ELECTRICITY CONNECTION

CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Technical Guidelines and Safety Information for
Customers, House Builders and Developers

Version 2.2 June 2020

 Figure 1: NIE Networks Depot Map for Construction Works

COLERAINE
Campsie Depot BALLYCLARE

T: 028 7186 4676

E: construction.campsie@nienetworks.co.uk

COLERAINE
COLERAINE

Ballymena Depot

CAMPSIE T: 028 2566 3258

E: construction.ballymena@nienetworks.co.uk

BALLYMENA

DUNGANNON
BALLYCLARE

ENNISKILLEN
BANGOR
OMAGH
BELFAST

DUNGANNON

CRAIGAVON

ENNISKILLEN
DOWNPATRICK

Dargan Depot (Belfast)

Omagh Depot NEWRY
T: 028 9095 4795
T: 028 8225 3290 E: construction.dargan@nienetworks.co.uk
E: construction.omagh@nienetworks.co.uk
Craigavon Depot

T: 028 3836 8579

E: construction.craigavon@nienetworks.co.uk

Disclaimer
Although care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of this document, NIE Networks respectfully accepts
no responsibility for any errors, omissions or alterations or for any consequences arising from the use, or reliance upon
the information in this document.

1
Introduction
At Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks), we’ve been connecting customers to the
electricity network for over a century. We know that today’s customer, large and small, wants a
simple, value for money, streamlined process and that’s what we aim to deliver, every time.

We ensure we’re delivering what our customers want, now and into the future. Whether you need an
electricity supply for a new home or business premise, or if you are expanding your manufacturing
capability, we will guide you through the process from quotation right through to getting your supply
metered and energised.

This booklet will provide you with information and guidance on how to prepare your site when the job
has moved to the construction stage. There is relevant information that should be passed to your civil
and electrical contractors on how to prepare the site for the installation of mains and service cable.
This includes the submission of a connection card(s) and registering with a supplier to enable the
installation of the meter(s).

To schedule work you can call or email the relevant Construction Department listed below.

Dargan Depot (Belfast)

T: 028 9095 4795

E: construction.dargan@nienetworks.co.uk
Ballymena Depot

T: 028 2566 3258

E: construction.ballymena@nienetworks.co.uk

Craigavon Depot

T: 028 3836 8579

E: construction.craigavon@nienetworks.co.uk

Omagh Depot

T: 028 8225 3290

E: construction.omagh@nienetworks.co.uk

Campsie Depot

T: 028 7186 4676

E: construction.campsie@nienetworks.co.uk

Please note:
Every effort will be made to meet your requirements. However, we require a minimum of 10 working days notice
to lay mains and service cable in private ground (statutory notice periods are required for public property).

The above timescale is a guide only and lead times may be longer during busy periods. Longer lead times may
be required depending on the notice period required by Department of Infrastructure (DfI).
2

2
 On completion of your electrical works, your electrician wil complete and sign a connection card
which must be returned to us before your supply can be energised. You wil recieve a connection
What are the next steps to progress my job?
What are the next steps to progress my job?
card with the quotation let er or you can download a copy at
After the letter of acceptance and payment (if required) are received and provided all necessary

nienetworks.co.uk/Connections/Connection-cards
After the letter
consents of acceptance
have been secured, ourand Connections
payment (if required)
Customerare received
Liaison team and
willprovided
contact all
younecessary
to determine
consents have been secured, our Connections
when you will be ready for works to commence. Customer Liaison team will contact you to determine
when you will be ready for works to commence.
Once a date has been agreed, you are responsible for the following steps including giving relevant
Once a datetohas
information been
your agreed, youcontractors
civil/electrical are responsible foron
working theyour
following
behalf.steps including giving relevant
information to your civil/electrical contractors working on your behalf.

3. Register with your chosen supplier

The key steps are:
The key steps are:
1. Civil works and other facilitating works
1. Civil works
Please and
prepare
prepare other
your
your site facilitating
site by
by digging works
diggingyour
yourown
owntrenches
trenchesasasoutlined
outlinedininyour
youroffer.
offer The
and timescale
as per thefor

Quote the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) supplied on your let er of Terms &
Please
trench
is
is
prepareoutlined
requirements
trench
in position
incompleted
position
cutting,
are stream
yourshould
preparation
preparation
Networks. Ensure
– in
see
site
should
– see the
Page
onby
bedigging

Page 4.of
crossings
advance and
agreed
page
meter cubicle
Ensure
other
our
your
with
5. The
4.beEnsure
agreed any
own
NIE trenches
timescale
with
or meter
any
tree
relevant
teams
Networks.
board is
tree cutting,
works
starting
asEnsure
for trench
NIEcutting,
Networks.
outlined
position
stream
stream
are
construction
in meter
the
preparation
in Ensure the
your
– see
crossings
crossings
completed
as per in
offer.
cubicle
should
meter
Page
and
The
be
cubicle
or timescale
meterwith
agreed
or meter
4. relevant
other
and other
advance
guidance
Ensure
relevant
onofour
any
for
board
board
NIE
tree
works
works
ourwebsite.
teams starting

2. Conditions. Suppliers available in Northern Ireland can be found on the Consumer Council
construction as per guidance on our website.
are completed in advance of our teams starting construction as per guidance on our website.
Connection card
2. Connection
completioncard
website consumercouncil.org.uk
On of your electrical works, your electrician will complete and sign a connection card
On completion
which of your electrical
must be returned works,
to us before your
your electrician
supply can bewill completeYou
energised. andwill
sign a connection
recieve card
a connection
whichwith
card mustthebequotation
returnedletter
to usorbefore yourdownload
you can supply can be energised.
a copy at You will recieve a connection
card with the quotation letter or you can download
nienetworks.co.uk/Connections/Connection-cards a copy at
nienetworks.co.uk/Connections/Connection-cards
3. Register with your chosen supplier
3.
For new connections, your connection card and supplier registration do not need to be complete
Register
Quote thewith
Meteryour
Quote the Meter
Conditions.
Pointchosen
Suppliers
supplier
Reference Number (MPRN) supplied on your letter of Terms &
Pointavailable
Reference Number (MPRN)
in Northern Ireland cansupplied on your
be found on the letter of Terms
Consumer &
Council

before construction work takes place, but these do need to be carried out before the meter wil
Conditions. Suppliers available
website consumercouncil.org.uk in Northern Ireland can be found on the Consumer Council
website consumercouncil.org.uk
For new connections, your connection card and supplier registration do not need to be complete
For newconstruction
connections, yourtakes
connection cardthese
and supplier
do need registration doout
notbefore
need tothebemeter
complete
be fit ed.
before work place, but to be carried will
before construction
be fitted. work takes place, but these do need to be carried out before the meter will
be fitted.
For alterations or increased load, your connection card and supplier registration needs completed
Forleast
at alterations or increased
increased
five working load,
days before your
your connection
load,construction
connection card
cardand
commences supplier
needs
to registration
completed
facilitate the at needs
least
meter completed
five working
change.
days
at before
least construction
five working days commences to facilitate
before construction the meter
commences tochange.
facilitate the meter change.
4.
4. For alterations or increased load, your connection card and supplier registration needs completed
Installation of meter
Installation
Once we haveofcompleted
Once weyou
contact have
meter on site construction and all documentation has been received, we will
completed
to arrange an on site construction
appointment and allthe
to complete documentation
installation of has
yourbeen received,
meter. Furtherwe will
details

at least five working days before construction commences to facilitate the meter change.
contact you to arrange an appointment to complete the installation of your meter.
can be found on Page 9. You can contact Metering by calling 028 2566 1640 or email
can be found on Page 9. You can contact Metering by calling 028 2566 1640 or email
MeteringServices.Connections@nienetworks.co.uk
MeteringServices.Connections@nienetworks.co.uk
Further details

If you are not sure of what is required we can arrange for a site visit to advise you or your contractor of
If yourequirements.
your are not sure ofPlease
what iscontact
requiredthewe can arrange
relevant for a sitedepot
NIE Networks visit tolisted
advise
on you
Page or 1.
your contractor of
your requirements. Please contact the relevant NIE Networks depot listed on Page 1.

4. Installation of meter
After your job has been constructed and made live, you may receive a courtesy call or email from our
After your Liaison
Customer
Customer
your
job has team,
Liaison
feedback
been constructed
andteam, whoyou
may ask willto
and you
who will ensure
ensure
madearelive,
you are
complete
you with
happy may all
happytowith
a survey
receive
worksacompleted.
helpallusworks
improve
courtesy callWe
completed.
or would
email from our
welcome
We would welcome
our service.

Once we have completed on site construction and all documentation has been received, we wil
your feedback and may ask you to complete a survey to help us improve our service.

3
3 contact you to arrange an appointment to complete the instal ation of your meter. Further details
can be found on Page 9. You can contact Metering by calling 028 2566 1640 or email
3
What will the final installation look like?
The diagram below shows the different parts of a standard domestic electricity installation.

CONSUMER UNIT
METER BOX/BOARD

diagram

METER

METER TAILS

CUTOUT

DUCT SEAL

SERVICE CABLE IN DUCT (WALL CAVITY) EARTH TO BE SUPPLIED AS AGREED WITH NIE NETWORKS

Figure 2: Standard domestic electricity installation

SERVICE CABLE - this is the cable which connects your property to the local mains. It will either go
under the ground to our mains cable, or will be clipped to your house and go overhead to one of our
poles. The service cable duct should extend 50mm into the meter box to allow a seal to be completed
on the cable entry duct.

CUTOUT - this is NIE Networks’ main fuse and needs to be below the meter on the left hand side.

METER TAILS - these are your cables and connect the meter to your installation. As the cables are
yours, you need to ask your electrical contractor to include them in the scope of their works. Your
meter tails should be double insulated, correctly colour coded and sized, and less than two metres
long. If they are more than two metres then a fused isolator is required on the meter board. If they
are more than three metres then earth fault protection is required.

CONSUMER UNIT - this contains the fuses or trip switches which control the circuits in your house,
probably lights, sockets, cooker and immersion heater. This is your property and again, needs to be
managed by your electrical contractor.

If you intend to install a keypad (prepayment) meter, now or at any point in the future, then it is
advisable to install a data cable from the meter box to your preferred location for the freedom unit
(remote keypad connected to meter). 4

4
Individual
Individual // Developer Developer ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities
Individual
Individual /
/ Developer Responsibilities
Developer Responsibilities
Civil Works
Civil Works
Individual
If you
youare
Civil arecarrying
Civil Works
If carryingout
Works
out/thethe
Developer
civilcivil works
works on your
on your Responsibilities
private
private landpublic
land (or (or public land
land with with consent),
consent), then youthen you are
are responsible
Civil
Ifresponsible
If
for you
theare
you Works
are forof
carrying
carrying
provision the allprovision
out
out the
the civil
cable civil of all on
works
works
trenching, cable
on yourtrenching,
your
including private
joint land
private land
holesducting,
(or
(orand thesandbags
public
public land
land with
provisionwith ofand
consent),
consent),
fine blocks, then
then
compacted including
you are jointbackfill-
are responsible
youbedding, holes
responsible
and
Iffor
for
ing you
the
the
andthe
are provision
carrying
provision
provision
reinstatement ofout
of of cable
all
all fine
the
cable
at your compacted
civil works onincluding
trenching,
trenching,
expense. bedding,
yourdepth
including
The private backfilling
joint
joint
andland
holes
holes (orand
width andofandthe reinstatement
public
the land
provision
provision
cable with consent),
of
of
trench fine
fine
must atcompacted
your
thenexpense.
compacted
be: youbedding,
bedding, Excavation
are responsiblebackfill-
backfill-
IfCivil
If
for
ing
you
you
shallthe
and Works
are
are
not
carrying
carrying
take
provision place
reinstatement of
out
out
all
the
theyour
within
cable
at
civil
civil works
works on
300mm
trenching,
expense. on of
your
your
The NIE
including
private
private
Networks
depth joint
and
land
land
holes
(or
(orand
live
width
public
public
ofcables
the
land
landor
provision
cable
with
with
1000mm
consent),
consent),
of
trench fine
must from
then
then you
structures.
compacted
be:
are
are responsible
youbedding, responsible
More backfill-
ing the
for andprovision
reinstatement of at yourtrenching,
expense.including The depth andholeswidthand of thethe provision
cable trench must be:
for the
Cable
details
ing andare provision
type
are of all
Number
provided
reinstatement allofcable
cable
incables
at trenching,
Policy
your Trench
5/009.
expense. including
widthThe
joint
joint
(longitudinal
depth holes
Trench
and depth
width and the
the provision
(longitudinal
of cable
of
trench
Trench
fine
ofwidth
fine
must
compacted
compacted
(in be:
other
bedding,
bedding,
Trench
backfill-
depth backfill-
(in other
If
ing you
and carrying
reinstatement out the civil works on your private land (or public land with consent), then you are responsible
ing Cable
andtype
Cable type Number
Number of
reinstatement ofat your
your expense.
atcables
cables Trench
expense.
Trench width
widthThe
roads/carriageways)
The depth
depth and
(longitudinal
(longitudinal Trench
and
Trench width
depth of
roads/carriageways)
depth
width of the
the cable
(longitudinal
cableTrench
(longitudinal trench
trench
areas
Trench egmust
width
widthmust (in
footway) be:
be:
(in other
other Trench
areasdepth
Trench (in
(in other
eg footway)
depth other
for thetype
Cable provision of allofcable
Number cablestrenching, including
roads/carriageways)
roads/carriageways)
Trench width joint
(longitudinal holes and
roads/carriageways)
roads/carriageways)
Trench depth the provision
(longitudinal areas
Trench
areasof egfine
width
eg compacted
footway)
(in
footway) other bedding,
areas
Trench
areas eg
depth
eg backfill-
footway)
(in other
footway)
ing Cable
andtype
Service Number
Number 1of
reinstatement ofatcables
your expense. Trench width
400mm The (longitudinal
depth and Trench 850mm
depth
width
depth of(longitudinal
the cableTrench trench150mm
width (in
(in other Trench depth
550mm (in
(in other
Cable type cables roads/carriageways)
Trench width (longitudinal
roads/carriageways)
roads/carriageways)
Trench (longitudinal
roads/carriageways) Trench
areas egmust
width footway) be:
other Trench
areasdepth eg footway)other
Service
Service 11 400mm
400mm
roads/carriageways) 850mm
850mm
roads/carriageways) areas 150mm
eg
150mm
areas400mm footway)
eg footway) areas 550mm
eg
550mm
areas 550mm footway)
eg footway)
LV mains 1 400mm 850mm
Service
Cable
LV type Number 1 of cables Trench400mm width (longitudinal Trench 850mm depth (longitudinal Trench150mm width (in other Trench 550mm depth (in other
LV mains
mains 1 400mm
400mm 850mm 400mm
400mm 550mm
Service
LV
LV
LV
Individual
mains
Service
mains
mains
2 / Developer
1
1
1
2
400mm
500mm
400mm
roads/carriageways)
400mm
500mm
Responsibilities 850mm
850mm
roads/carriageways)
850mm
850mm
areas
150mm
500mm
150mm
eg
400mm
500mm
footway) areas
550mm
550mm
550mm
550mm
eg
550mm
550mm
footway)
LV
LV mains
HV (11kV)
mains 12
1 500mm
400mm
400mm 850mm
850mm 500mm
400mm
400mm 550mm
750mm
550mm
LV
HV mains
Service
(11kV)
HVmains
(11kV) 21 500mm
400mm
400mm 850mm
850mm 500mm
150mm
400mm 550mm
550mm
750mm
LV
HV
LV Civil Works 221
(11kV)
mains
400mm
500mm
600mm
500mm
850mm
850mm 400mm
500mm
600mm
500mm 750mm
550mm
750mm
550mm
HV
HV (11kV)
LV mains
(11kV) 1
2 400mm
600mm 850mm
850mm 400mm
600mm 750mm
550mm
750mm
HV
HV & (11kV)
(11kV)
IfLV One of out
you are carrying 12
1 the- LV
each civil works on400mm 600mm
400mm
450mm
your private land (or public 850mm
850mm
1000mmland with consent), then 600mm
400mm
400mm
450mm
you are responsible HV at 750mm, 750mm
750mm dusted to
LV mains
HV
HV (11kV)
& LV
for the
staggered
One
One
provision of
of
2each
above
each
all -- LV
cable LV
HV
trenching,
500mmjoint holes and1000mm
600mm
450mm
including
850mm
the provision of fine compacted500mm
600mm
450mm bedding, HV
HV
backfill- at
at LV 550mm
750mm
lay750mm,
750mm, dusted
dusted to
at 550mm to
HV (11kV)
HV (11kV)
& LV staggered 2above
2 HV 600mm
450mm
600mm 850mm
1000mm
850mm 600mm
450mm
600mm 750mm
750mm
HV & (11kV)
ing staggered
One of above
each - LVHV
Two 1 at your expense. 450mm 400mm 850mm 400mm HV lay
lay
at LV
LV
750mm, at
at
750mm 550mm
550mm
dusted to
HV LVand reinstatement
One
staggeredof eachabove - LVHV
The depth and width of1000mm
650mm the
1000mmcable trench must be: 450mm
650mm HV at 750mm, dusted to
HV
HV & LV One
Two
Two of of each -- LV 450mm 1000mm 450mm HV
HV at lay750mm,
LV at 550mm dusted
dusted to
HV & LV
LV type staggered
& Cable
(11kV) staggered
Number
staggered
each
2 above
above
of
LV
cables
above
HV
HV Trench width
450mm
650mm
600mm
650mm
HV roads/carriageways)
1000mm
1000mm
850mm
1000mm
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450mm
650mm
600mm
650mm
Trench depth (in other
at
lay
lay
750mm,
LV
LV at
750mm
at 550mm
550mm
to
In HVgood
& LV(ploughable) Two of each - LV
agricultural land,
650mm the cable trench
roads/carriageways)
1000mm should areas be
eg 950mm
footway) 650mm deep.
areas eg The HV
footway) lay
at
trenches LV
750mm, at 550mm
mustdusted
be to
HV & LV Two
Two of
One
staggeredof each -- LV
above
each LVHV 450mm
650mm 1000mm 450mm
650mm HV
HV at lay750mm,
at 750mm,
LV atmust dusted
dusted
550mm to
to
In
In HVgood
& Service
good LV(ploughable)
astaggered
(ploughable) 1agricultural
above ofHV
agricultural land,
650mm
land, the
the cable
cable trench
1000mm
trench should
should150mm be
be 950mm
950mm 650mm deep.
deep. The
TheIntrenches
trenches be
provided with minimum
staggered above 50mm 400mm
HV fine compacted bedding/blinding
850mm material at the bottom.
550mm road
lay atmust
LVcrossings,
lay LV at 550mm
550mm be2
In good
provided
Where (ploughable)
with aa Two
minimum agricultural
of 50mm land,
fine the
compacted cable trench
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material haveat athedeep. bottom. The Intrenches
In road must
crossings, be2
provided
red
In
In HV ducts
& LV
good
good LVtwo
with
mains LV
150mm
(ploughable)
(ploughable)
mains
minimumapart,
of each1or HV
of
-shall 50mm
agricultural
LV
agricultural
cables
be laid inare
fine
400mm
land,
650mm
land,
located
acompacted
1000mm
the
the cable
cable
in
850mm thetrench
trench same
bedding/blinding
deep 1000mm
trench should
should
trench,
and 400mm
be
be
they
material
shall 950mm
950mm
must
at
650mm
the
cement
deep.
deep.
be separated
bottom.
550mm bound
The
The
HV road
trenches
trenches
by
atgranular
750mm, 300mm,
crossings, be 2to
mixture
must
must
dusted
be
provided
red
centre
red ducts
ducts
surround. LVtowith
150mm
150mm
Cross
mains a minimum
staggered
centre. apart,
LV
apart,
section above
serviceof
shall
shall
2 drawings 50mm
HV be
be laid
cables fine
laid
for in
in
cable
500mm compacted
a
shall
a 1000mm
be
1000mm
trench bedding/blinding
deep
separated
deep
requirements
850mm trench
by
trench and
100mmand
can material
shall
shall
be
500mm have
centre
have
provided ata the
to
a cement
at bottom.
centre.
cementyour
550mm bound
boundIn
request. road crossings,
granular
granular
layInLV all mixture
mixture
atinstances
550mm 2
provided
provided with
with aa minimum
minimum of
of 50mm
50mm fine
fine compacted
compacted bedding/blinding
bedding/blinding material
material at
at the
the bottom.
bottom. In
In road
road crossings,
crossings, 2
2
red
In ducts
surround.
surround.
In good
ducts good 150mm
Cross
Cross
agricultural
should be red,
HV (ploughable)
(11kV) apart,
section
section land,
solid shall
drawings
drawings be
thebecable
walled
1agricultural laid
andfor
for in
cable
400mmcable
land, a
trench
clearly 1000mm
trench
trench
the shall
marked
cable deep
requirements
requirements
be
850mm trench
1100mm
“ELECTRICITY”.
trench should and
can
candeep.shall
be
be
beFor
400mm have
provided
provided
All a
trenches
more
950mm cement
at
at your
your
information
deep. must
750mm bound
request.
request.
The onbe granular
In all
provided
ducting
trenches mixture
instances
In all instances
and
must with
cable
be a
red
red ducts
ducts 150mm
150mm apart,
apart, shall
shall be laid
laid in
in a
a 1000mm
1000mm deep
deep trench
trench and
and shall
shall have
have a
a cement
cement bound
bound granular
granular mixture
mixture
surround.
ducts
ducts
well
minimum should
should Cross
requirements
provided withHV of
(11kV)be
be
50mm section
red,
red,
–
a minimum solid
solid
please
fine
2 drawings
walled
walled
refer
compacted
of 50mmfor and
to for
and yourcable
600mm
fine clearly
clearly
terms trench
compacted marked
marked
and
bedding/blinding requirements
“ELECTRICITY”.
“ELECTRICITY”.
conditions.
850mm material
bedding/blinding can atbe For
For
the
600mm provided
material more
more
bottom. at your
information
information
at the 750mm
bottom.request.
on
on In
ducting
ducting
In road all instances
and
and
crossings, cable
cable
2
surround.
surround. Cross
Cross section
section drawings
drawings for cable
cable trench
trench requirements
requirements can be
can450mm
be provided
provided at
atat your
your request.
request. In
In all
all instances
instances
ducts
well
red should LV be red,
requirements
wellducts
requirements
HV &150mm One solid
––apart,
please
please
of each -walled
refer
refer
HV be to
LV
shall and
tolaidyour
your
450mmclearly
in terms
aterms marked
1000mm and
and1000mm “ELECTRICITY”.
conditions.
conditions.
deep trench and For
shall moreHV
have a information
cement
750mm, on to
dusted
bound ducting
granular and cable
mixture
ducts
In road
ducts should
should be
crossings, red,
be red,staggeredsolid
two above
solidred walled
walledducts and
and clearly
150mm
clearly marked
apart,
marked “ELECTRICITY”.
shall be laid
“ELECTRICITY”. For
in a For1000mmmore
more information
deep
lay LV attrench
information 550mmon ducting
with cement
onTRENCH
ducting and cable
and cable
well
surround.requirements – please refer
CABLE to
IN your
FOOTPATH terms and requirements
conditions. CROSS-SECTION VIEW THROUGH CABLE
well
bound
well HV &Cross
requirements
LV
granular
requirements section
–
Two please
mixture
– of each
please drawings
staggered aboveCABLE
refer
- LV
surround.
refer
CABLE to
to
IN for
your
yourcable
Cross
FOOTPATH
650mm
IN FOOTPATH
terms
terms trench
and
section
and conditions.
drawings
conditions.
1000mm cancable
for be provided
CROSS-SECTION
650mm trench
VIEW
CROSS-SECTION VIEW THROUGH
HV atrequirements
at your
THROUGH 750mm, request.
dusted
CABLE to In all instances
can
TRENCH be
2000
HV mm footpath
lay LV at CABLE
550mmTRENCH
ducts should be red, solid walled and clearly marked “ELECTRICITY”. For more information onTRENCH
ducting and cable
provided In good at your
(ploughable)request. CABLE
2000
2000 mm
agricultural
CABLE
mmINfootpath
IN
FOOTPATH
footpath
land,
FOOTPATH the cable trench should be
CROSS-SECTION
950mm
CROSS-SECTION deep.
VIEW THROUGH
The
VIEW trenches
THROUGH
CABLE
must
CABLE beTRENCH
well requirements Finished– Footpath
pleaseLevel refer
CABLE
2000 mm to
IN your terms and conditions. CROSS-SECTION VIEW THROUGH CABLE TRENCH
FOOTPATH
footpath
Ductsprovided
should with a minimum of2000
be
Finished
Finished defined
Footpath
Footpath Level
50mm
as
2000
Level mm
fine compacted bedding/blinding material at the bottom. In road crossings, 2
detailed
mm footpath
footpath
red ducts 150mm apart, shall be laid in a 1000mm deep trench and450
in the glossary. In all shall
instances, they shall be of rigid
mm have a cement bound granular mixture
550 mmconstruction
and be singleCross walled. For CABLE
Levelmore IN FOOTPATH CROSS-SECTION VIEW THROUGH CABLE TRENCH
forinformation on ducting and cableatwell your requirements – please
550 mm refer to
Finished Footpath (minimum) 550 mm
surround. section
Finished Footpath Level
drawings 240mm
cable trench requirements can450bemm
450 mmprovided request. In all instances
2000 mm240mm
footpath 550 mm (minimum)
your terms and
ducts should beconditions.
Finished
Marker Tape
Footpath
red, solid Level
walled and
240mm clearly marked “ELECTRICITY”.
550 mm
(minimum)
450 For
mm
450 mm
more information on ducting and cable550 mm
Electric
550 mm
well requirements
Marker Tape
your terms and550
– please refer to240mm mm
conditions.
50 mm (minimum)
450 mm
(minimum)
550 mm tape
Marker
Electric
Electric
Marker Tape
Finished Footpath Level 240mm 50 mm 550 mm (minimum) 32/38
Marker mm
240mm 50 150
mm mm
550 mm Marker tape
tape
Top of cable
Marker Tape CABLE IN FOOTPATH CROSS-SECTION VIEW THROUGH CABLE TRENCH Electric
Black or
550 mm 32/38
550 mmmm
32/38
Electric mm
Marker Tape 50 mm
150 mm
50 150
mmmm 450 mm Marker
Red duct
Electric tape
Top
Top of
of cable
Marker Tape
cable 2000 mm footpath 50 mm Black or
Black or
Marker tape
240mm 50 mm (minimum) 32/38
Marker mmtape
50150
mmmm Red
Red duct
duct
Top of cable 50 mm
550 mm 32/38
Black mm
or
150 mm
fine compacted 32/38 mm
fine compacted
Top of Finished
Marker cable
Tape Footpath Level 400 mm
150 mm Black
Red or
duct
Electric
Top of cable 50 mm
bedding/blinding Electric Black or
bedding/blinding
Red
fine duct
fine
fine compacted fine compacted
Marker tape
50
50mm
mm
service cable 550 mm
Minimum recommended compacted
50 mm compacted
material 450 mm
(min 50mm Electric Red duct
material
400 mm
400240mm
mm bedding/blinding
(minimum)
bedding/blinding Electric distance torecommended
other utilities bedding/blinding
32/38 mm deep)
bedding/blinding
150 mm deep)
fine compacted service cable Minimum
Minimum300mm
recommended (min
fine 50mm
compacted
material
Top of cable 550material
material
mm (min
(min 50mm
50mm service cable
Electric Black or
material
400 mm fine compacted
bedding/blinding distance
distance to
to other
other utilities
utilities fine compacted
bedding/blinding
(min 50mm
Marker Tape
400 mm 50 mm
deep)
fine
deep)compacted
bedding/blinding Electric cable
service Minimum 300mm
Electric
recommended fine
Red 50mm deep)
(mincompacted
duct deep)
bedding/blinding
material
400 mm
50 mm
material (min 50mm
bedding/blinding Electric 300mm Marker tape
bedding/blinding
service cable Minimum
distance torecommended
other utilities material
material
deep) (min 50mm service cable Minimum recommended
32/38 mm (min 50mm deep)
150 mm materialEXCAVATION
(min 50mm FOR MAINS distance 300mm
to other utilities material
Top of cable deep)
fine compacted distance to otherBlack
utilities
or (min 50mm deep)
fine compacted
deep) 300mmRed duct (min 50mm deep)
400 mm
50 mm
EXCAVATION
EXCAVATION FOR MAINS
bedding/blinding FOR MAINS
Electric 300mm bedding/blinding
service cable Minimum recommended material
material (min 50mm
fine compacted EXCAVATION FOR MAINS distance to otherfine
utilities
compacted
Excavated material deep) EXCAVATION Electric FOR MAINS Road Kerb and (min 50mm deep)
400 mm bedding/blinding
EXCAVATION FOR MAINSMinimum recommended 300mmbedding/blinding
material (min 50mm footpath
service cable edging line material
Excavated
Excavated material
material Minimum
deep) of 1m working Road
distance
and toKerb
Roadlevel and
other utilities
Kerb fixed
andline (min 50mm deep)
space to the excavation footpath
footpath edging
300mm
edging line
Minimum of 1m
1m working and
Excavated material Minimum
space ofEXCAVATION
working FOR MAINS and level
Road Kerbfixed
level and
fixed
Excavated material space to to the
the excavation
excavation footpath
Road Kerb edgingandline
Excavated material Minimum of 1m working
EXCAVATION FOR MAINS Road
and level
footpath Kerb andline
fixed
edging
space to the
Minimum excavation
of 1m working footpath
and level edging
fixedline
Minimum
space to the of 1m working
excavation and level fixed
space to the excavation
Excavated material
Excavated material Road Kerb andRoad Kerb and
footpath
footpath edging line edging line
Minimum
Minimum of 1m working
of 1m working and level fixedand level fixed
spacespace
to the to the excavation
excavation

Trench bottom to be level and

compacted
Trench bottom withtofinal surface free Ground to be within
Trench
from anybottom
material to be be level
(bricks,
and
levelconcrete,
and + or - 150 mm of the
compacted with final surface free Ground to
compacted
Trench
rubble, bottom with
naturally to final
be surface
level
occurring and
rock free
+ to be
finished
Ground within
level
be within
from
Trench any
fromLikely
any
compacted
etc)
material
material
bottom
towithtofinal
cause
(bricks,
(bricks,
be level concrete,
surface
damage concrete,
andtofree
the + or -- 150
150 mm
orfinished mm of
of the
level the
Trench
rubble, bottom
naturally to be level
occurring and
rock Ground to be within
finished level
rubble,
compacted
from naturally
any cable.
installed with
material occurring
final surface
(bricks, rock
free
concrete, + or - 150
Ground tomm of the
be within
compacted
etc) Trench
Likely
etc)compacted
Likely towith
bottom tofinal
cause
to cause surface
bedamage
level
damage
and tofree
the
to the Ground tomm
be within
from
rubble,any material
naturally (bricks,
withoccurring
final surfaceconcrete,
rock
free + orfinished
- 150 level
of the
from any
installed material
cable. (bricks, concrete, Ground to be within+ or - 150 mm of the
5 + or - 150 mm of the finished
installed
rubble, cable.
naturally level
etc) from
Trench any
Likely to
bottom tooccurring
material
cause (bricks,
bedamage
level rock
concrete,
andto the finished level
rubble, naturally occurring rockto the Figure 3: Excavation diagrams for mains and service cables
rock finished level

5
etc) rubble, naturally
Likelycable.
towith
cause occurring
damage
installed
compacted
etc) etc)
Likely totocause
Likely final surface
damage
cause damage to to free
thethe Ground to be within
installed
anycable.
frominstalled
installed cable. (bricks, concrete, Figure
material
cable. Figure 3:
3: Excavation
Excavation diagrams
diagrams for for mains
mains
+ or - 150and
andmmservice
service
of the cables
cables
5
5 5
rubble, naturally occurring rock
Figure 3: Excavation diagrams for mains
finished
and
level
service cables
5 etc) Likely to cause damage to theFigure
installed cable.
Figure
Figure 3:
3: Excavation
Excavation diagrams
3: Excavation
diagrams for
diagrams for mains and
for mains
mains and
service cables
and service
service cables
cables

5 Figure 3: Excavation diagrams for mains and service cables

5
Cable Laying
Cable
CarryLaying
out all necessary excavation and reinstatement work to allow cables to be laid. The trench should
Carry
be kept outasallsmooth
necessary excavation
as possible, withand reinstatement
50mm work to allow
of fine compacted cables to be material
bedding/blinding laid. Theattrench should
the bottom.
be kept as smoothsolid
Install as possible,red
with 50mm of fine compacted bedding/blinding material at the bottom.
Install appropriate
appropriate rigidwalled ducting.
walled ducting, as per your terms and conditions, as defined in the
Install appropriate
glossary.
Ensure solid walled red ducting.
site is free of all obstacles including scaffolding and site traffic.
Ensure site isdigging
Please avoid free of trenches
all obstacles
too including scaffolding
early to avoid trippingand site traffic.
or trench collapsing. Agree timescales with
Please avoid
NIE Networks. digging trenches too early to avoid tripping or trench collapsing. Agree timescales with
NIE Networks.

Mains Cable
Mains Cable
Individual/Developer to agree a schedule of works with NIE Networks and a site visit may be
Individual/Developer
arranged prior to starting to agree
works a schedule
to discussofhow worksworkwith
willNIE Networks and a site visit may be
proceed.
arranged
All kerb linespriormust
to starting
be fullyworks
formed to discuss
with levels how in work
placewill proceed.
prior to NIE Networks commencing any work.
All
Gas and water have to be installed prior to any cable laying to
kerb lines must be fully formed with levels in place prior byNIE
NIENetworks
Networks.commencing
It is recommended any work.
Gas
Gas no
that and water
andother
water have
mains
utility tohave
shouldbe installed
betoinstalled priorover
be installed to prior
any cable
to any
or within laying
cablebylaying
300mm ofNIE
theNetworks.
by It is recommended
NIE Networks.
electricity cables. It is
recommended
that no other
Preferred that no other
utilityofshould
method cable be utility should
installed
laying is open over be installed over or within 300mm
or within 300mm of the electricity cables.
trenching. of the electricity cables
Preferred method ofiscable
When a connection laying
required in is openproperty,
public trenching. we will schedule works in accordance with
When a connection
appropriate bodies and is required
landowners. in public property, we will schedule works in accordance with
appropriate
Red UPVC ducts bodies160mm/150mm,
and landowners. marked “Danger Electricity” and solid walled on both sides are
Red
to beUPVCused for ducts
mains160mm/150mm,
cables in publicmarked property. “Danger Electricity” and solid walled on both sides are
to be usedtape/tile
A caution for mains mustcables in public
be laid on topproperty.
of the dust of the cables. This will be done by our contractor
unless
A caution otherwise must be
tape/tileagreed
must be
withlaid
laidyou. It is of
on top important
the dustthe marker
of the Thiswill
is positioned
cables. This willbe
be doneby
correctly
done by our
asNIE contractor
it acts as a
Networks’
unless
contractor otherwise
safety warning or the agreed
to ICP.
anyone It iswith you. out
carrying
important Itthe
issubsequent
important
marker is the marker is
excavations.
positioned positioned
Therefore,
correctly as itcorrectly
itacts
must as
asnot itbeacts
a safety as a
moved
warning
safety
after
to itswarning
anyone to anyone
positioning
carrying by our
out carrying
contractor.
subsequent out subsequent
Bedding
excavations. and excavations.
surroundit to
Therefore, Therefore,
cables
must not must itbe
be moved must
fine not bepositioning
compacted
after its moved
after
by NIE
quarry itsdust
positioning
Networks’
or sand. by our contractor.
contractor. BeddingBedding and surround
and surround to cablesto must
cablesbemust be fine compacted
fine compacted quarry dust or
quarry
sand.
If you are dustcarrying
or sand. out excavation and reinstatement, trench backfilling must be undertaken immedi-
If youafter
ately are carrying
cable layingout excavation and reinstatement,
has been completed. It is yourtrench backfilling
responsibility (ormust
your be undertaken
contractor’s) toimmedi-
source
ately after cable
the correct amount laying
andhas typebeen completed.
of dust. This canItbe is your responsibility
obtained from a local (or quarry.
your contractor’s)
Typically, one to source
tonne
the
of dust is required for every 5 metres of track. This should be left in piles along the track at 1tonne
correct amount and type of dust. This can be obtained from a local quarry. Typically, one metre
of dust is required for every 5 metres of track. This must
intervals. shouldbebeleft
leftininpiles
pilesalong
alongthe thetrack
trackatat1 1metre
metre
intervals. Boundary wall 300mm (minimum distance to other utilities)
Boundary wall 300mm (minimum distance to other utilities)

Granular material
Granular material

Marker Tape GAS MAIN

Marker Tape GAS MAIN

Fine compacted
WATER MAIN
bedding/blinding
Fine compacted
material
bedding/blinding
WATER MAIN

material ELECTRICITY MAIN

ELECTRICITY MAIN

Figure 4: Location and depth of electricity mains

with recommended
Figure distance
4: Location and depthfrom gas and water
of electricity mains 6
with recommended distance from gas and water 300mm (minimum)
300mm (minimum)
6

6
Service Cable
Meter Cable
Service box to be installed by you within fixed/permanent structure. Ensure doors are lockable and
watertight – this must meet NIE Networks requirements as stated in your terms and conditions.
Meter box location must be
to be installed by installed
you within in fixed/permanent
a location approved by NIE Networks’
structure. Ensure doors planning department.
are lockable and
Service Cable
watertight – this must meet NIE Networks requirements as stated in your terms and conditions.
Where agreed electricity cables must be ducted from the meter position to the connection point on
the mains
Meter cable in the footway. Ducting a must be approved
red and clearly
by NIEmarked “ELECTRICITY” as
Meter box
box location must
to be installed beby installed
you within in fixed/permanent
location structure. Networks’
Ensure doors planning department.
are lockable and
specified
Where agreedin your terms and conditions.
watertight – thiselectricity
must meet cables
NIE must
Networksbe ducted from theas
requirements meter position
stated in yourtoterms
the connection point on
and conditions.
the
MetermainsNumber
type box
cable
locationin themustfootway.
be Ducting
installed in a must
locationbe approved
red(longitudi-
and clearly NIEmarked
by Trench Networks’“ELECTRICITY”
planning as
Cable of cables Trench width (longitudi- Trench depth width (in other Trenchdepartment.
depth (in other
specified in your terms and conditions.
nal roads/carriageways) nal roads/carriageways)
Where agreed
agreed,electricity
electricitycables
cablesmust may be be ducted
ducted from the meterareas
from the eg footway)
position
position to the
to areas eg footway)
the connection
connection pointon
point on
the
Service
Cable mainsNumber
type cable ofincables
1-2 the footway. Ducting
Trench400mmDucting
width must
must
(longitudi- be
Trench as
redspecified
be850mm
depth and clearly
(longitudi- in your
Trench terms
150mm
marked
width and conditions
“ELECTRICITY”
(in other and
as
Trench 550mm
depth NIE
(in other
Networks’
specified inspecification
your terms and 201-12.
nal roads/carriageways) nal roads/carriageways)
conditions. areas eg footway) areas eg footway)
Ductinglaid
Cables
Service must be
1-2situated
direct 300mm
or in ducting must
400mm away be from
situatedother serviceaway
300mm
850mm pipes.from150mm
other service pipes.550mm
Cable type Number of cables Trench width (longitudi- Trench depth (longitudi- Trench width (in other Trench depth (in other
Joint
Joint holes
holes must
must be be 300mm
300mm deeper
deeper thanthan the
nal roads/carriageways) nalcable
the cable trench
trench depths
roads/carriageways)depths stated
areas on Page 5.areas
eg footway) The
Widthwidth
eg and
footway)
and length
length
Ducting of mustof joint
joint holes
be holes
must
situated for
be: plastic
300mm High sheathed
Voltage
away from cables
(HV):
other must be:
1000mm
service High
wide
pipes. x Voltage (HV):
3000mm long. 1000mm wide
Service 1-2 400mm 850mm 150mm 550mm
by
Low 3000mm
Voltage long.
(LV): Low
1000mm Voltage (LV):
wide x 1000mmlong.
2000mm wide by 2000mm long. For PILC type cables, the
Joint holes must be 300mm deeper than the cable trench depths stated on Page 5. Width and
dimensions are 1500mm wide by 3000mm long
length
Ductingofmust
joint be
holes must 300mm
situated be: Highaway Voltagefrom (HV):
other1000mm wide x 3000mm long.
service pipes.
Low Voltage (LV): 1000mm wide x 2000mm long. Figure 5: Duct and service cable arrangements to meter box
Joint holes must be 300mm deeper than the cable trench depths stated on Page 5. Width and
length of joint holes must be: High Voltage (HV): 1000mm wide x 3000mm long.
Figure 5: Duct and service cable arrangements to meter box
Low Voltage (LV): 1000mm wide x 2000mm long.

Figure 5: Duct and service cable arrangements to meter box

Hockey Stick duct

(red)
inside
Hockeycavity
Stick per
ductcable
(red)
inside cavity per cable
Hockey Stick duct
(red)
inside cavity per cable

Electricity
Service cable
Electricity
Service cable
Electricity
Service cable 550mm
Electricity Minimum Depth
Service Duct
Joint 550mm
Electricity Minimum Depth
Service Duct
Joint 550mm
Electricity Minimum Depth
Service Duct
Joint
7
7

7
 Cable Type Trench depth in Footway Trench depth in Carriageway (longitudinal)
Service cable 550mm 850mm
LV Mains cable 550mm 850mm
HV cable 750mm 850mm
Recommended positioning of all utility apparatus
NIE Networks cable positioning depths requirements
The
The diagram
diagram below
belowprovides
providesgeneral
generalrecommended
recommendedpositioning
positioningofofallallutilities.
utilities However, NIE Networks’
in accordance with NJUG.
specific depths are detailed below, in particular HV cables should be buried at a minimum of 750mm. In
good (ploughable) agricultural land, the cable trench
Electricity
Electricity Depth HVshould
depth -be
- see Table
450mm 950mm deep. In road crossings, 2 red
3 / LV 450mm
1200mm

cable ducts should be laid in a 1000mm deep trench.

Cable TV / Communications Depth 250mm - 350mm
Cable Type Trench depth in Footway Trench depth in Carriageway (longitudinal)
B Gas Depth 600mm
Service
o cable 550mm 850mm
u
LV Mains
n cable 550mm 850mm
Water Depth 750mm
d
HV acable 750mm 850mm
r Telecommunications Depth
NIE Networks
y cable positioning depths requirements 350mm

Carriageway
Electricity
Electricity Depthdepth - see Table
HV 450mm 3 / LV 450mm
- 1200mm
S

u Cable TV / Communications Depth 250mm - 350mm

r
B Gas Depth 600mm
fo
u
a
n Water Depth 750mm
c
d
ea
r Telecommunications Depth
y 350mm

Carriageway
S 450 295 295 270 260 430
u
B
o
r
u
f
n
d
a
a
c
r
ey

450 295 295 270 260 430

2000mm

Recommended
meter footway
450 295 positioning
295 270of all
260 utility 430 apparatus
Figure 6: NJUG (Streetworks UK) diagram of recommended postitioning of utility apparatus in a two
8
B
TheFor o
diagram below provides general
clarity, NIE Networks’ specificrecommended positioning
depths are detailed in the of all utilities.
following However,
table. NIE HV
In particular Networks’
cables
u
specific
should depths
n be are
burieddetailed
at a below,
minimum in
of particular
750mm. InHV cables
good should
agricultural be
landburied
that at
is a minimum
likely to be of 750mm.
ploughed, theIncable
trench should be 1100mm deep. In road crossings, two red cable ducts should be
good (ploughable) agricultural land, the cable trench should be 950mm deep. In road crossings, 2 red
d laid in a 1000mm
deep
cable a
trench.
ducts should be laid in a 1000mm deep trench.
r
y
Cable Type Trench depth in Footway Trench depth in Carriageway (longitudinal)
Service cable 450 295 550mm
295 270 260 850mm
430
LV Mains cable 550mm 850mm
2000mm
HV cable 750mm 850mm
Figure 6: NJUG (Streetworks UK) diagram
meter footway
of recommended postitioning of utility apparatus in a two
8
NIE Networks cable positioning depths requirements

8
Electricity
Electricity Depthdepth - see Table
HV 450mm 3 / LV 450mm
- 1200mm
 Location and Installation of Metering Cabinet
The location of the metering position must be agreed with NIE Networks. We will not be able to connect
unacceptable metering positions. External meter cabinets should be used to house NIE Networks
metering equipment in domestic premises unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.

Properly positioned meter cabinets facilitate regular meter readings, minimise inconvenience to
customers and allow for the electricity supply to the property to be disconnected in the event of a
Location and Installation of Metering
house fire or other emergency situation.

Your meter box should be fitted on the external side of a wall where it is accessible from the front
of the property and is unlikely to be damaged.
Cabinets are available from builders’ suppliers and must be secured in position and door catches
should be self locking.
A PVC cable entry duct should
should bebe installed
installedfor
for each
each service
servicecable. The duct
cable. This shouldofbehockey
is normally 32mmstick
or
construction.
38mm red, and The ductenter
must should
thebe 32mmonorthe
cubicle 38mm diameter,
bottom red,side
left hand it must
and enter
extendthe cubicle
into on theabottom
the cubicle
left hand side
minimum and extend
of 50mm into
to allow forthe cubicle a minimum of 50mm to allow for sealing.
sealing.
The bottom edge of the cubicle should be installed to be within 900mm to 1050mm from finished
ground level.
Your sub mains cable must exit via the bottom right hand side of the meter cubicle.
Location and Installation of Metering Cabinet
Meter cubicle
Where an outdoor metering arrangement
Manufactured to cannot be facilitated, please put your request in writing. We
will then consider anESIalternative
standard position to site the mains fuse and install metering equipment indoors.

600x400x210 Figure 7: Meter arrangements for surface

Damp proof
Single Phase mounted meter cabinet if recessed
Membrane (DPM) is not
available
Meter cubicle 600x600x270
Manufactured to Three Phase
ESI standard
Meter cubicle Meter cubicle
Manufactured to Manufactured to
ESI standard ESI standard

600x400x210
Single Phase
600x600x270
600x400x210
Three Phase
Single Phase Customer Meter
600x600x270 Conductors
Three Phase
Chamfer
Customer Meter
Conductors 900-1050mm

900-1050mm 38/32mm
900-1050mm
red duct
Customer Meter Red duct
38/32mm
red duct Conductors
Cable Guard
supplied by
Ground Level
NIE Networks Ground Level

High impact
3mm thick PVC 550
cable guard
Ground Level
550

9 Figure 8: Meter box arrangements for recessed meter cabinet

Figure 7: Meter box arrangements for recessed meter cabinet

Single Phase Box Dimensions Three Phase Box Dimensions

9
Width 400mm Width 600mm
Figure 8: Meter box arrangements for recessed meter cabinet
 38mm red, and must enter the cubicle on the bottom left hand side and extend into the cubicle a
minimum of 50mm to allow for sealing.
Location and Installation of Metering Cabinet
The bottom edge of the cubicle should be installed to be within 900mm to 1050mm from finished
ground level.
Your sub mains cable must exit via the bottom right hand side of the meter cubicle.

Location and Installation of Metering Cabinet

Where an outdoor metering arrangement cannot be facilitated, please put your request in writing. We
will then consider an alternative position to site the mains fuse and install metering equipment indoors.
Damp proof
Membrane (DPM)

Meter cubicle Figure

Figure 8:
7: Meter
Meter arrangements
arrangements for
for surface
Meter cubicle surface
Manufactured to
ESI standard
mounted meter cabinet
mounted meter cabinet ESIif recessed
recessed is
Manufactured
if standard
to
is not
not
Damp proof
available
available Membrane (DPM)
Meter cubicle
Manufactured to 600x400x210
Single Phase
ESI standard
600x600x270
Meter cubicle Meter cubicle
Manufactured to Three Phase
Manufactured to
ESI standard ESI standard

600x400x210
Single 600x400x210
Phase Chamfer
Single Phase
600x600x270 Customer Meter
Three Phase Conductors
600x600x270
Three Phase
900-1050mm

38/32mm Red duct

red duct Chamfer
Customer Meter
900-1050mm Conductors

Ground Level
Customer Meter
900-1050mm
Conductors
38/32mm
Cable Guard Red duct
red duct
supplied by
NIE Networks 550

Ground Level

High impact
3mm thick PVC
cable guard
Ground Level
550

Figure 8: Meter box arrangements for recessed meter cabinet

9 Box Dimensions Single Phase Three Phase

Single Phase (mm) Box Dimensions Three Phase Box Dimensions
Width
Figure 8: Meter box arrangements Width
400mmfor recessed meter cabinet 600mm
Width 400 600
Depth Depth 270mm
Depth 210mm 210 270
Height Phase Height 600mm Height 600 600mm
Single Box Dimensions600 Three Phase Box Dimensions
Width 400mm Width 600mm
All NIE Networks ducts and cables should enter the left hand side of the meter cubicle. Internal meter
Depth 210mm Depth 270mm
board positions may be agreed at the planning stage.
Height 600mm Height 600mm

All NIE Networks

To ducts andthe
arrange cables should of
installation enter themeter,
your left hand sidecall
please of 028
the meter cubicle.
2566 1640 Internal meter
or email
board positions may be agreed at the planning stage.
MeteringServices.Connections@nienetworks.co.uk

To arrange the installation of your meter, please call 028 2566 1640 or email
MeteringServices.Connections@nienetworks.co.uk 10

10

10
CDM Regulations
NIE Networks will manage the construction phase of any electricity installation project and ensure that
the appropriate information is provided in respect of the electricity infrastructure and submitted to the
Principal Contractor for inclusion in the site Health and Safety plan.

In relation to the project, we will:

Design / sign off the design of the electricity distribution network

Co-operate with the Principal Contractor so far as is necessary to enable compliance with the duties
under the relevant statutory provisions
So far as is reasonably practicable, promptly provide the Principal Contractor with any information
(including any relevant part of the risk assessment) which might affect the health or safety of any
person working on the site
Comply with, as far as is reasonably practical, any directions of the Principal Contractor
Comply with any rules applicable to NIE Networks in the health and safety plan.
NIE Networks Utility Drawings
Where a site is being constructed either on or adjoining to the electricity network, the relevant
drawings can be requested. Verification of cable positions must be carried out on-site so that no
damage occurs to live equipment. Site Safety should be in accordance with: HSE Guidance note
GS6 (Avoiding Danger from Overhead Powerlines) and HSE booklet HS(G)47 (Avoiding Danger
from Underground Services). You can find more information at nienetworks.co.uk or hseni.gov.uk.
hseni.gov.uk

Request marked up drawings of the electricity network by emailing markups@nienetworks.co.uk or in

writing to NIE Networks Drawing Office, Unit 3, Channel Wharf, Old Channel Road, Belfast.

• •••

• •••

Based upon the Date : 23/08/2017 CAUTION! CABLES POSITIONS ARE APPROXIMATE
ordnance Survey 09:16:27 400 kV ONLY.
map with the 275 kV
110 kV
permission of the 33 kV
director and the Please note that smaller service cables may not be
11 kV shown. Always remember that it is the responsibility
chief executive, Scale : 1:1250 6.6 kV
Crown copyright. © of the excavator to locate and avoid damage to
MV N.I.E. equipment. Failure to do so may result in
Service those responsible being held liable.
Map Centre : 284675,364066

Drawing No: 1234/12345 Project No: Site Adjacent to Any Street, Anytown.

Figure 9: Sample marked up utility drawing 12

12
 Safety Guidance
Customers requiring
requiring aa service
service connection,
connection, inin general
general and
and unless
unlessotherwise
otherwisedetailed
detailedininthe
theconnection
connection
offer
offer, may
may be
be required
required toto excavate
excavate cable
cable trenches
trenches inin private
privateproperty
propertytotofacilitate
facilitatethe
thelaying
layingofofaaservice
service
cable and associated
associated earthing
earthing conductors.
conductors.IfIf customers
customerscarry
carryout
outdigging
diggingon onprivate
privateproperty,
property,ororarrange
arrange
for someone else to do itit,they
they must
must ensure
ensure that
that the
the person(s)
person(s) carrying
carryingoutoutthe
the work
work understand
understandtheirtheir
responsibilities under
responsibilities under the
the Construction
Construction(Design
(Design&&Management)
Management)Regulations
Regulations(NI) (NI)2015
2015andandhave
havereadread
understood the
and understand the booklet
booklet “Avoiding
“Avoiding danger
dangerfromfrom Underground
UndergroundServices”
Services”(HSG(HSG47) 47)published
publishedbybythe
the Health
Health & Safety
& Safety Executive.
Executive. They
They should
should alsoalso discuss
discuss digging
digging in the
in the vicinity
vicinity of other
of other NIENIE Networks
networks
equipment e.g. poles/stays with a representative from NIE Networks. You can view our short video
equipment, e.g. poles/stays with a representative from NIE Networks. You can view our short video at
at
nienetworks.co.uk/connections.
nienetworks.co.uk/connections.

Please remember that any preparatory works need to be completed in time for our visit. If you are not
ready we may have to postpone our visit, or charge you for any additional work we do.

All electrical
electrical apparatus
apparatus must
must be
be treated
treated as
as live. Any injury,
live. Any injury, damage
damage to to plant,
plant, regardless
regardless of
of size
size must
must be
be
reported to site owner/manager
the site owner/managerandand
NIENIE
Networks immediately.
Networks immediately.Underground
Underground services, in particular
services, in particular
electricity are
gas and electricity are extremely dangerous. Damage
Damagetotoelectricity
electricity cables
cables can
can result
causeina electrocution,
dangerous flash
shock,
that cansevere
lead toburns
severeor death. Gas
burns or leaksGas
death. can leaks
causecan
fire,cause
asphyxiation
fire and and explosion.
explosion.

Damage can be a result of excavation or penetration to the ground. Underground utility services are
commonly found in roads, footpaths, sites and open land.

Prior to beginning excavation works ensure you have details of all underground services in the area and
they are made available to the persons carrying out the excavation. Not all service connection cables
connecting street lighting pillars or buildings may be shown.

You should
You use approved
should use appropriate equipment
equipment to to locate
locate andand confirm
confirm thethe position
position of electricity
of electricity cables,
cables, pipes
pipes and
and other
any any other equipment
equipment within
within and around
and around the area
the area of planned
of planned excavation.
excavation. Identify
Identify signssigns of service
of service
connection cables,
connection cables, e.g.
e.g. gas or electricity
gas or electricity boxes,
boxes, or
or service
service connection
connection into
into aa house
house oror street
street lamp.
lamp. It is
recommended that an appropriate
Use a CAT and Genny to do this. cable avoidance tool with generator is used to do this.

Site Safety should be in accordance with: HSE Guidance note GS6 (Avoiding Danger from Overhead
Powerlines) and HSE booklet HS(G)47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services). You can find
more information at nienetworks.co.uk or hseni.gov.uk
hseni.gov.uk.

In an emergency contact NIE Networks on 03457 643 643.

13

13
Connections glossary

Blocks
4inch blocks (lightweight).

Sandbags
Woven white colour polypropylene sand bag
Filled sandbag contains approximately 15kg of sand
Pre filled sandbags approx. dimensions 25 x 50 x 10cm high

Cable ducts
All ducts for service, mains and HV cables shall be generally in accordance with ENA TS 12-24 and the
relevant parts of BS EN 61386. Service cable ducting shall be of Class 2 construction and all other
ducts Class 1.
Class 1 ducts shall be single walled, rigidly constructed with nominal diameter dimensions of
150/160 mm (internal/external) and supplied in 6m sections.
Class 2 ducts shall be coilable with internal bore diameter of 32 mm and supplied in 50m or 150m
coils.
All ducts for electric cables shall be coloured red and display the wording “DANGER ELECTRICITY -
NIE Networks.”
A copy of NIE Networks specification for ducting may be provided on request. Otherwise, NIE Networks’
Approved supplier of ducting is Emtelle. This ducting is available from:
TOTAL PIPELINE SPECIALISTS (NI) LIMITED The Pipe Crew Ltd
13A Blaris Industrial Estate 1 Nutfield Road
Altona Road Lisnaskea
Lisburn BT27 5QB Co. Fermanagh
Tel: 02892 660000 BT92 0LB
E: sales@total-pipeline.com Tel: 028 677 21336 / 07880 796 951
W: www.total-pipeline.com W: www.thepipecrew.com
E: thepipecrew@outlook.com
E: ruairi.mcmanus@thepipecrew.com
NIE Networks reserve the right to inspect all ducting prior to the installation and jointing of cables on site.

14
Cable bedding and backfill
The bedding and surrounds to cables shall be either fine grade washed sand to EN 13139 (BS 1200) or
fine quarry dust of similar grading. The quantity to be provided shall be enough to allow a total of 200 mm
of soft bedding material to surround the cables along the entire length of the cable route. As a guide one
tonne of fine quarry dust for every 5m of cable track should be supplied. This should be left in piles along
the track at 1 m intervals.
Backfill material may also be selected from material excavated from the trench, provided it does not
include:
Stones or lumps of clay greater than 40 mm nominal diameter;
Saturated material;
Rock;
Concrete, coated macadam, asphalt or other unnatural material.
Backfill material shall be placed in even layers and shall not be heaped in trench before being spread.
Spreading and compaction shall be carried out evenly without damaging the cables or other services
adjacent to the trench.

15
www.nienetworks.co.uk
120 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5HT

Customer helpline: 03457 643 643

Twitter: @NIElectricity
Facebook: @NIENetworks
Instagram: nie.networks

Registered number: NI26041