprising components that form closed
metallic loops shall not be sited adjacent to such equipment unless outside clearance
distances advised by the equipment manufacturer.

Where the integrity or performance of such foundations or other structures necessitates the
inclusion of metallic items within areas where they will be adversely influenced by magnetic
fields, these items shall be configured such that closed loops are not formed during
construction or the subsequent design life of the asset.

For steel reinforcement in concrete, single closed links or loops shall not be detailed and
individual reinforcing bars shall be suitably electrically insulated from all other bars including
those forming a part of temporary works systems. This may be achieved using a suitable
fusion bonded epoxy-coated reinforcement system or through the provision of individual
insulation at all bar crossing/touching points or any other agreed method and/or bar
configuration.

Such insulating systems shall be sufficiently robust and durable to withstand all construction
load effects without impairing their function. They shall provide the necessary level of
electrical insulation with no adverse impact on the design life of the asset and without
compromising the structural performance of the reinforcement. Bar coating systems shall be
in accordance with the specification particularly the requirement for application by an
organisation having UK CARES accreditation or working in accordance with an equal
approved quality assurance system.

2.14.8 Cable sealing end foundations shall be designed to resist the vertical forces created by short
circuit fault current and thermal expansion and contraction.

2.15 HOLDING DOWN SYSTEMS

2.15.1 Holding down systems shall be of galvanised or stainless steel with appropriate measures to
avoid dissimilar metal corrosion

2.15.2 Cast in situ systems shall generally be used in all new foundations.

2.15.3 Proprietary post drilled systems shall only be employed where, by prior agreement with
National Grid, an existing foundation, plinth or similar support is to be re-used or it can be
demonstrated that the equipment installation is dependent on such a system. All such
systems shall be supplied by members of the Construction Fixings Association.

2.15.4 Each post drilled system used (differentiated by product type, grade, diameter and length)
shall be subjected to an approved testing regime which, as a minimum, shall be in accordance
with the Construction Fixings Association Guidance Note, ‘Procedure for Site Testing
Construction Fixings’, dated December 1994.

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INFORMATIVE: Post drilled systems are not preferred because a number of failures have
highlighted the fact that they require far greater levels of quality management to control
their installation - in essence they are much less ‘fool proof’ - than the cast in situ
alternatives. Additionally the use of post drilled systems can encourage less rigour in
foundation setting out and construction.

However notwithstanding this a 100% fully tested post drilled system may be assumed to
be the equivalent of a cast in situ system.

2.16 OTHER ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE

SF6 Gas Washing Facilities

2.16.1 Dedicated SF6 washing facilities shall not be required on outdoor or indoor substation sites
provided the control building, or other agreed space, includes a permanent shower/drying
room conforming to the following minimum standard;
• Room plan dimensions: 2500mm x 2500mm
• Thermostatic mixer shower unit
• 900mm x 900mm stone resin shower tray with side panels to suit
• Shower area to be tiled or to have pre-finished surfaces
• Six no. locker units plus one bench seat to suit
• Slip resistant vinyl floor covering

Where such permanent facility cannot be easily or economically accommodated (for example
an existing site where SF6 containing plant is being installed) an outdoor washdown area shall
be provided to facilitate the use of a mobile changing/shower unit. This shall, as a minimum,
comprise a rectangular reinforced concrete slab having dimensions of 6m x 4m projecting
50mm above the surrounding finished substation level. The slab shall be laid to minimum falls
for drainage purposes with surface water running off to the surrounding areas (unless the site
topography and geology dictate a positive drainage system is necessary).

The washdown area shall be provided with electricity and water supplies as follows:
• 1 No 3 phase 32 A integrated isolator/socket including a neutral connection in
accordance with BS4343 / IEC 309 (IP 67 rating)
• 1 No single phase 16A integrated isolator/socket (IP 67 rating)
• 1 No insulated potable water supply with an outdoor tap.

A suitable manhole chamber with 5 tonne (minimum) wheel load solid top cover and frame
shall be provided adjacent to the slab to accept waste water discharges from the mobile
facility. This shall connect to a foul water sewerage system via a 100mm (minimum) outlet
pipe incorporating a trap. Where the site is not connected to mains drainage a cesspool or
similar storage unit may be used provided this is not specifically for the purpose of collecting
SF6 waste.

Mechanically Switched Capacitor/Mechanically Switched Capacitor Damping Network

(MSC/MSCDN) Compounds

2.16.2 MSC/MSCDN compounds shall, as a minimum, comprise a tarmacadam or reinforced

concrete hard standing area projecting 25mm above the surrounding finished substation level.
The hard standing shall be laid to minimum falls for drainage purposes with surface water
running off to the surrounding areas (unless the site topography and geology dictate a positive
drainage system is necessary). Surface cracks shall be suitably sealed to inhibit the growth of
weeds.

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2.16.3 The hard standing surface shall be non-slip which, in the case of reinforced concrete, shall be
achieved either via a brushed finish or the application of carborundum grits. Where a ribbed
finish is used the ribs shall be in the same direction as the drainage fall to ensure they do not
collect standing water

2.16.4 Unless specified otherwise the compound shall be enclosed by, as a minimum, chain link
fencing generally in accordance with the requirements of NGTS 2.10, Section 071 with the
following exceptions:-

The clauses relating to anti-intruder requirements are not applicable.

Plastic coating shall not be used.

The minimum overall height to the top of the chain link mesh shall be 1.8m above
ground level.

Intermediate posts shall be provided generally at equal centres not exceeding 3m
centres.

A break shall be provided in the fence to ensure that a closed metallic loop cannot be created
(see also 2.4.17). This break shall typically be formed by the installation of three concrete
posts adjacent to each other forming two gaps of between 50mm and 100mm with the fencing
attached to the two outermost posts. The fence must not be continuous to prevent a closed
loop being formed local to the electromagnetic induced currents from the MSC/MSCDN
reactors (see also section 2.3.16 of this document).

A lockable gate suitable for the access and egress of maintenance vehicles - Mobile Elevated
Work Platform (MEWP) or similar - shall be provided. The entrance to the compound shall be
gently sloped to facilitate vehicular access.

The compound perimeter fence shall not form a part of the substation perimeter fence system.

INFORMATIVE: MSC/MSCDN compounds comprise High Voltage equipment on low level

supports which do not provide the necessary electrical safety clearances from ground
level. Consequently chain link fencing shall be erected to prevent personnel accidentally
accessing these areas and thus infringing the safety clearances. This fence shall be fully
earthed and so plastic coated systems (which may break down in time thus exposing
potentially unearthed metallic surfaces) are not suitable for this application.

The break(s) in the chain link fencing system necessary to ensure closed metallic loops
are not formed must be small enough to prevent accidental access but must also be
configured such that it is not possible to accidentally bridge them with a spanner or similar
tool. This is achieved with three posts as shown below.

fence wires connected to outer posts

50mm–100mm gap

middle post prevents break in fencing being accidentally bridged

Because maintenance activities are not possible in these compounds without an electrical
outage hard surfacing shall be used to prevent the growth of weeds. This surface shall be
designed to suit the necessary maintenance vehicle loads.

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2.16.5 To ensure an even running surface for maintenance vehicles all support structure and other
foundations shall be level with the surrounding hard standing area. There shall be no
additional upstands for any equipment located within the compound.

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3 EXISTING ASSETS

3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1.1 Wherever viable existing items of Civil, Structural and Building Engineering infrastructure shall
be considered for re-use in accordance with agreed acceptance criteria (see below).

3.1.2 With the exception of piles or other specified elements all items becoming redundant under a
contract shall be removed from site in their entirety and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Where necessary, and unless compliance with the specification dictates a higher standard, the
site shall, as a minimum, be reinstated to match existing.

3.1.3 The position and sizes of redundant piles shall be indicated on the appropriate record
drawings.

3.2 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR RE-USE

3.2.1 The acceptance criteria for the re-use of existing assets shall consider seven key attributes;

Capacity - a measure of the ability of the asset to perform a specified function within defined
parameters

Design Life - the period of time, after project completion, for which the asset is required to
maintain its ‘Capacity’

Health & Safety Impact - the risks to which site operatives would be exposed during all
relevant construction activities (including demolition and refurbishment) plus those necessary
to inspect and maintain the asset in order to achieve the ‘Design Life’

Capital Cost - the total project costs necessary to produce an asset which is ‘fit for purpose’
(i.e. has the necessary ‘Capacity’ and ‘Design Life’)

Programme Impact - the effect of producing an asset which is ‘fit for purpose’ on project
durations

Maintenance Cost - the total cost necessary to achieve the ‘Design Life’

Environmental Impact - the effect of producing an asset which is ‘fit for purpose’ on the
natural environment

Each of these attributes shall be determined for the existing asset proposed for re-use and
compared with those of the new build equivalent to produce relative, individual scores. These
scores shall be then combined to produce an overall assessment giving a measure of the re-
use option against a baseline of the new build alternative. In general terms if the re-use option
performs at least as well as, or within agreed derogations of, new build the former option shall
be adopted. For further information see Design Handbook DH15.

3.3 OIL CONTAINMENT

Improvement of Existing Oil Containment Systems

3.3.1 This section shall only apply to situations where, due to operational or other constraints, full
compliance with new build requirements is not feasible. Such work shall be explicitly specified
by National Grid and shall be in accordance with NGTS 2.20, Section 2.2 of this handbook and
the following minimum requirements:

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‘Oil Retaining Areas’

‘Oil Retaining Areas’ (or ‘bunds’) associated with transformers, reactors, quadrature boosters
or similar equipment and oil storage tanks shall be modified to produce an oil/water tight
construction as follows;

3.3.2 Existing stone fill shall be removed, sampled and analysed and treated/disposed of in an
appropriate manner noting that this is likely to be contaminated with oil from previous spillages
and leaks.

3.3.3 Existing bund walls of brick construction shall either be replaced or augmented with a 225mm
(minimum) reinforced concrete wall in accordance with NGTS 2.20. Where the existing
brickwork is sound with pointing intact it shall be permissible to cast the new wall directly
against the inside face of the brickwork. Brickwork in poor condition shall be demolished. The
bund wall shall be stable with a factor of safety of 1.5 against overturning when subjected to a
full head of water. New foundations shall be formed as necessary.

3.3.4 Where a brick built noise enclosure forms, or is integral with, the outside wall of the oil
containing area, 225mm thick lining concrete shall be brought up on the inside face to the full
height of the bund wall.

3.3.5 A new sump or sumps shall be constructed in each ‘Oil Retaining Area’ using a Glass
Reinforced Polymer (GRP) or other approved former. The number of sumps shall be
determined in accordance with the size and geometry of the drained area and the
requirements of NGTS 2.20. Sumps shall typically be 900mm x 900mm x 600mm deep but
smaller sumps may be utilised, by prior agreement, where space is limited and for the bunds
associated with small plant and oil tanks. Each sump shall be drained by a bund water control
unit discharging to a drainage system in accordance with the requirements of NGTS 2.20.

3.3.6 Infill slabs between foundation plinths shall be replaced where necessary and laid to a
minimum fall of 1:100 towards a sump.

3.3.7 An oil resistant lining shall be brush or roller applied to the surface of the concrete in
accordance with NGTS 2.10, Sections 704, 705, 707 or 709 as appropriate. The designer is
permitted to submit an alternative product for consideration.

3.3.8 Trench locations shall be indicated on the floor of the ‘Oil Retaining Area’ by lining these areas
with a contrasting colour.

3.3.9 The lining shall be applied to the walls up to a level of 300mm above plant support plinths, and
to the sides of each plinth where it shall extend on to the top surface by at least 300mm.

3.3.10 Exposed areas of lining shall be provided with a non-slip finish.

3.3.11 Noise enclosures of brick construction located within the oil containment area shall be sealed
to a level 300mm above the transformer plinth. Where necessary facing concrete shall be
formed against the brickwork in order to produce a surface suitable for applying the lining
system.

3.3.12 The levels and arrangement of foundation plinths and infill slabs within the oil containing area
may create irregular surfaces comprising tripping hazards. In such circumstances and where
foot access for operation or maintenance activities is required GRP panels or other approved
walkway system shall be laid to level on discrete supports with a drained cavity formed below.
The design of this system shall facilitate all operation and maintenance activities without the
necessity to remove any sections. Where this is not possible, for example where scaffold or
other temporary access is required, the removal of discrete sections shall not compromise the
integrity of the whole. The walkway system shall be installed after all other construction works
and testing.

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3.3.13 On completion of the improvement works the ‘Oil Retaining Area’ shall be subjected to a water
test in accordance with NGTS 2.20.

Associated Infrastructure

3.3.14 Interconnected trench systems passing within 5 metres of any oil containing plant or oil
containment area shall be drained in accordance with NGTS 2.20. Where such trenches are
sand-filled, a filter medium shall be provided at the drainage outlet to prevent particles being
washed out into the carrier drains.

3.3.15 Modifications to compressor blow-down areas shall, as a minimum, include the extension of
blow-down pipes to facilitate discharge to a blow-down chamber (minimum volume 1000 litres)
located below ground or the installation of a proprietary ‘Demister’. The blow-down volume
3
shall be at least 1000 litres/100 ft per minute of compressor capacity or as otherwise agreed
with National Grid.

3.3.16 Oil pipes located within trenches that terminate outside an oil containment area shall be
extended over the wall to terminate inside the oil containment area to ensure the containment
of any leakage at the connection point.

Oil Separators

3.3.17 Penstock valves shall be installed upstream and downstream of existing separators in
accordance with NGTS 2.20 and section 2.2 of this handbook to ensure they can be isolated
in the event of an incident and to allow for maintenance.

3.3.18 Where areas of a site not specified in NGTS 2.20 drain via an existing oil separator the
operating regime of the separator shall be reviewed. If the unit is found to be subject to
quantities of oil an assessment of its suitability shall be made and submitted to National Grid
to advise on continued use or replacement.

3.3.19 Where deemed appropriate the oil separator shall be retained in service, subject to the
following conditions

• The separator is a full retention type;

• The separator is serviceable and does not present increased risk of pollution;
• Remedial works and/or modifications are carried to ensure that it remains fully operational
within the scope of its original design and can be maintained and inspected safely;

Bypass separators shall not be retained in operation. These shall either be replaced with a
suitable class I unit or modified where practicable and subject to satisfactory capacity to
operate as full retention types.

Oil Circuit Breakers

3.3.20 Areas of a substation occupied by Oil Circuit Breakers (OCB’s) shall be subject to the
following measures;

• Where an OCB is scheduled to remain in service for 5 years or more or there are no existing
oil containment measures all land drains and soakaways within 20 metres of, and any
associated trenches in direct continuity with, the OCB shall discharge via a class 1 separator.
Where it is not practicable to recover drainage from existing trenches (excepting trenches
supporting fixed oil distribution pipework) direct to a separator - for example where discrete
soakaways have been used - other measures such as barriers to prevent flow within trenches
shall be provided to reduce the risk of pollution.

• Where an OCB is scheduled to be replaced within five years and is serviced by an existing
separator the separator shall be treated as detailed above.

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4 COMMISSIONING AND TESTING

4.1.1 The installer shall be responsible for all testing, in accordance with the appropriate NGTS’s,
and for confirming that this has been carried out in accordance with the installer’s Inspection
and Test Plans as required by Section 021: Quality Assurance and Documentation of the
Generic Technical Specification – NGTS 2.10. In addition specific works including oil
containment shall be verified in accordance with the appropriate Civil Commissioning Test
Schedules (CCTS) as follows:

(All Schedules are Issue 3 unless otherwise noted and available on the National Grid Intranet).

100 General
CCTS.101 Civil Construction Materials and Workmanship
CCTS.102 Initial Electrical Inspection Schedule

110 Bund Water Control Units

Refer to manufacturers for details

120 Pumps
CCTS.121 Submersible Pumps
CCTS.122 Progressive Cavity Pumps
CCTS 123 Screw Centrifugal Pump Chamber
CCTS.124 Foul Drainage Pump Chamber (Issue 1)

130 Penstock Valves

CCTS.131 Penstock Sluice Valve Chamber

140 Oil Separators (Class 1)

CCTS.141 Conder
CCTS.142 [Not Used]
CCTS.143 Klargester
CCTS.144 Spel

150 Separator Oil Monitors

CCTS.151 Andel Greenline Separator
CCTS.152 Aqua Sentry Separator Monitor
CCTS.153 Conder Envirotector (use CCTS.152)
CCTS.154 [Not Used]
CCTS.156 Spel

160 Ancillary Tanks

CCTS.161 Acid Holding Tanks
CCTS.162 Cess Pits
CCTS.163 Compressor Blow Downs
CCTS.164 SF6 Wash Down

170 Incident Tanks

CCTS.171 [Not Used]
CCTS.172 Oil Retention Tank Pumps using Andel Bund Water Control Unit as
Duty & Standby (Issue 1)

180 Sewage Treatment Plants

CCTS.181 Bio Bubble SBR (Issue 2)

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5 BEST PRACTICE

5.1 SUPERGRID TRANSFORMER INFRASTRUCTURE

Introduction

5.1.1 This section defines a set of common foundation design principles for all new build SuperGrid
transformer installations. These are based on 275/132kV and 400/132kV units however it is
applicable to any similar large oil filled plant items, for example quadrature boosters, reactors
and interbus transformers that require below ground oil containment measures.

5.1.2 The requirements shall be considered as mandatory unless it can be proven that an
alternative option offers significant project (i.e. time and cost), Health and Safety or
environmental benefits, or site logistics necessitate it. Additionally and wherever suitable they
shall be applied where existing infrastructure is being re-used.

5.1.3 The requirements shall be read in conjunction with all relevant National Grid specifications and
Design Handbooks specifically NGTS 2.10, NGTS 2.20, NGTS 3.1.3, DH10 and DH15

General Principles

5.1.4 The foundation of a SuperGrid transformer, or similar, comprises structural elements to

transfer the weight of the units into the ground with limited settlement and containment
measures (a ‘secondary containment system’) to ensure oil cannot escape into the aquatic
environment.

5.1.5 The unit has a direct coupled cooler bank within a single footprint

5.1.6 The plan arrangement of the foundation/containment system shall be a ‘T’ shaped, above
ground ‘bund’ (‘Oil Retaining Area’) with the ‘Underground Oil Containment Facility’ a single
voided space located within the footprint of the cooler bank section only. Refer to figure 3.

INFORMATIVE: The benefits of configuring the underground containment around the

cooler banks are fourfold;
• It separates the construction of the transformer plinth from the more complex and
time consuming activity of constructing and testing the underground containment
section thus allowing the installation of the unit to proceed in parallel rather than in
series with the civil engineering works should project timescales necessitate this.
• Fire suppression and noise attenuation system are more easily mountable on a
solid ground bearing slab.
• The plan area of deep excavations and thus the associated Health and Safety
risks is minimised.
• Transformer installation is not over a suspended slab.

5.1.7 Column supports shall be provided for the cooler banks with minimum volume (i.e. voided
where possible) to maximise the oil containment capacity.

5.1.8 The ‘bund’ floor around the cooler banks shall be a cast insitu reinforced concrete slab
supported on permanent formwork free spanning (i.e. without the need for propping from
underneath) between the external walls and cooler bank column supports as necessary.

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INFORMATIVE: The design and construction of the Underground Oil Containment facility
shall be such that, on completion, access to the below ground areas are not necessary to
achieve the full design life.

Where the permanent formwork is ‘structurally participating’ - designed to provide

temporary support for the wet concrete and construction loads before contributing to the
strength of the completed element as part of the permanent works – it shall comprise
precast concrete units incorporating a lattice girder. Timber, steel or other material likely
to perish in this environment shall only be used in structurally non-participating (designed
solely to support the wet concrete and the construction loads) formwork systems.

5.1.9 Discrete flame traps shall be installed adjacent to the cooler support plinths within the insitu
floor slab which shall be screeded to falls towards them.

INFORMATIVE: The most efficient method of forming the flame traps has not been
determined and consequently the arrangement is left to the discretion of the designer.
Further work is being undertaken and guidance will be issued in due course.

5.1.10 Sump(s) for bund water control unit(s) shall be formed from precast concrete
chamber/manhole sections.

5.1.11 The foundation design shall address the issue of differential settlement due to differences in
depths of fill. As a minimum the transformer plinth shall be founded on mass concrete having
the same founding level as the cooler bank column plinths and the surrounding slab (forming
the ‘bund’ around the transformer) shall be on well compacted granular sub-base material.

5.1.12 Where the project requirements are for three or more units a Remote Underground Oil
Containment facility (a ‘dump tank’) shall be installed.

INFORMATIVE: Because a single ‘dump tank’ can serve more than one transformer
current cost benefit analysis indicates that this solution becomes viable where more than
two units are being installed. In making this decision consideration shall be given to any
other works anticipated within that regulatory period.

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 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
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Flame Traps
Slabs screeded to fall
towards flame traps

A A

Oil Retaining Area

Underground Oil Containment

Sump Facility below coolers only

A A

Cooler support plinths -

Voided to increase storage
capacity

Mass concrete to same depth Well compacted granular

as cooler support plinths material under concrete slab

Figure 3 – Indicative Transformer Foundation Arrangement

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Noise Attenuation

5.1.13 Work carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) – see TDM 10/3 (CIVIL),
‘Suppression of Transformer Noise’ - concluded that a 3 sided enclosure without a roof
“should be considered the minimum effective method of attenuating transformer noise.” Four
sided enclosures without a roof were “not recommended” while four sided enclosures with a
roof were “the most effective means of attenuating transformer noise”.

5.1.14 Notwithstanding this it is not mandatory that plant noise be attenuated via a four sided
enclosure with a roof as these have a number of inherent problems;
• Makes access for tapchanger maintenance more complex and potentially hazardous
• Necessitates additional lighting and escape routes
• Complicates the build sequence which will often impact on the critical path

5.1.15 The design shall consider isolating the necessary sources using the most cost effective
methods in a selective manner rather than adopting blanket measures. Roofless or single wall
systems, absorber and/or deflectors are preferable to a full enclosure provided these are
substantiated with appropriate acoustic designs, specifications and noise surveys carried out
before and after transformer installation. Consideration shall be given to reflected noise and
other transmission sources.

5.1.16 Modular construction (see figure 4 below) which avoids the need for ‘wet trades’ (i.e. brick
layers) shall be considered wherever appropriate.

Figure 4 – Modular Acoustic Barriers

Page 41 of 41
 APPENDIX A

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 051

BURIED FOUL AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

 DRAINAGE
BURIED FOUL AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE
051

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 050 : DRAINAGE

SECTION NO : 051

TITLE : BURIED FOUL AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 051/3

RELATED STANDARDS 051/3

GENERAL 051/3

MATERIALS 051/3
Pipes 051/3
Pipe Joints and Fittings 051/3
Pipe Protection 051/4
Pipe Bedding and Backfill 051/4
Backfill Material for Filter Drains 051/4
Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits, Pumping Chambers and Cess-pits) 051/5
Step Irons 051/5
Sampling Chamber 051/5
Access Covers 051/5
Requirements for Access Covers opened regularly for 051/6
Inspection/Maintenance
Concrete to Base and Sides of Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits and 051/6
Pumping Chambers)

WORKMANSHIP 051/7
General 051/7
Excavation 051/7
Pipe Laying 051/7
Cutting 051/8
Deflection 051/8
Pipe Jointing 051/8
Backfilling 051/8
Pipe Sundries 051/9
Brick and Precast Concrete Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits and Pumping 051/9
Chambers)
Polyethylene/Polypropylene Catchpits 051/10
Access Covers to Chambers 051/10
Step Irons 051/10
Cess Pits 051/10

QUALITY CONTROL 051/10

Testing – Pipes (General) 051/10
Water Test - Pipes 051/10
Air Test - Pipes 051/11
Infiltration Test - Pipes 051/11
Testing – Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits, Pumping Chambers and Cess- 051/11
pits)
Testing - Line and Level 051/12
Tolerances 051/12

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APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

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SCOPE

051.010 This Section defines the materials and workmanship required for the installation of buried gravity
foul and surface water drainage.

RELATED STANDARDS

051.020 The Standards together with any other references required by this Section are listed in
Appendix 1 at the end of this Section.

GENERAL

051.021 Buried foul drainage shall connect into the public sewer system wherever possible and if not, a
suitably sized cesspool having a minimum capacity of 18000 litres fitted with a float switch and
high level alarm shall be provided.

051.022 Waste from SF6 gas washdown may discharge into a foul sewer or dedicated cesspool,
(minimum capacity 4500 litres) provided it is adequately washed down with water. SF6 gas
waste shall not be discharged into a sewage treatment plant or septic tank.

051.023 The use of perforated pipes as main carrier drains to convey the run-off from areas that could
potentially be contaminated with oil or other contaminants shall not be permitted.

MATERIALS

Pipes

051.025 The required pipe material shall be as stated on the drawings and, where applicable, shall meet
the requirements of NGTS 2.20.

051.030 Clay pipes and fittings shall be vitrified to BS 65 or BS EN 295. They shall be flexibly jointed
using an external sleeve or spigot and socket joints.

051.040 Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics pipes and fittings shall be to BS 5480 and shall be flexibly
jointed.

051.050 Precast Concrete pipes and fittings shall be to BS 5911. They may be reinforced or unreinforced
and have flexible or ogee joints.

051.060 Box culverts shall be to the specified loading criteria and shall be jointed flexibly using an
approved jointing compound/system.

051.070 Ductile iron pipes, fittings and joints shall be to BS EN 598 and shall have flexible spigot and
socket joints unless otherwise shown on the Drawings. Where flanged pipes and fittings are
required the flanges shall be to PN16.

051.080 Unplasticized PVC pipes, joints and fittings shall be to BS 4660 or BS 5481. Joints shall be
push-fit or solvent cement type specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

051.085 Polypropylene/polyethylene twin wall ribbed pipes shall be supplied by an approved

manufacturer with accreditation to BS EN ISO 9002 and covered by a British Board of Agrement
Certificate. Such information shall be supplied by the Contractor at the time of tender. Pipes
shall have a minimum short term ring stiffness of 8kN/m2 when tested in accordance with BS EN
ISO 9969.

Pipe Joints and Fittings

051.090 The material used in the jointing of pipes shall in no way be affected by the discharge conveyed
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by the pipe. Elastomeric joint rings shall be to BS 2494 and shall be obtained from the pipe
manufacturer.

051.100 Solvent cements for jointing UPVC pipes shall be to BS 6209 for BS 4660 pipes and BS 4346
for BS 5481 pipes.

051.110 Gaskets for flanged joints shall be to BS 2494 and be of the inside-bolt-circle type to BS 1560
and 7076.

051.120 Mild Steel bolts and nuts shall be to BS 916.

051.130 Product Grade C hexagon bolts shall be to BS EN 24016 and product Grade C nuts shall be to
BS EN 24034.

051.140 Metal washers shall be to BS 4320.

051.150 Pipe Couplings and flange adaptors of the Viking Johnson type may be approved by the
Engineer for use in special circumstances. Where approved, they shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

051.151 Couplings, fittings and sealing rings for polypropylene/polyethylene pipes shall to compatible
with the pipes supplied and produced by the same manufacturer. Sealing rings shall be
produced from EPDM or Nitrile rubber. All bends used shall be formed by injection moulding or
fabricated segmental radius bends (long radius bends). Under no circumstances shall drawn
bends be permitted.

051.152 Pipe joints immediately adjacent to manholes/separators shall be provided with full articulation,
which shall not be restricted by the concrete surround. The length of the articulated pipe shall be
in accordance with the following table:

Nominal Pipe Diameter (mm) Length of Pipe (mm)

450 and less 500 to 750
Greater than 450 750 to 1000

051.160 Compressible board for movement joints in concrete bedding and surround shall be expanded
polystyrene to BS 3837 or bitumen impregnated fibre board to BS EN 622-4.

Pipe Protection

051.170 Polymeric tubular sleeving shall be used to protect ductile iron pipelines and joints and shall be
to BS 6076.

051.180 All exposed ferrous metal including pipes, valves and brackets in chambers shall be given two
coats of an approved bitumen solution to BS 3416.

051.190 All buried Viking Johnson couplings and adaptors shall be protected with an approved
self-adhesive bandage prior to being covered with polymeric sleeving.

Pipe Bedding and Backfill

051.200 Concrete for use as pipe bedding, surround, cradle or arch shall be Grade C20/20.

051.210 Granular bedding and fill material shall consist of naturally occurring aggregates to BS 882.

Backfill Material for Filter Drains

051.211 Backfill material for filter drains shall be Type A in accordance with Table 5/5 of the Highways
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Agency Specification for Highway Works. Where the drain is required to intercept surface water
the material shall, unless specified otherwise, be Type B (Table 5/5).

051.212 Backfill material to filter drains shall not be frost susceptible within 450mm of ground level.

Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits, Pumping Chambers, and Cess-pits)

051.213 Definitions: For the purposes of this specification a manhole shall incorporate the use of
benching to define drainage channels and provide for a landing area. A catchpit shall
incorporate a 300mm(min) sump below the pipe invert (without benching).

051.220 Brick chamber construction shall be in Class B Engineering brick to BS 3921 in English bond
215 mm thick with Class M1 (1:3) mortar.

051.230 Precast concrete units for chamber construction including precast cover slabs shall be to
BS 5911.

051.231 Polypropylene/polyethylene twin wall ribbed catchpits shall be supplied by an approved

manufacturer with accreditation to BS EN ISO 9002, and covered by a British Board of
Agrement Certificate. The same manufacturer shall supply both catchpits and pipework.

051.222 Catchpits shall be supplied with a factory preformed base and spigots for connecting pipework.

051.223 Spigots shall consist of twin-wall pipes compatible with the continuing pipework and protrude
500mm from the face of the catchpit. The pipes shall be continuously welded to both the inside
and outside walls of the catchpit.

051.224 The base of the catchpit shall be formed in the same material as the walls, and extend at least
50mm beyond the outside face. The base shall be continuously welded to both the inside and
outside walls of the catchpit.

051.225 Cess-pits shall be GRP and supplied by an approved manufacturer with accreditation to BS EN
ISO 9002. The sizing of the installation shall be based on the anticipated use, but not less than
18000 litres.

Step Irons

051.231 Step irons shall be provided only where specified and shall be to BS 1247. In the case of
polypropylene/polyethylene catchpits, step irons shall be encapsulated in plastic to provide
corrosion resistance and shall be mechanically fixed. Fixings shall be adequately sealed to
prevent leakage.

Sampling Chamber

051.232 Where there is a requirement for a catch-pit to act as a sampling chamber, the inlet pipe shall
extend into the chamber by at least 50mm to aid sampling

Access Covers

051.233 Access covers shall comply with BS EN 124. The following classes of cover shall apply:
• Class B for slow moving wheel loads up to 50kN
• Class C for slow moving wheel loads up to 115kN (ie those located within roads)

051.233 Access cover levels shall be as shown on the drawings but attention is drawn to the
requirements of NGTS 2.20 for those on runs downstream of transformer bunds.

051.240 NOT USED

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Requirements for Access Covers opened regularly for Inspection/Maintenance

051.250 Where there is a requirement for access covers on National Grid sites to be opened for routine
inspection and/or maintenance, such covers shall be of the ‘lift assisted’ type to enable easy
opening by one member of staff.

051.251 Manhole covers of this type shall be fitted to all oil separators, penstock valves, compressor
blow down pits, cess-pits, sampling chambers, pumping stations and any other regularly
inspected below ground drainage equipment. The specification for these covers detailed below
is also applicable where retro fitting is required on existing installations.

051.252 The cover frame shall be fitted such that its top surface is level with the surrounding surfacing.
Frames shall be securely bolted to the brickwork/concrete surround, in addition to a mortar
bedding. Water accumulating within the frame shall be drained into the chamber. On existing
installations, the fitting of the frame to a surface level with the existing surfacing shall be agreed
with the Engineer.

051.253 The cover shall be secured to the frame with hinges along one side. Lift assistance shall be
provided by means of springs, gas rams or other approved means. In opening the cover, the
vertical pull required shall not exceed 10 kg. The mechanical assistance shall be such as to
provide for a steadily reducing assistance as the cover is raised reducing to zero when the cover
is vertical. Where springs or gas rams are provided, they shall be easily replaceable without
detaching the cover from the frame. Alternative assist systems shall be similarly designed.

051.254 When fully open, a facility shall be provided for locking the cover in position at or beyond the
vertical. When closing the cover, the locking device shall be capable of being disengaged
without leaning over/into the chamber.

051.255 A hinged safety grill shall be incorporated beneath the cover to prevent operatives from
accidentally falling into the chamber. The safety grill shall afford inspection of the chamber whilst
in position, and when raised, permit removal of equipment or entry. In the raised position, the
safety grill shall form an extension to a fixed ladder, where this is provided within the chamber.
051.256 The cover shall close tight on the frame to prevent any tripping hazards or rocking under traffic
conditions. The latching arrangement shall not protrude above the cover top surface and be
integral with the cover/frame. The means of operating the latching device shall be contained
within the cover/frame, and no tools shall be required. The latching device shall additionally be
capable of being locked using a National Grid issued padlock. Any latching device shall
incorporate an indicator to show when the cover is latched and when it is free to open.

051.257 The top of the cover shall be finished in an anti-skid surface such as chequer plate or other
approved textured finish.

051 258 Steel covers shall be hot dipped galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 providing an average thickness
of 85 microns, and a minimum thickness of 70 microns.

051.260 NOT USED

Concrete to Base and Sides of Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits and Pumping Chambers)

051.261 The production and placing of concrete shall be in accordance with Section 201. Unless
specified otherwise, concrete placed to form the base below the chambers shall be grade C35
for Class 2 soil sulphate conditions as specified in Table 7a of BS 5328 Part 1.

051.262 Backfill concrete to the sides of catchpits/manholes shall be grade C20.

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WORKMANSHIP

General

051.270 All pipes and fittings are to be handled, stored, installed and jointed in accordance with the
relevant manufacturer's requirements/ recommendations.

051.280 NOT USED

Excavation

051.290 All excavation shall be carried out in accordance with Section 041, 'Excavation and Filling' of this
Specification except where varied by the following requirements.

051.300 The stability of trenches and other excavations shall be ensured with adequate shoring by the
Contractor to provide a safe working environment as well as protecting any adjacent services or
structures. The Contractor shall submit details of his proposed method of working/protection to
the Engineer for approval prior to commencement. This is a Hold Point.

051.310 Trench excavation for pipelines shall be cut with vertical sides not less than 300 mm wider than
the outside diameter of the barrel of the pipe and not greater than the maximum trench width
shown on the Drawings. The sides of the trench excavation shall not be battered without the
prior approval of the Engineer. This is a Hold Point.

051.320 Excavations shall be kept free of water from any source and such water shall be drained or
pumped to a discharge position, approved by the Engineer, taking steps to prevent:
• loss of fines which might adversely affect the surrounding ground.
• any pollution of water courses.
This is a Notification Point.

051.330 Trench and chamber formations shall be inspected and approved prior to any works associated
with pipe laying proceeding. This is a Hold Point.
Any unsuitable hard and soft material subsequently removed shall be replaced with:
• DTp Type 1 sub-base or pipe bedding material (both well-compacted) or
• C20 concrete.

Pipe Laying

051.340 Natural bedding - The bottoms of trenches shall be accurately formed to levels and gradients
with pockets cut for pipe joints so that full bearing support is provided over the whole length of
the pipe barrel.

051.350 Granular bedding - The trench formation shall be trimmed to permit a minimum thickness of
100 mm of granular material to be laid and compacted to support the barrel of the pipe over the
full width of the trench.

051.360 Natural or granular bedding shall provide a firm formation over the full length of the pipe barrel
(see clause 051.330). Temporary supports shall not be used.

051.370 When a pipe has been bedded to the correct line and level, granular or selected material (as
specified on the Drawings), shall be placed on either side and compacted by hand in layers 100
to 150 mm thick up to a minimum height of 300 mm above the crown of the pipe. (See also
051.480)

051.380 Concrete protection - The trench bottom shall be trimmed to permit the minimum thickness of
concrete required under the barrel of the pipe. The pipe shall be laid and adequately supported
to the correct line and level on precast concrete support blocks.

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051.390 Concrete shall be placed on to the trench formation and brought up evenly either side of the
pipe to the required level in one continuous operation ensuring that no voids are left and that the
pipes are not disturbed by this operation.

051.400 Where flexibly jointed pipes are bedded or surrounded in concrete, the concrete shall be
discontinuous at every pipe joint and flexibility shall be maintained by use of compressible
packing 15 mm thick accurately shaped to fit around the pipe and cut to match the concrete
cross-section.

Cutting

051.410 Pipes which are cut on site shall be cut clean and square with minimum damage to any coating
using equipment recommended by the manufacturer. Where ductile iron pipes larger than
450 mm diameter are to be cut to form non-standard lengths the manufacturer's instructions
regarding ovality correction shall be carried out.

051.411 All cut surfaces shall be protected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Deflection

051.420 Where joints are to be deflected such deflection shall not exceed the manufacturer's
recommendations and a method statement shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval prior
to work being carried out. This is a Hold Point. Joints to be deflected shall be made square
before being displaced. With bolted joints the required deflection shall be set prior to final
tightening.

Pipe Jointing

051.430 All pipes fittings and valves shall be carefully cleaned immediately prior to jointing, and pipes
shall normally be laid uphill with the socket leading.

051.440 The closure of spigot and socket joints shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations using special equipment as necessary.

051.450 Flange joints shall not be pulled into alignment or drawn together by the flanges. The setting of
flanges shall be parallel and as close together as possible before the bolts are tightened up to
the specific order and torque recommended by the manufacturer. Flange gaskets shall not be
held in position using lubricant.

051.460 Bolts and nuts shall be run by hand before assembly and shall be greased with graphite paste or
equivalent before use.

051.470 After jointing, the open end of each pipe shall be closed to prevent the ingress of water or
foreign material. Care shall be taken to prevent flotation of sealed pipes.

Backfilling

051.480 Where the particular bedding type specified does not extend to a level 300mm above the top of
the pipe, backfilling to that level shall be made using carefully selected material free from large
stones etc and compacted by hand in 100mm layers, carefully working under and around pipes.
Backfilling shall proceed thereafter using selected excavated material in layers not exceeding
250mm placed thickness, each layer being thoroughly compacted whilst progressively
withdrawing trench supports.

051.490 Mechanical compaction shall not be carried out until there is 300 mm of compacted material
above the pipe crown. The use of power rammers is not permitted and the use of other
methods of mechanical compactors shall not be permitted without the prior approval of the
Engineer. This is a Notification Point.

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051.500 Where the pipe has been protected with concrete bed or surround, backfilling shall not be
commenced for 48 hrs; neither shall traffic loads be imposed until the concrete has achieved a
minimum strength of 5.0N/mm2 (or after a minimum period of 72 hours from placing of the
concrete).

Pipe Sundries

051.510 Where connections to existing services are to be made the written approval of the Engineer
shall be obtained before commencement of such works. This is a Hold Point.

051.520 The position and invert levels of existing chambers and pipes to which connections are to be
made shall be verified by the Contractor a minimum of 48 hours before pipe laying commences
and any discrepancies notified to the Engineer immediately.

051.530 Where loose polyethylene sleeving is applied to ductile iron pipes it shall be held in position
using PVC tape applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and with
appropriate overlap at the joints made after any other joint protection has been applied.

051.540 At each point where a pipeline is temporarily terminated a fixed marker shall be attached to the
pipeline and held above ground level.

051.550 During cold weather adequate protection shall be given to prevent freezing of any charged
pipeline prior to backfilling.

Brick and Precast Concrete Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits and Pumping Chambers)

051.560 All brick and precast concrete chambers shall be constructed to be watertight.

051.570 NOT USED

051.580 Precast concrete chamber units shall be bedded on mortar and flush pointed internally.
Alternatively an oil resistant sealing strip may be used. In either case all joints shall be water/oil
tight prior to backfilling or surrounding with concrete.

051.590 Concrete surrounds for chambers shall be to the specified minimum thickness formed using a
suitable shutter with any horizontal construction joints formed at least 150 mm from the unit joint.
This concrete shall be extended to support the cover slab.

051.600 Unless allowed otherwise, for main pipe diameters up to and including 300 mm, the open
channel of the manhole or inspection chamber shall be formed in complete channel sections
tapers or junctions of the same material as the pipe.

051.610 Unless allowed otherwise, side branches shall be brought into the main channel by the use of
standard channel bends within the manhole which shall have the largest practicable radii.
Connections to the main channel shall be such that the discharge from the branches is in the
direction of flow in the main channel.

051.620 Channels, branches and bends shall be fully bedded in Class M1 mortar (15mm min thickness).

051.630 Where channel fittings are not available in the appropriate sizes, they shall be properly formed
in-situ concrete and finished smooth with granolithic concrete or 1:3 mortar rendering to a
minimum thickness of 40 mm in two coats.

051.640 The soffits of pipes entering and leaving a manhole or chamber shall be set to equal levels.

051.650 NOT USED

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051

051.660 Connections to main pipes not made at manholes or inspection chambers shall only be made
using preformed saddles. These can be either pre-made or made in-situ in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions using an epoxy mortar adhesive and carefully making good the
inside of the pipe prior to any connection being made.

051.670 Where a connection, either direct or as a back-drop, enters an existing manhole, the benching
shall be carefully cut away, built up and made good to form a channel equal in depth to the
diameter of the incoming connection. It shall be shaped to direct the discharge in the direction of
flow. The channel shall be lined in two coats with a minimum thickness of 40mm of granolithic
concrete or 1:3 mortar rendering.

Polyethylene/Polypropylene Catchpits

051.671 Polyethylene/Polypropylene catchpits shall be bedded in concrete whilst still wet, prior to
backfilling around the sides with concrete (150mm thick minimum). This is to ensure that the
base is fully supported over the entire area.

Access Covers to Chambers

051.672 Access covers to chambers shall be as designated on the drawings. These shall be supported
on precast concrete cover slabs bedded on the insitu concrete surround using Class M1 (1:3)
mortar. The level of the access cover shall be made up as necessary with a maximum of 3
courses of Class ‘B’ engineering bricks (Class M1 mortar). Where ‘lift assisted’ covers are
specified, reference shall be made to clause 051.252.

Step Irons

051.673 Where provided, step irons shall commence at a distance no greater than 450mm from the
surface.

Cess-pits

051.674 Cess-pits shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

QUALITY CONTROL

Testing – Pipes (General)

051.680 All pipelines shall be initially tested, utilizing either an air or a water test, after laying and jointing,
but before any concreting or backfilling takes place, other than that which may be necessary for
the structural stability whilst under test. A final water test shall be applied after completion of
backfilling.

051.690 The Contractor shall submit a statement of his proposed methods for testing including details of
the pipe lengths to be tested.

051.700 Each test shall be witnessed by the Engineer and results documented. A minimum of 24 hours
notice shall be given prior to the commencement of any test. This is a Notification Point.

051.710 Wherever possible, testing of drains shall be carried out from manhole to manhole. Short
branches up to 3 m to the main pipelines shall be tested as one system with the pipeline. Long
branches shall be tested separately.

Water Test - Pipes

051.720 Clean water shall be used for the water test, and shall be removed after the completion of the
test.

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051.730 The test shall be carried out temporarily plugging the ends of the gravity pipe under test
including any connections, erecting a stand pipe at the head of the pipe and filling the system
with water at least one hour before test commencement to allow for absorption.

051.740 Drains and sewers shall be subject to an internal pressure test of 1.2 m head of water above the
crown of the pipe at the high end but not more than 6 m at the low end. Steeply graded sewers
shall be tested in stages whenever the above maximum head is exceeded.

051.750 The test shall measure the loss of water over a period of 30 minutes. Water shall be added from
a measuring vessel at intervals of 10 minutes, noting the quantity required to maintain the
original level. The quantity of water added for pipes up to 750 mm diameter shall not exceed
1 litre per hour per linear metre, per metre of nominal internal diameter. For larger diameter
pipes the Contractor shall submit a statement approved by the pipe manufacturer stating the
method of testing, the test head and the permissible loss of water for the approval of the
Engineer.

051.760 Notwithstanding satisfactory testing any discernible leakage from a pipe or joint shall be made
good and the test repeated.

Air Test- Pipes

051.770 The length of pipe under test shall be effectively plugged and air pumped in until a pressure of
100 mm of water is indicated in a glass U-tube connected to the system. The pressure shall not
fall to less than 75 mm during a period of five minutes without further pumping after allowing a
suitable time for stabilisation of temperature. Failure to pass an air test shall not preclude
acceptance subsequently by a water test.

Infiltration Test - Pipes

051.780 When instructed by the Engineer and where the crown of the high part of the length under test is
more than 1.2 m below the water table, an infiltration test shall be employed. All inlets shall be
effectively closed. Visual inspection of manholes or inspection chambers shall then reveal any
excessive flow. The acceptable rate of infiltration shall not exceed 0.5 litre per linear metre per
metre of nominal bore in 30 minutes (see clause 051.791 for separate test for pipework
associated with cess-pits).

Testing - Chambers (Manholes, Catchpits, Pumping Chambers and Cess-pits)

051.790 After sealing all pipe openings all manholes, catchpits and pumping chambers shall be filled with
water up to the underside of the cover or 1.5m in depth to invert, whichever is the lesser. For
brickwork and concrete construction the water shall be allowed to stand for a period of not more
than 20 hours for absorption (topping up the levels as necessary), prior to commencement of
testing. The chamber shall maintain the test water level for a minimum period of 30 minutes to
satisfy the following criteria:

The fall in water for brick and concrete chambers shall not exceed 20mm (age of construction up
to 7 days) or 5mm (age of construction over 30 days). For polypropylene/polyethylene chambers
there shall be no measurable loss

Where these values are exceeded or the requirement not achieved, appropriate remedial action
shall be taken to seal the chamber. Additionally polypropylene/polyethylene chambers shall be
tested for water-tightness using the above criteria prior to the completion of installation. Before
sealing the outgoing pipe the Contractor shall ensure that the seal can be easily removed upon
completion of the test. This is a Notification Point.

051.791 Cess-pits shall be commissioned/tested in accordance with Civil Commissioning Test Schedule
(CCTS) 162. The water test shall be for the full height of the designed level of the contents when
in operation. When tested over a 30 minute period there shall be no measurable loss.

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The cess-pit and adjoining pipework shall also be subject to an infiltration test. The chamber
shall be observed for ingress of water over a 24 hour period or such greater period specified by
the Engineer. All leaks shall be repaired.

Testing - Line and Level

051.800 Test for line, level and freedom from obstruction shall be applied to all pipelines prior to the
placing of the backfill and again when backfilling and the reinstatement of the surfaces has been
completed. The tests shall be carried out by means of a mirror at one end of the line and a lamp
at the other demonstrating a 90 percent "full moon". When this test cannot (in the opinion of the
Engineer) be applied then a mandrel of size and type approved by the Engineer, with a
maximum diameter 10 mm smaller than the pipe diameter, shall be drawn through the pipeline
to prove the pipework.

Tolerances

051.810 The position of the internal face of any pipeline shall not (unless otherwise specifically agreed by
the Engineer) deviate from that detailed in the contract by more than the following:

Level ±10mm
Line ±25mm

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 051 are listed below and shall be the
edition, including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the
requirements of these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

BS 65 Specification for vitrified clay pipes, fittings joints and ducts, also flexible
mechanical joints for use solely with surface water pipes and fittings
BS 882 Specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete
BS 916 Specification for black bolts, screws and nuts, hexagon and square, with
B.S.W. threads, and partly machined bolts, screws and nuts, hexagon and
square, with B.S.W. or B.S.F. threads
BS 1247 Manhole steps
BS 1560 Circular flanges for pipes, valves and fittings (Class designated). Steel, cast
iron and copper alloy flanges
BS 2494 Specification for elastomeric seals for joints in pipework and pipelines.
BS 3416 Specification for bitumen-based coatings for cold application suitable for use
in contact with potable water
BS 3797 Specification for lightweight aggregates for masonry units and structural
concrete
BS 3837 Expanded polystyrene boards
BS 3921 Specification for clay bricks
BS 4320 Specification for metal washers for general engineering purposes
BS 4346 Joints and fittings for use with unplasticized PVC pressure pipes
BS 4660 Thermoplastics ancillary fittings of nominal sizes 110 and 160 for below
ground cavity drainage and sewerage
BS 5328 Concrete
BS 5480 Specification for glass reinforced plastics (GRP) pipes, joints and fittings for
use for water supply or sewerage.
BS 5481 Specification for unplasticized PVC pipe and fittings for gravity sewers
BS 5834 Surface boxes, guards and underground chambers for gas and waterwork
purposes
BS 5911 Precast concrete pipes, fittings and ancillary products.
BS 6076 Specification for polymeric film for use as a protective sleeving for buried
iron pipes and fittings (for site and factory application).
BS 6209 Specification for solvent cement for non-pressure thermoplastics pipe
systems
BS 7076 Dimensions of gaskets for flanges to BS 1560
BS EN 124 Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas. Design
requirements, type testing, marking, quality control
BS EN 295 Vitrified clay pipes and fittings and pipe joints for drains and sewers
BS EN 598 Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for sewerage
applications. Requirements and test methods.
BS EN 622-4 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements for softboards
BS EN 752 Drain and sewer systems outside buildings
BS EN 24016 Hexagon head bolts. Product Grade C
BS EN 24034 Hexagon nuts. Product Grade C
BS EN ISO 146 Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
Specifications and test methods
BS EN ISO 9002 Quality Systems. Model for quality assurance in production, installation and
servicing
BS EN ISO 9969 Thermoplastic pipes. Determination of ring stiffness

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

051.085 Manufacture’s accreditation to

BS EN ISO 9002 and BBA
Certificate for
polypropylene/polyethylene
pipes

051.300 Temporary earthworks details

051.320 Proposals for discharge of

water

051.420 Method statement – deflection

of joints

051.490 Approval of mechanical

compactors

051.510 Approval of connections to live

services

051.690 Proposed method of testing

051.700 Results of pipeline tests

051.750 Method of testing for large

diameter pipes

051.800 Approval of mandrel

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

051.300 Temporary works

stability details

051.310 Battering to trench sides

051.320 Proposals for discharge of standing water.

051.330 Inspection of excavation

051.420 Deflection of joints –

method statement.

051.490 Compaction equipment to be used.

051.510 Connections to existing

services.

051.700 Notification of tests.

051.790 Water test of chambers.

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 APPENDIX B

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 053

OIL SEPARATORS
 DRAINAGE
OIL SEPERATORS
053
GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 050 : DRAINAGE

SECTION NO : 053

TITLE : OIL SEPERATORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 053/2

RELATED STANDARDS 053/2

QUALITY ASSURANCE 051/2

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 053/2

Separator Size and capacity 053/2
Performance 053/3
Automatic Closure Device 053/3
Oil Level Detecting Device 053/3
Electrical Fittings/ Cables 053/3
Pumped Installations 053/4

MATERIALS 053/4
Separator Tanks 053/4
Concrete/ mortar 053/4
Coalescing Units 053/4

INSTALLATION 053/4
Installing 053/4
Electrical Fittings and Cables 053/5
Maintenance Platform/Clean Area 053/5
Access Covers 053/5
Access/Maintenance 053/5
Venting 053/6
Backfilling 053/6

DEALING WITH SILT DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE 053/6

IDENTIFICATION AND LABELLING 053/6

Identification 053/6
Labelling 053/6

COMMISSIONING 053/6

OPERATING MANUAL 053/7

APPENDIX1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

053/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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SCOPE

053.010 This specification defines the requirements for oil interception used in conjunction with
surface water drainage on substation sites.

RELATED STANDARDS

053.020 The Standards together with any other references required by the Section are listed in
Appendix 1 at the end of the Section.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

053.030 Suppliers of separators shall be accredited to BS EN ISO 9001 for design and manufacture
and be from an approved (registered) supplier. All separators supplied shall be tested and
certified before leaving the factory and possess a National Grid Type Registration
Certificate. No units shall be accepted for use on National Grid sites without Type
Registration Certificate.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

053.040 Separators shall be full retention class 1 units meeting the requirements of BS EN 858-1
and BS EN 858-2.
The nominal size NS (Flow rate - litres/sec), shall be as stated on the drawings.

053.041 Separators incorporating a coalescer shall consist of two chambers. The first chamber shall
contain the automatic closure device and the oil level detecting device, the second chamber
shall contain the outlet/coalescer unit. Baffles shall be adequately designed to take full
hydrostatic pressure on either side.

053.042 Access turrets shall be provided over the automatic closure device and the coalescer unit,
and shall additionally be incorporated in the first chamber in order to facilitate the removal of
accumulated oil/silt during maintenance operations.

053.043 All turrets shall be sized to allow man access and shall be a minimum diameter of 750mm,
unless agreed otherwise. Where the top of the unit is more than 2 metres below ground
level provision of an enlarged chamber above the unit is required in order to facilitate
access and maintenance.

053.044 Details of the separator offered by the Contractor shall be submitted to the Engineer prior to
manufacture. This is a Hold Point.

Separator Size and Capacity

053.045 The oil storage capacity is defined as that volume of separated oil which can be stored in
the separator without any loss of oil through the inlet or outlet of the separator. The
minimum oil storage volume, (V) shall be 4,000 litres.

053.046 In addition, capacity for silt storage, (C) shall be provided either as an integral part of the
separator or as a separate upstream unit in accordance BS EN 858-2 according to the
following formula: C (litres) = NS x 100

053.047 The silt storage volume shall be ignored when undertaking testing in accordance with BS
EN 858 - 1.

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Performance

053.050 When tested in accordance with Part 1 of the above standard, oil contained within the
discharge from the separator shall not exceed 5ppm.

053.060 Units shall only be accepted, for incorporation in the works, that have undergone full scale
tests to verify the above requirement. A separate test shall be carried out for each size of
separator.

Documentary evidence of such testing, in the form of signed test certificates, shall be
included within the Tender submission.

Automatic Closure Device

053.070 The separator shall be provided with an automatic closure device to prevent flow from the
unit when the quantity of oil in the separator exceeds the oil storage volume V (see Clause
053.040)

It is a requirement of the commissioning process that this device is tested to effectively

demonstrate that it functions effectively.

053.071 The units shall incorporate a physical means of indicating that the unit housing the shut off
device is properly located, and for establishing that the closure device is in its correct
position during normal operation.

053.080 The closure plate and associated float shall remain captive within the guide tube on
withdrawal from the separator or when the separator becomes surcharged due to a general
rise in water up to ground level.

Oil Level Detecting Device

053.090 Separators shall be fitted with a robust device connected to a control box/monitor unit to
provide both visual and audible warnings. It shall have the ability to be routed to a remotely
located supervisory point. The alarm shall be set to activate when the accumulated oil
volume reaches a volume, under static liquid level conditions, equivalent to 15 x NS, and
shall indicate the separator site identification number when activated. The control
box/monitor unit shall incorporate an on/off switch in order to isolate power to the oil level
detecting device during maintenance work and incorporate a means to visually display all
relevant conditions.

053.091 The oil level detecting device shall be robustly connected to the turret or to a purpose made
opening in the first chamber and be adequately protected from being damaged. The position
of the alarm shall be set by the manufacturer before delivery of the unit to the site, and be
such that its position can easily be adjusted on site as required after installation of the
separator unit. It shall be designed such that it can be removed for testing and maintenance
and afterwards be returned to its correct position.

Electrical Fittings/ Cables

053.093 Any electrical device used in the separator and turrets shall be intrinsically safe and certified
to an explosion protection standard suitable for Zone 0 and conform to the requirements of
BS EN 60079-10 and BS EN 60079-14.

The minimum protection to all connections, termination boxes and control/monitor units shall
be IP 66.

All wiring shall conform to the requirements for electrical installations BS 7671 1992
(I.E.E.Wiring regulations, 16th edition).

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Pumped Installations

053.094 Where the incoming drain is pumped up into the separator, the separator shall be fitted with
a robust high liquid level detection device that shall switch off the pump/pumps if the liquid
in the separator unit reaches a predetermined level. The detection device shall be provided
with a suitable alarm that is set to activate when the pumps are switched off by the high
liquid level detection device. The alarm shall give both visual and audible warnings and shall
have the ability to be routed to a remotely located supervisory point.

The pump controls shall be arranged such that the pumps can only be re-energised by a
manual reset at the pumping installation.

MATERIALS

Separator Tanks

053.140 Separator tanks shall be manufactured from a durable material resistant to transformer oil to
BS148. The material/ construction shall be capable of resisting pressures arising from
ground and ground water, together with any construction/maintenance loads, at the depth
and levels shown on the drawings with the tank empty.

053.150 Inlet and outlet pipework shall be suitable for connecting to polypropylene/ polyethylene twin
wall ribbed pipes.

Concrete/ Mortar

053.160 The production and placing of concrete shall be in accordance with Section 201. Concrete
placed to form the base below the separator shall be grade C30 and reinforced.

053.170 Backfill concrete to the sides and the top surface slab of the separator tank shall be grade
C20.

053.171 Concrete to the top cover slab shall be reinforced concrete grade C 40, and shall be
designed to accommodate the specific site loadings and be isolated from the
turrets/separator.

Coalescing Units

053.180 Coalescing units for use in Class 1 separators shall comprise fire retardant material
resistant to transformer oil to BS 148.The units shall be secured in a robust frame formed
using corrosion resistant material. The frame shall be designed with sufficient strength to
withstand the forces applied to the coalescing unit during normal operation and during the
process of removal with the tank full of water. The frame shall be provided with suitable
attachments to facilitate lifting out of the coalescing unit, for cleaning or replacement, by
means of a winch. The units shall be provided with a physical means for ensuring that the
coalescing unit is positioned in its correct location.

INSTALLATION

Installing

053.200 Separators shall be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturers written
instructions which shall include requirements for lifting and handling. The separator shall
only be lifted in accordance with the manufacturers written instructions. Under no
circumstances shall the use of chains or wire ropes be permitted and the tank shall not be
lifted when it contains water.

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The Contractor shall provide (for approval prior to the commencement of installation) a
method statement giving details of the installation procedure. This is a Hold Point.

053.201 Suppliers/manufacturers shall be informed of all relevant information relating to a particular

location/site in order to ensure that a suitable unit is supplied and installed. I.e. any special
ground conditions, depth of unit below ground, any unusual loading requirements, whether
the unit is subject to any hydrostatic pressure, sizes of inlet and outlet pipes and any other
specific requirements.

Electrical fittings/cables

053.202 All termination boxes/ panels are to be sited clear of entry points to the separator (and any
other restrictions) and be readily accessible for reading/maintenance.

053.203 All incoming/outgoing cables shall enter the unit within the space provided under the access
covers clear of the area of the access turrets. No penetration of the access turrets (other
than for vent pipes) shall be permitted.

053.204 All cabling shall be securely clipped or otherwise fixed in such position as not to interfere
with access/ maintenance and not to damage the tank. Termination boxes shall be sited in
the space provided under the covers away from turrets so that cables can follow a smooth
alignment from their depth/ location within the box to the pre-formed point of access to the
turret.

Maintenance platform/clean area

053.206.0 A reinforced concrete top slab (200mm min thickness) shall be provided over the unit and
around the turret area to provide a maintenance platform/clean area. The top of the slab
shall be at ground level and extend a minimum distance of 1 metre from the side of any
turret and where there are multiple turrets it shall be continuous to encompass all turrets.
Provision shall be made for setting turret access cover frames directly into the cover slab

Access covers

053.207 Access covers shall be provided to each turret and shall be sized to accommodate the
parameters in clauses 053.043, 053.203 and 053.204. They shall be sized and set to level
to provide adequate space to the sides and above the turrets to enable cables and
termination boxes to be installed clear of the turret openings. The covers shall be hinged
and lockable and be of the assisted lift type with an integral removable safety mesh
incorporated under the main cover. Covers shall be graded according to the loading
requirements of the particular site. Details of all covers shall be submitted for approval prior
to installation.

The top of all covers shall be set flush with the top of the maintenance slab/platform.

All locking covers shall be supplied with 2 sets of locking keys.

Access/maintenance

053.208 Adequate facilities shall be provided for the inspection and maintenance of the separator,
including tanker access for cleaning purposes. A flow shut-off valve shall be installed in a
dedicated chamber upstream of the separator to isolate the separator in an emergency or
during site cleaning operations.

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Venting

053.209 The separator shall be vented, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
with vents located clear of all site operating areas and where, if possible, external support is
available to the tubes. Measures for support shall be agreed, in principle, prior to installation

Backfilling

053.210 Backfilling around the tank with concrete shall commence at the same time as the tank is
filled with clean water via the turret, ensuring the progressive concrete and water levels are
equal. Concrete shall not be discharged directly on to the tank and only light vibration shall
be permitted. Particular care shall be taken to ensure that the access turrets are not
distorted during placing of surrounding concrete.

DEALING WITH SILT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

053.220 During the construction phase considerable quantities of silt size particles may be present in
the effluent discharging through the drainage system due to site construction operations.
During this period, when instructed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall or may be required
to operate the separator as a Class 2 unit (i.e. without the coalescing unit) to prevent
blinding of the coalescer. It is a requirement that the separator and coalescing unit be
thoroughly/ effectively cleaned immediately prior to commissioning.

IDENTIFICATION AND LABELLING

Identification

053.225 All separators shall be provided with a site specific unique number and identification label.
The identification number shall be agreed with the Local Engineering Services Engineer.

This number shall be programmed into the separator monitor such that when an alarm is
registered the monitor identifies the separator that is causing the alarm.

The identification label shall be sited at the location of the separator in a prominent position
such that it is easily visible at all times.

Labelling

053.226 Separators shall be provided with durable labelling, providing the following information,
which can be easily read after installation:

Site identification number

Manufacturer's reference number and year of manufacture
Type e.g. full retention
Class of separator
Nominal size
Oil storage capacity
Volume of separator
Silt storage capacity
Oil level warning device details
Depth of oil storage
Closure device details

COMMISSIONING

053.230 The Contractor shall undertake commissioning of the separator and associated alarms in
conjunction with National Grid representatives and in accordance with the appropriate Civil

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Commissioning Test Schedule (CCTS). Details of the commissioning programme shall be
submitted.

The Contractor shall apply to the Employer for permission to commence commissioning
giving a minimum of 24 hours notice of his preferred start. Commissioning shall not
commence until instructed to do so by the Employer.
This is a Hold Point.

OPERATING MANUAL

053.240 The Contractor shall provide to the Engineer an operating manual setting out details of the
operation, maintenance and decommissioning requirements, together with a site specific
drawing of the unit immediately following acceptance of the unit after commissioning.

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 053 are listed below and shall be
the edition, including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the
requirements of these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 148 Specification for unused and reclaimed mineral insulating oils for
transformers and switchgear
BS 5328 Concrete
BS EN 858-1 Separator systems for light liquids (e.g. oil and petrol). Principles of
product design, performance and testing, marking and quality control
BS EN 858-2 Separator systems for light liquids (e.g. oil and petrol). Selection of
nominal size, installation, operation and maintenance
BS EN ISO 9001 Quality Systems. Model for quality assurance in design, development,
production, installation and servicing
BS 7671 Requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring regulations. 16th
Edition
BS EN 60079-10 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres. Classification of
hazardous areas
BS EN 60079-14 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres. Electrical
installations in hazardous areas (other than mines)

The Stationery Office

Waste Management, The Duty of Care, A Code of Practice.

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT

REFERENCE

053.044 Separator details

053.060 Evidence of full scale

discharge tests

053.200 Method statement for

installation of separators

053.230 Test schedules and

commissioning tests

053.240 Operation manual

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

053.044 Separator details

053.200 Approval of method

statement for installation

053.230 Approval of
commissioning test
programme

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 APPENDIX C

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 131

DUCTS AND TRENCHES

 BELOW GROUND SERVICES
DUCTS AND TRENCHES
131

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 130 : BELOW GROUND SERVICES

SECTION NO : 131

TITLE : DUCTS AND TRENCHES

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 131/2

RELATED STANDARDS 131/2

MATERIALS 131/2
Buried Pipework Cable Ducts and Service Sleeves 131/2
Miscellaneous Materials 131/2
Inspection Chambers and Covers 131/2
Service Trenches and Covers 131/3

WORKMANSHIP 131/4
Buried Pipework Cable Ducts and Service Trenchworks 131/4
Excavation and Laying 131/5
Cleaning and Identification of Ducts 131/6
Inspection Pits 131/6
Surface Access Service Ducts and Trenches 131/6
Duct Entry into Buildings 131/7

QUALITY CONTROL 131/7

General 131/7
Inspection and Testing 131/8

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

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SCOPE

131.010 This Section defines the materials, inspection and workmanship to be applied to the installation
of buried pipework cable ducts, open trenches with covers and accessible below ground ducts
for routing services external to the buildings. It does not cover the installation of direct buried
cables.

RELATED STANDARDS

131.020 The Standards together with other references specified in this Section are listed in Appendix 1.

MATERIALS

Buried Pipework Cable Ducts and Service Sleeves

131.030 Where duct size/ material is determined by the Contractor the specification shall take full
account of heat generation, thermal conductivity and the installation conditions/ requirements as
determined by the requirements of the Electricity Supply Regulations.

131.031 Unplasticised PVC pipes for cable ducting and service sleeves shall be to BS 3506. The class
of pipe shall be as shown on the Drawings. Joints shall comply with BS 4346: Part2.

131.040 Concrete pipes for service sleeves shall be to BS 5911 and shall be manufactured with sulphate
resisting cement. Pipes shall be flexibly jointed. The class of pipe shall be as shown on the
Drawings.

131.050 Vitrified clay pipes for cable conduits to BS 65 or BS EN 295 shall be suitable for high voltage oil
filled cables, and be free from any internal undulations, roughness or projections and shall have
smooth radiused internal edges at the joints. The joints shall be of an approved plastic type,
flexible and self-aligning. Grooved cable conduits shall be provided for splitting where split
conduits are required for protection of existing services.

131.060 Galvanised steel conduit shall be to BS 1387 medium grade in standard lengths with screwed
socket and tapered threads to BS 21.

131.061 Twin-walled HDPE/ polypropylene rigid ducting system with approved jointing system to provide
a smooth bore throughout the length of the duct. Approval of the Engineer shall be required for
the specific ducting system but, as a minimum, British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval of the
(suggested) product shall be required.

Miscellaneous Materials

131.070 Temporary marker posts shall be 75 mm x 75 mm pressure treated timber, painted white and
projecting 600 mm above the ground at locations shown on the Drawings.

131.080 Permanent marker posts shall be of reinforced concrete as shown on the Drawings.

131.090 Bricks shall be to BS 3921 Class B (Engineering).

131.091 Granular bed/surround (sand) shall consist of naturally occurring aggregates to BS 882 or
sintered pulverised fuel ash to BS 3797.

131.100 Concrete work shall comply with Sections 201 and 202 of this specification.

Inspection Chambers and Covers

131.101 Inspection chambers shall be constructed in concrete (C40 min strength with formwork finish
Type F2, in accordance with Section 201 of this specification), plastic (polypropylene) or
brickwork in accordance with the Drawings. Where no details have been provided the

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Contractor shall submit his proposals for approval of the Engineer prior to commencement.
This is a Hold Point.

131.102Access covers and frames to inspection pits, cable draw pits etc shall be to BS EN 124 and
BS 4592. Covers shall be specified as either solid or open grillage (of the type and grading
shown on the Drawings) complying with the loading requirements given within Clause [131.112].

Service Trenches and Covers

131.110 Service trenches shall be either cast in-situ (Concrete Grade C40 (min)) or pre-cast units with
formwork finish Type F2 in accordance with Section 201 of this specification. Details of the
Contractor’s proposals shall be submitted to the Engineer for review prior to construction. This
is a Hold Point

131.111 Where the section size/ properties of a service trench are varied (e.g. adjacent to a carriageway
or other trafficked area) then a sealed/ approved construction joint shall be provided at the point
of variation. Variation in section properties shall:

• normally occur no nearer than 1.0m back from the increase in loading
• maintain a continuous invert level/ profile
• be positioned to accord with the spacing of trench covers
• allow for the corresponding change in cover type.

131.112Covers shall be supplied in accordance with the table below dependent on the loads that they will be
subjected to within the site.

Vehicular crossing points shall be constructed within the site to provide access for maintenance,
and shall normally be Medium Duty unless a higher loading is specified. Such areas shall be
marked on site by the provision of bollards or other suitable method of delineation.

Covers situated within access roads shall be Heavy Duty.

Covers for areas in clearly defined pedestrian areas where no vehicular access is permitted
shall be designated Light Duty.

Allowable Load (kN) Test Loading (kN)

Class Loading Case
(Slow moving wheel load) (In accordance with BS EN 124)

A15 5 15 Light (See Note)

B125 50 125 Medium

C250 115 250 Heavy

NOTE: Light Duty covers shall normally be formed from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). Light
Duty covers manufactured from concrete shall not be permitted. The test criteria for these
covers shall be as set out in the table below.

Test requirements for GRP Trench Covers:

GRP covers for use within clearly defined pedestrian areas not subject to vehicular traffic shall
be either of the solid top grating or open grating type, and shall, as a minimum comply with the
requirements stated below:

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Load Type Load (kN)* Maximum deflection (mm)*

Ultimate Load (min) 15 N/A

Safe Working Load 5 20

1 4

*The above figures are based on a section of grating 300mm wide with a 900mm clear span with
the load applied as a continuous line at mid-span, perpendicular to the span. At the stated
ultimate load, full recovery shall be required with no permanent set.

131.120Covers to service trenches shall be as shown on the Drawings. They are to be contained within a
suitable rebate such that they are flush with the finished substation level (taking into account the
site surfacing), and shall be supplied with an approved provision for lifting purposes. Four pairs
of keys shall be supplied for each type of cover.

Concrete used in the manufacture of pre-cast covers shall be grade C40. The surface finish of
all pre-cast covers shall meet the requirements of Type W5 (in accordance with Section 201 of
this specification).

131.121GRP covers shall be grey or green unless specified otherwise. Samples of the covers offered shall be
submitted to the Engineer for approval. This is a Hold Point.

131.122GRP covers shall be resistant to class 1 uninhibited, napthalic mineral oil conforming to BS 4592 Part 4,
and BS 148. They shall be resistant to Ultra Violet radiation, with no loss of appearance after 10
years and no loss of load carrying capacity after 25 years. They shall be manufactured from
continuous glassfibres and polyester resins, in the ratio of 35% to 65% by weight respectively.
They shall be fire retardant with a tested flame spread rating of 25 or less in accordance with the
ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test. They shall also have a tested burn time of less than 30 seconds and
an extent of burn rate of less than or equal to 10 mm in accordance with ASTM D635.

131.123 Open mesh gratings to covers shall be 50mm (maximum) ± 3mm square pattern with the top
and bottom of perpendicular bars being in the same plane. The gratings shall have a maximum
square hole opening size of 38mm± 3mm.

131.124 GRP covers shall be of a one-piece moulded construction and be reinforced with continuous
rovings of equal number of layers in each direction. No glassfibres shall be visible on any
surface.

131.125The top surface of GRP covers shall incorporate an integrally gritted, slip resistant surface moulded into
the grating. The surface of solid top GRP gratings shall include a GRP cover plate of nominal
3mm thickness integrally moulded to the grating bars. The cover plate shall be formed from
multiple layers of resin impregnated, fibreglass reinforcement mats. Post applied grits shall not
be permitted.

WORKMANSHIP

Buried Pipework Cable Ducts and Service Trenchwork

131.150 Workmanship shall comply generally with Section 051 'Buried Foul and Surface Water Drainage'
and as specified herein.

Ducts shall be provided wherever directly buried cable pass underneath hard surfaces.
Wherever a duct is required an additional duct of the same specification shall be provided for
future use. Draw wires shall be provided in all the ducts.

Excavation and Laying

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131.160 Pipework ducts shall be laid to profiles shown on the Drawings. The permitted maximum
deviation shall be +25mm in line and level. At terminal chambers the deviation shall not exceed
+25mm from the centrelines.

131.170 Pipework ducts shall generally be laid in straight lines and to even falls. Pipes shall be laid
working uphill from the lowest point in each pipe run. Nominally level duct runs shall be laid with
nominal falls to create high points midway in each run to allow moisture to run back to the
access chambers.

131.180 Pipework ducts shall be jointed so that no water, silt, grit, grout (or concrete surround) is able to
enter. Pipes with push-fit joints shall have a register to ensure that the pipe is fully pushed into
the joint. Jointing/ sealing of pipes using a proprietary compound shall be carried out as
recommended by the duct/ sealant manufacturer.

131.190 Changes in direction of more than 30 degrees shall only be achieved by the use of (cast in-situ)
junctions, standard slow bends and fittings or inspection pits shown on the Drawings).
(Changes of direction within junctions and chambers shall accord with clause 131.220 below.)

131.191Where cables exit the site surface access service trenches through suitable cut-outs in the side
walls, they are to be run in UPVC or similar ductwork to the relevant items of electrical
switchgear.

131.200 The Contractor shall obtain the Engineer's approval for any changes to the designed/
designated route necessitated by the discovery of buried obstructions. Survey records shall be
made (and submitted on completion of the works) of the route as installed. This is a Hold
Point.

131.210A change in direction of less than 30 degrees, e.g. to negotiate a local obstruction, may be achieved by
laying ducts along a slow radius bend with the agreement of the Engineer. Survey records are
to be made/ submitted (on completion of the works) to allow the accurate recording of the
revised routing/ position. The bend shall be made up of straight lengths of duct, laid within the
tolerance limits for bend deflections recommended by the duct manufacturer.
This is a Notification Point.

131.220The open ends of pipework ducts shall be free from sharp edges. The pipes shall terminate 25 mm from
the inner face of terminal chambers, drawpits etc and bell-mouth terminations shall be formed in
the concrete or mortar.

131.221 Splays shall be provided to all trench walls on the inside radius of cables where the change in
o
direction is greater than 45 . Such splays shall bisect the change of direction and create two
o
angles each providing a change of direction less than or equal to 45 . Splays shall be
constructed (generally either 250 or 450 mm long) of such length as to not affect the minimum
desirable curvature of the installed cable.
o
(Changes in direction of more than 90 shall not normally be accepted. In such instances the
advice of the Engineer shall be sought or an additional junction/ chamber shall be constructed.)

131.230 Where pipework ducts are built into a chamber or structure at least the first 3 joints in the duct
run shall be flexible joints. The first joint shall be within 300 mm of the outside face of the
structure and the second and third within 600 mm of the first and second joints respectively.

131.240 During the laying of the pipework ducts between inspection pits, a continuous length of nylon or
pigmented polypropylene draw cord of 5 kN minimum breaking load shall be left in each duct to
be used later with the cleaning mandrel.

131.250 Pipework ducts laid under roads or hardstandings shall be encased (min 150mm) in C20
concrete for the length under the road/ hardstanding plus an additional 1.5 m on each side of the
road. Details of the concrete encasement, spacing between pipes in cluster groups, levels etc

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shall be generally as shown on the Drawings. Prior to concrete placement, all ducts and
sleeves shall be inspected by the Engineer to ensure that they are laid in accordance with the
Drawings. This is a Notification Point.

131.260 Pipework ducts within 1.5 m (or, if outside this figure, and still within the 45 degree splay line) of
a foundation shall be encased in C20 concrete. This requirement shall normally be shown on
the Drawings.

131.270 In open ground situations (clear of roads/ buildings), each pipework duct, or cluster of ducts,
shall be given a surround of sand not less than 300 mm thickness, unless indicated otherwise
on the Drawings.

131.280 Trenches in open ground shall be backfilled above the sand with suitable excavated material in
layers not exceeding 200 mm and compacted (all in accordance with Section 051 of this
Specification).

131.290 Concrete identification tiles or PVC warning tapes shall be laid at the surface of the sand when
specified on the Drawings.

131.291Details relating to the site cutting of GRP and steel gratings shall be supplied, including appropriate
tools, PPE, COSHH details and any other relevant information. All cut edges shall be sealed by
an appropriate spray or paint material, to prevent degradation of exposed faces.

Cleaning and Identification of Ducts

131.300 Following the backfilling of the trench the pipework ducts shall be cleaned and proved in lengths
between inspection pits and termination points. This is a Notification Point.

131.310 A mandrel shall be drawn through each duct. The diameter of the mandrel shall be no smaller
than 5 mm less than the internal diameter of the duct. The Contractor shall submit details of the
mandrel to the Engineer for approval. During this process a continuous PVC coated 15 gauge
steel draw wire to BS 1052 shall be threaded through each duct properly secured and left for
future use. This is a Notification Point.

131.320 The ends of each duct shall be plugged immediately after cleaning. Ingress of water and/or
concrete shall be prevented.

131.330 Reinforced concrete marker posts shall be provided along the line of the ducts at positions
shown on Drawings.

Inspection Pits

131.340 Inspection pits of brickwork, insitu or precast concrete or part plastic construction shall be
constructed to avoid the ingress of groundwater as shown on the Drawings. An access cover
and frame of size and type shown on the Drawing shall be built into the top slab.

131.350 The floor of all inspection pits shall slope to a sump of size 300 mm square and 150 mm deep.

131.360 The invert of the lowest duct at the point of entry into an inspection pit shall be not less than
150 mm above the floor.

Surface Access Service Ducts and Trenches

131.370 Back-filling to the sides of ducts and trenches and over the cover slab of below ground ducts
shall not be carried out until the concrete has attained 75% of its characteristic strength. The
back-fill and compaction thereof shall be in accordance with Section 041 of this Specification.

131.371 Continuous (surface) access service trenches shall, as far as possible, be constructed within
pedestrian areas with isolated vehicle crossing points (as shown on the Drawings).

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131.372 Trenches shall normally be to standard internal dimensions in accordance with the following
table:

Trench Type Internal Depth (below S/S level) Internal Width

2 525 mm 250 mm

4 525 mm 400 mm

6 525 mm 600mm

8 525 mm 800mm

The thickness of the sides and base of the trench shall be dependent upon the loading and
cover type.

131.373The bottom of the trenches are to be screeded (with 1:2 cement/ sand with W2 finish) from a minimum of
25mm to a maximum of 75mm to ensure a 1:100 minimum fall to drainage outlets. These are to
be a maximum of 12m apart.
Drainage outlets shall connect to soakaways where ground conditions permit or to the site
drainage system. Agreement of the suitability of ground conditions is a Notification Point.

131.374Where there is any possibility of the trench becoming contaminated by oil then the drainage system shall
be of the sealed type and connect into the site specific oil pollution protection drainage. This is
a Notification Point.

131.375Trench entries to buildings shall be connected to the site drainage approximately 1500mm from the
building. The trench is to be screeded up to the entry such that water is drained away from the
building. In addition, the trench entry is to be sealed such that no water or vermin may enter the
building.

131.376Entry points for cables/ ducts to in-situ (cast) trenches shall be 300mm x150mm formed using
polystyrene to the full trench wall thickness. Entry points to pre-cast trenches (and those
required following construction of the trench) shall be drilled or otherwise cut (to the approval of
the Engineer) to a minimum diameter of 100 mm. This is a Hold Point.

Duct Entry into Buildings

131.380 Single or multiple pipework duct entries into buildings shall be constructed to a plan tolerance of
+ 25 mm. The ducts shall terminate with a socket projecting out of the top of the foundation to
facilitate future extension. The duct shall have a draw wire and shall be plugged to prevent
ingress of debris and water. The exposed socket shall be suitably protected against accidental
damage in a manner agreed with the Engineer. This is a Hold Point.

QUALITY CONTROL

General

131.390 The Contractor shall obtain manufacturers' product literature and material test certificates as
appropriate.

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Inspection and Testing

131.400 The levels and alignment of all buried service ducts shall be inspected prior to surveying and
backfilling. Particular attention shall be made to deviations from the arrangements specified on
the Drawings when buried obstructions have to be negotiated and slow bends introduced.

131.410 The proving of all ducts to confirm that they are clean and have a smooth bore shall be
witnessed and that draw wires have been provided as specified prior to inserting plugs in the
ends of each duct run.

131.420 Inspections shall ensure that duct terminations into buildings or structures are as specified and
in accordance with the Drawings; also that flexible joints have been correctly provided as
specified e.g. the first three joints from each inspection chamber or structure.

131.430 All lengths of ducts which are to be protected by encasing in concrete shall be checked to
ensure the adequacy of the flexible joints.

131.431 Covers to all surface accessible duct trenches shall be cast/ fitted so as to ensure that they do
not rock when trafficked. Inspection/ approval of duct covers, by the Engineer, shall be
considered a Hold Point.

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 131 are listed below and shall be the
edition, including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the
requirements of these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

BS 21 Specification for pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure-tight
joints are made on the threads (metric dimensions)
BS 65 Specification for vitrified clay pipes, fittings and ducts also flexible
mechanical joints for use solely with surface water pipes and fittings
BS 148 Unused mineral insulating oils for transformers and switchgear
BS 882 Specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete
BS 1052 Specification for mild steel wire for general engineering purposes
BS 1387 Specification for screwed and socketed steel tubes and tubulars and for
plain end steel tubes suitable for welding or for screwing to BS 21 pipe
threads
BS 3506 Specification for unplasticized PVC pipe for industrial uses
BS 3797 Specification for lightweight aggregates for masonry units and structural
concrete
BS 3921 Specification for clay bricks
BS 4346 Joints and fittings for use with unplasticized PVC pressure pipes.
BS 4592-1 Industrial type flooring, walkways and stair treads. Specification for open
bar gratings
BS 4592-4 Industrial type flooring, walkways and stair treads. Specification for glass
reinforced plastics open bar gratings
BS 5911 Precast concrete pipes, fittings and ancillary products.
BS 6399-1 Loading for Buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed loads
BS 8004 Code of practice for foundations
BS 8110 Structural use of concrete
BS EN 124 Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas. Design
requirements, type testing, marking, quality control.
BS EN 295 Vitrified clay pipes and fittings and pipe joints for drains and sewers.
CP 312 Code of practice for plastics pipework (thermoplastics material).

The Electricity Supply Regulations.

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

131.200 Survey records

131.220 Survey records

131.400 Survey records

131.291 Details of site cutting

131.310 Details of mandrel

131.390 Material certificates

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

131.101 Inspection chamber

alternatives

131.110 Samples of GRP covers

131.121 Details of trenches for

approval

131.200 Changes in direction

131.210 Local obstructions

131.250 Inspection of ducts prior

to concrete surround

131.300 Cleaning and proving of ducts

131.310 Details of mandrel

131.373 Suitability of ground conditions

131.374 Polluted water within trenches

131.376 Approval of forming of

opening

131.380 Protection to exposed

socket

131.431 Approval of installed

duct covers

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NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 132

MEDIUM DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (MDPE) PIPELINES

 BELOW GROUND SERVICES
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132

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 130 : BELOW GROUND SERVICES

SECTION NO : 132

TITLE : MEDIUM DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (MDPE) PIPELINES

132.010 This section defines the material, installation, workmanship and testing to be applied to
MDPE pipelines.

Pipework

132.020 MDPE pipes shall be manufactured in accordance with BS6572 and the Specifications
prepared by the Standing Technical Committee on Sewers and Water mains, parts 4-32-
02/03/04.

132.030 Pipework carrying water shall be through coloured blue.

132.040 All MDPE pipework shall only be supplied by companies holding a current BS1 Certificate
for assessed capability.

132.050 Pipes and fittings shall not be stored on site for long periods and shall at all times be
protected from direct sunlight by black polythene sheeting or similar approved.

132.060 Flanged fittings shall be drilled to BS4504 NP16

Trench Excavation

132.070 Trench excavation shall be to the same specification as drainage.

Pipe Laying

132.080 Pipe laying shall follow closely upon the progress of the trench excavation.

132.090 The Bedding shall be 75mm of Zone 2 sand placed in the bottom of the trench. The pipe
shall then be laid and jointed with butt fusion welds. Care shall be taken to ensure that
closing lengths do not tension the pipe system due to thermal movement.

132.100 Cold bending radii shall comply with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Backfilling

132.110 Backfilling and reinstatement shall be to the same specification as drainage.

Pipe Testing

132.120 MDPE pipelines shall be tested in as long a length as is practicable. The test pressure shall
be maintained at 15 bar for 24 hours.

132.130 The allowable leakage shall not exceeding 0.1 litre per mm of internal pipe diameter per
kilometre length. The tests shall be witnessed and certified records made.

Sterilisation of Water System

132.140 After completion of testing the system shall be drained and flushed out with clean water.
The system shall then be refilled with water into which is dispersed chlorine at a dilution of
50 parts per million. All taps, valves etc. on the system shall be opened in sequence until
chlorine is detected by comparator and then closed. After topping up the system with the
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chlorine solution it shall stand for a period of 3 hours after which residual chlorine shall be
detectable at 0.2mg/litre by comparator. If chlorine cannot be detected the sterilisation
process shall be repeated.

132.150 After a successful conclusion to this procedure the system shall be drained and thoroughly
flushed before handing over.

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NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 301

PREFABRICATED TRANSFORMER NOISE ENCLOSURES

 NOISE ENCLOSURES
PREFABRICATED TRANSFORMER NOISE ENCLOSURES
301

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 300 : NOISE ENCLOSURES

SECTION NO : 301

TITLE : PREFABRICATED TRANSFORMER NOISE ENCLOSURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 301/2

RELATED STANDARDS 301/2

CONTRACTOR DESIGN AND DETAILING 301/2

General 301/2
Construction 301/2
Doors 301/2
Access Panels 301/3
Clearances 301/3
Earthing 301/3
Roof 301/3
Internal Lighting and Power Supply 301/3
Warning Notices 301/4
Acoustic Performance 301/4
Fire Resistance 301/4
Structural Design 301/4
Oil Escape 301/4

`MATERIALS 301/4
General 301/4

WORKMANSHIP 301/5
General 301/5
Plant and Equipment 301/5
Handling 301/5
Setting out and Erection 301/6

PROTECTIVE TREATMENT 301/6

General 301/6
Painting 301/6

QUALITY CONTROL 301/6

General 301/6
Inspection and Testing 301/6

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

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SCOPE

301.010This section defines the general requirements for the Contractor designs, materials, workmanship,
fabrication, erection, finishes, acoustic performance and fire resistance for thin gauge steel
sandwich transformer noise enclosures.

RELATED STANDARDS

301.020The standards together with other references specified in this section are listed in Appendix 1.

CONTRACTOR DESIGN AND DETAILING

General

301 .030 The design shall be carried out taking due note of the operational requirements of the
Transformer as supplied by the Transformer Manufacturer. Detail requirements shall be as
shown on the Transformer Manufacturers detail drawings.

Construction

301.040The enclosure shall comprise suitably supported acoustic panels. The panels shall be of light metal
sandwich construction with the inner lining perforated and with a filling of mineral wool or similar.

301.050The enclosure shall comprise four walls and a roof and the construction shall permit the roof and one
side wall to be removed, without affecting the stability of the structure, to enable future
transformer replacement.

301.060There shall be no rigid mechanical connections between the transformer and enclosure with particular
attention being paid to pipework, bushings and tap-changer turrets, which pass through the
enclosure roof or walls.

301.070The enclosure shall be completely weather tight and constructed to prevent rainwater accumulation
between the underside of wall panels and plinth or foundation.

301.080Two doors shall be provided in the side walls. One door shall be positioned adjacent to the tap change
operating mechanism and the other door diagonally opposite.

301.090Air inlet (low level) and air outlet (high level) acoustic louvres or air transfer attenuators shall be provided
to prevent excessive temperature rise and avoid damage to equipment installed in the
enclosure. The total sum of inlet and outlet areas of ventilation apertures shall not exceed 0.1%
of the total area of the walls. Bund screens shall be fitted on the inside faces of ventilation
openings.

301.100Apertures made in the enclosure for pipes or turrets shall be formed with split panels. Single panels with
apertures are not permitted. All apertures shall be adequately sealed and weatherproofed by an
approved method.

Doors

301.110Doors shall be capable of opening easily and immediately from the inside by means of panic bars whilst
locked from the outside. Their location shall not impair emergency escape. The width and
height of doors shall not be less than 825mm and 2000mm respectively. The doors shall be of
steel construction incorporating sound insulation compatible with the enclosure panelling. The
doors, frames and seals shall be acoustically designed to give a guaranteed sound reduction
factor equivalent to the required insertion loss.

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Access Panels

301.120Access panels shall be designed to be removed by unbolting from the surrounding enclosure. Where
panels are provided for access to transformer tank covers the panels shall be sized to permit
easy removal of the covers.

Clearances

301.130The minimum clearances between the steel frame or cladding of the enclosure and transformer shall be
as follows:

Tap changing equipment 750mm horizontally to frame

860mm horizontally to cladding

Any projection from the transformer 600mm horizontally

Highest point of tank cover 75mm vertically

Earthing

301.140All parts of the enclosure shall be electrically connected to all other parts. Where this is not achieved by
the structural connections, earth bonding shall be provided. The whole enclosure shall be
earthed in a approved manner by connecting to the existing copper earth tape at the transformer
with a similar copper tape. The earthing connection shall be made by soldering or by use of a
proprietary welding system. Connections to the enclosure shall be with 12mm diameter bolts or
studs. The copper earth tape shall be tinned prior to bolting. The design shall prevent currents
from circulating in the noise enclosure structure and shall minimise the effects of electrostatic
erosion and corrosion.

Roof

301.150A roof with a minimum fall of 1.80 shall be provided and weathertight seals made around projections
through the roof. The roof shall be designed to accommodate loadings in accordance with
BS6399 Part 3 and shall have sufficient strength to permit access over its complete area without
the use of crawler boards. The roof panels shall have adequate rigidity to prevent the slope and
evenness being compromised. Guttering shall be provided to collect rainwater and discharge
through down-pipes into the transformer bund area.

301.151Stainless steel harness points shall be provided at suitable locations around the perimeter of the roof.
The harness points shall be load tested prior to commissioning the enclosure.

Internal Lighting and Power Supply

301.160Internal fluorescent lighting, giving a minimum maintained illuminance of 150 lux at floor level shall be
provided. Luminaires, lamps and their fittings shall be resistant to vibration. Luminaires, Switch
Boxes etc shall be of the fully sealed type to IP 66 in accordance with BS EN 60529. Wiring
shall be Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) in galvanised conduit. In addition, 3-hour self-
contained maintained emergency lighting fittings shall be provided to achieve a minimum of 2.5
lux at floor level within the enclosure. Local lighting switches and emergency lighting test key-
switches shall be provided. The lighting shall be instant start and the circuit shall be connected
to the 240V mains supply extended from the designated marshalling kiosk. The supply shall be
suitably fused and installed in accordance with BS 7671. The contractor shall notify the Engineer
in sufficient time to arrange for personnel to supervise the connection of the supply. This is a
Notification Point.

301.161A 13 Amp switch socket outlet shall be provided adjacent to each door of the enclosure. The sockets
shall be fitted with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker and shall be fully sealed type IP66 in
accordance with BS EN 60529.

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Warning Notices

301.170Warning Notices shall be provided and fixed in a prominent position on the outside of the enclosure
doors, or adjacent to them, bearing the following legend:

NO SMOKING
NAKED LIGHTS AND WELDING PLANT MUST
NOT BE USED IN THIS HOUSING EXCEPT BY
PERMISSION OF AN AUTHORISED PERSON.

Acoustic Performance

301.180Unless otherwise stated in the contract documents the enclosure shall be designed to achieve an
insertion loss of 20dB at 100Hz. This insertion loss shall be provided by the complete enclosure
in accordance with the requirements of BS 4142 and BS 8233.

Fire Resistance

301.190The acoustic panels and doors shall have a minimum ½ hour fire resistance time rating in accordance
with BS 476 Part 23 and surface spread of flame shall comply with Class 1 rating when
measured in accordance with BS 476 Part 7.

301.200The roof shall be designed and constructed to fail first in the event of fire or explosion.

Structural Design

301.210The design of supporting framework, connections and other details shall be carried out in accordance
with BS 5950 Part 1.

301.220The design of the acoustic panelling shall be carried out in accordance with BS 5950 Part 6.

301.230The design loadings shall be in accordance with the requirements of BS 6399 Part 1, 2 & 3.

Oil Escape

301.240Where necessary the enclosure shall have drainage ducts to permit free draining of oil into the bunded
area. The ducts shall be detailed so as to avoid loss of acoustic performance and shall have
anti-vermin screens fitted.

MATERIALS

General

301.250A complete set of fabrication/assembly drawings and design calculations shall be submitted to the
Engineer and supported by manufacturer’s technical literature.

301.260The fabrication/assembly drawings shall meet the requirements of the Specification and provide the
following information.

• Installation and dismounting procedure and sequence

• Tolerances
• Details of supporting structure and panel construction
• Co-ordination of the mechanical and electrical service requirements
• Details of non-standard panels

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The location and size of doors, service accommodation and transformer turret openings through
the enclosure, dimensional tolerances, setting-out and any necessary integration with the
transformer equipment components shall comply with the details shown on the drawings.
Particular attention shall be given to weathertightness details where cowls are not provided on
the turrets.

301.270Details of the panel construction shall include grade and thicknesses of steel, acoustic infill material, and
panel connections showing method of sealing against ingress of water.

301.280The acoustic infill shall be inert, non-hygroscopic, vermin-proof, rot-proof and shall not support
bacteriological growth.

301.290Details of the supporting structure, shall include grade of steel, member sizes, type of connection
including weld or bolt type and size in accordance with the requirements of Section 211.

301.300Details of the foundation requirements shall include supporting frame centres, foundation loads, base
plate sizes and fixings, wall foundation loads and width of wall base rail. The Contractor shall
provide and install all fixings and holding-down bolts necessary for the enclosure.

301.310Details of the external paint finish shall include type, manufacturer, application procedure and thickness
and life to first maintenance.

WORKMANSHIP

General

301.320 All workmanship shall comply with the manufacturers own method of building procedure which
shall be approved by the Engineer.

301.330A survey of the areas to receive the enclosure shall be carried out and submitted to the engineer prior to
fabrication to establish the erection tolerances.

301.340The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer a detailed installation method statement, including, but not
limited to, the proposals for temporary storage of materials on site and their protection, handling
of components from their delivery point to the point of erection and the method of building
procedure.

Plant and Equipment

301.350The Contractor shall supply all plant and equipment necessary for the efficient off loading, handling and
erection of the enclosure and shall maintain such plant and equipment in good working order.

301.360The Contractor shall provide stagings of adequate strength with suitable working area including safe
means of access and egress to enable erection and inspection of the enclosure.

301.370The Contractor shall provide, where necessary, temporary bracings to ensure the stability of the
enclosure during erection.

Handling

301.380Damage to any part of the enclosure shall be brought to the attention of the Engineer immediately. No
damaged part shall be erected without the approval of the Engineer.

301.390The Contractor shall ensure that particular care is taken when handling and erecting pre-finished items.

Setting Out and Erection

301.400The Contractor shall be responsible for the setting-out of the enclosure and advise the Engineer when

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complete. This is a Notification Point.

301.410All bolted connections shall be installed ‘finger tight’ until a sufficient portion of the structure has been
erected when the connections may be tightened to their final torque.

PROTECTIVE TREATMENT

General

301.420All steelwork used in the enclosure, including the acoustic panels, nuts, bolts and washers shall be hot-
dipped galvanised in accordance with BS EN ISO 1461. Except where modified by this
Specification, all protective treatment to steelwork shall comply with the ‘NSSS’ or Section 215
as appropriate.

Painting

301.430All exposed steelwork shall have polyester powder coating with a minimum dry film thickness of between
80 and 100 micron thickness, applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
and as requested by Section 300.

QUALITY CONTROL

General

301.440Manufacturer’s Certificates of Conformance shall be submitted to the Engineer for the materials and any
tests for sound insulation, fire resistance, thickness of galvanised coatings etc.

301.450Checked design calculations and drawings for the enclosure, and calculations for the acoustic design
shall be submitted to the Engineer for review. Fabrication of the enclosures shall not commence
until the calculations and fabrication/assembly drawings have been reviewed. This is a Hold
Point.

301.460Welding procedures shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval prior to fabrication of the enclosures
together with related quality control documentation such as electrode storage, drying and
handling requirements.

301.470Testing of welding procedures is required to be to BS 5135 and BS EN 288-3.

Inspection and Testing

301.480The Contractor shall carry out random dry film thickness tests of the paint coating. The test instrument
shall be of an approved type and have a calibration certificate.

301.490The results of the dry film thickness tests shall be submitted to the Engineer.

301.500When requested, the Contractor shall make arrangements for the Engineer to inspect fabricated
components or witness tests at the fabrication works. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer
of all testing of fabricated components and tests of workmanship to be carried out. This is a
Notification Point.

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 301 are listed below and shall be the
edition, including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the
requirements of these standards and this Generic Specification.

BS 476-7 Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method of test to determine
the classification of the surface spread of flame of products
BS 476-23 Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination of
the contribution of components to the fire resistance of a structure.
BS 4142 Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial
areas
BS 5135 Specification for arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steels
BS 5950-1 Structural use of steelwork in building. Code of practice for design. Rolled
and welded sections
BS 5950-2 Structural use of steelwork in building. Code of Practice for design of light
gauge profiled steel sheeting.
BS 6399 Loadings for buildings
BS 7671 Requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring regulations. 16th
Edition.
BS 8233 Code of Practice for sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings.
BS EN 288-3 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials.
Welding procedure tests for the arc welding of steels
BS EN ISO 1461 Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
Specifications and test methods
BS EN 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

301.250 Fabrication/assembly drawings

and literature

301.330 Pre-fabrication survey

301.340 Installation method statement

301.490 Dry film thickness test results

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

301.160 Connection of Supply

301.400 Setting Out of Enclosure

301.450 Approval for Fabrication

301.500 Inspection of fabricated components

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 APPENDIX F

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 302

BRICK TRANSFORMER NOISE ENCLOSURES

 NOISE ENCLOSURES
BRICK NOISE ENCLOSURES
302

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 300 : NOISE ENCLOSURES

SECTION NO : 302

TITLE : BRICK TRANSFORMER NOISE ENCLOSURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 302/2

RELATED STANDARDS 302/2

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 302/2

General 302/2
Clearances 302/2
Acoustic Performance 302/2
Fire Resistance 302/3
Foundations 302/3
Walls 302/3
Roof 302/3
Doors 302/4
Ventilation 302/4
Internal Lighting 302/4
Warning Notices 302/4

STRUCTURAL DESIGN 302/5

MATERIALS 302/5

WORKMANSHIP 302/6

QUALITY CONTROL 302/6

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

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SCOPE

302.010 This specification defines the requirements for brick noise enclosures used to suppress
transformer noise on substation sites.

RELATED STANDARDS

302.020 The standards together with other references applicable to this section of the generic
specification are listed in Appendix 1.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

General

302.030 Unless specified otherwise the enclosure shall comprise four walls and a roof and shall be
completely weathertight.

302.040 The design shall allow for one wall and the roof to be constructed after installation of the
transformer and shall permit removal of the roof and wall for subsequent removal of the
transformer without affecting the stability of the remainder of the structure.

302.050 One door shall be provided in each of the two side walls. These shall be diagonally opposite
each other, one door being positioned near any tap change operating mechanism.

302.060 Separate foundations shall be provided for the enclosure and the Transformer/enclosed
equipment. The design of the foundations shall take account of any requirements in respect
of the transmission of sound and vibration.
There shall be no rigid connections between any part of the transformer and its enclosure.
This includes pipework, turrets etc. which may pass through the walls and roof.

302.065 The design shall be carried out taking due note of the operational requirements of the
Transformer as supplied by the Transformer Manufacturer. Detail requirements shall be as
shown on the Transformer Manufacturers detail drawings.

Clearances

302.070 The minimum clearances between the transformer and the closest point of any part of the
enclosure structure including any support members shall be as follows:

Tap changing equipment 750mm horizontally

Any projection from the transformer 600mm horizontally
Highest point of tank cover 75mm vertically

Acoustic Performance

302.080 Unless otherwise stated in the contract documents the enclosure shall be designed to
achieve an insertion loss of 20dB at 100Hz. This insertion loss shall be provided by the
complete enclosure in accordance with the requirements of BS 4142 and BS 8233.

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Fire Resistance

302.090 The enclosure shall have a fire resistance time rating of ½ hour in accordance with BS 476
unless forming part of a fire barrier. If the enclosure is required to form part of a fire barrier
it shall comply with the requirements of NGTS 3.1.3, Limitation of Fire Risk in Substations.

302.100 Foam inlet points may be required to be built into the enclosure walls. The number and
positioning shall be agreed with National Grid and the Local Fire Authority. The inlet shall be
a suitable male instantaneous fitting fitted with a cap and housed in a foam inlet box. The
outlet shall project approximately 75mm into the noise enclosure. Inlet points shall not be
positioned near doors and ventilation openings.

302.101 Where installations are protected by a Fixed Fire Fighting Facility (i.e. Fire Deluge System)
reference shall be made to the relevant contract documents/drawings to ensure compliance
with any requirements in respect of the Fixed Fire Fighting Facility.

Walls

302.130 Walls shall be of solid brickwork construction and be fully bonded.

a) In cases where they are required to provide oil containment but are not required to act
as fire barriers, walls shall be of reinforced concrete to the containment height and
brickwork above.
b) In cases where they are required to act as fire barriers, walls shall be designed in
accordance with the requirements of NGTS 3.1.3

302.140 The walls shall be designed to achieve the required insertion loss as specified in the
Contract documents and calculations shall be submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold
Point.

302.150 Drainage ducts shall be provided through the walls of enclosures within bunded areas to
permit free draining of oil into the transformer bund in accordance with the drawings. These
shall be designed to discharge oil at a rate of 7000 litres per minute and shall be detailed so
as to avoid loss of acoustic performance. The ducts shall have anti-vermin screens fitted.

302.160 Any openings through walls for pipework shall be front faced in matching brickwork after
installation of the pipe, and the remainder backfilled with C20 concrete.

Roof

302.170 A precast concrete roof with a minimum fall of 1:80 shall be provided. In situ make up areas
are permitted around projections through the roof. Precast units shall be as large as
possible to reduce the overall length of joints and hence minimise potential weak points for
acoustic and waterproofing performance. Steelwork support members may be required to
support the precast units.

302.180 The roof shall be designed to allow access over its entire area.

302.190 The roof shall be designed and constructed to fail first in the event of fire or explosion.

302.200 The roof shall be fully waterproofed using a suitable oil resistant membrane system in
accordance with the relevant sections of this specification, with particular attention given to
penetrations.

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302.210 The roof shall be designed to achieve the required insertion loss as specified in the Contract
documents and calculations shall be submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold Point.

302.220 Guttering shall be provided to collect rainwater and discharge through down pipes to the
transformer bund area. Gutters and down pipes to be non combustible. On installations
where a fixed fire fighting facility is installed gutters and downpipes shall be sized
accordingly.

Doors

302.230 Doors shall give a clear opening 2000mm high by 825mm wide. Doors shall close on
resilient seals along all meeting faces. Doors shall be openable from inside by means of a
panic bar arrangement.

302.240 For an insertion loss up to 15dB at 100Hz doors shall have a mass not less than 60kg/m2
unless stated otherwise.
For an insertion loss exceeding 15dB at 100Hz doors, frames and seals shall be
acoustically designed to give a guaranteed sound reduction factor equivalent to the required
insertion loss.

302.250 Doors shall have a fire rating equivalent to that of the enclosure.

Ventilation

302.260 Provision of adequate ventilation via Air inlets (low level) and air outlets (high level) shall be
provided for ventilation. The area of ventilation openings shall be adequate to maintain the
required operating conditions within the enclosure.

Internal Lighting

302.270 Internal fluorsecent lighting, giving a minimum maintained illuminance of 150 lux at floor
level shall be provided. Luminaires, lamps and their fittings shall be resistant to vibration.
Luminaires, Switch Boxes etc shall be of the fully sealed type to IP 66 in accordance with
BS EN 60529. Wiring shall be LSF in galvanised conduit. In addition, 3-hour self-contained
maintained emergency lighting fittings shall be provided to achieve a minimum of 2.5 lux at
floor level within the enclosure. Local lighting switches and emergency lighting test key-
switches shall be provided. The lighting shall be instant start and the circuit shall be
connected to the 240 Volt mains supply extended from the designated marshalling kiosk.
The supply shall be suitably fused. The contractor shall notify the Engineer in sufficient time
to arrange for personnel to supervise the connection of the supply. This is a Notification
Point.

Warning Notices

302.280 The following warning notices shall be provided and fixed in a prominent position on the
outside of the enclosure doors, or adjacent to them:

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NO SMOKING
NAKED LIGHTS AND WELDING PLANT MUST
NOT BE USED IN THIS HOUSING EXCEPT BY
PERMISSION OF AN AUTHORISED PERSON.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

302.290 The design of brickwork shall be in accordance with BS 5628 Parts 1, 2 and 3 as applicable.

302.300 The design of structural concrete shall be in accordance with BS 8110 Parts 1 and 2 as
applicable.

302.310 The design of steelwork shall be in accordance with BS 5950 Part 1.

302.320 The design of foundations shall be in accordance with BS 8004.

302.330 The design loadings shall be in accordance with BS 6399: Parts 1, 2 and 3.

MATERIALS

302.340 A complete set of general arrangement drawings shall be submitted to National Grid. These
shall provide the following information:
• Overall dimensions and clearances to transformer
• Wall and roof construction details and details of any supporting structure
• Location and details of doors
• Location and details of foam inlet points, drainage ducts, ventilation openings and other
wall penetrations
• Location and details of turret openings and other roof penetrations
• Waterproofing details
• Electrical services

302.350 Brickwork and brickwork components shall be to BS 5628: Part 3 and shall comply with the
requirements of Section 231 (Brickwork and Blockwork) of this generic specification.

302.360 Facing bricks shall be used to the external face of the enclosure. Samples shall be
submitted to National Grid for approval.

302.380 Concrete shall be in accordance with BS 5328 Part 1 and shall comply with the relevant
sections of this generic specification.

302.390 Steelwork shall comply with the National Structural Steelwork Specification for Building
Construction (NSSS), BS EN 10025, BS EN 10210 and with the requirements the relevant
sections of this generic specification.

302.400 All steelwork used in the enclosure shall be hot dipped galvanized in accordance with BS
EN ISO 1461 and shall comply with the relevant sections of this generic specification.

302.410 Doors shall be in accordance with the relevant sections of this generic specification. Doors
shall be painted in a colour approved by National Grid.

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WORKMANSHIP

302.420 Workmanship shall be to BS 5628 Part 3, BS 8000 Parts 2, 3 and 4, and the NSSS and
shall comply with the requirements of the relevant sections of this generic specification.

302.430 The contractor shall provide a detailed method statement for the construction of the
enclosure including sequencing of construction. This is a Hold Point.

302.440 The contractor shall provide temporary bracing to ensure the stability of the structure during
construction.

QUALITY CONTROL

302.450 Manufacturer’s certificates of conformance shall be submitted to National Grid for the
materials and components used and any tests as required by the relevant sections of this
generic specification.

302.460 Checked design calculations and drawings for the enclosure shall be submitted to National
Grid including calculations for the structural and acoustic design of walls and roof. This is a
Hold Point.

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 302 are listed below and shall be
the edition, including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The contractor shall bring to the attention of National Grid any inconsistencies between the
requirements of these standards and this Generic Specification.

BS 476 Fire tests on building materials and structures.

BS 5328-1 Concrete: Guide to specifying concrete
BS 5628-1 Code of practice for use of masonry. Structural use of unreinforced
masonry
BS 5628-2 Code of practice for use of masonry. Structural use of reinforced and
prestressed masonry
BS 5628-3 Code of practice for use of masonry. Materials and components, design
and workmanship
BS 5950-1 Structural use of steelwork in building. Code of practice for design in
simple and continuous construction: hot rolled sections.
BS 6399 Loading for buildings
BS 8000-2 Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for concrete work
BS 8000-3 Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for masonry
BS 8000-4 Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for waterproofing
BS 8004 Code of practice for foundations
BS 8110-1 Structural Use of Concrete. Code of practice for design and construction
BS 8110-2 Structural Use of Concrete. Code of practice for special circumstances
BS EN ISO 1461 Hot dip galvanised coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
Specification and test methods
BS EN 10025 Hot rolled products of non-alloy structural steels. Technical delivery
conditions
BS EN 10210 Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain
structural steels.

National Structural Steelwork Specification for Building Construction (NSSS)

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

302.340 General arrangement drawings

and design calculations

302.430 Construction method statement

302.450 Materials test certificates

302.460 General arrangement drawings

and design calculations

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

302.140 Approval of acoustic

design of walls

302.210 Approval of acoustic

design of roof

302.270 Lighting connection

302.460 Approval of design

calculations and
drawings for the
enclosure

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 APPENDIX G

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 704

LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM

 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM
704

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 704

TITLE : LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 704/2

GENERAL 704/2
General Requirements for the Bund lining System 704/2
Method Statement 704/2
General Clauses 704/2

SURFACE PREPARATION 704/2

Concrete Surfaces 704/2
Brickwork Surfaces 704/3

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM 704/3

LOCAL REINFORCEMENT OF MOVEMENT JOINTS, CRACKS, ETC 704/3

General 704/3
Materials 704/3
Workmanship 704/3

APPLICATION OF ELASTOMERIC BUND LINING MATERIAL 704/4

General 704/4
Materials 704/4
Workmanship 704/4

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES 704/5

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS 704/5

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES 704/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES 704/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS 704/5

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm 704/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

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SCOPE

704.010 This specification covers the application of the Liquid Plastics Decothane SP Bund Lining
System. The following shall also be read in conjunction with Liquid Plastics Ltd’s technical
data sheets for each material referenced.

GENERAL

General Requirement for the Bund Lining System

704.020 The bund lining system shall provide a water/oil proof lining system for reinforced concrete
transformer/oil tank bunds and be totally resistant to transformer oil to BS 148, contact with
which may be continuous due to leakage from the transformer/oil tanks. The workmanship
and quality of the materials shall be such as to provide a long-term maintenance-free
water/oil proof lining system to the bunds. The Contractor shall state in his tender
submission the period for which the lining system is guaranteed to first maintenance

Method Statement

704.030 The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with statements setting out his method of
working. No work shall commence until the Contractor’s method statement has been
approved in writing by the Engineer. All work shall be carried out under the strict
supervision of the Employer.

704.040 The Contractor shall comply strictly with the health and safety instructions supplied by the
manufacturer. The method statement shall address all aspects of safety when applying the
materials.

General Clauses

704.050 All gravel from bunds required to receive the bund lining system shall be removed from site.
Oil contaminated gravel shall be removed to a suitably licensed tip.

704.060 The bund lining system, including the treatment of joints shall be applied to the areas noted
in Clauses 704.130 and 704.190.

704.070 On completion of the bund lining system, the bund shall be subjected to a 72 hour water test
such that when filled to a level 150mm above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth, the
decrease in water level within the bund over this period is not greater than 3mm allowing for
evaporation and rainfall. Where the bund fails the test the Contractor shall carry out any
necessary remedial work and re-test.

704.080 After completion of the water test to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall lay
paving slabs in areas of the bund defined on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
Slabs shall be 450mm x 450mm square x 65mm thick and provided with a rough slip
resistant surface and laid on a proprietary oil resistant paving support system, capable of
accepting a point load of 2kN. The gap between each slab shall not exceed 25mm.

704.090 All materials shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
Contractor shall make available suitable storage facilities to cater for all weather conditions
including temperature.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete Surfaces

704.100 All surfaces to be treated with the bund lining system shall be free from laitance, friable
concrete, oil, grease, applied membranes, paint films and any loose material or moss and
algae growth, and prepared to form a sand-paper like texture. Acceptable methods of
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preparation shall include, but not be limited to the use of needle gunning, degreasing agents
or steam cleaning. All such methods proposed shall be subject to approval by the Engineer.
The use of grit blasting shall only be accepted if it is dust-free, and shall additionally be
subject to agreement with the Engineer. The Contractor shall state his preferred method(s)
of surface preparation at the time of tender.

704.101 The Contractor shall prove the condition of the prepared surface by carrying out pull-off
tests in areas selected by the Engineer for spot application of the lining system. The
minimum adhesion to the concrete shall be 1N/mm2. Areas which fall below the value shall
be subjected to further cleaning, and surface preparation. If after further treatment
difficulties are still experienced in achieving the specified adhesion, the Engineer shall
review the need for further preparatory work prior to coating of the bund. All test results
shall be recorded on QA record sheets and submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold
Point.

Brickwork Surfaces

704.110 Where the bund lining system is to be applied directly to brickwork the surface shall be
prepared as in Clause 704.100 and 704.101.

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

704.120 The bund lining system shall consist of two parts

(i) The local reinforcement of movement joints, cracks and wall/slab junctions.

(ii) The application of an elastomeric membrane to the concrete infill slabs forming the
bund including the locally reinforced areas noted in (i) to form a continuous
membrane.

LOCAL REINFORCEMENT OF MOVEMENT JOINTS, CRACKS, ETC

General

704.130 The local reinforcement shall be applied to all movement joints including the joint between
the transformer/cooler/tank plinth and the concrete infill slab, cracks in the ground slab
exceeding 0.2mm and at the intersection between the bund wall and the concrete infill slab.
Where there is an existing sealant in the expansion joint, this shall be retained as a backing
strip provided it is compatible with the lining system, otherwise an approved backing strip
shall be incorporated.

Materials

704.140 The local reinforcing material shall be Reemet Heavy Duty Flexitape used in conjunction
with 25mm (min) masking tape as a bond breaker.

704.150 The bonding material for the reinforcing material shall be Decothane SP.

Workmanship

704.160 Application of the materials shall only proceed if the substrate has been prepared in
accordance with 704.100 and the substrate is;
(i) free from visible dampness
(ii) the surface temperature is greater than 20ºC and,
(iii) the ambient air temperature and surface temperature is above the dewpoint

704.170 An approved masking tape of minimum width 25mm shall be laid centrally along all
movement joints, cracks, intersections described in clause 704.130 to provide a bond
breaker.
704/3 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
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704

704.180 Decothane SP shall be applied at a rate of 1 litre per sq m to an area approximately 33%
wider than the tape width, and while the membrane is still wet Reemet Heavy Duty Flexitape
shall be inserted by gentle pressure from a loaded brush. Further Decothane SP shall be
applied until the masking tape is obliterated.

APPLICATION OF ELASTOMERIC BUND LINING MATERIAL

General

704.190 Unless otherwise shown on the drawings the elastomeric bund lining membrane shall be
applied within the bund as follows:

(i) To all concrete infill slabs

(ii) Up the sides of transformer/cooler/oil tank plinths to extend 300mm horizontally

beyond the edge of the chamfer. (NOTE: Horizontal areas of lining not receiving
paving slabs shall be treated with a non-slip finish)

(iii) On the inside of the bund wall up to a level of 300mm above the
transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth level.

(iv) To the sides of brick noise enclosures located within the transformer bund up to
300mm above the transformer/cooler plinth level.

Materials

704.200 The elastomeric bund lining material shall be Decothane SP used in conjunction with
Reemat Premium Glass Fibre Matting (Gamma -15 System).

704.210 Materials for filling blow holes or for smoothing surface irregularities shall be LPL
Monofill/Monoseal as appropriate.

Workmanship

704.220 The lining system shall not be applied to green concrete until the concrete has fully cured
(10 days minimum).

704.230 All blow-holes and surface irregularities shall be filled with LPL Monoseal using a scrape-
on/scrape-off technique. The repair of large defects shall be affected by the use of LPL
Monofill.

704.240 After a period of at least 72 hours has lapsed and subject to the condition of the concrete
substrate being as described in clause 704.160 the Decothane SP system shall be applied
to the areas of the bund defined in clause 704.190. This shall include all areas reinforced
with the flexitape so that a continuous membrane is achieved.

704.250 An initial embedment coat of Decothane SP shall be roller applied at a minimum rate of
1litre/m2 and while still wet Reemat Premium Glass Fibre Matting shall be inserted followed
by rollering until the mat is completely embedded and thoroughly saturated. Adjacent areas
already laid are to be overlapped by 30mm to 50mm ensuring sufficient embedment
material is applied to these areas.

704.260 After the first coat is dry a second coat of Decothane SP shall be applied using a long pile
roller at a minimum rate of 0.75litres/m2 to achieve an appropriate overall dry film thickness
of 1400 microns.

704.270 To aid application of the final coat the first coat shall be grey, and the final coat white.

704/4 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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704

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES

704.271 The testing for the adhesion of the lining system to the substrate in completed areas shall
only be required by the Engineer where doubt exists over the adhesion achieved. In such
2
cases a minimum adhesion of 1.0N/mm shall be acceptable, subject to failure being within
the substrate. Areas of the lining system which do not achieve this value shall be removed,
and reinstated after further surface treatment.

704.272 The Contractors shall operate a system for ensuring that the specified thickness of the
material is achieved. The wet film thickness shall be measured and recorded for every
10m2 using a comb-type thickness gauge or other approved means.

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS

704.280 Where shown on the drawings or directed by the Engineer a 100mm wide upstand wall shall
be formed either side of the transformer enclosure constructed within the bund. The wall
shall be dowelled into the foundation concrete and extend 300mm above the level of the
transformer/cooler plinth. The construction of the upstand wall shall obviate the need to
provide any surface preparation to the brickwork. In such instances the bund lining system
shall be applied directly to the concrete.

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES

704.290 The treatment of trenches within the bund shall be as directed by the Engineer or as shown
on the drawings. Trenches may either be sealed by infilling with concrete or providing the
bund lining system to the bottom and sides of the trench.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES

704.300 Where cable entries rise vertically out of the bund floor or from within a concrete filled trench
these shall be treated by casting a concrete upstand around the entry to a level of 150mm
above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth and applying the bund lining material to the sides
of the upstand. In addition an approved oil resistant sealant shall be applied at the junction
of the cables and the concrete upstand.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS

704.310 All vertical joints in bund walls shall be cleaned out and filled with an approved non-shrink
pourable grout and finally sealed using the Reemat Heavy Duty Flexitape as described in
clause 704.130 to 704.170.

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm

704.320 All cracks in bund walls exceeding 0.2mm shall be sealed by means of an approved resin
injection method.

704/5 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM
704

APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 704 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 148 Specification for unused and reclaimed mineral insulating oils for transformers and
switchgear

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM
704

APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
LIQUID PLASTICS DECOTHANE SP SYSTEM
704

APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

704.101 Testing of prepared

surfaces

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 APPENDIX H

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 705

DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM

 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 705

TITLE : DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 705/2

GENERAL 705/2
General Requirements for the Bund lining System 705/2
Method Statement 705/2
General Clauses 705/2

SURFACE PREPARATION 705/2

Concrete Surfaces 705/2
Brickwork Surfaces 705/3

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM 705/3

APPLICATION OF THE BUND LINING MATERIAL 705/3

General 705/3
Materials 705/3
Workmanship 705/4

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES 705/4

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS 705/4

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES 705/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES 705/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS 705/5

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm 705/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

705/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

SCOPE

705.010 This specification covers the application of the David Roofing Novacoat Bund Lining
System. The following shall also be read in conjunction with David Roofing’s technical data
sheets for each material referenced.

GENERAL

General Requirements for the Bund Lining System

705.020 The bund lining system shall provide a water/oil proof lining system for reinforced concrete
transformer/oil tank bunds and be totally resistant to transformer oil to BS 148, contact with
which may be continuous due to leakage from the transformer/oil tanks. The workmanship
and quality of the materials shall be such as to provide a long-term maintenance-free
water/oil proof lining system to the bunds. The Contractor shall state in his tender
submission the period for which the lining system is guaranteed to first maintenance.

Method Statement

705.030 The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with statements setting out his method of
working. No work shall commence until the Contractor’s method statement has been
approved in writing by the Engineer. All work shall be carried out under the strict
supervision of the Employer.

705.040 The Contractor shall comply strictly with the health and safety instructions supplied by the
manufacturer. The method statement shall address all aspects of safety when applying the
materials.

General Clauses

705.050 All gravel from bunds required to receive the bund lining system shall be removed from site.
Oil contaminated gravel shall be removed to a suitably licensed tip.

705.060 The bund lining system, including the treatment of joints shall be applied to the areas noted
in Clauses 705.130.

705.070 On completion of the bund lining system, the bund shall be subjected to a 72 hour water test
such that when filled to a level 150mm above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth, the
decrease in water level within the bund over this period is not greater than 3mm allowing for
evaporation and rainfall. Where the bund fails the test the Contractor shall carry out any
necessary remedial work and re-test.

705.080 After completion of the water test to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall lay
paving slabs in areas of the bund defined on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
Slabs shall be 450mm x 450mm x 65mm thick square and provided with a rough slip
resistant surface, and laid on, a proprietary oil resistant paving support system capable of
accepting a point load of 2kN. The gap between each slab shall not exceed 25mm.

705.090 All materials shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
Contractor shall make available suitable storage facilities to cater for all weather conditions
including temperature.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete Surfaces

705.100 All surfaces to be treated with the bund lining system shall be free from laitance, friable
concrete, oil, grease, applied membranes, paint films and any loose material or moss and
algae growth, and prepared to form a sand-paper like texture. Acceptable methods of
705/2 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

preparation shall include, but not be limited to the use of needle gunning, degreasing agents
or steam cleaning. All such methods proposed shall be subject to approval by the Engineer.
The use of grit blasting shall only be accepted if it is dust-free, and shall additionally be
subject to agreement with the Engineer. The Contractor shall state his preferred method(s)
of surface preparation at the time of tender.

705.101 The Contractor shall prove the condition of the prepared surface by carrying out pull-off
tests in areas selected by the Engineer for spot application of the lining system. The
minimum adhesion to the concrete shall be 1N/mm2. Areas which fall below the value shall
be subjected to further cleaning, and surface preparation. If after further treatment
difficulties are still experienced in achieving the specified adhesion the Engineer shall
review the need for further preparatory work prior to coating of the bund. All test results
shall be recorded on QA record sheets and submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold
Point.

Brickwork Surfaces

705.110 Where the bund lining system is to be applied directly to brickwork the surface shall be
prepared as in Clause 705.100.

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

705.120 The bund lining system shall consist of the application of a reinforced elastomeric
membrane to the concrete infill slabs forming the bund with additional local reinforcement to
movement joints.

APPLICATION OF THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

General

705.130 Unless otherwise shown on the drawings the elastomeric bund lining system shall be
applied within the bund as follows:

(i) To all concrete infill slabs

(ii) Up the sides of transformer/cooler/oil tank plinths to extend 300mm horizontally

beyond the edge of the chamfer. (NOTE: Horizontal areas of lining not receiving
paving slabs shall be treated with a non-slip finish).

(iii) On the inside of the bund wall up to a level of 300mm above the
transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth level.

(iv) To the sides of brick noise enclosures located within the transformer bund up to
300mm above the transformer/cooler plinth level.

(v) All movement joints including the joint between the transformer/cooler/tank plinth
and the concrete infill slab shall be provided with additional mat reinforcement
locally.

Materials

705.140 Materials for filling cracks, blowholes and surface irregularities shall be an approved
polymer cement mortar.

705.150 The material to be used for priming the concrete surfaces shall be Novacoat Primer.

705.160 The reinforcing material shall be a random weave glass fibre mat.

705.170 The elastomeric lining material shall be Novacoat.

705/3 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
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705

Workmanship

705.180 The lining system shall not be applied to green concrete until the concrete has fully cured. A
period of 28 days shall be allowed unless agreed otherwise.

705.190 Where there is existing sealant in the expansion joint this shall be retained as a backing
strip provided it is compatible with the lining system, otherwise an approved silicone
material shall be incorporated.

705.200 All blow-holes and surface irregularities and cracks shall be filled with an approved polymer
cement mortar using a scrape-on/scrape-off technique or other approved method as
appropriate.

705.210 After the repair material has cured, and the surface of the concrete is dry, areas to be
treated with the bund lining system shall be primed with Novacoat Primer in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The minimum rate of coverage shall be
12m2/litre.

705.220 Within 24 hours of priming the first coat of Novacoat shall be brush applied at a minimum
spread rate of 2m2 per litre which shall also incorporate the reinforcing mat. Sufficient
material shall be applied to ensure full encapsulation of the mat. All laps shall be at least
50mm. Additional mat reinforcement shall be applied across movement joints.

705.230 The first coat shall be allowed to dry before applying a second coat of Novacoat at a
2
minimum spread rate of 2m per litre. To aid application the undercoat shall be black and
the final coat grey.

705.240 Application of the materials shall only proceed if the substrate has been prepared in
accordance with Clause 705.100 and the substrate is;

(i) free from surface moisture

(ii) the surface temperature is not below 3ºC nor greater than 30ºC and,
(iii) the ambient air temperature and surface temperature is above the dew point

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES

705.241 The testing for the adhesion of the lining system to the substrate in completed areas shall
only be required by the Engineer where doubt exists over the adhesion achieved. In such
cases a minimum adhesion of 1.0 N/mm2 shall be acceptable, subject to failure being within
the substrate. Areas of the lining system which do not achieve this value shall be removed,
and reinstated after further surface treatment.

705.242 The Contractor shall operate a system for ensuring that the specified thickness of the
material is achieved. The wet film thickness shall be measured and recorded for every 10m2
using a comb-type thickness gauge or other approved means.

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS

705.250 Where shown on the drawings or directed by the Engineer a 100mm wide upstand wall shall
be formed either side of the transformer enclosure constructed within the bund. The wall
shall be dowelled into the foundation concrete and extend 300mm above the level of the
transformer/cooler plinth. The construction of the upstand wall shall obviate the need to
provide any surface preparation to the brickwork. In such instances the bund lining system
shall be applied directly to the concrete.

705/4 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
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 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES

705.260 The treatment of trenches within the bund shall be as directed by the Engineer or as shown
on the drawings. Trenches may either be sealed by infilling with concrete or providing the
bund lining system to the bottom and sides of the trench.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES

705.270 Where cable entries rise vertically out of the bund floor or from within a concrete filled trench
these shall be treated by casting a concrete upstand around the entry to a level of 150mm
above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth and applying the bund lining material to the
sides of the upstand. In addition an approved oil resistant sealant shall be applied at the
junction of the cables and the concrete upstand.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS

705.280 All vertical joints in bund walls shall be cleaned out and filled with an approved non-shrink
pourable grout, and finally sealed using the lining system as applied to joints.

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm

705.290 All cracks in bund walls exceeding 0.2mm shall be sealed by means of an approved resin
injection method.

705/5 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 705 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 148 Specification for unused and reclaimed mineral insulating oils for transformers and
switchgear

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DAVID ROOFING NOVACOAT SYSTEM
705

APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

705.101 Testing of prepared

surfaces

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 APPENDIX I

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 707

PERMARE EP SYSTEM
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 707

TITLE : PERMARE EP SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 707/2

GENERAL 707/2
General Requirements for the Bund Lining System 707/2
Method Statement 707/2
General Clauses 707/2

SURFACE PREPARATION 707/2

Concrete Surfaces 707/2
Brickwork Surfaces 707/3

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM 707/3

APPLICATION OF THE BUND LINING MATERIAL 707/3

General 707/3
Materials 707/3
Workmanship 707/4

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES 707/4

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS 707/4

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES 707/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES 707/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS 707/5

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm 707/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

707/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

SCOPE

707.010 This specification covers the application of the Stirling Lloyd Permare EP Bund Lining
System. The following shall also be read in conjunction with Stirling Lloyd’s technical data
sheets for each material referenced.

GENERAL

General Requirement for the Bund Lining System

707.020 The bund lining system shall provide a water/oil proof lining system for reinforced concrete
transformer/oil tank bunds and be totally resistant to transformer oil to BS 148, contact with
which may be continuous due to leakage from the transformer/oil tanks. The workmanship
and quality of the materials shall be such as to provide a long-term maintenance-free
water/oil proof lining system to the bunds. The Contractor shall state in his tender
submission the period for which the lining system is guaranteed to first maintenance.

Method Statement

707.030 The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with statements setting out his method of
working. No work shall commence until the Contractor’s method statement has been
approved in writing by the Engineer. All work shall be carried out under the strict
supervision of the Employer.

707.040 The Contractor shall comply strictly with the health and safety instructions supplied by the
manufacturer. The method statement shall address all aspects of safety when applying the
materials.

General Clauses

707.050 All gravel from bunds required to receive the bund lining system shall be removed from site.
Oil contaminated gravel shall be removed to a suitably licensed tip.

707.060 The bund lining system, including the treatment of joints shall be applied to the areas noted
in Clause 707.130.

707.070 On completion of the bund lining system, the bund shall be subjected to a 72 hour water test
such that when filled to a level 150mm above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth, the
decrease in water level within the bund over this period is not greater than 3mm allowing for
evaporation and rainfall. Where the bund fails the test the Contractor shall carry out any
necessary remedial work and re-test.

707.080 After completion of the water test to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall lay
paving slabs in areas of the bund defined on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
Slabs shall be 450mm x 450mm x 65mm thick square and provided with a rough slip
resistant surface, and laid on a proprietary oil resistant paving support system capable of
accepting a point load of 2kN. The gap between each slab shall not exceed 25mm.

707.090 All materials shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
Contractor shall make available suitable storage facilities to cater for all weather conditions
including temperature.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete Surfaces

707.100 All surfaces to be treated with the bund lining system shall be free from laitance, friable
concrete, oil, grease, applied membranes, paint films and any loose material or moss and
algae growth, and prepared to form a sand-paper like texture. Acceptable methods of
707/2 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

preparation shall include, but not be limited to the use of needle gunning, degreasing agents
or steam cleaning. All such methods proposed shall be subject to approval by the Engineer.
The use of grit blasting shall only be accepted if it is dust-free, and shall additionally be
subject to agreement with the Engineer. The Contractor shall state his preferred method(s)
of surface preparation at the time of tender.

707.101 The Contractor shall prove the condition of the prepared surface by carrying out pull-off
tests in areas selected by the Engineer for spot application of the lining system. The
minimum adhesion to the concrete shall be 1N/mm2. Areas which fall below the value shall
be subjected to further cleaning, and surface preparation. If after further treatment
difficulties are still experienced in achieving the specified adhesion, the Engineer shall
review the need for further preparatory work prior to coating of the bund. All test results
shall be recorded on QA record sheets and submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold
Point.

Brickwork Surfaces

707.110 Where the bund lining system is to be applied directly to brickwork the surface shall be
prepared as in Clause 707.100.

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

707.120 The bund lining system shall consist of the application of an elastomeric membrane to the
concrete infill slabs forming the bund with local reinforcement incorporated at movement
joints.

APPLICATION OF THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

General

707.130 Unless otherwise shown on the drawings the elastomeric bund lining system shall be
applied within the bund as follows:

(i) To all concrete infill slabs

(ii) Up the sides of transformer/cooler/oil tank plinths to extend 300mm horizontally

beyond the edge of the chamfer. (NOTE: Horizontal areas of lining not receiving
paving slabs shall be treated with a non-slip finish)

(iii) On the inside of the bund wall up to a level of 300mm above the
transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth level.

(iv) To the sides of brick noise enclosures located within the transformer bund up to
300mm above the transformer/cooler plinth level.

(v) All movement joints including the joint between the transformer/cooler/tank plinth
and the concrete infill slab shall be reinforced with an approved geotextile mat.

Materials

707.140 Materials for filling cracks, blowholes and surface irregularities shall be an approved
polymer cement mortar.

707.150 The material to be used for priming the concrete surfaces shall be PAR1 Primer by Stirling
Lloyd.

707.160 The reinforcing material used over the expansion joints shall be Terram 500S, or other
approved material.

707/3 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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707.170 The elastomeric lining material shall be Permare EP.

Workmanship

707.180 Permare EP, including the primer shall only be applied if the surface is dry and the
temperature of the substrate is between 7ºC and 30ºC. However, subject to approval by the
Engineer and in accordance with the Manufacturer’s recommendations, the material may be
applied at lower substrate temperatures provided the material is warmed to improve flow by
immersing the container in heated water. In addition, the ambient air temperature and
substrate temperature shall be above the dew point. Contact with rain shall be avoided until
the material has cured.

707.190 The lining system shall not be applied to green concrete until the concrete has fully cured. A
period of 7 days shall be allowed unless agreed otherwise.

707.200 Where there is existing sealant in the expansion joint this shall be retained as a backing
strip provided it is compatible with the lining system, otherwise an approved backing rod or
joint sealant shall be incorporated.

707.210 All blow-holes and surface irregularities and cracks shall be filled with an approved polymer
cement mortar using a scrape-on/scrape-off technique or other approved method as
appropriate.

707.220 After the repair material has cured, areas to be treated with the bund lining system shall be
primed with PAR1 Primer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
minimum rate of coverage shall be 200g/m2.

707.230 As soon as possible after the primer has cured, the first coat of Permare EP shall be applied
by means of a brush or short pile roller at a minimum rate of coverage of 0.6kg/m2.

707.240 After the first coat has been allowed to cure (normally not greater than 24 hours), a second
coat of Permare EP shall be applied at a minimum spread rate of 0.6kg/m2. The total
minimum cured thickness (2 coats) shall be 1mm.

707.250 All cracks and internal angles over the area specified to receive the coating shall receive a
0.5mm thick stripe coat of Permare EP prior to applying the first coat (see Clause 707.230).

707.260 Expansion joints shall be treated by incorporating a 300mm width of Terram 500S centrally
over the joint in conjunction with a 75mm debonding strip. The geotextile shall be laid in a
stripe coat of Permare EP. Sufficient coating shall be applied to ensure full encapsulation
of the mat. A further two coats shall be applied over the movement joint at the same time
that adjacent areas of slab are treated. The treatment of the joint shall be subject to the
conditions in Clause 707.180.

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES

707.261.1 The testing for the adhesion of the lining system to the substrate in completed areas shall
only be required by the Engineer where doubt exists over the adhesion achieved. In such
2
cases a minimum adhesion of 0.7 N/mm shall be acceptable, subject to failure being within
the substrate. Areas of the lining system which do not achieve this value shall be removed,
and reinstated after further surface treatment.

705.262.1 The Contractor shall operate a system for ensuring that the specified thickness of the
material is achieved. The wet film thickness shall be measured and recorded for every
2
10m using a comb-type thickness gauge or other approved means.

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS

707/4 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

707.270.2 Where shown on the drawings or directed by the Engineer a 100mm wide upstand wall shall
be formed either side of the transformer enclosure constructed within the bund. The wall
shall be dowelled into the foundation concrete and extend 300mm above the level of the
transformer/cooler plinth. The construction of the upstand wall shall obviate the need to
provide any surface preparation to the brickwork. In such instances the bund lining system
shall be applied directly to the concrete.

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES

707.280 The treatment of trenches within the bund shall be as directed by the Engineer or as shown
on the drawings. Trenches may either be sealed by infilling with concrete or providing the
bund lining system to the bottom and sides of the trench.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES

707.290 Where cable entries rise vertically out of the bund floor or from within a concrete filled trench
these shall be treated by casting a concrete upstand around the entry to a level of 150mm
above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth and applying the bund lining material to the
sides of the upstand. In addition an approved oil resistant sealant shall be applied at the
junction of the cables and the concrete upstand.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS

707.300.1 All vertical joints in bund walls shall be cleaned out and filled with an approved non-shrink
pourable grout, and finally sealed using the lining system as applied to joints.

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm

707.310 All cracks in bund walls exceeding 0.2mm shall be sealed by means of an approved resin
injection method.

707/5 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 707 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 148 Specification for unused and reclaimed mineral insulating oils for transformers and
switchgear

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
PERMARE EP SYSTEM
707

APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

707.101 Testing of prepared

surfaces

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 APPENDIX J

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 709

DON CHEMICALS ‘QUICKMAST’ SYSTEM

 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DON CHEMICALS QUICKMAST SYSTEM
709

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 709

TITLE : DON CHEMICALS ‘QUICKMAST’ SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 709/2

GENERAL 709/2
General Requirements for the Bund lining System 709/2
Method Statement 709/2
General Clauses 709/2

SURFACE PREPARATION 709/2

Concrete Surfaces 709/2
Brickwork Surfaces 709/3

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM 709/3

APPLICATION OF THE BUND LINING MATERIAL 709/3

General 709/3
Materials 709/3
Workmanship 709/3

APPLICATION OF ELASTOMERIC BUND LINING MATERIAL 709/4

General 709/4
Materials 709/4
Workmanship 709/4

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES 709/5

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS 709/5

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES 709/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES 709/5

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS 709/5

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm 709/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

709/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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SCOPE

709.010 This specification covers the application of the Don Construction Products Quickmast Bund
Lining System. The following shall also be read in conjunction with Don Construction
Products technical data sheets for each material referenced.

GENERAL

General Requirements for the Bund Lining System

709.020 The bund lining system shall provide a water/oil proof lining system for reinforced concrete
transformer/oil tank bunds and be totally resistant to transformer oil to BS 148, contact with
which may be continuous due to leakage from the transformer/oil tanks. The workmanship
and quality of the materials shall be such as to provide a long-term maintenance-free
water/oil proof lining system to the bunds. The Contractor shall state in his tender
submission the period for which the lining system is guaranteed to first maintenance.

Method Statement

709.030 The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with statements setting out his method of
working. No work shall commence until the Contractor’s method statement has been
approved in writing by the Engineer. All work shall be carried out under the strict
supervision of the Employer.

709.040 The Contractor shall comply strictly with the health and safety instructions supplied by the
manufacturer. The method statement shall address all aspects of safety when applying the
materials.

General Clauses

709.050 All gravel from bunds required to receive the bund lining system shall be removed from site.
Oil contaminated gravel shall be removed to a licensed tip.

709.060 The bund lining system, including the treatment of joints shall be applied to the areas noted
in Clause 709.130.

709.070 On completion of the bund lining system, the bund shall be subjected to a 72 hour water test
such that when filled to a level 150mm above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth, the
decrease in water level within the bund over this period is not greater than 3mm allowing for
evaporation and rainfall. Where the bund fails the test the Contractor shall carry out any
necessary remedial work and re-test.

709.080.1 After completion of the water test to the satisfaction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall lay
paving slabs in areas of the bund defined on the drawings or as directed by the Engineer.
Slabs shall be 450mm x 450mm x 65mm thick square and provided with a rough slip
resistant surface, and laid on a proprietary oil resistant paving support system capable of
accepting a point load of 2kN. The gap between each slab shall not exceed 25mm.

709.090 All materials shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
Contractor shall make available suitable storage facilities to cater for all weather conditions
including temperature.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete Surfaces

709.100 All surfaces to be treated with the bund lining system shall be free from laitance, friable
concrete, oil, grease, applied membranes, paint films and any loose material or moss and
algae growth, and prepared to form a sand-paper like texture. Acceptable methods of
709/2 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering
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preparation shall include, but not be limited to the use of needle gunning, degreasing agents
or steam cleaning. All such methods proposed shall be subject to approval by the Engineer.
The use of grit blasting shall only be accepted if it is dust-free, and shall additionally be
subject to agreement with the Engineer. The Contractor shall state his preferred method(s)
of surface preparation at the time of tender.

709.101 The Contractor shall prove the condition of the prepared surface by carrying out pull-off
tests in areas selected by the Engineer for spot application of the lining system. The
minimum adhesion to the concrete shall be 1N/mm2. Areas which fall below the value shall
be subjected to further cleaning, and surface preparation. If after further treatment
difficulties are still experienced in achieving the specified adhesion, the Engineer shall
review the need for further preparatory work prior to coating of the bund. All test results
shall be recorded on QA record sheets and submitted to the Engineer. This is a Hold
Point.

709.102 Grind external angles and install cove with approved mortar to internal angles.

Brickwork Surfaces

709.110 Where the bund lining system is to be applied directly to brickwork the surface shall be
prepared as in Clause 709.100.

THE BUND LINING SYSTEM

709.120 The bund lining system shall consist of the application of an elastomeric membrane to the
concrete infill slabs forming the bund with local reinforcement incorporated at movement
joints.

APPLICATION OF BUND LINING SYSTEM

General

709.130.1 Unless otherwise shown on the drawings the elastomeric bund lining system shall be
applied within the bund as follows:

(i) To all concrete infill slabs

(ii) Up the sides of transformer/cooler/oil tank plinths to extend 300mm horizontally

beyond the edge of the chamfer

(iii) On the inside of the bund wall up to a level of 300mm above the
transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth level

(iv) To the sides of brick noise enclosures located within the transformer bund up to
300mm above the transformer/cooler plinth level

(v) All movement joints including the joint between the transformer/cooler/tank plinth
and the concrete infill slab shall be reinforced with an approved geotextile mat

(vi) Horizontal areas of lining not receiving paving slabs shall be treated with a non-slip
finish

Materials

709.140 Materials for filling cracks, blowholes and surface irregularities shall be an approved mortar.

709.150 The material to be used for priming the concrete surfaces shall be Quickmast 481 by Don
Construction Products Ltd.

709/3 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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709.160 The reinforcing material used over the expansion joints shall be an approved glass fibre
mesh.

709.170 The elastomeric lining material shall be Quikmast 405.

Workmanship

709.180 The Quickmast 481 and 405 shall only be applied if the surface is dry and the temperature
of the substrate is between 5ºC and 30ºC. In addition, the ambient air temperature and
substrate temperature shall be above the dew point.

709.190 The lining system shall not be applied to green concrete until the concrete has attained a
strength of 20 N/mm².

709.200 Where there is existing sealant in the expansion joint this shall be retained as a backing
strip provided it is compatible with the lining system, otherwise an approved backing rod or
joint sealant shall be incorporated.

709.210 All blow-holes and surface irregularities and cracks shall be filled with an approved polymer
cement mortar using a scrape-on/scrape-off technique or other approved method as
appropriate.

709.220 After the repair material has cured, areas to be treated with the bund lining system shall be
primed with Quickmast 481 in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
minimum rate of coverage shall be 200g/m2.

709.230 As soon as possible after the primer has cured i.e. when the coating turns from opaque to
clear, the first coat of Quickmast 405 shall be applied by means of a brush or short pile
roller at a minimum rate of coverage of 0.3kg/m2.

709.240 After the first coat has been allowed to cure (normally not greater than 24 hours), a second
coat of Quickmast 405 shall be applied at a minimum spread rate of 0.3kg/m2.

709.250 All cracks and internal angles over the area specified to receive the coating shall receive a
100mm wide stripe coat of Quickmast 405 at 0.3kg/m² prior to applying the first coat (see
Clause 709.230).
709.260 Expansion joints shall be treated by incorporating a 300mm width of mesh centrally over the
joint in conjunction with a 75mm debonding strip. The mesh shall be laid in a stripe coat of
Quickmast 405. Sufficient coating shall be applied to ensure full encapsulation of the mat.
A further two coats shall be applied over the movement joint at the same time that adjacent
areas of slab are treated. The treatment of the joint shall be subject to the conditions in
Clause 707.180.

TESTING OF TREATED SURFACES

709.261 The testing for the adhesion of the lining system to the substrate in completed areas shall
only be required by the Engineer where doubt exists over the adhesion achieved. In such
cases a minimum adhesion of 1.0 N/mm2 shall be acceptable, subject to failure being within
the substrate. Areas of the lining system which do not achieve this value shall be removed,
and reinstated after further surface treatment.

705.262 The Contractor shall operate a system for ensuring that the specified thickness of the
material is achieved. The wet film thickness shall be measured and recorded for every 10
m2 using a comb-type thickness gauge or other approved means.

TREATMENT OF NOISE ENCLOSURE WALLS

709.270.1 Where shown on the drawings or directed by the Engineer a 100mm wide upstand wall shall
be formed either side of the transformer enclosure constructed within the bund. The wall
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shall be dowelled into the foundation concrete and extend 300mm above the level of the
transformer/cooler plinth. The construction of the upstand wall shall obviate the need to
provide any surface preparation to the brickwork. In such instances the bund lining system
shall be applied directly to the concrete.

TREATMENT OF CABLE TRENCHES

709.280 The treatment of trenches within the bund shall be as directed by the Engineer or as shown
on the drawings. Trenches may either be sealed by infilling with concrete or providing the
bund lining system to the bottom and sides of the trench.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL CABLE ENTRIES

709.290 Where cable entries rise vertically out of the bund floor or from within a concrete filled trench
these shall be treated by casting a concrete upstand around the entry to a level of 150mm
above the transformer/cooler/oil tank plinth and applying the bund lining material to the sides
of the upstand. In addition an approved oil resistant sealant shall be applied at the junction
of the cables and the concrete upstand.

TREATMENT OF VERTICAL JOINTS IN BUND WALLS

709.300 All vertical joints in bund walls shall be cleaned out and filled with an approved non-shrink
pourable grout, and finally sealed using the lining system as applied to joints.

TREATMENT OF CRACKS IN BUND WALLS EXCEEDING 0.2mm

709.310 All cracks in bund walls exceeding 0.2mm shall be sealed by means of an approved resin
injection method.

709/5 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
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709

APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 709 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 148 Specification for unused and reclaimed mineral insulating oils for transformers and
switchgear

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DON CHEMICALS QUICKMAST SYSTEM
709

APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
DON CHEMICALS QUICKMAST SYSTEM
709

APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

709.101 Testing of prepared

surfaces

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 APPENDIX K

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 750

BUND WATER CONTROL UNITS

 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
BUND WATER CONTROL UNITS
750

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 750

TITLE : BUND WATER CONTROL UNITS

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

SCOPE 750/2

GENERAL 750/2

DESCRIPTION 750/2

PUMP 750/2

PROBE UNIT, SENSORS AND ENCLOSURE 750/3

MOUNTING STAND 750/3

CONTROL UNIT 750/4

General 750/4
Control Unit Equipment 750/4

CONTROL UNIT ENCLOSURE 750/4

ELECTRO MAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) DIRECTIVE 750/5

DOCUMENTATION 750/5

SUPPLIER DECLARATION 750/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

750/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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750

SCOPE

750.010 This specification defines the technical and functional requirements for the Bund Water
Control Units and identifies information to be provided by the supplier.

GENERAL

750.011 Suppliers of bund water control units shall be accredited to BS EN 9001 for design and
manufacture and be from an approved (registered) supplier.

All bund water control units supplied shall be tested and certified before leaving the factory
and possess a National Grid Type Registration Certificate. No units shall be accepted for
use on National Grid sites without Type Registration Certificate.

750.020 Bund Water Control Units shall be provided in all bunded areas that contain large oil
containing equipment or oil tanks as indicated on the drawings.

750.030 The units shall be capable of extracting the accumulated standing water within the bund
without extracting oil above the limits recommended by the Environment Agency and The
Department of the Environment.

750.040 Unless agreed otherwise, the units shall be controlled automatically and incorporate an
independent fail safe circuit to monitor the presence of oil or absence of water above each
pump inlet and shall be capable of cutting off power to all pumps if either of the above
conditions exist.

750.050 The Contractor shall provide a 5-year warranty to cover labour and parts in the event of a
fault developing in the unit. Details of the warranty shall be supplied at the time of tender.

DESCRIPTION

750.060 The unit shall consist of the following components.

i) Pump
ii) Probe unit and sensors
iii) Enclosure for sensors
iv) Mounting stand for probe unit, sensors and pump
v) Control unit and enclosure

PUMP

750.070 The pump shall be a submersible unit capable of delivering a minimum of 150 litres per
minute at a 3 metre head of water.

750.080 The pump shall operate at 240v AC, 50Hz.

750.090 The pump outlet shall be by means of a flexible discharge hose, which shall be supplied
with the pump. The length of this hose shall be determined to suit individual locations,
dependant on the site situation.

750.100 Without exception, all discharge hoses shall be fitted with an in line anti-siphon device.

750.110 Discharge hoses shall either discharge into the drainage system via a suitable trapped gully
or be connected to a similar diameter Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) underground
water pipe which shall be discharged into the nearest convenient catch pit.

In some cases it shall be necessary to clip the flexible discharge hose to the inside of the
bund walls in order to reach a suitable point for discharge.

750/2 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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750.120 The pump shall be provided with a factory connected and sealed fly lead of suitable length
and rating to be terminated in the control unit if positioned within 5 metres of the pump.
Where greater distances are involved connections from a local terminal box/socket to the
control unit shall normally be via a PVC insulated and sheathed steel wide armoured cable
which unless otherwise stated shall be supplied and installed by the installer.

750.130 No terminal boxes shall be fitted inside the bund and any terminal boxes fitted shall have
protection to a minimum grade of IP66.

PROBE UNIT, SENSORS AND ENCLOSURE

750.140 The probe unit shall be manufactured in a robust non-deteriorating enclosure capable of
being immersed in a sump that contains water and/or oil.

750.150 Probe settings shall be provided to allow for a 150mm thick layer of oil to accumulate in
sumps before oil detection alarms are activated and be calibrated to ensure pump shut
down occurs when oil is detected 150mm above pump inlet.

750.160 The probe unit shall be offered with pre-cut, factory set sensors to facilitate installation.

750.170 Electrical connections from individual sensors shall be made to PVC insulated 6 core cable
and be environmentally sealed within the probe housing. Special heat shrinkable
environmentally sealed connectors shall be used to avoid the need for a terminal junction
box. A 5 metre length of cable shall be factory connected and sealed as standard. For
sites requiring lengths greater than 5 metres, the actual length required shall be determined
according to the site situation.

750.180 Sensors shall be provided to give as a minimum, signals that initiate:

1) Pump start
2) Pump stop
3) High water level alarm (with 1 hour delay)
4) Oil detection alarm
5) Circuit failure
6) Fail-safe power cut-out to pump(s)
7) Power failure

750.190 The enclosure shall be designed to:

a) prevent debris coming into contact with the sensors and causing spurious operation of
the pump unit.
b) be easily removed to expose the sensors for maintenance or adjustments purposes.
c) allow equalisation of the external and internal water or oil levels.
d) incorporate measures to minimise the possibility of ‘electrical’ tracking occurring
between sensors.

MOUNTING STAND

750.200 The stand shall be manufactured in a robust non-deteriorating material with anchor points
for the connection of lifting chain or rope. The mounting stand together with the pump and
probe unit, shall be capable of being lowered and raised from the sump for maintenance
purposes. No fixings shall be made to the sides of sumps.

750/3 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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CONTROL UNIT

General

750.120 The control unit shall be supplied with the following facilities:

a) the ability to control and record a single pump’s operation (bunds containing one sump),
or
b) the ability to control and record two pumps’ operations (bunds containing two sumps) as
appropriate
c) a Mains Isolator

Control Unit Equipment

The control unit shall contain the following equipment;

750.220 Mains input unit with Isolator. Normal input voltage shall be 230 volts ac. Mains voltage
terminals shall be shrouded to prevent inadvertent contact being made and labeled to
indicate the presence of live Mains voltage.

750.230 Fuse unit for protection of pump circuit, fused appropriately to the pump.

750.240 Fuse unit for protection of electronic components, fused accordingly.

750.250 Low voltage control circuits to initiate pump operation and alarms. These circuits shall
operate at a maximum of 24 volts dc.

750.260 Low voltage ac to be supplied to open sensors, to eliminate electrolysis taking place and
minimise any debris build up due to ‘plating’.

750.270 Status indicators, via light emitting diodes or similar display devices, to indicate status of the
control unit at any time:-

Indicators shall be in a position to be easily viewed from the outside.

750.280 Event counter/s that shall be capable of registering the number of times the pump/s has
operated. No external manual reset shall be provided.

750.290 An alarm section which shall be capable of providing alarm signals, both to local status
indicators, where applicable, or to remote alarm equipment, of the following operational
conditions:-
a) Mains failure
b) High oil level
c) High water level

Alarm signals shall be by means of voltage-free relay contacts and shall be capable of being
individually outputted or connected in parallel, via jumper links, to give a common alarm
where required.

CONTROL UNIT ENCLOSURE

750.300 The Control Unit Enclosure shall be made of a suitable non-corroding material designed to a
protection rating of IP66 and have brackets welded to allow wall fixing.

750.310 Its fascia door shall be front opening and jointed. The door shall have a secure when shut
with the provision to be padlocked if required. Visual inspection of the alarm, operational
lights/LED’s and event counter/s shall be available from the outside of the unit.

750.320 Cable access shall be at the bottom of the enclosure via suitable glands. Both PVC and
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brass glands shall be supplied to match cables used.

750.330 A suitable earthing boss shall be provided on the enclosure.

ELECTRO MAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) DIRECTIVE

750.340 The design of the unit shall comply with the requirements set out in the EMC Directive that
became law 1st January 1996. The CE mark shall be affixed to the equipment etc., as
required by the Directive.

DOCUMENTATION

750.350 Each unit shall be supplied with a comprehensive installation, operation and maintenance
manual.

SUPPLIER DECLARATION

750.360 The supplier of equipment shall provide written confirmation that the equipment to be
supplied conforms to the Technical Specifications, Performance Requirements and EMC
Directive set down in this document.

750/5 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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APPENDIX 1 - STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 750 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management systems. Requirements

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
BUND WATER CONTROL UNITS
750

APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
BUND WATER CONTROL UNITS
750

APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

Design Handbook
DH 10 - Issue 1
 APPENDIX L

NGTS 2.10

AMENDED SECTION NO: 760

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION
 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION
760

GENERIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

WORK GROUP : 700 : ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS

SECTION NO : 760

TITLE : ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

GENERAL 760/2

CABLING
Identification 760/2
Protection 760/2
Glanding 760/2

ENCLOSURES 760/3
Marking 760/2
Construction and Materials 760/3

EARTHING 760/3
Panels/Fuse Boards on Oil Containment Schemes

FUSES 760/4
Marking 760/4
Mechanical Design 760/4
760/4
TERMINATIONS 760/4
General 760/4
Labels 760/5
Terminal Covers 760/5
Crimped Terminations 760/5

DIAGRAMS 760/5
Circuit Diagrams 760/5
Wiring Diagrams 760/5

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE MANUALS 760/5

APPENDIX 1 STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

APPENDIX 2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 3 NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

760/1 Civil, Structural and Building Engineering

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760

GENERAL

760.010 All installations of equipment selected and erected shall comply with this specification and
the requirements of BS 7671: 1992 Requirements for Electrical Installations IEE Wiring
Regulations Sixteenth Edition Rules and its associated six guidance notes.

CABLING

Identification

760.020 All cables shall be identified by a specific cable number specified by the National Grid
Company plc. The number system used shall be Critchly Cable Management System.

760.030 The cores of all cables shall be identified by colour or numbers.

760.040 Numbers shall be printed on all cores in a colour that contrasts with the insulation or the
individual cores ferruled.

Protection

760.050 All cables shall be steel wire armoured except for the following:

• Float switch cabling

• Factory sealed pump power cabling.

760.060 All cabling run direct in the ground outside of existing site cable trench work shall be ducted.
Ducting shall be PVC or similar. Resistance to external blows shall be to BS 2782 Part 11
Method 1108C.

760.070 The armour shall consist of a single layer of galvanised steel wires. All cabling shall conform
to BS 5467 and BS 6346

760.080 Cabling which is fixed on top of plant bund walls, shall be protected from possible man /
mechanical damage by means of a suitable galvanised steel reinforced, PVC covered
flexible conduit (Kopex International Ltd, Adaptaflex or similar). All cabling run shall be fixed
to the external face of the bund wall, supported on medium duty return flange galvanised
tray work with cables fixed to tray by means of suitable UV resistant cable ties.
Manufactured bends are required to traywork.

760.090 Both ends of flexible conduit shall be fitted with bush adaptors to ensure smooth cable
entry/exit.

760.100 Fixing flexible conduit to top of bund wall shall be made by means of suitable cleats.

760.110 Plug and socket extensions to plant facilities are not approved.

Glanding

760.120 All cable entries to enclosures shall be glanded. For all steel wired armoured cables, brass
glands shall be used. Each gland shall be supplied with earth tags, brass lock nuts, rated IP
66 (to BS EN 60529:1992 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)), entry
threaded seals and PCP shrouds.

760.130 All glands used shall be suitable for outdoor use.

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ENCLOSURES

Marking

760.140 Every enclosure shall be indelibly marked with the following particulars:

• Identifying name and / or trade mark.

• Danger / Voltages Contained (i.e. 415V or 240V).
• Circuit Specific (i.e. Interceptor 1) with Trafalite label.

Construction and Materials

760.150 Enclosures shall resist mechanical damage.

760.160 Enclosures shall be so constructed that they cannot readily be deformed and do not allow
access to any live parts when the installation has been completed.

760.170 All enclosures shall be front opening.

760.180 Enclosures shall be designed to alleviate build up of internal condensation. The design shall
not allow any moisture entry or impair the IP rating of the enclosure unless the equipment
contained can withstand the environment present.

760.190 All enclosures shall be rated a minimum of IP66 in accordance with BS EN 60529:1992
Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code).

EARTHING

Panels/Fuse Boards on Oil Containment Scheme

760.200 All earthing of equipment to be in accordance with BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical
Installations IEE Wiring Regulations Sixteenth Edition Rules and its associated Guidance
Notes 1 to 6. For earthing within the substation reference shall be made to TGN(T) 124:
Design of NGC Earthing Systems.

760.210 Within the Employer’s substations all below ground earthing including spurs from the earth
mat to 300mm above ground level shall be in suitably sized copper earth tape.

760.220 Such tapes shall be continued to the equipment kiosk / cubicle / cabinet and terminated at a
purpose design connection point. This connection shall be of bolted construction.

760.230 The use of flexible earth cable shall be restricted to connections within conduit from the
local supply point to the equipment housing.

760.240 It shall not be acceptable to use flexible earth cable below ground.

760.250 All brazing operations shall be undertaken by trained personnel

760.260 All metal enclosures shall be earthed. The means provided shall be rigidly fixed to the
enclosure.

760.270 Direct earth shall be made to the nearest substation earth tape.

760.280 Connection shall be made by a brazed connection or crimped flexible lead bolted to earth
tape. With bolted galvanised / copper joints a transition washer shall be used.

760.290 For brazed joints the method of brazing shall be as follows:

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Thoroughly clean surfaces to be joined, apply flux, heat, wait for flux to liquefy,
apply braze. Joints shall be brazed on not less than three edges. Check smooth
fillet on all visible joints. Clean to remove all flux.

760.300 On completion of brazed joint a microhmeter shall be used to measure joint resistance (AB
Chance Ductor or equivalent). Any joint having a resistance in excess of 5 microhm shall be
remade.

760.310 All tray work shall be earthed and joints linked by 16mm flexible or solid copper link for
continuous traywork. All glands shall be bonded. All metal enclosure doors shall be bonded.
All terminal rail fitted shall be earthed by a suitable earth terminal.

FUSES

Marking

760.320 All fuse holders (except small fuses where this is impractical) shall be clearly marked with
the following:

• Manufacturer’s identification.
• Rated voltage.
• Rated current.

Mechanical Design

760.330 Protection against electric shock: replacement of fuses and fuse-links shall be made easily
and safely.

760.340 Connections including terminals: the fixed connections shall be such that the necessary
contact force is maintained under the conditions of service and operation.

760.350 Insulating properties: the fuses shall be such that they do not loose their insulating
properties at the voltages to which they are subjected in normal service.

760.360 Resistance to heat: all components shall be sufficiently resistant to heat which may occur in
normal use.

760.370 Temperature: the fuse holder shall be designed and proportioned as to carry continuously,
under standard conditions of service, the rated current of the fuse without exceeding
temperature rise limits as specified in BS 88 Part 1.

760.380 Resistance to corrosion: all metallic components of the fuse shall be resistant to corrosive
influences which may occur in normal use.

TERMINATIONS

General

760.390 Terminals shall provide convenient points of interconnection between separate wiring or
cabling systems. For each application the requirements of voltage, current etc. specified for
each particular type of terminal, shall be met. Either Din Rail or Top Hat spring mounted
terminal blocks shall be used. All terminals for supplies shall be spring loaded such that
loosening of fixing screws does not cause loss of electrical connection.

760.400 Individual or groups of terminals shall be fixed securely to appropriate fixed terminal rail.
Terminal (chocolate strip) or similar shall not be acceptable.

760.410 No live metal shall be exposed so as to allow accidental contact.

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760.420 Power and alarm terminals on the same Din or Top Hat rail shall have separation barriers to
prevent accidental short-circuiting.

Labels

760.430 Labels shall be provided for the identification of individual or groups of terminals. The labels
shall be mounted such that they are not dissociated form the mouldings when access to
terminals is required. Labels shall be of indelible material with a life expectancy of at least
10 (ten) years.

Terminal Covers

760.440 Terminal covers shall be provided where terminal blocks are used at nominal voltages
above 125V A.C. They shall be of transparent insulation material and shall prevent
inadvertent contact with the terminals. They shall preferably clip on to the terminal block
mouldings.

Crimped Terminations

760.450 Crimped terminations shall be used on all cable terminations except on paired cable for
alarm functions.

760.460 The crimp barrel size shall suit the size and form of the conductor. Crimp barrels shall be
pre-insulated. The crimping operation shall not penetrate the crimp / cable insulation.
Suppliers shall confirm prior to installation the mechanical security of the crimp termination.

760.470 Materials for terminations shall be copper or copper alloys, which are appropriate to the
mechanical requirements of the total device.

760.480 The crimping operation shall be made by the use of purpose made tools. The mixed use to
terminations and tools, which are produced from different Manufacturers, is not acceptable.

DIAGRAMS

Any Circuit / Wiring Drawings supplied by the contractor shall be subject to Employer
comment / acceptance.

Circuit Diagrams

760.490 Schematic circuit diagrams shall be supplied by the contractor showing, A.C. and D.C.
connections for each type of equipment.

Wiring Diagrams

760.500 Wiring diagrams shall be supplied by the contractor, showing connections for the
equipment.

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE MANUALS

760.510 Operational and Maintenance manuals for all equipment installed by the contractor shall be
supplied by the contractor to the Employer.

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APPENDIX 1- STANDARDS AND OTHER REFERENCES

The Standards and other documents referred to in Section 760 are listed below and shall be the edition,
including all amendments, current at the commencement of the contract.

The Contractor shall bring to the attention of the Engineer any inconsistencies between the requirements of
these Standards and this Generic Specification Section.

British Standards Institute

BS 7671:1992 Requirements for Electrical Installations IEE Wiring Regulations Sixteenth Edition
Rules;
Guidance Note 1 – Selection & Erection
Guidance Note 2 – Isolation & Switching
Guidance Note 3 – Inspection & Testing
Guidance Note 4 – Protection against Fire
Guidance Note 5 – Protection against Electric Shock
Guidance Note 6 – Protection against Overcurrent
BS 7430:1991 Code of Practice for Earthing
BS 88:1988 Cartridge fuses for voltages up to and including 1000V A.C. and 1500V D.C.
BS EN 744:1996 BS 2782-11: Method 1108C:1996, Plastics piping and ducting systems.
Thermoplastics pipes. Test method for resistance to external blows by the round-the-
clock method
BS 5467:1989 Cables with thermosetting insulation for electricity supply for rated voltages of up to and
including 600/1000 V and up to and including 1900/3300V.
BS 6346:1989 PVC-insulated cables for electricity supply.
BSEN 60529:1992 Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

National Grid plc

TGN(T) 124 Design of NGC Earthing Systems.

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APPENDIX 2 - ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY CONTRACTOR

CLAUSE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION COMMENT
REFERENCE

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APPENDIX 3 - NOTIFICATION AND HOLD POINTS

CLAUSE
NOTIFICATION POINTS HOLD POINTS
REFERENCE

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