SECTION 1

General Requirements
and Safety Principles

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1.1 Scope

1.1.1 These rules and regulations are applicable to electrical installations

in buildings in general including;
 Domestic Premises (e.g. Villas and similar)
 Commercial and Industrial Premises
 Shops
 Offices
 Low, Medium and High Rise Buildings
 Small, Medium and Large scale Residential
 Infrastructure
 Street Lightings
1.1.2 All projects, before approval and commencement to site construction
shall be submitted and subject to detailed study by SEWA (Sharjah
Electricity and Water Authority).
1.1.3 Compliance of these rules and regulations is compulsory, electric
power supply will not be made available if these rules and regulations
are not met it’s entirely.
1.1.4 These rules and regulations are not intended to take place on detailed
specifications, to instruct untrained person nor to provide for every
circumstances where difficult or special situations arise that are not
covered in these rules and regulations. SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and
Water Authority) services may be sought to obtain the best solution.

1.2 Limitations

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1.2.1 Those aspects of installation in potentially explosive atmosphere
relating to methods of dealing with the explosion hazard which are
specified in BS EN 60079-14/ IEC 60079-14/ BS EN 50016 in
premises where the fire risks of an usual character so as to require
special measures.
1.2.2 Parts of telecommunications (e.g. radio, telephone, bell, call and
sound distribution system, data transmission test), fire alarm and
emergency lighting circuits and equipment that are fed from a safety
source. However, requirements for the segregation of circuits from
another circuits are included.
1.2.3 Electric Traction Equipment
1.2.4 Electric equipment of motor vehicles except those to which the
requirements of these rules and regulations concerning caravans are
applicable.
1.2.5 Electrical equipment on and off shore installations, board ships and
aircraft.
1.2.6 Electrical installations in Mines and Quarries
1.2.7 Radio Interference Suppression Equipment, except if it affects the
safety in an electrical installations.
1.2.8 Lightning Protection of buildings in general (see BS EN/ IEC 62305
as reference).
1.2.9 Medium and High Voltage installations.

1.3 Drawing and Documents Submission

Before the commencement of any electrical installation (see Section
1.1), large or small, new or additional, the following detailed drawings
and documents of the proposed installations shall be submitted to SEWA
for review and approval;
 Client/Owner Passport Copy

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  Client/Owner Emirates ID Copy
 Affection Plan and Site Setting-out Plan
 Letter of Consultant regarding the details of the project
 Land Ownership
 Complete set of Electrical and HVAC drawing including wiring
installation layouts, electrical calculations, load schedules, single
line diagrams, thermal load calculations summary, thermal
insulation details (as per GREEN BUILDING RGULATIONS) and
Sub-station and electrical rooms details.
 Complete set of switch gear detailed drawing and technical
submittal to be submitted in the latest stage of project execution.
Consultant is responsible to obtain the necessary approval for the
above mentioned subject from SEWA.

1.4 Environmental and Climatic Conditions

Sharjah Emirate experience a tropical climate and generally the ground

area is at sea level. The maximum ambient shade temperature recorded
has been 52 °C and the minimum is 2 °C, the maximum ground
temperature is 35 °C at the depth of 1 meter and the maximum sea
water temperature is 40 °C with maximum tidal variation of
approximately 2.4 meters.
The wind speed is 45 m/s at 10 meters in height. The prevailing winds
are northerly and gales with gusts and it have been recorded a combined
by a high level of dust in the air.
The atmosphere is salt laden and very corrosive with a soil thermal
resistivity of 2 °C-Meter/Watt.
Periods of high humidity are common and a relative humidity of 100 %
at 30 °C has been recorded.

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 All equipment, apparatus and accessories used in electrical installations
shall be suitable for the operations with satisfactory performance in the
mentioned climatic conditions.
1.5 Technical standards, materials and workmanship

1.5.1 These rules and regulations provide guidelines and technical

standards which are consistent with the principles contained in BS
7671:2008 (also known as the IET Wiring Regulations 17 th Edition)
and in International Electro technical Commission (IEC 60364).
Where any provisions in these rules and regulations contradicts any
provision in BS 7671 and IEC 60364, the requirements specified
under these rules and regulations shall apply.
[Note: these rules and regulations are in some aspects more
prescriptive than BS 7671 and IEC 60364 and take account of the
typical skills and language as well as the physical environment of
Sharjah Emirate.]
1.5.2 Where a provision or technical requirements is not covered by these
rules and regulations, BS 7671 or IEC 60364 may be used as a
guideline or specification, with prior approval from SEWA (Sharjah
Electricity and Water Authority).
1.5.3 All materials used in electrical installations shall be of good quality
and installed in a neat and orderly manner.
1.5.4 All materials and equipment shall comply with relevant international
standards which shall be mainly BS (British Standard Specifications)
or IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) standards, as
referenced in these rules and regulations. Other international
standards may be used, in particular where none are specified in
these rules and regulations with prior approval of SEWA (Sharjah
Electricity and Water Authority).

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1.5.5 Manufacturers name, trademark or other descriptive marking to
identify manufacturer is to be present for all electrical equipment. For
accessories, the marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand
the environmental and climatic condition of the Emirate.
1.5.6 Reference must be made, where relevant, to UAE or Gulf standards
which may be issued from time to time by the Emirates
Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA).
1.5.7 All electrical installation works it’s either new and/or additions shall
only be carried out by licensed electrical contractors as authorized
and classified by SEWA. Each Contractor who undertakes electrical
installations is required to have sufficient number of Engineers,
Assistant Engineers, Foremen, Electricians and Helpers. The above
mentioned persons have to take the competency exam to perform
electrical works and to be categorized in accordance to the size of
the work they can do and to the staff they have.

1.6 Approval of Electrical Installations

1.6.1 Any Client/Owner requiring a new connection or alteration to an

existing connection must make an application to SEWA (Sharjah
Electricity and Water Authority) using the appropriate forms and
required documents needed. Latest applicable procedure published
by SEWA to be followed for submission of application for approval of
electrical installations.
1.6.2 The design of an electrical installations must be approved by SEWA
(Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority) before commencement of
construction. Details of the design must be submitted along with
documents, drawings and details as specified in section 1.3. Standard
symbols as shown in appropriate electrical calculations and wiring

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 diagrams, using the standard symbols shown in Appendix A Table 14
shall be used.
[Note: even though SEWA approves the design of electrical
installations, this does not relieve the Client/Owner and associated
Licensed Contractor from the obligation to fully comply with these
rules and regulations.]
1.6.3 For large developments, the Client/Owner may, with prior approval
from SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority), enter into an
undertaking with SEWA to the effect that all parts of an electrical
installations downstream from the connection point shall comply with
these rules and regulations. Any such approval, including as to the
form of undertaking, will be at the discretion of SEWA. If given, the
Client/Owner will not be required to submit details of the electrical
installations to SEWA for prior approval. A decision by SEWA to allow
the Client/Owner to self-certify the design of an electrical installations
shall not have any bearing on any inspection of the electrical
installations by SEWA, and the Client/Owner shall rectify any non-
compliance identified by SEWA (either pre-energization inspection or
upon any other inspection) at its own cost and within the timeframes
specified by SEWA or set out in these rules and regulations.
1.6.4 Notwithstanding clause 1.6.3, in all instances the Client/Owner and
associated Licensed Contractor are responsible for ensuring that the
design, construction and installations complies with these rules and
regulations.
1.6.5 New electrical installations must be inspected and tested by SEWA in
accordance with the requirements in Section 14 of these rules and
regulations, prior to and upon energization.

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1.6.6 SEWA may, where appropriate, seek evidence of compliance against
relevant standards of equipment and components used in the
electrical installations.

1.7 Extensions, Alterations and Repairs

1.7.1 No extension or alteration to an Electrical Installation may be made
without prior notification to SEWA or without approval, testing and
certification in accordance with Section 1.6.
1.7.2 All extensions or alterations to an existing Electrical Installation must
comply with the requirements of these rules and regulations.
1.7.3 Notwithstanding clauses 1.7.1 and Section1.7.2, repairs to existing
Electrical Installations may be made using standards of equipment
compliant with the original Electrical Installation, but limited to work
of an essential nature on a like-for-like basis. Work on any part of
the Electrical Installation other than Final Circuits, including any
Distribution Board and any items at the low voltage switch room,
must be notified to SEWA.
1.7.4 Any proposed increase or change from the Total Connected Load at
a Premises, must be approved by SEWA.

1.8 Building Efficiency

1.8.1 Design and installation shall comply the requirements of the thermal
insulation of walls, ceilings, windows and doors which are exposed to
the thermal load.
1.8.2 All entries and exits of air conditioned areas which are used regularly
shall have protection by designing a door that reduces the loss of
cold air.

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1.8.3 Air curtains on the entries and exits that are used regularly in short
and consecutive periods shall be used.

SECTION 2

Definitions

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Accessory: a device, other than current-using equipment, associated with
an electrical installation.
Appliance: an item of current-using equipment other than a luminaires or
an independent motor.
Arm’s Reach: a zone of accessibility to touch, extending from any point on
a surface where a person may stand or move about to the
limits which such person may reach without assistance
Barrier: a part providing a defined degree of protection against contact with
live parts, from any usual direction of access.
Basic insulation: insulation applied to live parts to provide basic protection
against electric shock and which does not necessarily include
insulation used exclusively for functional propose.
Bonded: connected together electrically not normally for the purpose of
carrying current but so as to ensure a common potential.
Bonding conductor: a protective conductor providing equipotential
bonding.
Building void, accessible: a space within the structure or the components
of a building accessible only certain points.
Building void, non-accessible: a space within the structure or the
components of a building which has no ready means of access.

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Bunched: cables are said to be bunched when two or more are contained
within a single conduit, ducting, or trunking or if not enclosed,
are not separated from each other by a specific distance.
Cable bracket: a horizontal cable support system, consisting of elements
fixed at one end only, spaced at interval along the length of the
cable end on which the cable rests.

Cable channel: an enclosure situated above or in the ground, ventilated or

closed, and having dimensions which do not permit the access of
persons but the access to the conductor and or cables
throughout their length during and after installation. A cable
channel may or may not from part of the building construction.
Cable cleat: a component of a support system, which consists of elements,
spaced at intervals along the length of the cable or conduit and
which mechanically retains the cable or conduit.
Cable coupler: means of enabling the connection or disconnection, as well
of two flexible cables. It consists of a connector and plug.
Cable Ducting: a manufactured enclosure for material or insulated material,
other than conduit or cable trunking, intended for the protection
of cable which are drawn in after erection of ducting.
Cable ladder: a cable support consists of continues base with raised edges
and no covering it is considered to be non- perforated, where
less than 30% of the material is removed from the base
Cable tray: A cable support consists of series of supporting elements rigidly
fixed to main supporting elements occupy less than 10% of the
plan area.
Cable trunking: a manufactured enclosure for the protection of cable,
normally of rectangular cross- section, of which one side is
removable or hinged.

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Cable tunnel: an enclosure containing supporting structures for conductors
and / or cables and joints and whose dimensions allow persons to
pass freely throughout the entire cable length.
Caravan: a trailer leisure accommodation vehicle, used for touring, designed
to meet the requirements for the construction and use of road
vehicle.
Caravan Park: an area of land that contains two or more caravan pitches.
Caravan Pitch: a plot of ground upon which a single leisure accommodation
vehicle or leisure home may stand.
Caravan Pitch Electrical Supply Equipment: Equipment that provides
means of connecting and disconnecting supply cables from a
leisure accommodation vehicle to a fixed external power supply.
Cartridge fuse link: a device comprising a fuse element or several fuse
elements connected in parallel enclosed in a cartridge usually filled
with arc extinguishing medium and connected to terminations.
Circuit: an assembly of electrical equipment supplied from same origin and
protected against overcurrent by the same protective devices.
Categories of circuits are as follows.
Category 1 Circuit: a Circuit (other than a fire alarm or emergency lighting
Circuit) operating at LV and supplied from the Distribution
Company.
Category 2 Circuit: a Circuit (other than a fire alarm or emergency lighting
Circuit) which supplies telecommunications equipment (such as
telephones, intruder alarms, data transmission, call bells, etc).
Category 3 Circuit: a fire alarm or emergency lighting Circuit.
Circuit breaker: a device capable of making carrying and breaking normal
load currents and also making and automatically breaking, under
pre-determined conditions abnormal currents such as short

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 circuit currents. It is usually required to operate infrequently
although some types are suitable for frequent operation.
Circuit breaker linked: a circuit breaker contact of which are so arranged
also make or break all poles simultaneously or in a defined
sequence.
Circuit protective conductor (CPC): a protective conductor connecting
expose conductive-parts of equipment to the main earthing
terminal.
Class 1 Equipment: equipment in which protection against electric shock
does not rely on basic insulation only. But which includes means
for the connection of exposed conductive parts to a protective
conductor in the fixed wiring of the insulation.
Class2 Equipment: equipment, in which protection against electric shocks
does not rely on basic insulation only, but in which additional
safety precautions such as supplementary insulation are
provided, there being no provision for the connection of exposed
metal work of the equipment to a protective conductor, and no
reliance upon precaution to be taken in the fixed wiring of the
installation.
Conductor (of a core or cable): the conducting portion consisting of a
single wire or of group of wires in contact with each other. For
earthed concentric wiring, the term may also denote the metal
sheath of a cable.
Conduit: a part of a closed wiring system for cables in electrical
installations, allowing them to be drawn in and/or replaced, but
not inserted laterally.
Connector: the part of a coupler or of an appliance coupler which is provided
with female contacts and is intended to be attached to the end of
the flexible cable remote from the supply.

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Consumer's installation: wiring and apparatus situated upon the
consumer's premises and controlled or installed by him, excluding
any switchgear of the supply undertaking which the consumer
may be permitted to use.
Consumer's Terminals: the point in the consumer's installation at which the
income supply of energy is delivered to that installation.
Core (of a cable): the conductor with its insulation but not including any
outer covering for mechanical or other protection.
Current carrying capacity of a conductor: the maximum current which can
be carried by a conductor under specific conditions without its
steady state temperate exceeding a specified value.
Current using equipment: equipment which converts electrical energy into
another form of energy, such as light, heat or motive power.
Danger: risk of injury to persons and livestock where expected to be present
from
1. Fire, electrical shock and buns arising from the use of electrical
energy.
2. Mechanical movement if electrically controlled equipment, in so
far as such danger is intended to the prevented by electrical
emergency switching or by electrical switching for mechanical
maintenance of non-electrical parts of such equipment.
Data processing equipment: electrically operated machine units that,
separately or assembled in systems, accumulate process and
store data acceptable and divulgence of data may or may not be
by electronic means.
Design current of a circuit: the magnitude of the current (r.m.s value of
ac) to be carried by the circuit in normal service.
Direct contact: Contact of persons or livestock with live parts which may
result in electric shock.

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Distribution board: an assembly containing switching or protective devices
(e.g. fuses or circuit breakers) associated with one or more
outgoing circuits fed more incoming circuits, together with
terminals for the neutral and protective circuit conductors. It
may also include signaling and other control devices. Means of
isolation may be included in the board or may be provided
separately.

Distribution circuit: a category circuit connecting the origin of the

installation to:
1. An item of switch gear.
2. An item of control gear
3. A distribution board.
• To which one or more final circuits or items of current-using
equipment are connected. (see the definition of final circuit)
• A distribution circuit may also be connect the origin of an insulation
to an outlaying building or separate insulation, when it is
sometimes called a sub- main
Double insulation: Insulation comprising both basic insulation and
supplementary insulation.
Duct: a closed passage way formed underground or in a structure and
intended to receive one or more cables which may drawn in.
Earth: the conductive mass of earth, whose electric potential at any point is
conventionally taken as zero.
Earth electrode: a conductor or a group of conductors in intimate contact
with, and providing an electrical connection to earth.
Earth electrode resistance: the resistance of an earth electrode to earth.
Earth fault current: a fault current which flows to earth.

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Earth fault loop impedance: the impedance of the earth fault current loop
starting and ending at the point of earth fault. This impedance is
denoted by the symbol Z.
Earth leakage current: a current which flows to earth, or to extraneous-
conductive parts in a circuit which is electrically sound.
Earthed concentric wiring: a wiring system in which one or more insulated
conductors are completely surrounded throughout their length by
a conductor, for example a metallic sheath, which acts as a pen
conductor.
Earth equipotential zone: A zone within which exposed conductive parts
and extraneous- conductive parts are maintained at substantially
the same potential by bonding such that, under fault conditions,
the difference in potential between simultaneously accessible
exposed and extraneous conducive parts will not cause electric
shock.
Earthing: The act of connecting the exposed conductive parts of an
installation to the main earthing terminal of an installation.
Earthing conductor: a conductor connecting the main earthing terminal of
an installation to an earth electrode or to other means of earthing.
Electric shock: A dangerous physiological effect resulting from the passing
of electrical current through a human body or livestock.
Electrical equipment: An assembly of associated electrical equipment
supplied from a common origin to fulfill a specific purpose and
having certain co-ordinate characteristics.
Electrical independent earth electrodes: Earth electrode located at such
a distance from one another that the maximum current likely to
flow through one of them does not significantly affect the
potential of others.

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Electrode boiler (Electrode water heater): Equipment for the electrical
heating of water or electrolyte by passage of an electrical current
between electrodes immersed in the water electrolyte.
Emergency stopping: Emergency switching intended to stop a dangerous
movement.
Emergency switching: Rapid cutting-off of electrical energy to remove any
unexpected hazards to persons, livestock, or property.
Enclosure: a part providing an appropriate degree of protection of
equipment against certain external influence and defined degree
of protection against contact with live parts from any direction.
Equipotential Bonding: Electrical connection maintaining various exposed
conductive parts and extraneous- conductive parts at
substantially the same potential.
External influence: any influence external to an electrical installation which
affects the design and safe operation of that installation.
Extraneous Conductive Part: Extraneous- conductive part liable to
introduce a potential generally earth potential, and not forming
part of the electrical installation.
Fault: A circuit condition in which current flows through an abnormal or un-
intended path. This may result from an insulation failure or the
bridging of the insulation conventionally the impedance between
live conductors or between live conductors and extraneous-
conductive parts at the fault position is considered negligible.
Fault Current: A current resulting from a fault.
Final Circuit: A circuit connected directly to current using equipment, or to a
socket- outlet or other outlet points for the connection of such
equipment.
Fixed equipment: equipment fastened to a support or otherwise secured in
a specific location.

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Flexible wiring system: a wiring system designed to provide mechanically
flexibility in use without degradation of the electrical components.
Functional earthing: Connection to earth necessary for proper functioning
of electrical component.
Functional extra low voltage: any extra low voltage system in which not
all of the protective measured required for SELV have been
applied.
Fuse: A device that by the fusing of one or more of its specially designed and
proportioned components, open the circuit in which it is inserted
by breaking the current when this exceeds a given value for the
sufficient time. It comprises all the parts that form the complete
device.
Fuse Element: A part of fuse designed to melt when the fuse operates.
Fuse link: A part of a fuse, including the fuse element(s), which requires
replacement by a new renewable fuse link after the fuse has
operated and before the fuse is put back in to service.
Gas installation pipe: Any pipe not being a service pipe (other than any
part of a service pipe comprised in a primary meter installation)
or pipe comprised in a gas appliance, for conveying gas for
particular consumer and including any associated gas valve for
other gas fitting.
Highway: a way means any way (other than a water way) over which there
is public passage and includes the highway verge and any bridge
over which, the highway passes.
Highway distribution board: A fixed structure or underground chamber,
located on a highway used as a distribution point, for connecting
more than one highway distribution circuit to a common origin,
Street furniture which supplies more than one circuit is defined
as a highway distribution board. The connection of a single

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 temporary load to an item of street furniture shall not in itself
make that item of street furniture in to highway distribution
board.
Highway distribution circuit: A category 1 circuit connecting the origin of
the installation to remote highway distribution boards or items
street furniture it may also connect a highway distribution
boards.
Hot Air Sauna: A room in which air is heated to a high temperature and in
which the relative humidity is normally low, rising for short
period of time only when water is poured over the heater.
Indirect Contact: Contact of persons or livestock with exposed conductive
parts made live by a fault and which may result in electrical
shock.
Instructed person: A person adequately advised or supervised by skilled
person to enable him to avoid danger which electricity may
create.
Insulation: Suitable non–conductive material enclosing, surrounding, or
supporting the conductor
Isolation: A function intended to cut off for reasons of safety the supply from
the source of electrical energy.
Isolator: A mechanical Switching device which provides the function of
isolation.
Low noise earthing: An earth connection in which the level of conducted or
induced interference from external source does not produce un
acceptable incidence of malfunctioning in the data processing or
similar equipment to which it is connected. The susceptibility in
items of amplitude/ frequency characteristics varies depending on
the type of equipment.

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Luminaire: Equipment which distributes, filters of transform the light form
one or more lamps and which includes any parts necessary for
supporting, fixing and protecting the lamps, but not the lamps
themselves, and where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with
the means for connecting them to the supply. For the purpose of
the regulations a lamp holder, however supported, is deemed to
be a luminaire.

Luminaire Supporting coupler: A means for comprising an LSC outlet and

an LSC plug providing mechanical support for a luminaire and the
electrical connection to and disconnection from a fixed wiring
insulation.
LV switch gear and control assembly: A combination of one or more low
voltage switching devices together with associated control.
measuring, signalling, protective, regulating equipment, etc.,
completely assembled under the responsibility of the manufacture
with all the internal electrical and mechanical interconnection and
structural parts. The components of the assembly may
electromechanical or electronic. The assembly may be either type-
tested or partially type tested.
Main Earthing Terminal: The terminal or bar to be provided for the
connection of protective conductors for functional earthing any, to
the means of earthing.
Mechanical maintenance: the replacement, refurbishment or cleaning of
lamps and non-electrical parts of equipment, plant and machinery.
Motor caravan: self-propelled leisure accommodation vehicle used for
touring, designed to meet the requirements for the construction
and use of road vehicle. The accommodation may be fixed or
demountable.

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Neutral Conductor: A conductor connected to neutral point of a system and
contributing to the transmission of electrical energy. The term also
means the equivalent conductor of an IT or DC system unless
otherwise specified in the regulations.
Nominal voltage: See voltage nominal.
Obstacle: A part preventing unintentional contact with live parts but not
preventing deliberate contact.
Origin of an installation: The position at which electrical energy is delivered
to the electrical installation.
Over current: A current exceeding the rated value. For conductors the rated
value is the current carrying capacity.
Over current detention: a method of establishing that value of a current in
a circuit exceeds a predetermined value for a specified length of
time.
Overload current: An over current occurring in a circuit which is electrically
sound.
PEN Conductor: A conductor combining the functions of both protective
conductor and neutral conductor.
Phase conductor: A conductor of an AC system for the transmission of
electrical energy other than a neutral conductor, a protective
conductor or a PEN conductor. The term also means the equivalent
conductor of a DC system unless otherwise specified in the
regulation.
Plug: A device provided with contact pins which is intended to be attached to
a flexible cable, and which can be engaged with a socket- outlet
or with a connector.
Point (in wiring): A termination of the fixed wiring intended for the
connection of current- using equipment.

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Portable equipment: Electrical equipment which can be moved from one
place to another easily while connected to the supply or in the
time of operation.
Prospective fault current: The value of over current in a given point in a
circuit resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between live
conductors having difference of potential under normal operating
conditions, or between a live conductors an exposed conductive
part.
Protective conductor/ Earth continuity Conductor (ECC): A conductor
used for some measures of protection against electric shock and
intended for connecting together any of the following parts.
• Exposed- conductive parts.
• Extraneous- conductive parts.
• The Main earthing terminal.
• Earth electrode(s).
• The earthed point of the source, or an artificial neutral.
Reduced low voltage system: a system in which the normal phase to phase
voltage does not exudes 110 volts and the nominal phase to earth
voltage does not exceeds 63.5 Volts.
Reinforced insulation: single insulation applied to live parts, which provides
a degree of protection against electrical shock equivalent to
double insulation under the conditions specified in relative
standard. The term single insulation does not implies that the
insulation must be one homogeneous piece. It may comprise
several layers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or
basic insulation.
Residual Current: the vector sum of the instantaneous value of current
flowing through live conductors of a circuit at point in the electrical
insulation.

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Residual Current device: A mechanical switching device or association of
devices intended to cause the opening of the contact when the
residual current attains a given value under specified conditions.
Residual operating current: residual current which causes the residual
current device to operate under specified conditions.
Resistance Area (for earth electrode only): The surface area of ground (
ground and earth electrode) on which a significant voltage
gradient may exist.
Restrictive conductive location: A location comprised mainly of metallic or
conductive surrounding parts, within which it is likely that person
will come in to contact through a substantial portion of his body
with conductive surrounding parts and where the possibility of
preventing this contact is limited.
Ring final circuit: A final circuit arranged in the form of ring and connected
to a single point of supply.
Safety service: An electrical system for electrical equipment provided or
warns persons in the event of hazard, or essential to their
evacuation from a location.
SELV: An Extra-low voltage which is electrically separated from earth and
from other system in such a way that a single fault cannot give
rise to the risk of electrical shock.
Shock Current: A current passing through the body of a person or livestock
such as to cause electric shock and having characteristics likely to
cause dangerous effects.
Short circuit current: An over current resulting from a fault of negligible
impedance between live conductors having a difference in
potential under normal operating effects.

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Simultaneously Accessible parts: Conductors or conductive parts which
can be touched simultaneously by a person or in locations
specially intended for them, by live shock. These parts can be:
• Live parts
• Exposed conductive parts
• Extraneous- conductive parts
• Protective conductors
• Earth electrodes
Skilled Person: A person with technical knowledge or sufficient experience
to enable instructed persons to avoid dangers that electricity may
create.
Socket- outlet: A device, provided with female contacts, which intended to
be installed with the fixed wiring, and intended to receive a plug,
a luminaire track system is not regarded as socket outlet system.
Space Factor: The ratio expressed as a percentage of the sum of the effective
overall cross- sectional area of cables forming a branch to the
internal cross sectional area of the conduit, pipe ,duct, trunking or
channel in which they are installed.
Spur: A branch of ring final circuit.
Stationary Equipment: Electrical equipment which is either fixed or
equipment having a mass exceeding 15 Kg. and not provided with
a carrying handle.
Street furniture: Fixed equipment located on a highway, the purpose of
which is directly associated with the use of highway.
Street Located equipment: Fixed equipment, located on a highway, the
propose of which is not directly associated with the use of the
highway.

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Supplementary insulation: independent insulation applied in addition to
basic insulation in order to provide protection against electric
shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation.
Supplier: A person who supplies electrical energy and where electric lines and
apparatus used for that purpose are owned otherwise than by that
person shall include the owner of those electrical lines and
apparatus.
Supplier’s works: Electrical lines, supports and apparatus of or under the
control of, a supplier used for the purpose of supply, and cognate
expressions shall be constructed accordingly
Switch: A mechanical device capable of making breaking and carrying current
under normal circuit condition, and also of carrying for a specified
time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as
those of short circuit. It may also be capable of making, but not
breaking, short circuit currents.
Switch, linked: A switch that contacts of which are so arranged as to make
or break all poles simultaneously or in a definite sequence.
Switch gear: An assembly of main and auxiliary switching apparatus for
operation regulation, protection or other control of an electrical
installation.
System: An electrical system consisting of a single source of electrical energy
and an installation. For certain purpose of the regulations, types
of systems are identified as follows. Depending upon the
relationship of the source, and of exposed conductive parts of the
installation, to earth:
• TN system having one or more points of the source of energy
directly earthed, the exposed—conductive parts of the installation
being connected to the point by protective conductors.

25
 • TN-C system, in which neutral and protective functions are
combined in a single conductor thou out the system.
• TN-S system, having separate neutral and protective conductors
throughout the system.
• TN-C-S system, in which neutral and protective functions are
combined in a single conductor in a part of the system.
• TT system, a system a system having one point of the source of
energy directly earthed, the expose –conductive parts of the
installation being connected to earth electrodes electrically
independent of the earthed electrode of the source.
• IT system , a system having no direct connection between live
parts and earth, the exposed conductive parts of the electrical
installation being earthed.
Temporary supply unit: An enclosure containing equipment for the purpose
of taking a temporary electrical supply safety from an item of
street furniture.
Voltage nominal: Voltage by which an insulation is designed. The following
ranges o nominal voltages are defined:
• Extra-low normally not exceeding 50 V ac or 120 V ripple free DC, whether
between conductors or to earth.
• Low normally exceeding extra-low voltage but not exceeding 1000V AC or
120 V - 1,500V ripple-free DC between conductors, or 50 V – 690
V AC or 120 V – 900 V ripple-free DC between conductors and
earth. The actual voltage of the installation may differ from the
nominal value by a quantity within normal tolerances.
Voltage, reduced: (see reduced low voltage systems).
Wiring system: An assembly made up of cable or bursars and parts which
secure and, if necessary, enclose the cable or bursars.

26
SECTION 3

27
 SEWA Incoming Supply,
Voltage Drop and Tariff
Metering

3.1 Electricity Incoming Supply

3.1.1 The nominal electricity supply Voltage from SEWA is 415 Volts-three
phase and 240 Volts-single phase.
3.1.2 The permissible variation from the nominal Voltage shall be kept
within +10% and -6%.
3.1.3 Cables shall be 5-wire including neutral and protective conductor for
three phase, and 3-wire including neutral and protective conductor
for single phase. The neutral is solidly earthed at SEWA’s substation
and shall not normally be earthed elsewhere in the electrical
installations.
3.1.4 The nominal frequency shall be 50 Hz.

3.2 Voltage Drop

28
3.2.1 The maximum allowable voltage drop shall be 2.5% (from Main
Distribution Board to Final Circuit) of the nominal supply voltage for
any electrical installations connected directly to SEWA network.
However, for electrical installation connected to private transformer
it can be useful to apply values in stages in a system, and a popular
value of 2.5% for sub mains coupled with 3% for final circuit.

3.3 Prospective Fault Current

3.3.1 The maximum three phase prospective fault current at the bus bar
in Low Voltage side depends on the Apparent Power Rating in the
substation to be installed;

Transformer Short Circuit Rating of Switchboard @ 1 sec.

250 kVA 35 kA or 26 MVA

500 kVA 45 kA or 33 MVA
1,000 kVA 50 kA or 36 MVA
1,500 kVA 65 kA or 47 MVA

[Note: for installation without transformer, the short circuit rating of

main switchboard shall be 35 kA @ 1 sec.]

3.3.2 Appropriate protective devices against over voltages, transient

harmonic fluctuations, loss of one or more phase and any unforeseen
interruptions shall be provided in all consumer installations as
deemed essential in addition to overload, short circuit and earth
leakage protective devices.

29
3.3.3 The design fault level depends on substation Apparent Power Rating
(kVA), the following table indicates the accepted kA rating level for
the various kVA rating of the substation.

Substation MDB (I/C) MDB (O/G) SMDB (I/C) SMDB (O/G)

kVA Rating
1,500 60 kA 55 kA 35 kA 25 kA
1,000 55 kA 50 kA 35 kA 25 kA
500 45 kA 45 kA 35 kA 25 kA
250 40 kA 35 kA 35 kA 25 kA

3.4 Harmonic Transients and Voltage Disturbances

3.4.1 Electrical installations, and the use of electrical equipment therein,

must be designed to avoid disturbances in the electricity supply
voltage. These may include harmonics (voltage and current
harmonics), transient over voltage, voltage fluctuations, voltage
dips, voltage unbalance, mutual inductance, D.C feedback and high
frequency oscillation which are of a magnitude that adversely affects
the Customer of SEWA.
[Note: for an external source of energy it is essential that SEWA would
be consulted regarding any equipment having a characteristic likely
to have a significant influence of the voltage supply.]

3.5 Tariff Metering

30
3.5.1 All tariff metering shall be normally provided by SEWA and restricted
to one for each consumer installation, unless otherwise
specified/approved by SEWA.
3.5.2 For high rise buildings, one main meter to be provided in the incomer
circuit breaker so that the comparison can be done with the
residential meters and service meters in the building. For private
transformer, one meter should be installed in the MDB/LV panel so
that the comparison can be done with the individual meters.
3.5.3 The general arrangement and dimensional layout of the metering
cabinets and array of meters installed in electrical room and
enclosure along with associated wiring shall be subject to SEWA’s
approval. Typical arrangement of kWhr metering cabinet or kWhr
meters shown in Appendix B Figure 53 and 54.
3.5.4 Transparent viewing window shall be provided in all metering
cabinets and doors of enclosures housing the meters with associated
distribution switchgear for facilitating meter reading.
3.5.5 For individual consumer premises, such as villas, farms,
accommodation blocks and etc., the metering cabinet with main
incomer circuit breaker shall be installed outside compound wall
(recessed).
3.5.6 In multiple consumer premises, such as residential/commercial
buildings, utility complexes, industries and etc., main and sub main
distribution boards with associated metering shall be installed in
separate electrical room.
3.5.7 Each kWhr meter installed by SEWA shall be mounted on fireproof
plywood base board having minimum dimension of 300mm x 300mm
x 12mm thick. This plywood mounting board shall be supplied by the
panel manufacturer.

31
3.5.8 Provision shall be made in cubicle main switchboard for the
installation of the SEWA metering equipment located in separate
incoming section cubicle or above the main switch.
3.5.9 Current transformer of Class 0.5 and 0.2 or equivalent metering type
shall be installed on all types of main switchboards where the load
dictates metering by means of current transformers. These shall be
located on the main bus bars immediately after the main incoming
switch where the complete installation is to be metered at source.
3.5.10 Where metering is carried out remotely, as in residential
accommodation, the land lord kWhr meter shall be located on the bus
bar immediately before the landlord’s distribution section. Removable
links with 250 mm long shall be provided in the main bus bar of each
phase to enable easy maintenance and replacement of current
transformer.
3.5.11 Metering by means of Current Transformer (CT) shall be installed
where the circuit breaker rating at the point of supply is 160 A and
above.
[Note: for fire pump having a load of 160 A and above shall be
provided with separate CT meter.]

3.5.12 The current transformer of the following rated transformation ratio

shall be used as a standard requirement;
 200/5 (@ 0.5 Class Accuracy)
 300/5 (@ 0.5 Class Accuracy)
 400/5 (@ 0.5 Class Accuracy)
 500/5 (@ 0.5 Class Accuracy)
 600/5 (@ 0.5 Class Accuracy)
 800/5 (@ 0.2 Class Accuracy)
 1,200/5 (@ 0.2 Class Accuracy)

32
  1,600/5 (@ 0.2 Class Accuracy)
 2,000/5 (@ 0.2 Class Accuracy)
 2,500/5 (@ 0.2 Class Accuracy)
3.5.13 Each current transformer shall have the following markings;
 Rated primary and secondary current
 Rated frequency and maximum primary voltage
 Accuracy Class
 Rated Output
 Terminal (secondary winding) identification
 Power flow direction
3.5.14 All current transformers installed in cubicle switchboard by
manufacturer shall be prewired to 10 ways terminal block in the
metering compartment using color coded wiring.
3.5.15 Distance between current coil and meter shall be less than 3 meters.
Wire size varies 2.5 mm2 to 6 mm2 depending the distance between
the meter and CT coil. CT coil burden shall be 5VA.
3.5.16 The meter should register the KWH reading even if the polarity is
reversed. Import and export facility should be there.
3.5.17 CT coil should be provided with the sealing facility between the
terminals.

33
SECTION 4

34
 Transformer Room and
Low Voltage Switch
Rooms Arrangements

4.1 Transformer Room

4.1.1 SEWA shall be responsible for the requirements of transformer room

for provision of supplies to any new project or development. No
changes to the requirements given may be made without prior
written agreement from SEWA. The substation will be constructed as
per drawings provide by SEWA and no equipment will be installed in
the substation before structure has been inspected and approved by
SEWA.
4.1.2 The minimum size of transformer room if contains one transformer
shall be not less than 4.5m X 4.5m with door facing the road side. In
case of more than one transformer, SEWA is responsible to decide
the required dimension.
4.1.3 SEWA will provide padlock for the door of transformer room.
4.1.4 The location, design and layout of transformer room shall be
approved by SEWA before construction of the building.

35
4.2 Low Voltage Switch Room

4.2.1 The minimum size of low voltage switch room as per the main circuit
breaker ratings are as follows;

1,600 - 2,500 A 4.5m X 3.5m

1,000 – 1,200 A 4.5m X 3.2m
600 – 800 A 4.5m X 2.6m
400 – 500 A 3.0m X 2.0m
200 – 300 A 2.0m X 2.0m
100 – 160 A 1.5m X 1.5m
60 – 80 A 1.25m X 1.25m

[Note: the above room sizes are given for guidance only and other
requirements for access (e.g. panel layout, sizes, dimension and spacing)
and safety should be taken into account. Low voltage switch room can be
updated based on actual data. Provision for capacitor bank and size
allocation to be checked and consider.]

4.2.2 Where a low voltage switch room is located immediately adjacent to

transformer room or substation space, no door shall be provided to
the wall in between, only means of hasp and staple shall be provided
at transformer room. Under no circumstances, will this door be
opened from the low voltage switch room side, the door shall be used
only by SEWA authorized personnel as required.
4.2.3 Where low voltage switch room is located far away from SEWA
transformer room and is supplied directly from the network at low
voltage via single multi-core cable, access to the room is also

36
 required by SEWA personnel. The same method of locking the door
shall be used as transformer room. The individual key for this padlock
will be handed over to the consumer. SEWA will still have access by
means of a master key system used by authorized personnel.
4.2.4 The main door of the low voltage switch room will be of sufficient size
to allow removal of the switchboard in the form of individual cubicle
units.
4.2.5 All low voltage main switch rooms shall be well ventilated, preferably
without the need of forced air circulation. Where air conditioning is
required, the requirement for fresh air circulation must also be
provided to avoid condensation.
[Note: consideration must be given to the relevant UAE fire code
requirements.]
4.2.6 Low voltage switch room shall be positioned in an area which is
readily accessible to SEWA staff and other authorized persons
particularly in the event of emergency and must be at or close to the
outside perimeter of the premise.
4.2.7 Low voltage switch room shall not be positioned in an area controlled
by one of the tenants in a multi-occupancy building.
4.2.8 Equipment at the low voltage switch room shall be located in a safe
and accessible position and kept clear of hindrance at all times.
4.2.9 Other than in exceptional circumstances, and with prior approval
from SEWA, there shall be only one low voltage switch room for any
premises.
4.2.10 The use of low voltage switch rooms as storage room for any tools,
equipment or other materials is prohibited.
4.2.11 The low voltage switch room shall not be located on the reverse side
of a bathroom, toilet, kitchen, pump room and etc., or below a
bathroom, toilet, laundry and kitchen. It shall not be located below

37
 any water services or pipes such as mains of water supply, drainage
systems, storage tanks, air conditioning chillers or other liquids or
hazardous materials.
4.2.12 Al least one emergency lighting unit shall be fitted in all low voltage
switch rooms which must be provided with a battery rated for
minimum of 3 hours illumination and subject to adequate routine
maintenance.
4.2.13 Doors of low voltage switch rooms shall be arranged to open
outwards, be kept free from obstructions and be capable of being
opened from the inside without the use of a key.
4.2.14 The need for delivery of heavy equipment to the low voltage switch
room during construction and for future repair or alterations shall be
taken into account in the location of low voltage switch room.
4.2.15 For a low voltage switch rooms greater than 6 meters in length, more
than one door shall be provided as a means of emergency access.
4.2.16 For a large low voltage switch room that may contain one or more
low voltage switchboards, the requirements for which are given in
Section 6.10.
4.2.17 For a multistory building (G+1 and above), typical low voltage switch
room shall be provided to accommodate the electrical equipment
such as sub-main distribution boards, kWHr meters and etc..

38
SECTION 5

39
 Protection

5.1 General Principles

5.1.1 All electrical installations and individual circuits therein shall be

designed, constructed and maintained to provide protection against
the following;
 Overload
 Short Circuits (e.g. Phase to Phase or Phase to Ground)
 Electric Shock (due to direct or indirect contact with electricity)
5.1.2 Protection against conditions of overload and short circuit will
normally be provided by MCB’s, MCCB’s or similar devices, see
Section 5.2.
5.1.3 Protections of persons and live stocks against electric shock due to
direct contact or indirect contact must be provided by one of the
methods detailed in Section 5.3.
[Note: see Appendix B Figure 45 and 46 for explanation of direct and
indirect contact.]

40
5.2 Overload and Short Circuit Protection

5.2.1 All electrical installations and individual circuits therein shall be

provided with devices that protect against thermal, electromagnetic
and other detrimental effects caused by overload and short circuits.
Such devices shall be located at suitable sections and circuits so as
to give effective automatic disconnection in such conditions.
5.2.2 The main circuit breaker at the connection point shall be MCCB or
ACB type and adequately rated for the maximum prospective fault
current.
5.2.3 All circuits shall be individually protected against overloads and short
circuits by suitable devices. Replaceable or re-wireable fuse links are
not permitted for this purpose.
5.2.4 The time-current performance characteristics of protective devices
shall conform to the relevant reference standards.
[Note: the time-current performance curves for MCB’s are shown in
Appendix B Figure 13.]
5.2.5 To ensure protection against overload, circuit conductors must be
sized taking into account the time-current characteristic of the
protective device.
5.2.6 Protective devices at the main distribution board shall have a
prospective fault current withstand and interruption rating above the
maximum prospective fault current declared by SEWA for relevant
connection point.
5.2.7 Protective devices downstream of the main distribution board may
have a reduced prospective fault current withstand and interruption
rating, taking into account the ‘energy let-through’ characteristic
(I²t) of the upstream protective device, see Appendix B Figure 48.

41
 Where appropriate, an allowance may also be made for the
attenuation of prospective fault current due to the circuit impedance.
5.2.8 To ensure discrimination of circuit breakers on individual circuits, the
rating of the main circuit breaker is to be at least twice that of the
largest circuit breaker controlling an outgoing circuit.
5.2.9 Derating factors due to high ambient temperature affecting Miniature
Circuit Breakers, Moulded Case Circuit Breakers and Air Circuit
Breakers. All circuit breakers of any type shall have a derating factor
applied to their manufactured current rating. This shall apply without
exception regardless of where or how they are installed unless the
circuit breaker has already been calibrated by the manufacturer for
50 °C, when no derating shall apply. The derating factor shall be 80%
of the current rating stated by the manufacturer.
5.2.10 Miniature circuit breaker shall not be installed for main or sub main
cable distribution, neither shall be installed for any purpose as part
of a cubicle panel nor rewireable fuses be permitted.
5.2.11 The standard circuit breaker ratings used in electrical installations are
as follows;
6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 30A/32A, 40A, 60A/63A, 80A, 100A, 125A,
160A, 200A, 225A, 250A, 300A, 350A, 400A, 600A/630A, 800A,
1000A, 1250A, 1600A, 2500A and 3200A.
5.2.12 Circuit breaker used in an electrical installations of 1,000A and above
shall be Air Circuit Breaker (draw-out type).

5.3 Electric Shock Protection

5.3.1 Protection of persons against the risk of direct contact with electricity
shall be provided by either physically preventing contact or by an

42
 inherently safe systems of supply using one or more of the following
measures;
a. Insulated Conductors, see Section 6.6
b. Secure enclosures, barriers or cover on live parts
c. Separate Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) system
d. Protective Extra-Low Voltage (PELV) system
[Note: SELV conductor at voltages of 12V ac or 30V dc may be
un-insulated but shall be provided with overload and short circuit
protection.]
5.3.2 Residual current devices with a residual current rating of 30mA and
complying with BS EN 61008 and BS IEC 61008 may be used as a
means of supplementary protection against direct contact e.g. one of
items (a) to (d) above shall be used in addition to RCD protection.
[Note: RCD devices with a residual rating above 30mA are not
considered to provide adequate protection against direct contact but
may be used to provide protection against indirect contact- see
Section 5.4.It should be noted that RCD do not protect against electric
fault between phase conductors or between phase conductors and
neutral.]
5.3.3 Indirect contact with electricity can occur when voltage appears on
earthed parts of an electrical installation or appliance due to the
passage of earth fault current and whilst a person is in contact with
either;
a. An exposed conductive part and an extraneous conductive part
b. An exposed conductive part and earth
c. An extraneous conductive part and earth
5.3.4 Protection against the risk of electric shock in the above cases shall
be provided by;

43
 a. An earth leakage protected system, where RCD’s or similar
devices are provided at final circuits and additional RCD’s or
other sensitive earth leakage protection is provided at low
voltage switch room, see Section 5.4 and
b. An earthed equipotential bonded system, see Section 5.5.
[Note: short circuit protection devices provide the primary means
of clearance of earth faults within 0.4 seconds, which will require
the earth fault loop impedance to be sufficiently low for this to
occur. ELP devices provide a secondary means of earth fault
clearance.]

5.4 Earth Leakage Protected Systems

5.4.1 An earth leakage protected system (ELPS) is defined as one where

protection against indirect contact is provided by the use of RCD’s or
other similar devices on all final circuits and ELP is provided at the
low voltage switch room. Such a system is required to automatically
disconnect the supply at the final circuit or at the low voltage switch
room sufficiently quickly so as to prevent danger.
5.4.2 For final circuits, ELP devices must be of the RCD type whereby the
device will trip if the vector sum of currents carried by the phase and
neutral conductors is above a preset value. Voltage-operated earth
leakage devices (ELCB) are not permitted.
5.4.3 RCD devices for final circuits must have a time-current performance
characteristic complying with BS EN 61008 and BS IEC 61008. This
requires that the device must operate within 200 milliseconds at its
residual current rating and within 40 milliseconds at 5 times its

44
 residual current rating. It shall not operate below 50% of its residual
current rating.
5.4.4 Earth leakage protection provided at the low voltage switch room
must be set to discriminate with RCD’s at final circuits (e.g. earth
faults on final circuits must be automatically disconnected by the
closest RCD).
5.4.5 At each distribution board or other point where a RCD is provided, a
suitable label must be affixed to inform the Client/Owner of the
characteristics and mode of operation of the device and the need for
routine testing.
5.4.6 For domestic premises, the residual current rating for RCD’s must be
no greater than 100mA for final circuits supplying fixed equipment
(e.g. lighting and air conditioning) and no greater than 30mA for final
circuits where appliances may be used by persons (e.g. all socket
outlets, all kitchen appliances and other appliances accessible by
persons) and no greater than 30mA for all circuits in a bath room,
see Section 6.2.
5.4.7 Final circuits with high earth leakage currents (e.g. electronic
equipment or industrial machinery) may be provided with ELP device
with higher residual current ratings up to 500mA. These must be
clearly stated on the electrical installation certificate.
5.4.8 Special circuits within a premise, where there would be significant
detriment or danger from the tripping of the earth leakage protection
may be excluded from the zone of earth leakage. Such instances may
include circuits supplying data centers or fire protection equipment
or safety alarms (not security alarms) or unoccupied sites such as
telecommunication stations. All such cases must be declared in the
electrical installation certificate for the site and approved by SEWA.

45
 In these cases, the requirements for an earthed equipotential bonded
system must be met for the relevant circuits., see Section 5.5.
5.4.9 The recommended value of operating current for ELCB/RCCB in
consumer installations are the following;

Sr. No. Circuit/ Equipment/ Apparatus Rated

Operating
Current (mA)
1 13A Switched Socket Outlet 30
2 Water Heater / Cooler 30
3 Refrigerator / Washing Machine 30
4 Domestic Pumps 100
5 Under Water Lights 10
6 15A Switched Socket Outlet 30
7 General Lighting 100
8 Flood Lighting 30 / 100
9 Window / Split Air Conditioning 100 / 300
10 Fan Coil Unit / Air Handling Unit / VAV 100
11 Package Type A/C Unit 100/300
12 Chiller 100/500/1000
13 Irrigation Pump 100
14 Electric Cooker 30
15 Industrial Machine 100 / 300
16 Elevator / Escalator 300 / 500
17 Neon Sign 300

5.5 Earthed Equipotential Bonded Systems

46
5.5.1 An earthed equipotential bonded system (EEBS) is defined as one
where protection against indirect contact is provided by the
installation of earthed equipotential bonding such that voltage rises
between exposed conductive parts and extraneous conductive parts
are kept to a safe value for the duration of an earth fault (e.g. the
time it takes for the relevant protective device to trip).
[Note: an EBBS relies on the principle that all exposed conductive
parts and extraneous conductive parts which are accessible to
persons are connected to the main earth terminal and therefore the
prospective touch voltage between them is limited to a value which
is safe when taking into account the operating time of the relevant
protective device. In addition, it is assumed that a person cannot be
in contact with earth whilst touching any conductive part in a
premises.]

5.5.2 For an EBBS, the operating characteristics of protective devices shall

limit the duration of any earth fault to less than 0.4 seconds for all
circuits supplying an electrical installation.
5.5.3 The most commonly used method for checking the prospective fault
duration is by reference to data on the limiting values of earth fault
loop impedance for the protective device concerned. For MCB’s this
can be seen from BS 7671 as a reference.
5.5.4 Main Equipotential Bonding Conductors must be installed from the
Main Earth Terminal to connect metallic service pipes and other
Extraneous-Conductive-Parts at points closest to the entry of such
parts to a Premises.
5.5.5 In high risk areas, Supplementary Equipotential Bonding must be
provided so that the Touch Voltage between Exposed-Conductive-

47
 Parts and Extraneous-Conductive- Parts is kept to safe limits for the
duration of an earth fault.
[Note: high risk areas may include bathrooms, kitchens, laboratories,
garages, confined spaces or other locations where the normal
resistance of the body is reduced or the consequence of an electric
shock may lead to another accident, such as fall from a height. For
disconnection times greater than 0.4 seconds, safe Touch Voltage
limits may be taken as 50 V for dry conditions and 25 V for wet
conditions.]
5.5.6 The method for calculation of Touch Voltage between Exposed
Conductive-Parts and Extraneous-Conductive- Parts is illustrated in
Appendix B Figure 52.
5.5.7 Items requiring Equipotential Bonding may include metallic pipes
(particularly those connected to underground services such as water
supply), steel beams, water tanks, baths, sinks and washbasins. An
illustration of typical Equipotential Bonding arrangements is given in
Appendix B Figure 49.
5.5.8 It is not necessary to provide Equipotential Bonding for standalone
metallic items which:
(a) do not pose any risk of providing a conductive path
to Earth (are isolated from Earth);
(b) do not pose any risk of providing a conductive path to any
other Earthed part of the Electrical Installation;
(c) do not pose any risk of becoming live as a result of an electrical
fault in the Electrical Installation
(i.e. are sufficiently remote from any Circuit or Appliance); or
(d) are out of reach of any person.

48
 [Note: such items may include metal doors, window frames,
handrails, inaccessible structural beams, small metallic fixings
such as screws and brackets.]
5.5.9 Where Circuit conductors are installed close to or within items of
metalwork (such as mentioned in clause 5.5.7) consideration must
be given to provide additional protection or double insulation of such
conductors.
[Note: examples include situations where cables pass through walls
containing steel frames, metal door frames, metallic floor grids,
suspended ceilings, etc.]
5.5.10 The sizing of Equipotential Bonding Conductors is given in Appendix
A Table 17.
5.5.11 The point of connection of an Equipotential Bonding Conductor to any
item must be labelled: SAFETY EARTH BONDING – DO NOT REMOVE.
[Note: Clamps for Earthing and bonding shall be in accordance with
BS 951.]

5.6 Restricted Earth Fault Protection

5.6.1 A restricted earth fault protection relay shall be installed on each

incoming supply to a main switch board and shall interrupt the fault
by isolating relevant circuit breakers. As far as possible the protection
C.T.’s shall be located on the main incoming bus bars after the main
switch and just before the main horizontal bus bars.
5.6.2 This protection is designed to look back towards the secondary
windings of the supply transformer and all small control wiring and
other current transformers shall be located between transformer
secondary winding and main switchboard incomer so that they are

49
 protected by this relay. Current transformers to be Class X or
equivalent.
5.6.3 The restricted earth fault relay shall be installed to trip both L.V and
the SEWA H.V switches under earth fault condition and it is the
consumer's responsibility to provide a suitable interconnecting cable
for this purpose. This setting of the protection relays are to be agreed
by SEWA and commissioning tests witnessed by SEWA. L.V tripping
shall be by means of 30V d.c. system with battery and charger
supplied and maintained by the consumer.

5.7 Isolation and Switching

5.7.1 All Electrical Installations must be provided with a means of safe

isolation at the Electricity Intake, which must be lockable or
otherwise provided with a means of preventing interference (e.g. by
the removal of operating handles into the safe custody of a
responsible person).
5.7.2 An Electrical Installation must be further sectionalized by means of
isolation at the origin of each Circuit, in order to provide ease of
access for safe working.
5.7.3 All mechanical equipment should be provided with a means of
isolation close to the equipment which can be locked and kept under
the control of the person performing maintenance. This isolation
must be effective on all phases and neutral of the supply, it must be
clearly marked and must be located in an easily accessible position,
see Appendix B Figure 35.
5.7.4 Water heaters, air-conditioning units, fan-coil units, motors and other
similar items must be provided with double pole isolation (or 4 pole

50
 isolation for 3-phase items) to ensure safe access for the purpose of
maintenance and repair.
[Note: double-pole isolation may be provided by a DP switch with
neon indicator (at normal height) and flex outlet (near to the
appliance but accessible for maintenance).]
5.7.5 All socket-outlets, flex outlets or other connection point to an
Appliance or other electrical equipment must be provided with a DP
switch as a means of isolation. Such switches must be provided with
a neon indicator where it is desirable to have a visual indication of
the presence or absence of power (e.g. fridge, gas or smoke alarm,
and water heater).
5.7.6 In addition to the above, emergency switching (e.g. push-button
switch) must be provided for moving machinery which may require
immediate switch off from the supply in the case of an accident or
other situation to avoid Danger. Such equipment may include large
motors, ventilation equipment, industrial machinery, etc. Emergency
push switches, must be clearly marked and must be located in an
easily accessible position, see Appendix B Figure 35.
5.7.7 Emergency switches must be designed so that their operation retains
the switch in the off position until it is intentionally unlocked or reset.
The release of the emergency switch must not automatically restart
the related Appliance or machinery.
5.7.8 Functional switching devices required for control or operation of
equipment and not for safety reasons need not comply with the
requirements of clauses 5.7.1 to 5.7.7.
5.7.9 Semiconductor devices cannot be used as a means of isolation for
safety.

5.8 Insulation

51
5.8.1 All Electrical Installations must be sufficiently insulated to protect
against electric shock from Direct Contact by any person (clause
5.3.1). Such insulation must be capable of withstanding wear and
tear during normal use of the equipment. Supplementary insulation
or ‘double insulation’ may be used where additional robustness is

required.

5.8.2 The application of paints, resins, varnishes and similar materials is

not considered to satisfy the requirements of Section 5.8.1 and
additional insulation, barriers or obstacles are required to prevent
Direct Contact by any person.
[Note: an example may be a motor winding which is enameled or
resin coated and therefore must be guarded against Direct Contact
by persons.]
5.8.3 Live conductors are required to be inaccessible without the use of a
special key or tool, available only to authorized persons and only for
the purpose of testing, using special equipment and procedures.
5.8.4 Uninsulated equipment may be used at voltages not exceeding 12 V
a.c. or 30 V d.c. and only where supplied by a SELV source.
5.8.5 The insulation resistance of Circuit conductors must be measured and
recorded as part of the test procedures given in Section 14 and must
be greater than the values given in Appendix A Table 39.
5.8.6 Where an Electrical Installation is supplied by underground cables,
no special provisions are required for protection against over-
voltages arising from atmospheric origin or from switching. Where an
Electrical Installation is supplied by overhead lines, advice should be
sought from the SEWA or the requirements of BS 7671 – Chapter 44
may be used.

52
SECTION 6
53
 Selection of Equipment,
Materials, Wiring System
and Accessories

6.1 Lightings

6.1.1 Lighting Circuits will normally be fed from 6A, 10A, 16A MCB’s from
a Final Distribution Board.
6.1.2 All lighting circuits shall be installed with a maximum loading of 1,800
watts per circuit. The below table be sets out the cable size and circuit
breaker relationship for the maximum permissible electrical load to
be connected to the circuit.

Circuit Breaker Phase Earth Circuit Max.

Capacity (A) Conductor Size Conductor Size Load (Watts)
(mm2) (mm2
6 1.5 1.5 600

54
 10 2.5 2.5 1,200
16 4 4 1,800

6.1.3 LED type lighting fixture shall be used in all electrical installations
except those special electrical installations that requires lighting
fixtures other than LED type.
6.1.4 All internal and external lighting points shall be installed on their own
separate circuit/s or controls. Light fitting and switches not installed
inside the building shall be weather proof with suitable sealing
gaskets.
6.1.5 Occupancy Lighting Controls such as sensors shall be used in
corridors, stores, open offices and similar locations.
6.1.6 Lighting Control Circuits or timers shall be used for external lightings,
decorative and chandelier lightings for building (in general)
installation such as sports club, mosques, government establishment
and similar buildings.
6.1.7 Lighting Illumination (Lux Level) shall be reduce in the corridors and
other areas that can benefit from natural light. It is recommended to
use sensors or dimmers to change the level of illumination to work
place complementarily with natural lighting.
6.1.8 Proper Illumination calculation shall be applied to all parts of
installation to determine the lux level as per standards and the
number of luminaires as well (e.g. DIALUX Software).
6.1.9 Spot lights and general lights shall be in separate circuit.
6.1.10 Connect appropriate number of lighting fixtures according to the
ampere ratings of control switches.
6.1.11 External lightings shall be designed properly to avoid exaggerations
of the number of lighting fixtures to be installed.

55
6.1.12 The rating of lighting circuits shall be selected in accordance with the
number of connection points to be supplied, the type and rating of
Luminaires to be used as per the Connected Load for the Circuit.
6.1.13 Lighting Circuits supplying small Edison screw (SES) or small bayonet
cap (SBC) fittings must be supplied from Protective Devices of
nominal current rating no greater than 10 A.
[Note: where these lamps are used in high numbers, e.g. In
chandeliers, the Protective Device current rating may be greater than
10A.]
6.1.14 Switching of Circuits containing discharge lighting or other lighting
with high inductance may require special consideration due to high
switching voltages that may occur. In order to accommodate the
switching voltage in discharge lighting Circuits, the rating of the
switch shall be suited to the conditions expected and shall not be less
than twice the load current.
6.1.15 The design and construction of lighting signs used for publicity,
decorative and general purposes (such as neon signs) must comply
with BS 559. High voltage discharge lighting is to be provided with
an emergency isolation switch which must be clearly marked and
located in an easily accessible position.
[Note: such switches may be marked “Fireman’s Switch for Neon
Sign” or similar description.]
6.1.16 The connection of mains-operated clocks to lighting Circuits other
than through a clock connector unit is prohibited.
6.1.17 Heat resistant flexible cords of 10mm2 minimum size this includes
cords insulated with butyl rubber, EP rubber, silicone rubber or glass
fiber shall be used for connection between the ceiling rose and lamp
holders for pendant type light fittings.

56
6.1.18 All Luminaires must be connected to Final Circuits using a ceiling rose
or other purpose made connection point and not directly to such
Circuits. Where cables are run within Luminaires, they shall be of the
heat resistant type, or protected by heat resistant sleeving.
6.1.19 Luminaires and other light fittings must be installed with due
consideration to the weight taken by fixings and supports, and the
need for adequate ventilation and heat dissipation.
6.1.20 Heat resistant cables and flexible cords should be used for the
connection of high temperature Luminaires.
6.1.21 Where light switch boxes contain more than one phase (for large
groups of lighting) they must be labelled to indicate the presence of
a 415 V supply, and suitable phase barriers should be provided inside
the box.
6.1.22 Outdoor lighting should be of suitable weatherproof construction with
appropriate connection points and fittings.
6.1.23 Underwater lighting must be supplied by a Separated Extra-Low
Voltage System (SELV) not exceeding 12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c.
6.1.24 All circuits feeding under water lights shall be designed and installed
to ensure full safety for personnel.
6.1.25 Lighting Circuits in false ceilings or voids must be installed in conduits
or trunking. However, short lengths (less than 3 m) of flexible or
insulated and sheathed cables may be provided between a lighting
connection point or ceiling rose and a Luminaire, provided that
provision is made for future access and maintenance. In addition, the
use of purpose made plug and socket connection systems for
Luminaires is not precluded, provided that approval is sought from
SEWA.
6.1.26 Emergency light fittings must comply with BS 5266 and shall be
provided with a battery of minimum 3 hours rating.

57
6.2 Plugs, Socket-outlets and Flex-outlets

6.2.1 For domestic Electrical Installations, all single-phase plugs and

socket-outlets must comply with BS 1363 and be fitted with a switch.
The use of any other type of single-phase plugs and sockets-outlets,
such as BS 546 (3 round pins) is not permitted.
[Note: BS1363 requires plugs to have partly insulated live and
neutral pins and include a fuse complying with BS1362. Socket
outlets are required to have tamper-proof shutters on the live,
neutral and earth connection.]
6.2.2 For single-phase applications in non-domestic Electrical Installations
either BS 1363 or BS 546 type plugs and socket-outlets are
permitted. However, BS 546 plugs and socket-outlets must be
restricted to specialist applications such as high load Appliances (BS
546 15 A plug) or where it is desirable not to intermix certain
Appliances.
[Note: examples of the use of BS 546 plugs include table lamps in
hotel rooms which are switched from a dedicated lighting Circuit (3
A or 5 A) or self-contained air-conditioning units (15 A). In the latter
case, 15 A BS 546 socket-outlets must be supplied from a dedicated
Radial Circuit.]
6.2.3 Socket outlet installed in bathroom, shower room or toilet shall be
complying with BS EN 61558-2-5. Shaver socket outlet shall have
provision of safety isolation transformer or isolation transformer part
of shaver equipment.
6.2.4 Three phase industrial plugs and socket outlets must comply with BS
EN 60309, see Appendix B Figure 41. The rating of three phase socket

58
 outlets must be selected according to the load of the Appliance or
equipment to be connected.
[Note: BS EN 60309 plugs and socket-outlets are not fused and are
not shuttered and therefore must not be used in any domestic
application.]
6.2.5 Floor socket-outlets may be used where there is no undue risk of
water ingress or flooding and which are designed to relevant
international standards.
6.2.6 Socket outlets for normal use must be positioned at a standard height
of 450mm or above 100mm above work surfaces. Where required,
low level or skirting height may be used (e.g. in offices) at a minimum
of 100 mm above the floor level, and where adequate precautions
are taken against damage. Access for limited ability persons must be
given due consideration in such cases (e.g. alternative socket-outlets
provided).
6.2.7 Socket outlets in kitchens shall be positioned at least 1meter away
from source of water (e.g. sinks, basins, filter units and supply taps).
6.2.8 Socket outlets shall not be mounted at locations where they are liable
to come into physical contact with fabrics or other material that may
catch fire due to transmission of heat.
6.2.9 13 Amp switched socket outlets installed in rooms other than
kitchens, shall be connected using the ring main principle, from 4
numbers up to maximum of 8 numbers of socket outlets in one
circuit, or one circuit not covering a floor area of greater than 10 m2
whichever is the less.
[Note: twin socket considered as 2 numbers.]
6.2.10 Each ring main shall be connected to its own circuit in the final
distribution board using 4 mm2 PVC cable for the phase and neutral

59
 shall be protected by 30A MCB. All conductors shall complete the ring
of each circuits, including the earth conductor.
[Note: 4 numbers and above of socket outlet shall be connected in
ring main principle while 3 numbers and below shall be in radial
principle. For kitchen with 3 numbers of socket outlet shall be in ring
main principle.]

6.2.11 One socket outlet of 13 A rating may be connected to a single phase

and neutral circuit wired with 4mm2 cables and it is protected by a
fuse or circuit breaker not exceeding 20 A.
[Note: 3 numbers of socket outlet of 13A rating shall be wired with
4mm2 cables and it is protected by a fuse or circuit breaker not
exceeding 20 A.]
6.2.12 One special purpose socket outlet of 15A or 16A rating may be
connected to a single phase and neutral circuit wired with 4mm2
cables and it is protected by a fuse or circuit breaker not exceeding
20 A.
6.2.13 Three phase socket outlets shall be connected on individual radial
circuits.
6.2.14 For outdoor, damp or wet areas (e.g. pump rooms, outdoor water
coolers, and drinking fountains) socket outlets must be of the
weatherproof type (IP 55) and incorporate a 30mA RCD.
6.2.15 Flex-outlets (with switch and fuse) complying with BS 1363 may be
used in place of socket-outlets for fixed Appliances, see Appendix B
Figure 42.
6.2.16 Socket outlets rendered inaccessible appliances fastened in place or
that cannot be easily move shall not be permitted.

60
6.2.17 Each fan coil unit in a split ducted air conditioning system shall be
connected to its own 13 Amps unswitched fused spur unit mounted
adjacent to the unit.
6.2.18 Spur outlet will not be permitted to connect with any ring main circuit
and shall be supplied separately with 4mm2 phase and neutral
conductor.

6.3 Air conditioning Unit and Water Heater

Air conditioning unit

6.3.1 All types of air conditioning units shall be of high efficiency classified
by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology and has
the efficiency sticker. Air conditioning units shall be in accordance to
the specifications of UAE.S 5010-5:2011 and the updated UAE.S
5010-5:2014. It is also preferred to be a 4 to 5 star category.
6.3.2 Installations of air conditioning units shall comply to the thermal
insulation details as per GREEN Building to reduce the usage of
electrical energy.
6.3.3 Air conditioning system in mosques shall have a timer or automatic
control system that works along prayer timings to reduce energy
consumption.
6.3.4 Air conditioning system in open offices shall have an occupancy
sensor system.
6.3.5 Installation of air conditioning units shall be properly sealed and
secured.

Water Heater

61
6.3.6 Electrical water heaters with tanks shall comply with the Emirates
Authority for Standardization and Metrology standards and hold the
quality mark from the authority according to UAE.S 5010-4:2013
standards.
6.3.7 It is preferred to use a tank less water heaters in places that do not
require big and continuous flows.
6.3.8 It is preferred to use central water heaters which run with natural
gas in hotels. Solar water heaters also may be use.

6.4 Switches and Isolators

6.4.1 All switches provided for local isolation of Appliances and equipment
(including lighting) must comply with BS EN 60669. The rating of
switches must be selected based on the expected load, taking into
account any capacitive or inductive effects.
6.4.2 For outdoor locations, damp or wet areas, weather protected
switches and isolators shall be used (BS EN 60669).
6.4.3 Wall-mounted switches must not be installed in bathrooms, shower
rooms or other locations where normal body resistance is reduced
due to the presence of water. In such locations, ceiling mounted cord-
pull switches may be used or wall-mounted switches may be used
outside the room. Wall-mounted switches may be used in kitchens
but at least 2 m from a sink or other source of water.
6.4.4 For areas higher than normal risk of fire or explosion, gas sealed
switches shall be used (BS EN 60079) (e.g. gas storage areas,
battery rooms and etc.).
6.4.5 The normal mounting height for switched shall be 1.3 meters from
finished floor level. Other mounting heights may be used where there

62
 is a specific need, such as, but not limited to, the prevention of access
by children or the requirement for access by disabled persons.
6.4.6 Switches with neon indicator shall be provided with appliances such
as water heaters, air conditioning units, cookers, fridges and
freezers, where a visual indication of the presence of power is
desirable. Double pole switches must be provided for water heaters,
air conditioning units and other fixed appliances operating with or
near water supplies.
6.4.7 Cooker control units (isolators) for domestic Electrical Installations
must comply with BS 4177. The use of cooker control units with an
integral 3-pin socket-outlet is prohibited except where the Final
Circuit supplying the cooker control unit is protected by a RCD with
a residual current rating of 30 mA, in accordance with clause 6.4.8.
[Note: in addition to the above restriction, it is considered
undesirable to use cooker control units with integral socket outlets
where there is a risk of Appliances or flexible cables supplied by the
socket-outlet being damaged by heat from the cooker.]
6.4.8 Cables from switches or isolators to fixed Appliances (such as water
heaters, cookers and etc.) must be adequately rated and securely
fixed with a purpose-made flex outlet plate (which may be integral
with or separate from the switch or isolator unit).
6.5 Conduits, Trunkings and Cable Trays

6.5.1 All PVC conduits and trunking must comply with BS 4607 and be
suitable for the ambient conditions expected.
6.5.2 All metal conduits and trunking must comply with either BS 4568, BS
EN 60423 or BS EN 61386-21. Cable Tray must comply with BS EN
61537.

63
6.5.3 Flexible conduits must be of metal construction, PVC covered and
comply with BS EN 61386-23. Flexible conduit may be of plastic
construction only in indoor locations, where damage is unlikely.
6.5.4 Metal conduits, trunking or Cable Tray may not, on their own, be
used as Circuit Earth Conductors; separate Circuit Earth Conductors
must be run inside the conduits, trunking or Cable Tray. This does
not obviate the requirement to comply with clause 7.6.1 (i.e. metal
conduits are required to be Earthed).
6.5.5 PVC conduits or trunking must not be used in situations subject to
higher than normal temperatures or fire risk (e.g. near industrial
machinery, generator rooms, workshops, petrol stations, plant rooms
and etc.). Where a PVC conduit is installed outdoors, it should be
suitable for exposure to solar radiation.
6.5.6 Where a PVC conduit is installed within a wall, floor or ceiling it must
be at a minimum depth of 50 mm from the surface. If it is installed
at a shallower depth not less than 25 mm from the surface, then a
metal conduit must be used, and the circuits contained in the conduit
must be protected by a 30mA RCD.
6.5.7 Conduits, trunking and Cable Tray must be installed so as to provide
ease of access to cable circuits throughout the route. Sufficient
inspection plates and pulling points must be provided to enable
inspection, repair and drawing out of cables throughout the life of the
Electrical Installation.
[Note 1: cable trays and trunkings shall not be run through wet areas
(e.g. pump rooms, garbage rooms, bathrooms, toilets, wash rooms,
fire hose cabinet and etc.), OTS area, gas room, elevator shaft,
staircase, flats, studios and shops or sheds in multi occupancy
buildings in general.]
[Note 2: rigid non-metallic conduits shall not be installed to;

64
 a. where exposed to the outside ambient temperature.
b. where it may be affected by chemicals to cause
deterioration in its construction.
c. any part of a hospital installation for lighting and power
circuits.
d. petrol stations and forecourts.
e. the same room as a diesel generator.
f. Plant room, lift motor rooms, lift shafts and substations
6.5.8 The ends of conduits, trunking and Cable Tray shall be provided with
bushes or other finished ends such that cables do not sustain damage
during installation or throughout the life of the Electrical Installation,
and must be suitably sealed against the ingress of water. Where such
bushes or ends are not provided, any sharp angles, burrs or
projections must be removed. All exposed steel edges and threads
should be painted with zinc-rich paint. Care must be taken not to
leave sections of cable exposed at the ends of conduits or trunking.
6.5.9 PVC conduit boxes for accessories shall be provided with copper or
brass Earth terminals.
6.5.10 Single-insulated cables (armoured) may not be installed in slotted
(perforated) trunking or Cable Trays.
6.5.11 The minimum internal radius of any bend or elbow fitting in a conduit
shall be 2.5 times the diameter of the conduit.
6.5.12 Elbow fittings of trunking may be in a 90º formation only where the
cover is removable so that cables may be installed without the need
for pulling through.
6.5.13 Conduit shall be installed with a maximum of two 90° bends or three
120° bends between inspection or pulling point.

65
6.5.14 Cable Trunking and Cable Tray shall be run exposed or otherwise
accessible after installation, throughout its length, for the purpose of
removing or installing cables.
6.5.15 Where Cable Trunking or a Cable Tray passes through walls, floors
or other barriers, it shall be provided with a continuous cover and an
internal fire barrier where fire separation is specified for the
Premises.
6.5.16 Where trunking or Cable Tray is used for the combined provision of
power, telecommunications and other Circuits, adequate segregation
must be provided, together with suitably sealed service boxes and
connection boxes.
6.5.17 Category 3 Circuits (fire and emergency lighting) may not be installed
in the same conduit or trunking as Category 1 (mains supplied)
Circuits or Category 2 (telecommunications) Circuits unless suitable
segregation is provided.
6.5.18 Category 1 and Category 2 Circuits may only be installed in the same
conduit or trunking if the latter is insulated to the level of Category
1 Circuits.
[Note: trunking or conduit referred to in clauses 6.5.16 and
6.5.17 may be metallic or non-metallic.]

6.5.19 Under floor Cable Trunking shall be used only in areas which are not
susceptible to water ingress or flooding. Suitable junction boxes,
flush service boxes and inspection compartments shall be provided
according to the design of the under-floor trunking system.
6.5.20 The maximum number of cables for typical sizes of conduits and
trunking are given in Appendix A Table 16.
[Note: the use of different Final Circuits in a common conduit or
switch drops in shared conduits are not permitted.]

66
6.5.21 Where a conduit or trunking is installed on SEWA’s side of the
connection point, these must be provided with a means of locking or
sealing against unauthorized interference.
[Note: flexible joints at expansion joints may be included in case of
long buildings.]

6.6 Cables

6.6.1 For fixed wiring within Premises, PVC, rubber or XLPE insulated
cables with stranded copper conductors must be used. Solid-core
copper or aluminum conductor cables are not permitted.
6.6.2 For locations subject to a higher than normal risk of interference or
damage, armored cables are recommended.
6.6.3 Where the main switch board is supplied directly from the secondary
side of the transformer and no cut-out is installed, the maximum
length permitted for these cables from transformer to the main
switch boards of the consumer shall be 10 meters.
6.6.4 Cables can be connected in parallel (BS 7671 C7.1) but not applicable
to the following;
 Phase conductors having a current carrying capacity up to and
including 150A.
 Any earthing conductors.
 Unequal current sharing.
 Unequal length.
 Different construction, material and cross-sectional area.
[Note: where the parallel cables are non-twisted single-core cables
installed in trefoil or flat formation and have cross sectional areas
greater than 50mm2 in copper or 70mm2 in aluminum, the

67
 arrangement of the different phases shall be such as to ensure
optimum equalization of load current between them.]
6.6.5 For locations with higher than normal fire risk, either cables must be
installed in metal conduit or mineral insulated copper clad (MICC)
complying with BS EN 60702 or enhanced fire-resistance cables must
be used. In addition, safety Circuits such as fire alarms, emergency
lighting and control Circuits, which are required to remain operational
in the event of a fire, must be installed in metal conduits or supplied
by MICC cables.

[Note: enhanced fire-resistance cables should meet the PH 120

classification when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200 and the
120 minutes survival time when tested in accordance with BS 8434-
2.]
6.6.6 The location and selection of cables must take into consideration any
special requirements for the prevention of spread of fire. Fire
barriers, low smoke insulation or other measures may be required
(relevant building regulations should be referenced).
6.6.7 General-purpose flexible cables and cords for Appliances must be PVC
insulated, with a PVC over sheath, stranded copper conductors, and
comply with BS EN 50525.
6.6.8 Cables for high-temperature Appliances (e.g. electric heaters, irons,
pendant lighting, connections within Luminaires) must be heat
resistant rubber or PVC insulated, with over sheath, stranded copper
conductors, and comply with BS EN 50525.
6.6.9 Cables under repetitive mechanical strain (e.g. lifts, heavy outdoor
machinery and etc.) must comply with BS EN 50214.
6.6.10 Where cables are installed underground, they must be installed so as
to protect against mechanical damage and enable future removal.

68
6.6.11 Cables for meter tails (at 240 V) shall be single-core, PVC insulated,
with over sheath, and comply with BS EN 50525.
6.6.12 The cross section of cables shall be selected according to the
expected load, voltage drop, ambient temperature and installation
conditions using Appendix A1 including appropriate grouping factors.
[Note: the sizing of final circuits and circuits feeding FDB’s must be
in accordance with the connected load. Other circuits may be sized
in accordance with the Diversified Load, with allowance made for
future load growth where appropriate.]
6.6.13 The use of single core armored cables should be avoided due to the
possibility of induced heating effects. However, such cables may be
used where there is an exceptional need, with the written consent of
SEWA and where adequate precautions are taken to avoid induced
heating effects. Such precautions must include the appropriate
configuration of phase to balance induced currents, earthing at one
end only and the use of non-ferromagnetic armoring, cable glands
and switchgear gland plates.
6.6.14 Other than as allowed under clause 6.6.17, all cables that are not
armored, or that do not have a metallic sheath or screen, must be
installed in PVC or metal conduits or trunking throughout their entire
length.
6.6.15 Cables running through inaccessible areas such as walls, floors and
solid ceilings shall be installed, without exception, in conduits or
trunking so as to be withdrawable in the future. In such cases,
suitable inspection plates and pulling out points must be provided.
6.6.16 Non-sheathed cables must not be installed in concrete ducts.
6.6.17 Exceptions to clause 6.6.14 may be allowed only for insulated and
sheathed or flexible cables which will remain accessible but in
locations free from undue risk of damage or interference (e.g. above-

69
 head height, or in unoccupied areas). Such cables must be securely
supported by cable clips, Cable Tray or other fixings at suitable
intervals.
[Note: although flexible cords must not be used as fixed wiring, this
clause covers Appliance connection cables which should be limited to
3 m in length where practicable. In addition, proprietary plug and fit
connection systems may be installed from a suitable
connection point in the fixed wiring system, provided they are
suitably supported, mechanically protected, or otherwise located in
areas where there is minimal risk of damage or interference.]
6.6.18 All cables must be installed between purpose-made termination
points (switches, junction boxes, Distribution Boards) and be
terminated with purpose-made lugs, crimps, screw or other
connectors. Joints between such points are strictly prohibited.
Termination points and junction boxes must remain accessible to
facilitate future inspection, repair and alteration.
[Note: terminations for MICC cables must be suitably sealed
against the ingress of moisture.]
6.6.19 Where cables are terminated at high-temperature Appliances, their
insulation must be suitable for the expected operating temperature
or, where necessary, shall be protected by heat-resistant material.
6.6.20 Armored cables must be terminated using suitable cable glands which
incorporate a suitably rated Earth tag or other purpose-made
connection to the armoring of the cable and to the metallic sheath if
present.
6.6.21 Cables shall not be installed in lift shafts other than those serving lifts
functions.
[Note: although a lift shaft may be a convenient means of providing
a cable route through a building this creates unwarranted risk when

70
 accessing such Circuits for maintenance and also provides a
vulnerable route for the propagation of fire.]
6.6.22 The color identification for cables is given in Appendix A Table 10.
[Note: although the identification colors for cables has recently been
changed in European countries, a similar change is not currently
proposed for Sharjah Emirate. For fixed wiring in an Electrical
Installation, the phase colors remain as red, yellow and blue whilst
neutral remains as black. However, for flexible sheathed cables
supplying single-phase Appliances, brown is used for live and blue is
used for neutral.]

6.7 Final Circuits

6.7.1 The sizing of final circuits must be in accordance with the connected
load on each circuit whilst taking account the ambient temperature,
grouping factors (see Appendix A Table 3, 7 and 8), power factor and
voltage drop.
6.7.2 Radial Circuits should be provided to large Appliances, particularly
those in continuous or near continuous operation, or those of
importance for safety or other priority functions within a Premises.
Examples include main water pumps, air conditioning units, water
heaters, room heating, fire or intruder alarms, cookers and ovens.
6.7.3 Ring Circuits should be provided to areas within a Premises which can
be most economically served by several Appliances sharing the same
cable feed, arranged in a loop, from one circuit-breaker on the Final
Distribution Board. This is particularly suitable where Appliances are
expected to operate at diverse times of the day. Ring Circuits would
typically be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens (except
major Appliances such as cookers), partitioned office areas, etc.

71
6.7.4 The number of Radial Circuits and Ring Circuits installed in a Premises
shall take into consideration future accessibility, maintainability, and
safety of the system, whilst limiting the extent of power outage to
serviced areas.
6.7.5 Circuits supplying a kitchen must not be used to supply any other
area. However, ceiling lighting Circuits from a kitchen may be
common to other areas.
6.7.6 For Domestic premises, all circuit supplying one room must be on the
same phase, other than for kitchens and for ceiling lightings.
6.7.7 Typical layout for small power and lighting Circuits for domestic
Premises are shown in Appendix B Figure 47.

6.8 Busways, Bus Ducts and Bus Bar Risers

6.8.1 Busways, bus ducts an bus bar risers or other similar systems may
be used in premises for the supply of large loads where they provide
a more economical or practical option than cables.
6.8.2 Busways, bus ducts an bus bar risers shall comply with the relevant
reference standards.
6.8.3 Busways, bus ducts and bus bar risers shall be totally enclosed (non-
perforated) for protection against mechanical damage, moisture,
dust and other environmental effects.
6.8.4 Busways, bus ducts and bus bar risers shall not be located in areas
prone to mechanical damage or where they may be exposed to
hazardous materials, liquids or gases, unless special precautions are
taken.
6.8.5 Busways, bus ducts and bus bar risers shall be located so that they
are accessible for future maintenance and repair throughout their
length. They shall not be installed in habitable areas such as flats,

72
 offices, shops and etc. A separate riser shaft or room shall be
provided.
6.8.6 Busways, bus ducts and bus bar risers shall have neutral conductors
of equal size to the phase conductors and shall have a dedicated
Earth Conductor. The use of the metal casing as an Earth Conductor
is permitted only with the prior approval of the Distribution Company.
[Note: aluminum metal casings should be used in preference to steel
due to the risk of corrosion and high resistance joints. In either case,
the sizing of such conductors must meet the values equivalent to
copper conductors.
6.8.7 The current rating of busways, bus ducts and bus bar risers shall be
based on the Diversified Load of the relevant part of the electrical
installations being supplied, with allowance made for future load
growth where appropriate. Diversity factors shall be justified and
submitted with the design for approval by SEWA.
6.8.8 Purpose made plug-in circuit-breaker units may be used with busbar
risers systems where they are mechanically interlocked to prevent
removal whilst energized.
6.8.9 The number of busways, bus ducts or bus bar risers required for a
high-rise building and the number of floors served by each must be
selected by taking due account of the future accessibility,
maintainability and safety of the system, whilst limiting the extent of
power outage to serviced areas.
[Note: a typical arrangement may be to serve each 10 floors of a 30
storey building by a separate bus riser; however, other arrangements
are not precluded.]
6.8.10 The conductors of a busways shall be protected by HRC fuses- or by
a suitable circuit breaker which will open the circuit under fault
conditions.

73
6.8.11 The main maximum distance of cable tail interconnections from the
busways and any tap off unit shall be 750 mm.
6.8.12 The enclosures of busways shall be securely supported at intervals
not exceeding 1.8 meters.
6.8.13 Busways use is compulsory for high rise buildings consisting of 15
floors or more (starting from ground floor and including parking
area).
6.8.14 Busways to be protected to a degree of IP55 minimum.
6.8.15 Any sub mains, or final circuits, supplied from a busway shall be
protected against over current by either HRC fuses or a circuit
breaker.
6.8.16 The maximum number of floors to be connected to busways should
not exceed 12 unless otherwise approved by SEWA.

6.9 Distribution Boards

6.9.1 All Distribution Boards must be factory assembled, type-tested and

comply with BS EN 61439.
6.9.2 Distribution Boards must be of robust construction, capable of
withstanding expected electrical, thermal, and environmental
stresses in normal service and during faults.
[Note: Final Distribution Boards, including the incoming cable, will
normally be sized in accordance with the Connected Load of the
Circuits supplied; other Distribution Boards and Distribution Circuits
may be sized in accordance with the Diversified Load, using
appropriate diversity factors, and with allowance made for future load
growth where appropriate. ]
6.9.3 Apparatus forming part of the assembly of Distribution Boards shall
have electrical isolation clearances sufficient to withstand normal

74
 Voltages, surge Voltages and creepages as defined in BS EN 61439-
1.
6.9.4 Each Distribution Board must have a neutral bar which is mounted
on insulators and which has a sufficient number of terminal points of
adequate size for the largest cable expected to be used.
6.9.5 Each Distribution Board must have an Earth bar which has a means
of connection to the incoming Earth Conductor and cable gland of the
incoming cable, see Appendix B Figure 34.
6.9.6 All Final Distribution Boards must, be arranged so as to provide for
at least two zones of Earth Leakage Protection (e.g. 100mA and
30mA or 30mA and 30mA and 10mA) and to avoid complete
disconnection of power to the area being served, in the event of an
earth fault. This may be achieved by either of the following methods:
a. two or more bus bar sections, each protected by a RCD;
[Note: it is recommended that no more than 9 single phase
circuits are protected by an individual RCD.]
b. one bus bar section, with individual RCBO’s fitted on all final
circuits (the incomer device may be a time-delayed RCD or an
isolator switch where adequate fault protection is provided by an
upstream protective device); or
c. two or more FDB’s installed together to serve an area, each having
one bus bar section protected by a RCD of appropriate rating (e.g.
one DB with an incomer 100mA or 30mA RCD for lighting and
another with incomer 30mA for power circuits).
[Note: either solid busbar or removable (‘comb’) bus bar DB’s are
acceptable (horizontal or vertical type) if factory assembled and
where the manufacturer’s type tests are provided. Single phase
DBs up to 12 ways, serving a limited area, may be provided with
one bus bar section, and one incomer RCD of appropriate rating,

75
 e.g. hotel rooms, pump room, central air-conditioning room, etc.]
6.9.7 Other than for small 2-storey buildings, each floor of a Premises shall
be provided with at least one Final Distribution Board installed in an
easily accessible location.
6.9.8 The number of Final Distribution Boards and Sub Distribution Boards
provided in a premise shall take into account the future accessibility,
maintainability and safety of the system, whilst limiting the extent of
possible power outages to serviced areas.
[Note: to meet the above requirement Final Distribution Boards shall
be limited to a maximum capacity of 14 ways three phase (or 42
ways single phase) with a maximum of 125A main incomer and Sub
Main Distribution Boards shall be limited to 16 ways three phase.]
6.9.9 Single-phase Final Distribution Boards may be permitted in a
Premises where adequate provision is made for balancing the total
load at the Electricity Intake between the three phases.
[Note: single-phase Final Distribution Boards would normally be
used for small load applications such as hotel rooms, garages or
small out buildings. The maximum single phase load allowed for
FDB’s is 7 kW, above this value, FDB’s shall be three phase.]
6.9.10 The phase and neutral bus bars in all Distribution Boards shall be
identified by the colors given in Appendix B Figure 34.
6.9.11 The phase and neutral conductors in all Distribution Boards shall be
of the same cross sectional area.
6.9.12 Neon indicators, voltmeters and ammeters must be provided for
Distribution Boards rated at 400A and above and, where reasonably
practicable, for other Distribution Boards.
[Note: where practicable, maximum demand meters and power
factor meters should also be provided. This can also be achieved by
the use of a multifunctional meter. Consideration should be given to

76
 the provision of sub-metering facilities that allow the energy
performance of building to be recorded and monitored in accordance
with the relevant UAE energy efficiency requirements.]
6.9.13 All outgoing Circuits of Distribution Boards must be provided only
with circuit-breakers (such as CB’s, MCB’s, MCCB’s, RCD’s, RCBO’s)
and shall not contain fuses of any kind, except for capacitor banks.
[Note: the incoming device of a FDB may be an isolator switch, where
adequate fault protection is provided by an upstream Protective
Device.]
6.9.14 All Distribution Boards must be installed in locations easily accessible
for inspection, operation and maintenance, preferably at the entrance
to the area they serve. Such locations must be secured from
unauthorized interference.
6.9.15 Distribution Boards of rating 200A and above shall be installed in a
dedicated room. Distribution Boards of rating below 200A may be
installed in a cupboard or other suitable enclosure complying with
Section 6.9.14.
[Note: Main Distribution Boards of rating 200A and above must be
located in a low voltage switch room.]
6.9.16 Distribution Boards shall not be installed in location where water is
used. (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms or toilet, pump rooms and etc.)
within 2 meter of any pipe or other source of water or in difficult to
access positions (such as stairways).
6.9.17 Distribution Boards and all electrical equipment installed outdoors
must be corrosion resistant and give protection against mechanical
damage and a minimum ingress protection of IP 55 unless otherwise
specified in these rules and regulations.
6.9.18 Distribution Boards shall be provided with sufficient number of
protective devices so as to enable every outgoing circuit to be

77
 connected to an individual protective device and shall include not less
than 10% spare protective devices or blank positions.
6.9.19 All Final Distribution Boards shall be flush mounted at a height not
exceeding 2 meters from the top of to the finished floor level.
6.9.20 Each Final distribution Boards shall only supply final circuits on the
same floor as the board is located. This requirement need not apply
to individual, small, two storey houses with a maximum demand load
not exceeding 25 kW.
6.9.21 The maximum current carrying capacity of any sub main installation
shall be 600A three phase for any commercial or industrial complex
and 400A three phase for any domestic complex.

6.10 Low Voltage Switchboards

6.10.1 Where prefabricated Distribution Boards of sufficient rating are not

available, LV switchboards, consisting of cubicle panel switchgear,
may be provided. LV switchboards must consist of type-tested
assemblies which satisfy the requirements of BS EN 61439.
6.10.2 Switchboards must be located in a dedicated room to provide for safe
access and egress at all times, including during maintenance, repair
and replacement work.
6.10.3 LV switch rooms must meet the requirements of Electricity Intake
rooms listed in Section 4.2.
6.10.4 Switch boards rated above 400A must be provided with instruments
for voltage, current, maximum demand and power factor
measurement, as well as phase indicating lamps.
6.10.5 Where more than one incoming supply cable is provided at the low
voltage switch room, these must be connected to separate
switchboards (or separate sections of the same switchboard) which

78
 have the facility for interconnection through a bus coupler circuit-
breaker or switch. In order to prevent parallel connection of the
incoming supply cables, the bus coupler circuit-breaker or switch
must be interlocked to prevent its closure when both incoming supply
cables are live. Bus switches and circuit-breakers must be capable of
closing during fault condition.
6.10.6 All bus bars in switchboards must be tinned copper and rigidly
supported throughout their length. The neutral and Earth bus bars
must run throughout the length of the switchboard. The neutral bus
bar must be of the same cross sectional area as the phase bus bars.
6.10.7 The main incoming circuit-breaker(s) must be clearly marked and
without lock to allow immediate operation in the event of emergency.
6.10.8 Main switch boards connected to a transformer rated 500 kVA and
above shall be of cubicle construction. This apply to new and
upgrading electrical installations.
6.10.9 All main switchboard details shall be submitted to SEWA for approval
before the switch board is manufactured. Each manufacturer of
cubicle switch board shall supply all relevant authorized test
certificates regarding the fault level capabilities of the type proposed
switch board. These test certificates must be provided by a certified
independent testing authority and not by individual manufacturer.

79
SECTION 7
80
 Earthing Arrangements
and Protective Conductors

7.1 General Principles

7.1.1 Earthing of exposed conductive parts of an electrical installation

and of appliances in a premises is required and must provide the
following functions of safety:
a. allow the passage of fault current in the event of a live conductor
touching an Exposed-Conductive-Part;
b. ensure that the magnitude of fault current is sufficient to operate
Protective Devices within 0.4 seconds for all parts of an Electrical
Installation;
c. ensure that, in association with Protective Devices, high resistance
fault to Earth does not persist so as to cause overheating or fire.

7.2 Systems of Earthing

81
7.2.1 The following types of system Earthing are considered in these
Regulations:
a. Locally Earthed System (TT): The Client/Owner provides a main
earth terminal for the electrical installation, which is connected to
a sufficient number of local earth electrodes to provide a
maximum Earth Resistance measured at the Owner’s Main Earth
Terminal no greater than 1 Ohm (referred to in BS 7671 as a TT
system).
b. SEWA Earthed System (TN-S): SEWA provides a connection to the
Owner’s Main Earth Terminal, using the distribution network
Earthing system, normally via the armoring or metallic sheath of
the incoming connection cable (referred to in BS 7671 as a TN-S
system). The SEWA system is Earthed at the distribution
transformer and separate Earth and neutral conductors are used
throughout the distribution network.
[Note: Earth Resistance values of less than 10 Ohms may be
specified by the designer for purposes such as Functional Earthing
or for specialist installations such as petrol stations,
telecommunications sites, etc.]
7.2.2 The use of any other system of earthing must be approved by the
SEWA. The type of earthing system must be stated on the electrical
installation certificate and clearly labelled at the Main Distribution
Board. SEWA earthing system to be used in Sharjah Emirate is a
combination of both TN-S and TT.
7.2.3 In all cases, the neutral and earth conductors must be kept separate
and not connected together at the MET or at any other point
downstream from the Client/Owner’s Connection Point.

82
7.2.4 The selection and erection of the equipment of earthing
arrangements shall be such that;
a. the value of earthing resistance is in accordance with the
protective and functional requirements of the installation and
expected to be continuously effective.
b. earth fault currents and earth leakage currents can be carried
without danger , particularly from thermal , thermo mechanical
and electro mechanical stresses.
c. it is adequately robust or has additional mechanical protection
appropriate to the assessed conditions of external influence.
7.2.5 Precaution shall be taken against the risk of damage to other metallic
parts through electrolysis.

7.3 Main Earth Terminal

7.3.1 The Client/Owner’s electrical installation must include a Main Earth

Terminal located close to or within the Main Distribution Board and
must be clearly labelled.
7.3.2 The Locally Earthed System (TT) and the Distribution Company
Earthed System (TN-S) shall be connected to the MET.
7.3.3 A means of removing the connection to the Locally Earthed System
(TT) and the connection to the SEWA’s Earthed System (TN-S) (such
as by a removable metal link) must be provided at the Main Earth
Terminal to facilitate testing of the Earthing conductivity within the
Electrical Installation and the Locally Earthed System(TT).
7.3.4 The Earth Resistance of the Locally Earthed System (TT) measured
at the MET shall be recorded on the Electrical Installation Certificate.

83
7.4 Earth Electrodes

7.4.1 A Locally Earthed System (TT) shall be provided at all premises.

7.4.2 For Premises consisting of more than one building, a Locally Earthed
System (TT) must be provided at each building that is at a distance
of more than 30 meters from the low voltage switch room.
7.4.3 Earth Electrodes will normally comprise of 15 mm diameter copper
rods driven to a minimum depth of 3 meters. The top of each Earth
Electrode must be housed inside a 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm
inspection pit which is clearly labelled and accessible for routine
testing. Alternative types of Earth Electrodes may be used with prior
approval of the SEWA (e.g. plate or wire mesh type, or structural
steelwork in a building).
7.4.4 Where more than one Earth Electrode is required to achieve the
required Earth Resistance value, these must be separated at a
distance greater than their mutual resistance zone.
[Note: a minimum separation of twice the Earth Electrode depth is
considered to give adequate separation of the mutual resistance
zones. See BS 7430 for further advice on spacing of Earth
Electrodes.]
7.4.5 The condition of the ground in which an Earth Electrode is placed
must be taken into account to ensure its long-term performance. In
particular, potential corrosion effects and ground moisture content is
of critical importance. Proprietary chemical or salt materials may be
used around the Earth Electrode to maintain moisture content but
these must be stable and sustain their chemical properties over time.
[Note: consideration to be given to the use of stainless steel rods in
coastal regions.]

84
7.4.6 For supplies of 500 A rating and above, at least two independent
Earth Electrodes must be provided, regardless of the Earth
Resistance value achieved for each Earth Electrode, and connected
to the same Main Earth Terminal.
7.4.7 Metallic service pipes such gas shall not be used as Earth Electrodes.
7.4.8 The use of structural foundations or piles as an Earth Electrode shall
be in accordance with the requirement of BS 7430 and be subjected
to all of the following conditions:
a. Adequate precautions against the possibility of electrolysis and
consequential degradation of the metal (e.g. corrosion,
continuous d.c. earth leakage current);
b. Electrical continuity between all metalwork forming part of the
Earth Electrode is maintained (e.g. welding, clamping or bonding
links across structural joints);
c. Provision for measuring and monitoring the Earth Resistance value
at regular intervals;
d. Prior approval of the design by the SEWA
e. The consent of the Client/Owner of the premises
f. The consent of the premises structural engineer.

7.5 Earth Conductors

7.5.1 In these Regulations the following terminology is used to refer to

earth conductors in an Electrical Installation:
a. Main Earth Conductors (MEC): conductors connected between
Earth Electrodes and Main Earth Terminals,
b. Circuit Earth Conductors (CEC): conductors connecting all Circuits
emanating from Main Distribution Boards, Sub Main Distribution
Boards, Final Distribution Boards including Circuits connecting to

85
 equipment and Appliances .Outside these Regulations, these may
also be known as the Circuit Protective Conductor (CPC) or Earth
Continuity Conductor (ECC).
7.5.2 All Earth Conductors must be covered with green/yellow PVC
insulation and be securely terminated with purpose- made lugs or
fixings.
7.5.3 Where associated with circuits, all earth conductors must be labelled
at their termination points with Circuit identification numbers.
7.5.4 The connection of Earth Conductors to Earth Electrodes must be
made using corrosion resistant clamps.
7.5.5 Where Earth Conductors are buried below ground they must be
mechanically protected (e.g. in metal duct or pipe) and, where
necessary, with additional tiles or plates laid above the duct or pipe.
7.5.6 The connection of Earth Conductors to the Main Earth Terminal must
be made using purpose-made lugs or other fixings and the
connection must be clearly labelled as shown.

7.5.7 All Circuits must have a Circuit Earth Conductor sized in accordance
with clause 7.8.4.
7.5.8 Circuit Earth Conductors must run alongside the associated phase
and neutral conductors.
[Note: this minimizes the risk of a circuit earth conductor being
damaged or disconnected without any damage or fault indication
being detected via the phase conductors.]
7.5.9 For metal-sheathed or armored cables, the sheath or armoring shall
not be used as the Earth Conductor. However, the metal sheath or
armoring shall be terminated by suitable cable glands with
appropriate connection to an Earth Conductor providing a
supplementary return path.

86
7.5.10 The use of metal conduit, trunking, bus bar trunking or switchgear
metal enclosures as Earth Conductors is not permitted without the
prior approval of the SEWA. In such cases, the provision of additional
measures such as resistance measurements or supplementary earth
conductors will normally be required.
[Note: metal conduit, although not to be used as an Earth Conductor,
must nevertheless be effectively connected to Earth, since it
comprises an Exposed-Conductive-Part.]
7.5.11 No switches, isolators or circuit-breakers may be installed in the
electrical path of any Earth Conductor. Removable links may be
installed to allow testing at the Main Earth Terminal.

7.6 Exposed-Conductive-Parts

7.6.1 All exposed conductive parts of an electrical installation, including

appliances, must be connected to earth via earth conductors.
7.6.2 Exceptions to Section 7.6.1 may include internal parts of equipment
or appliances which cannot be accessed without first disconnecting
the electricity supply.
7.6.3 Class I Appliances having exposed conductive parts must be provided
with a suitable connection point or plug and socket arrangement
which includes connection to the circuit earth conductor. Class II
Appliances do not require an Earth connection.
7.6.4 All connection points in an electrical installation must include an earth
conductor for future use.

87
 [Note: an example would be a plastic light switch which does not
require a circuit earth conductor but one must be provided in any
case for the protection of the circuit and future use.]
7.6.5 Sample items within an electrical installation where it is mandatory
for a connection to be made to an earth conductor shown in Appendix
A Table 20.

7.7 Earth Fault Loop Impedance

7.7.1 The Earth Fault Loop Impedance (Zs) is defined as the total
impedance presented to an earth fault current, comprising the
impedance of the following parts of a system;
a. the Circuit Earth Conductor (including the Appliance Earth
Conductor);
b. the Main Earth Terminal;
c. the Main Earth Conductors connecting to local earth electrodes (TT
system) and the SEWA earth (TN-S system);
d. the path of earth fault current through the general mass of Earth,
and through the Earth sheath or armoring of the SEWA cable;
e. in the case of a Locally Earthed System (TT system),the neutral
Earth connection at the SEWA transformer;
f. the distribution transformer winding;
g. the phase conductors of the Circuit back to the point of fault.
7.7.2 All Electrical Installations must be designed and tested such that
the Earth Fault Loop Impedance at any point in the Electrical
Installation is of a sufficient value to operate Protective Devices
within 0.4 seconds.

88
 [Note: this requirement is important for parts of Electrical
Installations where protection against Indirect Contact is provided by
Earthed Equipotential Bonding, see Section 5.5.]
7.7.3 The maximum Earth Fault Loop Impedance values required to meet
the disconnection times in clause 7.7.2 for MCB devices are given in
Appendix A Table 9.
7.7.4 The method for measuring earth fault loop impedance (including
the external earth fault loop impedance) is given in Appendix B
Figures 50 and 51.

7.8 Protective Conductors

7.8.1 Minimum cross sectional area: The cross sectional area of protective
conductors shall either be calculated in accordance with Section 7.8.2
and selection in the below table.
7.8.2 The cross sectional area shall not be less than the value determined
by the following formula (applicable only for disconnecting times
not exceeding 5s).

√𝐼2 ∗ t
S=
k
Where:
S= cross sectional in square millimeters.
I= value (ac r.m.s of fault current for fault of negligible impedance
which can flow through the protective device in amperes).
T= operating time of the disconnecting device in seconds.
[Note: account should be taken of the current limiting effect of the
circuit impedance and the limiting capability of the protective device.

89
 Value of k for protective conductor in various use or service are as given
in the below table.]
7.8.3 If application of the formula produces non-standard sizes, conductor
of the nearest higher standard cross sectional area shall be used.
[Note: it is necessary that the cross sectional area so calculated be
compatible with the condition imposed by Fault loop impedance,
Maximum permissible temperatures for joints should be taken into
account values for mineral insulated cables are under consideration]

‘k’ value of insulated Protective Conductors not incorporated in

cables or bare Protective Conductors with cable covering

Insulation Type PVC EPR / XLPE Butyl Rubber

Final Temperature 160 °C 250 °C 220 °C

Conductor Type

Copper 143 176 166

Aluminum 95 116 110

Steel 52 64 60

[Note: initial temperature of the conductor is assumed 20 °C.]

90
 ‘k’ value of Protective Conductors as a core in multicore cables
insulation materials

Insulation Type PVC EPR / XLPE Butyl Rubber

Initial Temperature 160 °C 250 °C 220 °C

Final Temperature 160 °C 250 °C 220 °C

Conductor Type

Copper 115 143 134

Aluminum 76 94 89

[Note: initial temperature of the conductor is assumed 20 °C.]

Visible and in
Condition restricted area Normal condition Fire risk
Conductor type and
Max. Temperature
Max. Temp. 500 °C 200 °C 150 °C
Copper ‘k’ 228 159 138

Max. Temp. 300 °C 200 °C 150 °C

Aluminum ‘k’ 125 105 91

Max. Temp. 500 °C 200 °C 150 °C

Steel ‘k’ 82 58

91
[Note: initial temperature of the conductor is assumed 20 °C.]

7.8.4 The cross sectional area of the protective conductor shall be not less
than the appropriate value shown in the below table, in this case
checking of compliance with the above sections is not necessary.

Cross sectional area of phase Minimum cross sectional area of the

conductors of the installation corresponding protective conductor
S (mm2) SP (mm2)
S ≤ 16 S
16 < S ≤ 35 16
S > 35 S/2

7.9 Equipotential Bonding Conductors

7.9.1 The cross sectional area shall not be less than the value determined
by the following formula (applicable only for disconnecting times
not exceeding 5s).
7.9.2 Main equipotential bonding conductors shall have cross-sectional
areas not less than half the cross-sectional area of the largest
protective conductor of the installation subject to a minimum of 6
mm2 .The cross-sectional area need not however, exceed 25 mm2 if
the bonding conductor is of copper and cross-sectional area affording
equivalent current –carrying capacity in other metal.
7.9.3 Supplementary equipotential bonding conductor connecting two
exposed conductive parts may have a cross-sectional area not less
than that of the smaller protective conductor connected to the
exposed conductive parts.

92
7.9.4 Supplementary equipotential bonding conductor connecting exposed
conductive parts to extraneous conductive parts may have a cross-
sectional area not less than half the cross sectional area of the
corresponding protective conductor.
7.9.5 Supplementary equipotential binding may be extraneous conductive
parts of permanent nature, such as structural metal work or by
supplementary conductors, or by a combination of these.
7.9.6 Bonding of water meters, where pipes of building are used for
earthing purpose or as protective conductors the water meter shall
be bonded across and the bonding conductor shall be of appropriate
cross sectional area according to its use as a protective conductor,
equipotential bonding conductor or functional earthing conductor.

SECTION 8
93
 Assessment of
Connected Load and
Maximum Demand

8.1 Assessment of Connected Load

8.1.1 LED lights and other lightings shall be rated according to the actual
rating, see Section 6.1 for the loading details of lighting circuits.
8.1.2 A minimum of 200W per point may be considered for each 13A
switched socket outlet installed for general utility purpose other than
in kitchen. For a cooker, a minimum of 3,000W.
8.1.3 A current demand of 15A shall be assumed for each 15A switched
socket outlet circuit. However, for general purpose utility socket
outlets an assumed load of 1,000W per socket outlet installed in
commercial and industrial premises and 500W per socket outlet in
residential premises may be permitted.
8.1.4 For industrial sockets, stationary appliances and equipment including
air conditioning unit, the actual load of each appliances and
equipment shall be considered as connected load.

94
8.1.5 The minimum connected load for transfer or booster pumps in a
domestic, small office blocks and similar shall be 1 Hp ( or 746W).
Other pumps, motors and machine equipment rating shall be
according to the nameplate rating.
[Note: when assessing the total connected load of an electrical
installations, it is suggested to coordinate with other services for
electricity supply requirements such as HVAC system, Fire Fighting
and Fire Alarm System, Water System, Drainage System, Data &
Telephone System. Include also the client/owner or project
requirement for electricity supply.]
8.1.6 For any electrical installations directly connected to SEWA network,
future or spare load are allowed but shall not be included in the total
connected load, however, future or spare load can be used in addition
to size the main incomer circuit breaker and the main incomer cable.
[Note: for any electrical installations connected to private
transformer, future or spare load shall be included to the total
connected load.]

8.2 Maximum Demand

8.2.1 All Distribution boards shall be rated for the total connected load or
maximum demand load with the application of diversity factor.
8.2.2 The demand load of each final circuit is determined by adding the
actual or assumed load of individual points, appliances, equipment
and etc. An application of diversity factor may be permitted where
appropriate.
8.2.3 The diversity allowances shown in the table below are for specific
situations and meant to only provide guidance. The values given in
the table may need to be increased or decreased depending on the

95
particular circumstances. The table below is used as a guide for sizing
of the Sub-Main Distribution Boards (SMDB’s) only.

Shops,
Total sum of Stores,
the estimated Residential Offices, Hotels, Motels,
Connected premises, Schools, Accommodation
Loads on all Villas, Flats Mosques, Houses
Final Circuits Business
premises
Lighting 80% 90% 90%
13A socket
outlets (for
general use for
60% 75% 60%
the connection
of portable
Appliances)
13A socket
outlets/flex
outlets (for 60% 60% 60%
fixed
Appliances)
Water Heater 60% 60% 60%
Washing
Machine, Dryer, 60% 60% 60%
Dishwasher
Cooker 60% 80% 85%
Motors 100% 100% 100%
Air-conditioning 100% 100% 100%

96
 [Note: No diversity allowance is allowed for centralized water
heating. See BS 7671 recommendations for the application of
diversity factor in each final or branch circuit.]

8.2.4 An appropriate diversity factor shall be permitted to determine the

maximum demand at the main distribution level. The following
diversity factor recommended by SEWA to be applied in the main
distribution circuit for Main Distribution Boards (MDB’s) are;
 Residential and similar – 80% diversity factor
 Commercial and similar – 90% diversity factor
 Industrial and similar – 100% diversity factor
8.2.5 The design method and the proposed diversity factor shall be clearly
indicated in the design drawing and load distribution schedules
submitted for SEWA’s approval.

97
SECTION 9

98
 Electric Motors, Starters,
Circuits and Controllers

9.1 General Requirements

9.1.1 When motors are starting and running up to full speed, a current
higher than the normal full load amps (FLA) is drawn. This starting
current results in a Voltage drop. The permissible Voltage drop levels
are as stated in Section 3.2. The motor starting current and resulting
Voltage drop is reduced when motor starters employing current
limiting starting equipment are used.
9.1.2 All single-phase motors above 1 HP and three-phase motors above 3
HP shall be provided with starting current limiting equipment to
effectively keep the starting current within the following limits;

Maximum Permissible
Type of Supply Rating of Motor
Starting Current
Single Phase 1 Hp to 5 Hp 5 times full load current
Three Phase Less than 15 Hp 5 times full load current

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 15 Hp to < 50 Hp 2 times full load current
50 Hp and Above 1.5 times full load current

[Note: it is preferred that modern practice is followed by the provision

of variable frequency drives or electronic soft starters, where
appropriate, to limit the starting current but also to afford further control
and reduce the energy usage.]

9.1.3 Installation of 1-phase motors rated up to 3.7 kw (5 HP) and 3-phase

motors up to 110 kw (150 HP) only shall Normally be permitted
unless otherwise approved by SEWA. Where a large number of
motors above 150 HP are proposed, the advice of SEWA shall be
sought on availing a bulk supply.
9.1.4 The method of starting motors shall restrict the current to limits laid
down by the SEWA. All motors over 1 Hp shall be provided with
means of automatic disconnection from the supply in the event of
excess current flow or drop in voltage of over 15%, the limits laid
down are as set out below;
a. Motors with nameplate rating of up to and including 11.25 kW
(15 Hp).
b. Motors with nameplate rating of above 11.25 kW (15 Hp).
Motors that fall within category (a) may be connected for direct online
starting with over current protection.
Motors that fall within category (b) shall not in any circumstances be
connected for direct-on-line starting but shall be arranged for
reduced voltage starting e.g. Open or Closed Transition Star/Delta
Starting, Auto Transformer Starting or other approved arrangement.
All motors shall be rated at 415 Volts, 50 Hz, Three Phase or 240

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 Volts, 50 Hz, Single phase as required. Other voltage will not be
accepted.
The terminal box for all motors shall be weather proof. All motors
shall of such construction as to make the temperature as uniform as
possible in the different parts of the windings and core during
operation, thus avoiding excessive heating at any point. All motors
rated at 11.25 kW (15 Hp) and above shall be fitted with thermostatic
control elements within the motor actuating directly the control
circuit of the motor and Disconnecting it from the supply in the event
of a temperature rise exceeding limits of its insulation class.
All motors shall be on their own separate circuit and be provided with
control apparatus such as a motor Starter incorporating a suitable
device affording protection against excess current in the motor or in
the cable between the device and the motor. In addition, all motor
starter for Three Phase motors shall incorporate a phase failure
device which will automatically disconnect the supply from the motor
these two protection device shall be manually reset in all cases.
The different parts of each motor shall be capable of withstanding
the highest mechanical and electrical stresses to which they may be
subjected during their operation without any injury, failure or
inferior or inferior performance.
9.1.5 The below table details the various insulation classes with their
associated maximum operating temperature. The maximum class of
insulation acceptable for use in UAE is “ B ” . Please note that
insulation classes Y, A and E are not acceptable in any circumstances.
However, when specifying the class of insulation to be used for
electric motors or alternators, the actual site condition must be taken
into consideration to determine if a higher insulation class is required
e.g. a class B motor will not operate satisfactorily if located in direct
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sunlight. In general, motors shall be of the drip proof type and be
totally enclosed fan cooled. Where motors are required to operate in
hazardous area or are required for special purpose, the design of the
motor shall be suitable for this application.

Class of Maximum
Specification of the insulation of the
Insulation Winding
Motor windings
Temp. °C
Cotton, filch, paper, wood, cellulose
Y fiber, etc. 90
Not implemented or immersed in oil
Material of class Y but impregnated
with natural resins cellulose
A esters insulating oils, etc., also 105
laminated wood varnished paper
cellulose acetate film etc.
Synthetic resin enamels cotton and
E paper laminates with 120
formaldehyde bonding
Mica, glass fiber asbestos, etc. with
suitable bonding substances
B such as built up mica, glass fiber and 130

asbestos laminates

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 F Materials of class B with bonding 155
materials of higher thermal stability
H Class fiber and asbestos material and 180
built up mica with silicone resins
Mica , ceramics , glass quarts and
C asbestos without binders but with 180
silicone resins of high thermal stability

9.1.6 Starters shall be provided with overload relays of the thermal type
with automatic compensations for Variation in ambient temperature
between 2 °C and 52 °C. The starting current limiting equipment to
limit the current may consist of any of the following type or other
approved by SEWA depending on the application;
a) Star / Delta
b) Primary – Resistance
c) Auto – Transformer
d) Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)
e) Soft Starters
9.1.7 Where motor ratings and starting currents exceed those above, then
the relevant diagrams, operation information, protection
arrangements, starter details, system voltage drop calculations etc.
must be provided to SEWA to gain approval for connection.
9.1.8 All electric motors shall be provided with internal proprietary terminal
block to facilitate connection.
9.1.9 Motor control panels shall be fitted with an ammeter or ammeter in
each motor circuit.
9.1.10 Wiring and control diagrams must be permanently fixed, adjacent
to motors.
9.1.11 When motor starting gear is energized from an auxiliary circuit, the
circuit shall also be isolated during maintenance.

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9.1.12 All starters, isolators and push button shall be clearly marked in
Arabic and English stating which machine they control and their
function. To avoid confusion the word START and STOP instead of
OPEN and CLOSED shall be used.
9.1.13 Motor and their control gear shall be located in well ventilated
situations with adequate space for operation, inspection and
maintenance.

9.2 Protection and Isolation

9.2.1 All electric motors shall be adequately protected against overload,

short-circuit, loss of one or more phases and Voltage dips, etc. as
appropriate for each application. Emergency firefighting motors or
pumps are excluded from this section (see NFPA 70 (NEC:2011)) as
they may be required to operate to failure without the provision of
Protective Devices.
[Note: motor control and protection equipment must be arranged
so that re-starting is not automatic after automatic tripping due
to a fault or other disturbance.
It is recommended that air-conditioning units above 3 kW be
provided with under-Voltage tripping relays operating at 75% of
the nominal supply Voltage and with an auto-reset timer set at
between 5 and 10 minutes.]
9.2.2 All electric motors above 5 HP must be provided with protection
against mechanical overload.
9.2.3 Emergency switching (e.g. push-button switch) shall be provided for
moving machinery which may require immediate manual
disconnection from the supply in case of an accident or other
situation to avoid Danger.
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9.2.4 All mechanical equipment shall be provided with a means of isolation
close to the equipment which can be locked and kept under the
control of the person performing maintenance, see Appendix B Figure
35.
9.2.5 All motors shall be provided with an isolator for isolating the motor
from the supply during periods of inspection or maintenance. Such
means of isolation shall effectively interrupt the supply on all phases
including neutral. The isolator may be integral with the control gear
or separate but shall be in close proximity to the motor. An
emergency stop push button in close proximity of motor shall be
incorporated in the control gear.

SECTION 10
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 Power Factor Correction
and Under Voltage Relay

10.1 General Requirements

10.1.1 The power factor at any Connection Point between the Distribution
Company (SEWA) and Client/Owner’s Electrical Installation shall be
maintained between 0.93 lagging and unity.
10.1.2 Air-conditioning units, motors, large electrical machines, fluorescent
or discharge lighting and etc. shall be provided with power factor
correction. Where the requirements is still cannot be achieved, the
use of capacitor banks shall be permitted.
10.1.3 Notwithstanding the above, the use of capacitor banks in residential
villas shall not be permitted.

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10.1.4 Any electrical installations with transformer and an electrical
installations with 80 kW and above load shall be provided with
capacitor banks.
[Note: if an electrical installations is less than 80 kW but most of the
loads are highly inductive, capacitor bank shall be installed.]
10.1.5 The occurrence of harmonics while employing variable speed drives,
welding machines or similar devices in circuits can lead to
disturbances in the system and may cause capacitor failure. To
minimize the risk, harmonic filter reactors must be employed in
series with capacitors.
10.1.6 For induction motors with a permanently connected capacitor unit,
the capacitor unit rating must not exceed 90% of the no-load reactive
power of the motor.
[Note: this is required in order to avoid the occurrence of self
excitation on run-down condition of the motor.]
10.1.7 All power factor correction capacitors shall normally be of dry or oil-
filled, metal encapsulated, sealed type. The use of oil containing PCB
(poly-chlorinated biphenyls) is strictly prohibited.
10.1.8 Power factor correction capacitors shall be provided with a means of
prompt discharge on disconnection of the supply voltage. The
discharge circuit shall be permanently or automatically connected to
the capacitor. Manual means of switching or connecting the discharge
circuit is not permitted.
10.1.9 Capacitor banks and associated components shall be suitably
designed and selected to ensure reliable and continuous operation at
a maximum system voltage of 440 V and at a maximum ambient
temperature of 52 °C.

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10.1.10 Automatically regulated capacitor banks, when used, shall provide,
as far as reasonably practicable, a smoothed power factor throughout
the range of operation.
10.1.11 Capacitor bank shall not be a part of the motor control center, main
LV panel or sub-main panel but it shall be accommodated in a
separate cubicle, see Appendix B Figure 43.

10.2 Specifications

10.2.1 All equipment and components of the capacitor banks shall be

capable of continuous operation at their full current and voltage
rating and detriment or malfunction at system continuous deviation
of up to and including the following percentage of the normal values.
 Voltage ± 10%
 Frequency ± 5%
All Components shall be capable of withstanding the dynamic,
thermal and dielectric stresses resulting from prospective short
circuit currents without damage or injury to personnel. Due to the
presence of harmonic currents and to manufacturing tolerances,
components (MCCB/ ACB/ Isolator, fuses, bus bar and power cables)
shall be oversized and based on 1.5 times the capacitor rated current.
10.2.2 Capacitor units shall be capable of continuous operation in
accordance with the over-voltage and overcurrent requirements of
IEC 60831.
10.2.3 Built-in discharge resistors for capacitors shall be sized to ensure safe
discharge of the capacitor to less than 50 V in one minute after a
switch off.
[Note: capacitors should not restart until a minimum 3 minutes
after the restoration of the supply.]
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10.2.4 Each capacitor shall be provided with a permanent nameplate, which
includes the following information:
 name of the manufacturer
 serial number
 year of manufacture
 rated reactive power
 rated voltage (rms)
 number of phases
 rated frequency
 statement of discharge device
 short-circuit current and
 statement of liquid fill (if any).
10.2.5 Capacitor units shall be temperature class D and metal encapsulated.
10.2.6 The voltage rating of capacitor units shall be 480V as a minimum.
10.2.7 Each capacitor step shall be protected against conditions of overload
and short-circuit by means of suitably rated overcurrent relays and
suitably rated HRC fuses (current limiting type) respectively.
10.2.8 Contactors shall be suitably rated and designed for capacitive back
to back switching with pre insertion resistors and be able to withstand
switching surges. Contactors shall isolate all three phases on switch
off of the capacitor bank or on loss of supply voltage.
10.2.9 Capacitors shall have provision for effective Earth connection of the
case to the capacitor mounting frame and to the Circuit Earth
Conductor.
10.2.10 Capacitors and related components such as regulators, indicating
instruments, contactors and etc., shall be capable of withstanding
local environmental conditions.
10.2.11 The capacitor panel must be provided with a suitably rated main
incomer isolating switch. This shall be a three-pole isolator or MCCB.
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 The handle of the incomer isolator or MCCB shall be interlocked with
the door to ensure that the capacitor bank is de-energized when the
door is open.
10.2.12 Capacitor banks shall conform in design, construction, materials and
performance to the latest relevant local and international standards,
including the following;

Relevant International Standards for Capacitors

LV Switchboard IEC 61439-1
Degree of Protection IEC 60529
LV Circuit Breaker & Disconnector IEC 60947 (1-5)
Power Factor Correction Capacitors IEC 60831 (1-2)
Power Factor Regulator IEC 60664 and IEC 1010-1
Capacitor Switching Contactors IEC 60070 and IEC 60831
Detuned Reactors IEC 60289 and IEC 60076
LV Power Factor Correction Banks IEC 61921

10.3 Under Voltage Relay

10.3.1 All air conditioning units/plants/equipment installed within the

consumer’s installation shall be provide with Under Voltage (UV)
relays with fixed voltage cut off setting at 75% of the nominal supply
voltage within 0.1 second, and auto reset timer with adjustable time
setting between 5 to 10 minutes.
[Note: timers and contactors can be incorporated to A/C units.]
10.3.2 The auto reset timer of the Under Voltage relays shall be set at values
specified in the schedules approved by SEWA, to suit individual
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 installation. Necessary provision for sealing may be incorporated in
the relay to restrict access for adjustments of the settings.
10.3.3 The Under Voltage relays with auto reset timer shall normally be
incorporated within the respective air conditioning unit/equipment or
in their control panels. For small air conditioning unit, provision of
Under Voltage relays with auto reset timer within the consumer’s
distribution board shall be permitted for individual or group of unis.
Prior approval shall be obtained from SEWA on every such
application.
10.3.4 The Under Voltage Relays with associated controls shall be checked
and maintained regularly.

SECTION 11
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 Standby Generator and
Distribution Transformer

11.1 Standby Generator

General Requirements
11.1.1 Installation and connection of standby generators in any Electrical
Installation, for the purpose of maintaining power in the case of a
failure of the incoming supply, shall be permitted only with the prior
approval of SEWA.
11.1.2 The changeover circuit-breaker (ATS) shall have 4 poles for a three-
phase generator and 2 poles for a single-phase generator, to ensure

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 that all live and neutral conductors are disconnected at the same
time.
11.1.3 The installation and changeover arrangements must ensure that
there is no possibility of paralleling the generator and incoming mains
supply. If paralleling arrangements are required, these must be
mechanically and electrically interlocked and be specifically assessed
and approved by SEWA.
11.1.4 Standby generator shall not be installed in basement except those
design with the access of ventilation for the generator and on roof of
the building in general, exception for special and sensitive electrical
installation shall be permitted only with prior approval by SEWA.
11.1.5 Standby generator shall be provided for a multi-storey building (from
G+5 and above) and other electrical installations that needed
electrical supply in an event of emergency.
11.1.6 The requirements for generator connections and Earthing
arrangements are provided in the Electricity Distribution Code.
11.1.7 The full details of the equipment, circuit and wiring diagram, essential
loads, generator room and etc. shall be submitted to SEWA for
approval before the commencement of work.
11.1.8 Standby generator to be used in an electrical installations shall
conform to the latest relevant local and international standards.
11.2 Distribution Transformer
General Requirements
11.2.1 The transformers shall be of the naturally cooled, outdoor, oil
immersed, conservator type or hermetically sealed core type.
11.2.2 The transformers shall conform to the latest edition of IEC.60076,
B.S. 171 or any other equivalent international standard.
11.2.3 Where transformers be installed outdoors in U.A.E in salt laden dusty
atmosphere where the maximum humidity of 100% and maximum
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 ambient temperature of 50-55 °C can be experienced. The
transformer shall be suitable for continuous operation at the above
site conditions.
11.2.4 The transformers shall be suitable for satisfactory operation on the
following system:
 The nominal at primary voltage be 11 or 6.6kV, 50Hz with
respective system high test voltage 12 or 7.2kV.
 The symmetrical fault level of the HT network is 25 kA.
 The secondary voltage at full load shall be 415 Volts, 50 Hz,
neutral point shall be earthed.

11.2.5 The approved ratings of distribution transformer used in an electrical

installation in Sharjah Emirates are as follows;
 100 kVA (Pole Mounted)
 200 kVA (Pole Mounted)
 250 kVA (Pad Mounted)
 500 kVA (Pad Mounted)
 1,000 kVA (Pad Mounted)
 1,500 kVA (Pad Mounted)
 2,000 kVA (Pad Mounted) – needs approval from SEWA prior
of installation.
11.2.6 The transformer except pole mounted type shall have H.V and L.V
cable boxes. The H.V. cable box shall be with brass wiping gland and
sockets suitable for 3 core XLPE/SWA/PVC stranded cable up to 185
mm2. The L.V. cable box with glands shall be suitable for the following
sizes of cable;
 15 single core 630 mm2 PVC/PVC or XLPE/PVC copper cables
for 2,000 kVA transformer.

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  11 single core 630 mm2 PVC/PVC or XLPE/PVC copper cables
for 1,500 kVA transformer.
 7 single core 630 mm2 PVC/PVC or XLPE/PVC copper cables for
1,000 kVA transformer.
 4 single core 630 mm2 PVC/PVC or XLPE/PVC copper cables for
500 kVA transformer.
 Single 4 core 300 mm2 PVC/SWA/PVC or XLPE/SWA/PVC
copper cables for 250 kVA transformer.
 Single 4 core 185 mm2 PVC/SWA/PVC or XLPE/SWA/PVC
copper cables for 200 kVA transformer.
 Single 4 core 70 mm2 PVC/SWA/PVC or XLPE/SWA/PVC copper
cables for 100 kVA transformer.
11.2.7 Total connected load permitted loading for transformer are as
follows;
1,500 kVA 1,000 kVA 500 kVA 250 kVA 200 kVA 100 kVA

Residential
1300 kW 860 kW 450 kW 220 kW
Villas
Commercial/
Residential
Building,
1300 kW 860 kW 450 kW 220 kW
Malls,
Schools,
Mosques
Farms 1,200 kW 800 kW 400 kW 200 kW 160 kW 80 kW
Industrial
1,200 kW 800 kW 400 kW 200 kW
Areas

11.2.8 The design and drawings of transformer shall be subject for SEWA
approval.

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11.2.9 Sub main cables and final circuit wiring shall not be permitted to pass
through transformer and HV rooms. This requirement shall apply to
cables runs above floor level and below floor level in a cable trench,
this shall not apply to the final wiring installed for lighting and power
within these room or in the case of circuits associated with protection
of equipment within those rooms.
11.2.10 Technical specification of distribution transformer shall be refer to
SEWA ‘Technical Specification for Distribution Transformer’ book.

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 SECTION 12

Special Locations and

Wiring Systems

12.1 Separated Extra-Low Voltage

12.1.1 Separated Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) systems are used where an

inherently safe system of supply is required such that a breakdown
of primary insulation will not lead to the risk of electric shock. This is

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 achieved by electrical separation of the Final Circuit from the source
of energy, typically using a safety isolating transformer, see
illustration in Appendix B Figure 39.
12.1.2 For a SELV system, the Final Circuit Voltage shall not exceed “Extra-
Low Voltage” i.e. 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c. between conductors or to
Earth.
12.1.3 The source of SELV power shall be provided by either;
 a safety isolating transformer complying with BS EN 61558, in
which there is no connection between the output winding and
the body or with the Circuit Earth Conductor, if any; or
 a battery source.
12.1.4 All components of a SELV system (including conductors, switches,
relays and etc.) shall be physically separated from those of any other
live system.
12.1.5 No Exposed-Conductive-Part of a SELV system shall be connected to
any of the following:
 Earth
 Any earthed conductive part of another system or extraneous
conductive part or,
 An earth conductor of any system
12.1.6 Insulation against Direct Contact of the conductive parts of a SELV
system is required if the operating Voltage exceeds 12 V a.c. or 30 V
d.c. Insulation is not required if the operating voltage is at or below
these values.
12.2 Protective Extra-Low Voltage

12.2.1 A Protective Extra-Low Voltage (PELV) system is one where the same
provision for electrical separation is provided as for SELV, e.g.
between the source of energy and the Final Circuit. However, in a
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 PELV system the connection to Earth of Exposed- Conductive-Parts
is permitted, see Appendix B Figure 38.

12.3 Bathrooms and Similar Locations

12.3.1 Special provisions are required for the protection against electric
shock of persons in locations containing a bath or shower. Such
provisions, as listed in the following clauses, must also be applied in
other similar situations where persons are likely to be partly clothed
and in contact with water, with or without footwear.
[Note: similar locations would include washrooms, toilets, wudu
areas in mosques, etc. The requirements for swimming pools are
listed in Regulation 12.4.]
12.3.2 The following principal requirements must be met for bathrooms and
similar locations;
a. all Final Circuits (including lighting, water heater, extract fan and
etc.) must be protected by a RCD of residual current rating 30 mA
and complying with BS EN 61008. Such protection may be
grouped across several Circuits at the Final Distribution Board.
However, fan-coil units mounted in a ceiling void in a bathroom
may be provided with 100mA RCD protection.
b. no socket-outlets are permitted except those supplied by an
isolating transformer and complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 (e.g.
shaver socket outlet).
c. all Appliances, Luminaires and other Accessories must have a
minimum level of moisture ingress protection of IPX5;
d. Appliances, Luminaires or other Accessories may not be installed
within Arm’s Reach of a bath, shower or similar facility. However,
such items are permitted within the room containing a bath or
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 shower at a distance greater than Arm’s Reach from the bath,
provided that the requirements of clauses 12.3.2(a) to 12.3.2(c)
above are complied with. In addition, all switches associated with
such equipment must be installed outside the bathroom or
provided with a cord-pull switch; and
e. The requirement for Earth Leakage Protection on Final Circuits
must be met, along with the requirements for Earthed
Equipotential Bonding and Supplementary Equipotential Bonding.
f. Appliances, Luminaires or Accessories which are within Arm’s
Reach of a bath, shower or similar facility must be supplied by
SELV or PELV and have a minimum level of ingress protection of
IPX5. Underwater lighting must be supplied by SELV at a
maximum Voltage of 12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c. and with ingress
protection IPX8.
[Note: items which are within a distance of Arm’s Reach but are
inaccessible to persons need not comply with clause 12.3.2(f).
For example, water pumps installed under a bath which are not
accessible without removal of covers requiring a tool.]

12.4 Swimming Pools

12.4.1 The requirements for protection against electric shock for swimming
pools are similar to those of bathrooms, with some exceptions, as
follows;
a. all final circuits shall be protected by a RCD of residual current
rating 30mA and complying with BS EN 61008. Such protection
may be grouped across several Circuits at the Final Distribution
Board. Exceptions may be allowed for high leakage current
applications where RCD protection of 100 mA residual current
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 rating may be allowed, but only where such equipment is out
of reach of persons;
[Note: an example of Circuits where 30 mA RCD protection may
not be practical is floodlighting or large water pumps. Such
items must be out of reach of any person using the swimming
pool or any associated washing areas.]
b. no socket-outlets are permitted within Arm ’ s Reach of a
swimming pool. Socket-outlets may be provided outside this
distance for purposes such as cleaning of the pool, which must
have a minimum ingress protection of IPX6 and must have an
integral RCD of residual current rating 30 mA.
c. all Appliances, Luminaries and other Accessories must have a
minimum level of moisture ingress protection of IPX5;
d. no Appliances, Luminaires or other Accessories may be
installed within Arm’s Reach of a swimming pool. However,
such items are permitted within the swimming pool area (but
not shower room area) at a distance greater than Arm’s Reach
from the pool, provided that the requirements of clauses
12.4.1(a) to 12.4.1(c) above are complied with; and
e. Appliances, Luminaires or Accessories which are within Arm’s
Reach of a swimming pool must be supplied by SELV or PELV
and have a minimum level of ingress protection of IPX7.
Underwater lighting must be supplied by SELV at a maximum
Voltage of 12 V a.c. or 30 V d.c. and with ingress protection
IPX8.
12.4.2 The requirement for Earth Leakage Protection on Final Circuits must
be met, along with the requirements for EEB and Supplementary
Equipotential Bonding.

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12.5 Water Fountains

12.5.1 The requirements for protection against electric shock for water
fountains are similar to those required for swimming pools, with some
exceptions, as follows:
[Note: it is assumed that persons may enter a water fountain for
the purpose of maintenance, or other reason, and the exposure
to electric shock is therefore similar to that of swimming pools.]
a. all final circuits shall be protected by a RCD of residual current
rating 30mA and complying with BS EN 61008. Such protection
may be grouped across several Circuits at the Final Distribution
Board. Exceptions may be allowed for high leakage current
applications where RCD protection of 100 mA residual current
rating may be allowed, but only where such equipment is out of
reach of any person;
[Note: an example of Circuits where 30 mA RCD protection may
not be practical is floodlighting or large water pumps. Such items
must be out of reach of persons whilst standing within the water
fountain.]
b. no socket-outlets are permitted within Arm’s Reach of a water
fountain. Socket-outlets may be provided outside this distance for
purposes such as cleaning of the water fountain, which must have
a minimum ingress protection of IPX6 and must have an integral
RCD of residual current rating 30 mA.
c. all Appliances, Luminaires and other Accessories must have a
minimum level of moisture ingress protection of IPX5;

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 d. no Appliances, Luminaires or other Accessories may be installed
within Arm’s Reach of a water fountain. However, such items are
permitted at a distance greater than Arm’s Reach from the water
fountain, provided that the requirements of clauses 12.5.1(a) to
12.5.1(c) above are complied with; and
e. Appliances, Luminaires or Accessories which are within Arm’s
Reach of a water fountain must be supplied by SELV or PELV and
have a minimum level of ingress protection of IPX7. Underwater
lighting must be supplied by SELV at a maximum voltage of 12 V
a.c. or 30 V d.c. and with ingress protection IPX8.
12.5.2 The requirement for Earth Leakage Protection on Final Circuits must
be met, along with the requirements for EEB and Supplementary
Equipotential Bonding.

12.6 Temporary Electrical Installations

12.6.1 This Regulation applies to temporary Electrical Installations (e.g.

construction sites, work sites, exhibitions, tents, amusement parks,
circuses) which are fixed or movable.
12.6.2 Due to the additional risks of damage and interference to temporary
Electrical Installations, the following precautions should be catered
for in the design and construction of such systems;
a. all cables which are not installed in conduits or trunking must be
armored and adequately protected against accidental or deliberate
interference by persons, and against the effects of weather;
[Note: type HO7 RN-F braided or armored cables complying with
BS EN 50525 are recommended.]

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b. outdoor temporary Electrical Installations must have a minimum
ingress protection level of IP55 and switchgear assemblies must
comply with BS 4363 and BS EN 61439-4;
c. specification for distribution assemblies for RLV electricity supplies
for construction and building sites shall comply with BS 4363;
d. cables passing on or over walkways and access roads must be
adequately enclosed to avoid Danger. Buried cables must be
installed so as to afford adequate protection against damage.
e. particular attention should be given to the location, signing and
protection of equipment where the public may have access, in
particular children;
f. equipment should be located and adequate notices displayed so
that emergency disconnection of the electricity supply can be
effected without delay. Locking arrangements should be such that
these can be removed in an emergency (e.g. panic bar or keys
available in break-out box);
[Note: typically an emergency power off facility should be
provided.]
g. regular inspection and testing appropriate for the nature and use
of the Electrical Installation and sufficient to ensure compliance
with these rules and regulations at all times shall be carried out;
h. an Earth Leakage Protected System and an Equipotential Bonded
System must be provided in line with Sections 5.4 and 5.5; and
i. outdoor socket-outlets must be provided with integral RCD
protection with a residual operating current of 30 mA or less, and
must have a minimum ingress protection level of IP55.
[Note: water coolers and drinking fountains must be provided with
individual RCD protection, in addition to that provided at the Final
Distribution Board.]
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12.6.3 Reduced voltage supply (RLV) should be used where there is a high
exposure to potential damage, and where persons are involved in
working in confined spaces or other hazardous circumstances.
[Note: RLV is recommended on construction sites compared with
supply by ELPS to avoid nuisance tripping and the potential failure of
RCDs in harsh outdoor environments.]

12.7 Street Lightings

12.7.1 Protection against electric shock for street lighting shall be provided
by an earth leakage protected system (see Section 5.4) and by an
earthed equipotential bonded system (see Section 5.5). In the latter
case, the street light column or other structure shall be connected to
a means of earthing, which will normally be from SEWA supply cable.
12.7.2 Temporary supplies taken from street lights, such as for decorative
lighting or signboards, must be provided with Earth Leakage
Protection using RCDs of residual current rating no greater than 30
mA where within reach of persons, or 100 mA where not within reach
of persons. Time delayed devices may be used to avoid nuisance
tripping. Alternatively, such supplies may be provided by SELV or
RLV.

12.8 External Lightings

12.8.1 This Regulation applies to Electrical Installations associated with

external lighting installed outdoors on Premises (e.g. decorative and
landscape lighting etc.).

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 [Note: the scope does not include specialist high-mast lighting
systems, e.g. football stadiums, where used, the relevant approval
shall be sought from SEWA.]
12.8.2 External lighting luminaires mounted on poles shall be supplied from
a suitably rated single phase RCBO.
[Note: the RCBO would typically be mounted at a lower level within
the pole and be accessible via an opening in the pole normally closed
by a secure cover.]
12.8.3 The connecting cable between the Luminaire and the cutout shall be
a 3 core (L-N-E) Double Insulated heat resistant flexible cord.
12.8.4 The cut-out shall include suitably sized shrouded terminals to
accommodate for the looping in and looping out of 3 core (L-N-E)
steel wire armored cables and the connections to the single phase
RCBO.
12.8.5 Earth bonding connections to the steel wire armored of the cable, the
metal enclosure of the cut-out or gland plate and the metal pole,
shall be made within the cut-out.
12.8.6 The cut-out shall be metal enclosed or ABS plastic with minimum
ingress protection of IP55.
12.8.7 Temporary supplies taken from external lighting cutouts, such as for
decorative lighting or signboards, must be provided with Earth
Leakage Protection using RCBOs of residual current rating preferably
10mA but no greater than 30 mA Alternatively, such temporary
supplies shall be SELV or RLV.
12.8.8 All Circuits supplying external lighting shall be single phase and
protected by an Earth Leakage Protected System (see Section 5.4)
and by an Earthed Equipotential Bonded System (see Section 5.5).
[Note: the use of three phase supply arrangements must be
approved by SEWA.]
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12.8.9 Looping of external lighting Circuits shall be via purpose made
junction boxes or cut-outs.

12.9 Marinas and Similar Locations

12.9.1 This rules and regulations applies to Electrical Installations in Marinas

and similar locations.
12.9.2 Electrical Installation in a Marina environment shall be designed to
minimize the following;
a. risk of electric shock due to the wet environment and proximity to
water;
b. deterioration of the condition of electrical equipment due to the
presence of salt and water;
c. damage to supply cables and flexible cord connections; and
d. risk of fire and explosion.
[Note: for Electrical Installations on Leisure Crafts, refer to BS
EN 60092-507]
12.9.3 Inspection, testing and certification of Electrical Installations in
Marinas shall satisfy the requirements set out in Section 14 of these
rules and regulations.

Cables
12.9.4 Cables shall be selected and installed so that mechanical damage due
to tidal and other movement of craft and other floating structures is
prevented.

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12.9.5 Where cable management systems are used, they shall be installed
to allow the discharge of water by drainage holes and/or installation
of the equipment on an incline.
12.9.6 Where flexible cables are used, they shall be in accordance with BS
EN 50525.

Distribution Boards and Pedestals

12.9.7 Distribution Boards and Pedestals and all equipment mounted
thereon and installed outdoors must be corrosion resistant and give
protection against mechanical damage and ingress of dust and sand.
A minimum ingress protection of IP55 is required.
[Note: Selection of IP code must take into account the particular
location of the Electrical Installation.]
12.9.8 Pedestals must be located in the immediate vicinity of the berths.
12.9.9 In order to minimize the Pedestal exposure to water, any water outlet
within the Marina shall be suitably sited away from the Pedestal.
12.9.10 Pedestals shall include means of local isolation that disconnects
phase(s) and neutral.
12.9.11 Circuits supplying Pedestals must be individually protected against
short-circuit, overload, and earth leakage. The Earth Leakage
Protection shall be effective for leakage currents of 30 mA.
Socket Outlets and Lightings
12.9.12 Socket-outlets and lights shall be placed at a height of not less than
1 m above the highest water level.
12.9.13 Socket-outlets shall comply with BS EN 60309, refer to Appendix B
Figure 42.
12.9.14 A maximum of four socket-outlets shall be allowed on a single
Pedestal.

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12.9.15 All single phase socket-outlets and lighting on a common Pedestal
shall be connected on the same phase.
12.9.16 Socket-outlet(s) and lighting in a Pedestal shall be individually
protected against short-circuit, overload, and earth leakage. The
Earth Leakage Protection shall be effective for leakage currents of no
greater than 30 mA.
12.9.17 There shall be at least one single-phase socket-outlet with a rated
current of 20A on each Pedestal.
[Note: person(s) operating a Leisure Craft must ensure that the
Leisure Craft plug is suitable for the Pedestal socket-outlet rating.]
12.9.18 One socket-outlet shall supply only one Leisure Craft.
12.9.19 All socket-outlets shall be provided with an interlock to prevent the
insertion and removal of plugs under loads.
12.9.20 Single-phase socket-outlets shall be blue in color, and three-phase
socket-outlets shall be red in color.
12.9.21 Where a three phase socket-outlet(s) is used, a warning sign of the
existence of 415V shall be provided on the Pedestal.

12.10 Solar Photovoltaic System

General Principles

12.10.1 This Regulation applies to Electrical Installations associated with solar

photovoltaic (PV) systems.
[Note: solar PV system intended for standalone operations (not
connected in parallel with the Low Voltage distribution system) are not
covered in these rules and regulations.]

12.10.2 The design of solar PV systems shall be submitted to the relevant

Distribution Company for approval.
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 [Note: the solar PV system shall be inspected and tested by the
Distribution Company prior to energizing the solar PV system.]
12.10.3 Solar PV system components and switchgear assemblies shall comply
with the relevant equipment standards.
12.10.4 The designer of a solar PV system shall consider the potential risks
during the installation, operation and maintenance of such systems.
The design should consider the assessment of the installation
constraints including wind and structural loading.
12.10.5 Precautions shall be made to ensure that live parts are either not
accessible or cannot be touched during installation, operation and
maintenance.
[Note: PV Modules cannot be switched off. A String of solar PV
Modules can produce a voltage in excess of 1000 V d.c.]
12.10.6 The design and installation of solar PV system shall enable
maintenance and service work to be carried out safely.

Protection
12.10.7 Solar PV system components shall be selected and erected so as to
minimize the risk of overloads, and short-circuits.
12.10.8 The wiring of solar PV systems shall withstand external influences
such as wind, temperature and solar radiation.
12.10.9 Equipment on the d.c. side of the solar PV system shall be suitably
rated in consideration of the highest d.c. voltage and highest d.c.
current.
12.10.10 The current carrying capacity for solar PV system d.c. cables shall
be at least 1.25 times Short Circuit Current (ISC) under standard test
conditions at any location.
12.10.11 All PV d.c. cables shall be Double Insulated and black in color.

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 [Note: to minimize Voltages induced by lightning, the area of all
wiring loops shall be as small as possible.]
12.10.12 PV Modules may be connected in series up to the maximum
allowed operating voltage of the PV Module and the PV Inverter,
whichever is lower.
12.10.13 The d.c. side of the solar PV system shall be protected by the use
of Class II Equipment.
12.10.14 For Inverters that are able to feed d.c. fault currents to the a.c.
side of the Electrical Installation, a type B RCD, in accordance with
IEC 62423, shall be provided for the automatic disconnection of the
supply.
12.10.15 Where the d.c. side of the Electrical Installation is constructed to
meet the requirements of an installation using double or reinforced
insulation, no connection to Earth between the PV Modules or frame
and main Earthing terminal is required.
12.10.16 Where blocking diodes are used, they shall be connected in series
with the PV String, and their reverse Voltage shall be rated for 2
times Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) under standard test condition of the
PV String.
12.10.17 The solar PV system shall automatically disconnect from the public
grid supply in the event of loss of grid or deviation of the electricity
parameters at the supply terminals.
12.10.18 Single phase Inverters must be interlocked and configured to
behave as an integrated multiphase Inverter providing a reasonably
balanced output to all connected phases at all times whilst connected
to the distribution system and taking into account of the permitted
disturbance limits.
[Note: this can be achieved by the internal controls of the Inverters.
If the Inverter is not capable of this functionality then protection by
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 the use of a phase balance relay which shall disconnect all Inverters
simultaneously in the absence of reasonable balance is required].
12.10.19 All a.c. Circuits connected to solar PV system Inverters shall be
protected against fault current by suitably rated overcurrent
Protective Devices.

Isolation and Switching

12.10.20 A switch disconnector shall be provided on the d.c. side of the
Inverter with the following requirements:
a. The switch disconnector shall isolate all live conductors;
b. the switch disconnector must be in a prominent position;
c. the switch disconnector must be rated for d.c. operation at the
system Voltage maxima as calculated;
d. the switch disconnector must be rated for d.c. operation at the
system current maxima as calculated;
e. the switch disconnector must be clearly labelled; and
f. the switch disconnector must clearly show the “On” and “Off ”
position.
12.10.21 A switch disconnector shall be provided on the a.c. side of the
Inverter with the following requirements:
a. the switch disconnector must be located adjacent to the Inverter;
b. the switch disconnector must switch all live conductors including
the neutral;
c. the switch disconnector must be clearly labelled;
d. the switch disconnector must clearly show the “On” and “Off ”
position; and
e. the switch disconnector must be lockable in the off position only.
12.10.22 Solar PV systems shall be connected via a dedicated Circuit from
a switch disconnector located adjacent to the MDB. The switch
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 disconnector shall be connected via a dedicated Circuit from the MDB.
The switch disconnector shall be a standalone wall mounted unit,
clearly labelled, easily accessed, and lockable. It is also preferable
that the switch disconnector function be incorporated within a
suitable enclosure together with the loss of mains protection and
metering devices where required.
[Note: the switch disconnector provides isolation of the PV system
from the public grid supply.]
Labelling Requirements
12.10.23 All labels must be clear, easily visible, constructed and affixed to
remain legible for as long as the enclosure is in use and written both
in English and Arabic. PVC engraved labels shall be used, see
Appendix B Figure 44.
12.10.24 Labelling along PV d.c. cables shall indicate the polarity and
associated Dangers. The labels shall be fixed every 5 to 10 m.
Inspection and Testing

12.10.25 Inspection and testing of the completed solar PV system shall be

carried out and documented by a Licensed Contractor under the
supervision of a solar PV system designer.
12.10.26 The inspection and testing of a.c. Circuits is covered in Section 14
of these rules and regulations.
12.10.27 The inspection and testing of the d.c. side of the Solar PV system
shall be in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 62446. The
tests required as a minimum shall include the following;
a. connection of conductors;
b. continuity test of protective Earthing and/or equipotential bonding
conductors (where used);
c. polarity test;
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d. string Open Circuit Voltage test;
e. string Short Circuit Current test;
f. functional tests; and
g. insulation resistance of the d.c. Circuits.

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 SECTION 13

Site Installations

13.1 General Requirements

13.1.1 All consumer shall comply with the safety requirements specified for
permanent installation, in addition to the specific requirements on

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 installation at construction sites recommended in these rules and
regulations.
13.1.2 Temporary power supply shall be permitted for construction purposes
subject to terms and conditions, tariffs, fees and instructions issued
by SEWA from time to time. The application of temporary power
supply shall be submitted to SEWA in advance for the power
requirements.
13.1.3 Every assembly for the distribution of electricity on construction sites
shall comply with the requirements of BS 4363 and BS EN 60439-4.
13.1.4 Installation of any additional load by a consumer on site without the
consent and approval of SEWA shall be subjected to penalty.
13.1.5 Any electrical installations done on site with minor or major changes
with respect to the approved drawings as reference, contractor shall
prepare as built drawing for the reference of consumer and for
maintenance purposes.

13.2 Wiring Systems and Distribution Boards

13.2.1 Every electrical wiring system shall be arranged so that no strain is

placed on the terminations of conductors unless such terminations
are designed for this purpose.
13.2.2 Any distribution boards, wiring installations, metering cabinet and
etc. shall be of weatherproof type.
13.2.3 Emergency switching shall be provided on the supply to all electrical
equipment from which it may be necessary to disconnect all live
conductors in order to eliminate a hazard.
13.2.4 No cables shall be laid across the road or walkway unless adequate
protection of the cable to be provided against mechanical damage.

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13.2.5 All cables used in construction site shall have a metal sheath or armor
which shall be effectively earthed and continuous.
13.2.6 The use of flexible cords in site installation shall comply to BS 6141.
13.2.7 Electrical manholes shall be install in every 15 meters to ensure easy
installation of cables.

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 SECTION 14

Maintenance, Inspection,
Testing and Certification

14.1 Maintenance of Electrical Installations

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14.1.1 An assessment shall be made of the frequency and quality of
maintenance, the installation can reasonably be expected to receive
during its intended life. This assessment shall, whenever practicable,
include consultation with the persons or body who will be responsible
for the operation and maintenance expected, the requirements of
these rules and regulation shall be applied so that;
a. Any periodic maintenance and repairs likely to be necessary
during the intended life and can be readily and safely carried out.
b. The protective measures for safety remain effective during the
intended life and,
c. The reliability of equipment is appropriate to the intended life.

14.2 Inspection and Testing by SEWA

14.2.1 The Distribution Company shall verify on site the test results for Earth
Resistance at the Main Earth Terminal and inspect or test other items
as deemed appropriate, including as a minimum;
a. connection of conductors;
b. identification of conductors and labelling of equipment;
c. routing of cables and their protection against mechanical damage;
d. cross-sectional area of conductors for current carrying capacity
and Voltage drop;
e. connection of single-pole devices for protection or switching in
phase conductors only;
f. correct positioning and connection of Accessories and equipment;
g. presence of fire barriers and protection against thermal effects;
h. methods of protection against electric shock, both Direct and
Indirect Contact;

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 i. inspection of integrity of Main Earth Conductors and Earth
Electrodes;
j. presence and correct location of devices for isolation; and
k. measurement of Earth Fault Loop Impedance.

14.2.2 SEWA may carry out intermediate inspection(s) prior to the final
inspection mentioned in Section 14.2.1. This is to verify compliance
of concealed parts of the Electrical Installation (e.g. conduits, buried
cables and Earth Conductors).
14.2.3 Internal checks and inspection shall be carried out on a minimum of
10% sample of the Electrical Installation, relevant to the items listed
under Section 14.2.1.
14.2.4 SEWA shall conduct inspection of transformer room, electrical rooms
and distribution boards as well.

14.3 Inspection and Testing by the Licensed Contractors

14.3.1 Every new Electrical Installation, during installation and on

completion before being energized, shall be inspected and tested by
a Licensed Contractor who shall duly complete the relevant test
reports and submit these to SEWA (with the exception of tests that
can only be carried out upon energizing).
14.3.2 Inspection and testing shall be recorded on the standard forms and
shall include the following tests;
a. continuity of Ring and Final Circuit conductors;
b. continuity of Earth Conductors including Equipotential Bonding
Conductors;
c. insulation resistance;
d. protection against Direct Contact;
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 e. protection against Indirect Contact;
f. polarity of Circuits;
g. Earth Fault Loop Impedance and Prospective Fault Current
measurements;
h. Earth Electrode Resistance; and
i. operation of Earth Leakage Protection devices.
[Note: see Appendices B Figure 23 to 29 for relevant test
procedures.]
14.3.3 The continuity test shall be carried out with an instrument having a
no-load voltage between 4 V and 24 V d.c or a.c. and a short-circuit
current not less than 200 mA, in accordance with the procedure in
Appendices B Figure 24 to 26.
14.3.4 The insulation resistance tests between live conductors and between
each live conductor and Earth shall be measured with a test voltage
of 500 V d.c, in accordance with the procedure in Appendices B Figure
27 to 29.
14.3.5 Every Electrical Installation shall be inspected and tested on a
periodic basis. The responsibility for periodic inspection and testing
of Electrical Installations lies with the Client/Owner of the Premises
who shall request the services of a Licensed Contractor at the
intervals shown in the table below. The Owner must also ensure that
any necessary rectification work is carried out.

Internal External
Electrical Electrical
Installation Installation
Domestic 3 years 3 years

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 Non-domestic
(industrial, commercial, farms, etc.) 2 years 1 year

Premises used by the Public

(parks, mosques, malls, schools, 1 year 1 year
hospitals, tents, hotels)
Special Locations
(swimming pools and fountains, street 1 year 1 year
lightings, construction sites)

[Note: see Section 14.3.2 for the required tests.]

14.3.6 Electrical Installations which were constructed before the date of
commencement of these rules and regulations shall be inspected and
tested within the time indicated above, from the date of
commencement.

14.4 Electrical Installation Certificates

14.4.1 In order to verify compliance with these Regulations:

a. the Licensed Contractor and the designer of the Electrical
Installation shall complete and sign an Electrical Installation
Certificate; and
b. the Licensed Contractor shall complete and sign the inspection
report, and installation testing report respectively.
14.4.2 Two original copies of the Electrical Installation Certificate and
associated test results shall be provided; one to the Client/Owner of
the Premises and one to SEWA. An additional copy must be affixed
at the Main Distribution Board or low voltage switch room in position.

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14.4.3 After any extension or alteration to an Electrical Installation, a
Licensed Contractor is required to issue an amended Electrical
Installation Certificate, together with a copy of the original certificate
and stating the details of the work carried out; in addition to an
amended inspection report, and installation testing report, see
Sections 1.6 and 1.7.

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Appendices

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Appendix Ref. No. Description

A-Table 1 Basic Protection and Fault Protection

A-Table 2 Some suggested diversity factors

A-Table 3 Rating factors for one circuit or one multicore cable or

for a group of circuits

A-Table 4 Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid
directly in the ground (single core or multicore cables)
Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid in
A-Table 5 ducts in the ground (multicore cables in single way
ducts)
Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid in
A-Table 6 ducts in the ground (single core cables in non-ferrous
single way ducts)

A-Table 7 Rating factors for groups of more than one multicore

cable (free air)

A-Table 8 Rating factors for groups of one or more circuits of

single core cables (free air)
Maximum disconnection time for Line to Earth Voltage
A-Table 9 (240 V)

A-Table 10 Identification of conductors (from BS 7671:2008)

Circuit breaker (BS EN 60898) selection for inrush
A-Table 11 current applications

A-Table 12 Visual inspection requirements

Recommended initial frequencies of electrical
A-Table 13 installation inspections

A-Table 14 Standard Wiring Diagram Symbols

A-Table 15 Sequence of Testing for new Electrical Installation

A-Table 16 Capacity of Conduits

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A-Table 17 Protective Equipotential Bonding Conductor Sizing

A-Table 18 Minimum Number of Earth Electrode

Earth Fault Loop-Impedance Values required for MCB’s
A-Table 19 (at 240 V)

A-Table 20 Mandatory Connection to Earth Conductor

A-Table 21 Rating Factors for Ground Temperature

A-Table 22 Rating Factors for Other Ambient Air Temperatures

Rating Factors for Variation in Thermal Resistivity of
A-Table 23 Soil Direct in Ground Installation (Average Values)
Rating Factors of Variation in Thermal Resistivity of
A-Table 24 Soil in a Duct in the Ground Installation (Average
Values)
Rating Factor for Depth of Laying Direct in Ground
A-Table 25 Installation (to Center of Cable or Trefoil Group of
Cables)
Rating Factor for Depth of Laying in a Duct in the
A-Table 26 Ground Installation (to Center of Cable or Trefoil Group
of Cables)
Group Rating Factors for Circuits of Three Single Core
A-Table 27 Cables in Trefoil or Laid Flat Touching, in Horizontal
Formation (Direct in Ground Installation)
Group Rating Factors for Circuits of Single Core Cables
A-Table 28 in Trefoil Single Way Ducts, in Horizontal Formation (in
a Duct in the Ground Installation)
Group Rating Factors for Multicore Cables in Horizontal
A-Table 29 Formation (Direct in Ground Installation)
Group Rating Factors for Multicore Cables in Horizontal
A-Table 30 Formation (in a Duct in the Ground Installation)
Ampacity of Single Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 31 Aluminum Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Single Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 32 Aluminum Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Two Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 33 Aluminum Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed
Cables

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 Ampacity of Two Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 34 Aluminum Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Three Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 35 Aluminum Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Three Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 36 Aluminum Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Four Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 37 Aluminum Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Ampacity of Four Core Cables (Stranded Copper &
A-Table 38 Aluminum Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed
Cables
Single Core PVC Insulated Non-Sheathed Cables
A-Table 39 (Cables in Conduit on a Wall or Ceiling or in Trunking)

A-Table 40 Segregation and Insulation Resistance Test

Appendix Ref. No. Description

B-Figure 1 Basic protection and fault protection

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B-Figure 2 Path of earth fault loop impedance TN-C-S system

B-Figure 3 Path of earth fault loop impedance TT system

B-Figure 4 System discrimination

B-Figure 5 Principle of color identification

B-Figure 6 Principle of identification by characters

Segregated distribution transformers for sensitive
B-Figure 7 equipment installations
Segregated distribution transformers for sensitive
B-Figure 8 equipment installations

B-Figure 9 Circulating sheath current

B-Figure 10 Circulating sheath current

B-Figure 11 Cable separation within cable managements system

B-Figure 12 Internal view of an MCB

B-Figure 13 32A MCB sensitivity characteristics comparison

B-Figure 14 Ingress Protection (IP) coding

B-Figure 15 Earthing arrangements

B-Figure 16 TN-C system earthing

B-Figure 17 TN-S system earthing

B-Figure 18 TN-C-S system earthing with PME

B-Figure 19 TN-C-S system earthing with PNB

B-Figure 20 TT system earthing

B-Figure 21 IT system earthing

B-Figure 22 Earthing arrangement for one-site substation

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 B-Figure 23 “Everyday tests” order and state of energization

B-Figure 24 Continuity of cpc by “wandering lead”

B-Figure 25 Continuity of cpc by circuit cable method

B-Figure 26 Stages of continuity of ring final circuits

B-Figure 27 Insulation testing

B-Figure 28 Insulation testing of motor circuit

B-Figure 29 Insulation test of a group of circuits

B-Figure 30 Required earth bonding in milking parlor and similar

B-Figure 31 Caravan pitch outlet, extension lead and inlet

B-Figure 32 Typical PV system, showing array, control and isolation

B-Figure 33 Earth electrode pit and standard labels

Main Earth Terminal (MET) at Main Distribution Board
B-Figure 34 (MDB)

B-Figure 35 Isolation and Switching

B-Figure 36 Buried Cable Protection

Typical Bus Bar Riser System including Plug-in Circuit
B-Figure 37 Breaker

B-Figure 38 Protective Extra-Low Voltage (PELV) Supply

Appendix Ref. No. Description

B-Figure 39 Separated Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) Supply

B-Figure 40 Shaver Socket-Outlet for Bathrooms

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 B-Figure 41 Industrial Plugs and Socket Outlets

B-Figure 42 Approved Plugs and Socket Outlets

B-Figure 43 LV Switch Room Typical Layout

B-Figure 44 Sample of Electrical Installation Labelling

B-Figure 45 Direct Contact with Electricity

B-Figure 46 Indirect Contact with Electricity

B-Figure 47 Typical Layout for Lighting and Small Power Circuits

B-Figure 48 Typical Energy Let-Through Characteristics of MCB’s

Sample of Earthing and Bonding Conductors and
B-Figure 49 Components

B-Figure 50 Measurement of External Earth Fault Loop Impedance

B-Figure 51 Measurement of Total Earth Fault Loop Impedance

B-Figure 52 Calculation of Touch Voltage

B-Figure 53 Arrangement of Meter Cabinet on Compound Wall

Arrangements of kWhr Meters in Electrical Service
B-Figure 54 Room/ Cabinet

B-Figure 55 Slotting of Steel Gland Plates for Single Core Cables

Table 1 Typical load assessment for commercial offices

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Table 2 Some suggested diversity factors

Table 3 Rating factors for one circuit or one multicore cable or for a group of
circuits

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Table 4 Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid directly in the
ground (single core or multicore cables)

Table 5 Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid in ducts in the
ground (multicore cables in single way ducts)
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Table 6 Rating factors for more than one circuit, cables laid in ducts in the
ground (single core cables in non-ferrous single way ducts)

Table 7 Rating factors for groups of more than one multicore cable (free air)

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15
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Table 8 Rating factors for groups of one or more circuits of single core cables
(free air)

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Table 9 Maximum disconnection time for Line to Earth Voltage (240 V)

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Table 10 Identification of conductors (from BS 7671:2008)

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Table 11 Circuit breaker (BS EN 60898) selection for inrush current
applications

Table 12 Visual inspection requirements

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Table 13 Recommended initial frequencies of electrical installation
inspections

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Table 14 Standard Wiring Diagram Symbols

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Continued…..

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Table 15 Sequence of Testing for new Electrical Installation

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Table 16 Capacity of Conduits

Table 17 Protective Equipotential Bonding Conductor Sizing

[Note: Size of bonding conductors for a line conductor less than 25

mm2 shall be half the size of the line conductor.]

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Table 18 Minimum Number of Earth Electrode

Table 19 Earth Fault Loop-Impedance Values required for MCB’s (at 240 V)

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Table 20 Mandatory Connection to Earth Conductor

Table 21 Rating Factors for Ground Temperature

Table 22 Rating Factors for Other Ambient Air Temperatures

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Table 23 Rating Factors for Variation in Thermal Resistivity of Soil Direct in
Ground Installation (Average Values)

Table 24 Rating Factors of Variation in Thermal Resistivity of Soil in a Duct in

the Ground Installation (Average Values)

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Table 25 Rating Factor for Depth of Laying Direct in Ground Installation (to
Center of Cable or Trefoil Group of Cables)

Table 26 Rating Factor for Depth of Laying in a Duct in the Ground

Installation (to Center of Cable or Trefoil Group of Cables)

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Table 27 Group Rating Factors for Circuits of Three Single Core Cables in
Trefoil or Laid Flat Touching, in Horizontal Formation (Direct in Ground
Installation)

Table 28 Group Rating Factors for Circuits of Single Core Cables in Trefoil
Single Way Ducts, in Horizontal Formation (in a Duct in the Ground
Installation)

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Table 29 Group Rating Factors for Multicore Cables in Horizontal Formation
(Direct in Ground Installation)

Table 30 Group Rating Factors for Multicore Cables in Horizontal Formation

(in a Duct in the Ground Installation)

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Table 31 Ampacity of Single Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum
Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed Cables

Table 32 Ampacity of Single Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum

Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed Cables

17
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Table 33 Ampacity of Two Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum
Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed Cables

Table 34 Ampacity of Two Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum

Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed Cables

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Table 35 Ampacity of Three Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum
Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed Cables

Table 36 Ampacity of Three Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum

Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed Cables

17
2
Table 37 Ampacity of Four Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum
Conductors) – Armoured PVC Sheathed Cables

Table 38 Ampacity of Four Core Cables (Stranded Copper & Aluminum

Conductors) – Unarmoured PVC Sheathed Cables

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Table 39 Single Core PVC Insulated Non-Sheathed Cables – Cables in
Conduit on a Wall or Ceiling or in Trunking

[Note: Installation conditions for the ratings from Tables 31 to 39:

a. Ambient Air Temperature: 30 0C

b. Ground Temperature: 15 0C
c. Depth of Laying: 0.5 m
d. Soil Thermal Resistivity: 1.2 0C m/W
e. Maximum conductor operating temperature at rated current: 90 0C
f. For Rating Factors, see Tables 21 to 30.]

Table 40 Segregation and Insulation Resistance Test

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Fig. 1 Basic protection and fault protection

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Fig. 2 Path of earth fault loop impedance TN-C-S system

Fig. 3 Path of earth fault loop impedance TT system

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6
Fig. 4 System discrimination

17
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Fig. 5 Principle of color identification

Fig. 6 Principle of identification by characters

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Fig. 7 Segregated distribution transformers for sensitive equipment
installations

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9
Fig. 8 Segregated distribution transformers for sensitive equipment
installations

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Fig. 9 Circulating sheath current

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Fig. 10 Circulating sheath current

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Fig. 11 Cable separation within cable managements system

18
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Fig. 12 Internal view of an MCB

18
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Fig. 13 32A MCB sensitivity characteristics comparison

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5
Fig. 14 Ingress Protection (IP) coding

18
6
Continued…..

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Fig. 15 Earthing arrangements

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Fig. 16 TN-C system earthing

Fig. 17 TN-S system earthing

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Fig. 18 TN-C-S system earthing with PME

Fig. 19 TN-C-S system earthing with PNB

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Fig. 20 TT system earthing

Fig. 21 IT system earthing

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Fig. 22 Earthing arrangement for one-site substation

Fig. 23 “Everyday tests” order and state of energization

19
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Fig. 24 Continuity of cpc by “wandering lead”

Fig. 25 Continuity of cpc by circuit cable method

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Fig. 26 Stages of continuity of ring final circuits

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Continued…..

Fig. 27 Insulation testing

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Fig. 28 Insulation testing of motor circuit

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Fig. 29 Insulation test of a group of circuits

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Fig. 30 Required earth bonding in milking parlor and similar

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Fig. 31 Caravan pitch outlet, extension lead and inlet

19
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Fig. 32 Typical PV system, showing array, control and isolation

20
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Fig. 33 Earth electrode pit and standard labels

20
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Fig. 34 Main Earth Terminal (MET) at Main Distribution Board (MDB)

20
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Fig. 35 Isolation and Switching

20
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Fig. 36 Buried Cable Protection

20
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Fig. 37 Typical Bus Bar Riser System including Plug-in Circuit Breaker

20
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Fig. 38 Protective Extra-Low Voltage (PELV) Supply

Fig. 39 Separated Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) Supply

20
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Fig. 40 Shaver Socket-Outlet for Bathrooms

20
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Fig. 41 Industrial Plugs and Socket Outlets

Fig. 42 Approved Plugs and Socket Outlets

20
8
Fig. 43 LV Switch Room Typical Layout

20
9
Fig. 44 Sample of Electrical Installation Labelling

21
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Fig. 45 Direct Contact with Electricity

21
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Fig. 46 Indirect Contact with Electricity

21
2
Fig. 47 Typical Layout for Lighting and Small Power Circuits

21
3
Continued…..

21
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Fig. 48 Typical Energy Let-Through Characteristics of MCB’s

21
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Fig. 49 Sample of Earthing and Bonding Conductors and Components

21
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Fig. 50 Measurement of External Earth Fault Loop Impedance

21
7
Fig. 51 Measurement of Total Earth Fault Loop Impedance

21
8
Fig. 52 Calculation of Touch Voltage

21
9
Fig. 53 Arrangement of Meter Cabinet on Compound Wall

22
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Fig. 54 Arrangements of kWhr Meters in Electrical Service Room/ Cabinet

22
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Fig. 55 Slotting of Steel Gland Plates for Single Core Cables

22
2
Glossary of Terms and
Abbreviations

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3
A Amps or Amperes
ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ACB Air Circuit Breaker
AWA Aluminum Wire Armour (for cables)
Al Aluminum (for cables)
a.c. Alternating Current
a/c Air-conditioning
BS British Standard
BS EN British Standard which has been published under the European
Normalization procedure
BSI British Standard Institute
CB Circuit Breaker
CBCT Core Balance Current Transformer
CP Connection Point (see definitions)
CEC Circuit Earth Conductor (see definitions)
CPC Circuit Protective Conductor (see definitions)
Cu Copper (for cables)
CU Condensing Unit
d.c. Direct Current
ECC Earth Continuity Conductor (see definitions)
EEB Earthed Equipotential Bonding (see definitions)
EEBS Earthed Equipotential Bonded System (see definitions)
E/F Earth Fault (protective device)
ELCB Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
ELP Earth Leakage Protection (see definitions)
ELPS Earth Leakage Protected System (see definitions)
ELV Extra Low Voltage (see definitions)
EN European Normalization standard document
ESMA Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority
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FCU Fan Coil Unit
FDB Final Distribution Board (see definitions)
Hp Horse-Power (= 0.746 kW)
HRC High Rapture Capacity (fuse)
HV High Voltage
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
In Nominal Current Rating or Current Setting of Protective Device
kA kilo-Ampere
kW kilo-Watt
kV kilo-Volt
kVA kilo-Volt Ampere
kVAR kilo-Volt Ampere Reactive
LV Low Voltage (see definitions)
LVP Low Voltage Panel
m Meters
MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker
MCC Motor Control Center
MCCB Moulded Case Circuit Breaker
MDB Main Distribution Board (see definitions)
MEC Main Earth Conductor (see definitions)
MET Main Earth Terminal (see definitions)
MICC Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (type of cable)
MV Medium Voltage
ms milli-second
oC Degrees Celsius
oF Degrees Fahrenheit
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
PELV Protective Extra Low Voltage (see definitions)
PV Photovoltaic
22
5
PVC Poly-Vinyl Chloride (insulation for LV cables)
r.m.s Root Mean Square (value of current, voltage etc.)
RCBO Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection
RCCB Residual Current Circuit Breaker
RCD Residual Current Device (see definitions)
RLV Reduced Low Voltage (see definitions)
s Seconds
S Cross-Sectional Area (conductor in mm2)
SEWA Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority
SMDB Sub-Main Distribution Board (see definitions)
SELV Separate Extra Low Voltage (see definitions)
SWA Steel Wire Armour (for cables)
Sc Short Circuit
TN-S Distribution Company Earthed System (see definitions)
TT Locally Earthed System (see definitions)
Uo Nominal Phase Voltage
XLPE Cross Linked Poly-Ethylene
Ze External Earth Fault Loop Impedance
Zs Total Earth Fault Loop Impedance
ZR1 + R2 Internal Loop Impedance (R1 = Resistance of circuit conductor,
R2 = Resistance of Earth Conductor)

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