TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

DOCUMENT HISTORY
Rev.
No.
00 Description Effective Date
New document.
2014-May-13
This document supersedes TES-DV26-0533 Raceways, Boxes and Supporting Devices
Rationale Statement Responsible Engineer
This document was developed in order to address the following requirements:
• Provides the requirements for the purchase of materials and installation methods of John Camacho
electrical raceways, boxes and supporting devices within TransCanada’s Facilities.
Impact Assessment Summary Team Owner
N/A Electrical Engineering

Library: EDMS – General Page 2 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

REGULATORY
Section Description of Change
N/A.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Section Description of Change
N/A.

GENERAL
Section Description of Change
This Specification is a revision to the existing document
Changes made to the specification include:
1. Revised existing requirements.
2. Added new requirements.
3. Changed Title to match the Construction Specification Institute naming convention

DEVIATION FROM THIS SPECIFICATION

TransCanada Engineering Standards and Specifications must be followed by internal and external users to ensure a safe,
reliable and technically correct design.

Deviations to this standard may be acceptable if a technical assessment approved by TransCanada Engineering & Asset
Reliability shows that the deviation meets the intent of this specification, does not compromise safety and also complies with
applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements and is consistent with good engineering judgment.
Any deviation must follow the appropriate TransCanada management of change variance procedure.

Library: EDMS – General Page 3 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

Table of Contents
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 6
1 PURPOSE............................................................................................................................................... 7
2 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................... 7
3 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Regulations, Codes and Standards ...................................................................................... 7
3.2 Internal References ............................................................................................................. 8
4 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 8
4.1 Certification ........................................................................................................................ 8
5 RACEWAYS MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 8
5.1 Rigid Steel Conduit ............................................................................................................. 8
5.2 Rigid Aluminum Conduit ................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Electrical Metallic Tubing .................................................................................................. 9
5.4 Rigid PVC Conduit ............................................................................................................. 9
5.5 Flexible Metallic Conduit ................................................................................................... 9
5.6 Liquid Tight Flexible Metallic Conduit .............................................................................. 9
5.7 Cable Tray........................................................................................................................... 9
6 CONDUIT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 10
6.1 General Installation ........................................................................................................... 10
6.2 Seals .................................................................................................................................. 12
6.3 Drainage of Conduit.......................................................................................................... 13
6.4 Underground Installation (Cable and raceway) ............................................................... 13
6.5 Conduits/Raceways – Duct Systems ................................................................................. 14
6.6 Cable Tray Installation...................................................................................................... 15
7 BOXES .................................................................................................................................................. 16
7.1 Materials ........................................................................................................................... 16
7.2 Drainage of Instrumentation boxes ................................................................................... 17
7.3 Installation ........................................................................................................................ 17
8 SUPPORTING DEVICES .................................................................................................................. 19
8.1 Installation ........................................................................................................................ 19
9 ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS .............................................................................................. 20
9.1 Rigid Steel and Intermediate Metal Conduit: ................................................................... 20
9.2 Rigid Steel and Intermediate Metal Conduit Fittings: ...................................................... 20
9.3 Rigid Steel Conduit and Fittings (exposed to the weather): ............................................. 20
9.4 Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): ................................................................................... 20
9.5 Rigid Aluminum Conduit and Fittings: ............................................................................ 21
9.6 Flexible Metal Conduit: .................................................................................................... 21
9.7 Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit: ............................................................................... 21
9.8 Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit Fittings:.................................................................. 21
Library: EDMS – General Page 4 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

9.9 Rigid Nonmetallic Electrical Conduit and Fittings:.......................................................... 21

9.10 Cable Tray......................................................................................................................... 22
9.11 Outlet Boxes: .................................................................................................................... 22
9.12 Junction Boxes: ................................................................................................................. 22

List of Tables
Table 3-1: Regulations, Codes and Standards ............................................................................................. 7

Library: EDMS – General Page 5 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

DEFINITIONS
Acronyms, definitions and terms used within this document are defined in this list. Acronyms should be
defined in the text at first mention.
Term Definition
APEGA Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta
TOP TransCanada Operating Procedure
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CSA Canadian Standards Association
Company/TC TransCanada
Vendor Any outside source hired by the Company to complete work.
Provide Contractor shall supply and install
Refers to Company, it shall mean the Company will stage at one of its
Supply warehouse facilities, for pick-up by the Contractor, unless otherwise stated in the
Contract Document
Electrical Power Company or Commission Responsible for delivery of electrical
Supply Authority
power for the work
Agent of any authority having jurisdiction over construction standards associated
Inspection Authority
with any part of electrical work on the site.
TCSE Company Supplied Equipment
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ETL Electric Testing Laboratory
NRTL National Recognized Testing Laboratory
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
NEC National Electrical Code
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NFPA National Fire Protection Agency
NUSIG National Uniform Seismic Installation Guidelines
UL Underwriters Laboratories
API American Petroleum Institute
AGA American Gas Association
NOM Norma Oficial Mexicana (Official Mexican Norm)
Normas Mexicanas (Mexican Norms), Voluntary but may become required upon
NMX
the individual NOM
NRF Norma de Referencia (Reference Standard)

Library: EDMS – General Page 6 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

1 PURPOSE
This Specification provides the general requirements for the supply and installation of electrical
raceways, boxes and supports.

2 SCOPE
This Specification is part of TransCanada’s (the Company’s) purchase and construction
specification for Mexico stations and facilities.

This specification, in conjunction with a project/application specific specification, along with the
data sheet, material requisition and procurement documents, establishes the requirements for the
design, manufacture, supply, testing and documentation of Raceway, Boxes and Supporting
Devices.

Unless specific exceptions are noted in writing in the Vendor’s proposal, it shall be understood
that the Vendor’s proposal shall be based on equipment that complies strictly with the
requirements of this specification.

3 REFERENCES

3.1 Regulations, Codes and Standards

3.1.1 The following jurisdictional regulations, codes and standards apply to this specification:

Table 3-1: Regulations, Codes and Standards

Standard Code Description
UL 1 Flexible Metal Electrical Conduit
6 Rigid Metal Conduit
467 Grounding and Bonding Equipment
514A Metallic Boxes
514B Conduit, Tubing and Cable Fittings
514D Cover Plates for Flush Mounted Wiring Devices
635 Standard for Insulating Bushings
Standard for Schedule 40,80, Type EB, Rigid PVC
651
conduit and Fittings
797 Electrical Metallic Tubing - Steel
870 Wireways, Auxiliary Gutters and Associated Fittings
Standard for Explosion – Proof and Dust-Ignition
1203 Proof Electrical Equipment for use in Hazardous
(Classified) Locations
1242 Intermediate Metal Conduit - Steel
1653 Electrical Non-metallic Tubing
1660 Liquid-Tight Flexible Non-Metallic Tubing
ANSI C80.1 Rigid Steel Conduit
C80.3 Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
C80.5 Rigid Aluminum Conduit

Library: EDMS – General Page 7 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

C80.6 Intermediate Metal Conduit

Fittings, Cast Metal Boxes and Conduit Bodies for
ANSI/NEMA FB 1
Conduit, Electrical Metallic Tubing and Cable
Sheet-Steel Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Covers and
OS 1
Box Supports
NEMA VE 1 Metal Cable Tray Systems
VE 2 Cable Tray Installation Guidelines
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Externally Coated
RN 1 Galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit and Intermediate
Metal Conduit
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
Instalaciones Electricas, Utilizacion (Electrical
NOM NOM-001-SEDE-2012
Installations)
3.1.2 In addition, all work required by these specifications shall comply with the applicable standards
listed in the various sections as well as requirements of Applicable Federal, Provincial, Territorial
Occupational Safety and Health - General Safety Regulations and Local Authority Having
Jurisdiction. Should any instance occur in the Specifications or on the Drawings in which the
materials or construction methods called for are not specific, they shall conform to the minimum
standards of those codes. In no instance, however, shall the standards established by the
Specifications and Drawings be reduced by any of those codes.

3.2 Internal References

The following TransCanada standards are referred in this Specification:
• TES-ELEC-GENREQ Electrical Construction (MEX) (EDMS No. 008693933)
• TES-DV31-2333 Excavating, Backfilling and Grading (CDN-US-MEX)
(EDMS No. 000006457)

4 REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Certification
4.1.1 Mexico installation, the equipment and material shall bear a certification label of UL or
alternative.
4.1.2 Alternative, the equipment and material shall have any NRTL member organization certification
label, certifying the equipment and material for installation in as applicable. Certification shall
ensure the equipment and material complies with applicable Mexican standards for its
manufacturing and installation requirements.

5 RACEWAYS MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Rigid Steel Conduit
5.1.1 Rigid steel conduit shall be hot dipped galvanized inside and out.
5.1.2 Where exposed to the weather, rigid steel conduit shall be Robroy Industries “Plasti-Bond-Red”
complete with “Plasti-Bond-Red” fittings or approved equal. Exposed threads, damaged coatings,
etc. shall be field coated with Robroy Industries “Plasti-Bond-Red Touch Up” or approved equal.
Library: EDMS – General Page 8 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

5.1.3 Full lengths of pipe shall have galvanized or zinc coated threads on both ends.
5.1.4 Connectors used in dry non-hazardous locations shall be steel locknuts, installed inside and
outside the enclosures with insulating bushings.
5.1.5 Connectors used in moist or wet non-hazardous locations shall be both liquid and dust-tight, with
insulated throat, Thomas and Betts “Bullet Hub 370 Series” or approved equal.
5.1.6 Couplings, connectors etc., shall be threaded.
5.1.7 Conduit shall be joined with pipe couplings and shall be secured in cabinets, outlets etc.
5.1.8 Where Rigid Steel Conduit is cut and threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an
approved electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant compound.

5.2 Rigid Aluminum Conduit

5.2.1 Aluminum couplings, elbows, etc., shall be used and installed as recommended by the
manufacturer using Crouse-Hinds STL-6 compound or approved equal.
5.3 Electrical Metallic Tubing
5.3.1 Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) shall be of galvanized steel with reamed ends.
5.3.2 Connectors, couplings and fittings in dry locations shall be of steel with set-screw-type fasteners
and insulated throats or non-metallic bushings. Die-cast connectors and couplings are not
acceptable.
5.3.3 Connectors and Couplings in wet locations shall be of the steel rain-tight compression type. All
connectors shall have insulated throats or non-metallic bushings. Die-cast connectors and
couplings are not acceptable.

5.4 Rigid PVC Conduit

5.4.1 Rigid PVC conduit shall be of rigid, Schedule 40 extruded Type II high impact virgin polyvinyl
chloride, complete with solvent weld male or female connectors, as supplied by conduit
manufacturer.

5.5 Flexible Metallic Conduit

5.5.1 Flexible Metallic Conduit shall be of interlocked steel with galvanized, insulated throat
connectors. All cut ends shall be trimmed or otherwise finished to remove rough edges.
5.6 Liquid Tight Flexible Metallic Conduit
5.6.1 Liquid Tight Flexible Metallic Conduit shall be of interlocked steel with galvanized, insulated
throat connectors. All cut ends shall be trimmed or otherwise finished to remove rough edges.
5.6.2 Connectors shall be liquid tight, nylon insulated, with ‘O’-ring gasket retainer.
5.7 Cable Tray
5.7.1 Cable Tray shall be of aluminum construction, ladder type, Load Class E, with maximum ring
spacing of 300 mm (12 in.) and width as indicated on the drawings. Minimum depth of 150 mm
(4 in).

Library: EDMS – General Page 9 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

5.7.2 Provide all elbows, tees, crosses, turn downs, full width expansion joint fittings, barriers, end
closures, clamps, etc., for a complete and electrical continuous rigid cable support system.
5.7.3 Cable trays shall be constructed of 6063-T6 aluminum alloy free of sharp burrs and projections,
which might be injurious to cables.
5.7.4 Where a center spine is utilized, cross rungs shall be positioned at bottom of spine to provide a
tray divider and reduced tray height.
5.7.5 Tray components shall be designed such that all like parts are interchangeable and all tray
components can be readily assembled and joined without the use of special tools.
5.7.6 Fittings shall be of the same or equal materials, finish and construction as straight trays.
Minimum radii of side rails on horizontal elbow, tees and crosses shall be 12 in., except where
otherwise indicated on the Drawings.
5.7.7 All trays and fittings shall be carefully manufactured to assure straight and true alignment of the
system at the time of installation.
5.7.8 All cable tray and fittings shall be tested in accordance with the latest applicable industry
standards.
6 CONDUIT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
6.1 General Installation
6.1.1 Rigid steel conduit shall be used where conduit is underground, exposed to the weather, in
concrete slab, in hazardous locations.
6.1.2 In hazardous locations, connectors and fittings shall be in accordance with NOM requirements
and compatible with the box or device being connected to.
6.1.3 At the option of the Contractor, aluminum rigid conduit may be used instead of rigid steel conduit
except where conduit is underground, encased in concrete, exposed to the weather or hazardous
areas.
6.1.4 EMT is only allowed in non-hazardous areas, offices/washrooms etc., not exposed to the
environment.
6.1.5 Rigid PVC conduit shall only be installed underground or encased in concrete.
6.1.6 Flexible Metallic Conduit shall only be used in lengths not exceeding 6 ft. for connections to the
following equipment:
• Motors
• Transformers
• Control Equipment and Devices
• Equipment and devices requiring adjustment or removal for maintenance
6.1.7 Liquid Tight Flexible Metallic Conduit shall only be used in lengths not exceeding 6 ft. for
connections to the following equipment:
• Motors
• Transformers
• Control Equipment and Devices
• Equipment and devices requiring adjustment or removal for maintenance

Library: EDMS – General Page 10 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

6.1.8 Conduit shall be sized in accordance with the percent fill requirements of the applicable electrical
codes and as indicated on the Drawings. Special attention shall be given when using
different conduit types; ex. Rigid PVC to Rigid Steel Conduit.
6.1.9 Minimum size of conduit shall be 3/4 in or 21 mm.
6.1.10 Conduit shall be installed to avoid interference with work of other trades. Distance between
supports shall not exceed code requirements.
6.1.11 No conduit run shall contain more than three 90 degree bends between junction boxes, outlets or
other accessible fittings with removable covers.
6.1.12 Conduit bends shall be made so as not to alter the cross-sectional area of the conduit.
6.1.13 Conduit shall not be installed in racks that support non-electrical pipe.
6.1.14 Exposed conduits in general and classified areas shall be supported by racks. Rack shall be built
from uni-strut hung by rod from ceiling or hung to beams using beam clamps.
6.1.15 Spare conduits shall be routed from a known point of origin to the known destination or to a point
at least 5 feet away from building foundations or other foundations where they originate, when
the destination is unknown.
6.1.16 All spare conduits stubbed out underground shall be capped.
6.1.17 Heating and similar controls, where not subject to vibration or movement, shall be connected with
EMT or Rigid Steel Conduit and Type EL conduits and fittings. Flexible conduit shall not be used
for this application.
6.1.18 Where concrete floor slabs are 75 mm or less in thickness, electrical conduit shall not be installed
within the concrete. Where concrete floor slabs are between 75 mm ( 3 in) and 100 mm (4
in) thick, only 21 mm (3/4 in) trade size conduit may be installed within the concrete. In any
instance where conduit is installed within the concrete, it shall not be closer than 25 mm (1 in) to
the finished surface of the concrete. It shall be securely fastened at 1500 (59 in) mm center,
to the reinforcing bars so that it will not move out of place during concrete pouring
operations.
6.1.19 Conduit or conduit sleeves, shall not be installed in a ground-contact concrete slab-on-grade or on
fill. Where wiring is required below grade, the conduit shall be rigid steel or rigid PVC and shall
be routed minimum 300 mm (12 in) below slab. All raceways in or below a ground-contact
concrete slab shall have a grounding conductor installed therein, this being in addition to the
number of conductors called on the drawings.
6.1.20 Expansion joints shall be used in long runs or where conduit crosses building expansion joints.
These shall be of the water-tight factory-fabricated type.
6.1.21 Where cables or conduit pass through floors and fire-rated walls, fire-stopping shall be provided.
6.1.22 Flexible metallic conduit shall not be used, except for lengths not greater than 1829 mm (72 in)
for final connection to motors and other devices subject to movement or vibration. All exposed
flexible conduit shall be plastic-jacketed, liquid-tight type with compression type connectors. All
flexible conduit shall have a green grounding conductor which shall be bonded to outlets and
equipment at each end and sized in accordance with the applicable electrical codes.

Library: EDMS – General Page 11 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

6.1.23 Where conduit is called for in finished areas, it shall be run concealed in the floor, walls and
ceilings. In unfinished areas it may be installed exposed unless stated otherwise. If conduit sizes
are shown on the Drawings, these are minimums and shall not be reduced. Conduit shall be
installed in long bends, free from dents and shall have the ends capped as soon as it is installed to
prevent the entrance of dirt or moisture. Exposed conduit shall be concentric. Conduit shall be at
least 150 mm (6 in) clear of heating pipes, and shall not be run below boilers, furnaces, or in
proximity to other heat-producing apparatus. Conduit shall be securely fastened with approved
straps and threaded fasteners. In all exposed locations subject to mechanical damage, conduit
shall be threaded rigid steel. Runs shall be installed as near to the underside of floors and roof
deck as possible.
6.1.24 Electrical metallic tubing may be used in frame construction, suspended ceilings, furred spaces,
tile and concrete block walls, and other non-classified locations, above floor slabs that are not
subject to mechanical damage where permitted by the applicable electrical codes or the
Authority Having Jurisdiction. EMT shall not be used outdoor, below grade or in slab-on- grade
concrete.
6.1.25 Where rigid PVC is used, grounding conductors shall be installed throughout and bonded to
outlets and equipment at each end. Only factory-fabricated PVC bends shall be used. Where
raceways are installed below ground-contact concrete floor slabs or below grade, these shall be
rigid PVC conduit, and encased in concrete, sand, or both as shown on the Drawings.
6.1.26 A high temperature, anti-seize, conductive thread lubricant shall be used on all rigid steel conduit
connections to joints, junction boxes and equipment.
6.1.27 All conduits, cable fittings, junction boxes and glands used in hazardous areas shall be approved
for installation in the area class and suitable for the type of cables used. Where conduits are
installed to field devices, approved unions shall be installed to permit removal of field device
without disturbing the seal or dismantling equipment.
6.1.28 Clean out conduit before installation of conductors.
6.1.29 Install a minimum of 45 kg test pull wire or polypropylene pull rope in all empty conduit or
sleeve systems.
6.1.30 Conduits and cables crossing gas or utility piping shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of
300 mm (12 in) from same. Parallel runs form high pressure gas lines shall maintain a minimum
horizontal clearance of 1500 mm (60 in) from same.
6.1.31 Conduits and Cables crossing exposed gas or utility piping and/or trenches shall be temporarily
supported by a continuous wooden or other suitable trough which shall extend throughout the
entire length of the piping/trench crossing. “T” type supports alone are not acceptable. A
minimum vertical clearance 300 mm (12 in) shall be maintained between the trough and the
piping. Parallel runs from high pressure gas lines shall be a minimum clearance of 1500 mm (60
in).
6.2 Seals
6.2.1 Where conduit seals are installed, they shall be poured after the equipment it serves has been
commissioned. Seals that have not been poured shall be painted red and seals that have been
poured shall be painted black.

Library: EDMS – General Page 12 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

6.3 Drainage of Conduit

6.3.1 For damp and wet locations, conduits or raceways that require seals shall be provided with seals
that have a drain plug.
6.3.2 For damp and wet locations, conduits or raceways that do not require a seal, shall be sealed or
plugged at either or both ends.
6.3.3 Conduits shall be installed to permit proper drainage and shall have no pockets in which water
can collect.
6.4 Underground Installation (Cable and raceway)
6.4.1 Excavations required for underground electrical work shall be done to the depth and width
required, per Owner Requirements, Drawings, Authority Having Jurisdiction, applicable
electrical code.
6.4.2 Underground direct burial cable or wiring shall be provided with mechanical protection in
accordance with the applicable electrical code or the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Minimum
depth to top of cable/conduit shall be 1000 mm (40 in). The bottom of the trenches for
underground direct buried cables shall be levelled with a 150 mm (6 in.) layer of sand. After the
direct buried cables are laid, the trench shall be backfilled with a further 150 mm (6 in.) layer of
sand and then covered with a 75mm (3 in.) thick poured concrete, concrete shall have two
pounds of Sonobrite “Tile Red” per 454 kg (100 pounds) of cement to provide red-coloring; Or a
50 mm, 610 mm x 610 mm (24 in x 24 in x 2 in) concrete sidewalk blocks. This section shall also
include the service entrance feeder whenever direct burial cable is used. The sand fill requirement
shall not be required for conduit installation. In addition the concrete requirement shall be
required when conduit is used for the utility electrical service, but not for other conduits within
the yard except when duct banks are installed.
6.4.3 Where a conduit or raceway terminates underground and emerges as a direct burial cable, the
applicable electrical code requires a protective fitting. This bushing will protect the cable from
damaged by the conduit.
6.4.4 After installation of the underground wiring and placement of protection, backfilling shall be
done with earth fill having lumps no larger than 75 mm (3 in) and shall be solidly tamped
throughout.
6.4.5 Underground installations of non-metallic conduit with no installed conductors that are intended
for future use shall include a tracer wire for locating the conduit after burial. Tracer wire shall be
a minimum 14 gauge, red jacketed cable manufactured specifically for direct burial underground
conduit/pipe locating applications. The tracer wire shall be installed vertically above the conduit
and following the routing of the conduit. If the conduit is buried less than 1524 mm (60 in) below
grade, then the tracer wire shall be buried no greater than 305 mm (12 in) from it. If the conduit is
buried 1524 mm (60 in) or more below grade, then the tracer wire shall be buried at a depth of
approximately 1524 mm (60 in) below grade.
6.4.6 Underground installation of conduit and direct burial cable shall include warning tape to help
prevent accidental damage from future excavations. Warning tape shall be red and labeled with
verbiage to identify the conduit’s function. Warning tape shall be a minimum 4 mil thick
polyethylene film formulated to resist degradation due to acid and alkaline soils. The tape’s width
shall appropriately match the conduit size. The warning tape shall be buried approximately
Library: EDMS – General Page 13 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

375mm (15 in.) above the concrete cover or 600 mm (24 in.) for conduit installation not
requiring the concrete cover. The warnnig tape shall follow the routing of the cable/conduit.
6.4.7 Where Rigid PVC horizontal conduit runs are changed to vertical runs or conduit sleeve stub-ups
are required, hot dip galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit elbows shall be used.
6.5 Conduits/Raceways – Duct Systems
6.5.1 Duct system shall consist of single round bore conduit for the electrical distribution system. The
number and size of duct shall be as indicated. Changes in direction of runs exceeding a total of 10
degrees either vertical or horizontal, shall be accomplished by long sweep bends having a
minimum radius of curvature of 10 ft., except that manufactured bends may be used at ends of
short runs of 100 ft. or less and then only at or close to the end of run. The long sweep bends may
be made up of one or more curved or straight and/or combinations thereof.
6.5.2 Duct banks or conduits installed with duct spacers shall be encased in concrete with 75 mm (3 in )
all around.
6.5.3 Electrical conduits installed in underground applications shall be provided with a duct spacer
system (Carlon Snap-Loc Spacer or approved equal) designed to provide stability, and consistent
separation between ducts; and to support the duct banks and relieve direct stress on the duct
materials in direct burial applications and allow the concrete to flow under the conduit.
The duct spacer system shall comply with the following:
• UL Listed for direct burial application
• Suitable for duct bank installation containing electrical, power, voice, data, video and other
cables.
• Manufactured in accordance with dimensional and performance requirements to provide for
proper spacing and support of conduit systems per the applicable electrical code.
• Provide strong and durable, non-metallic, non-corrosive and non-conductive support system.
• Manufactured to duct outside diameter dimensions as specified in NEMA TC-2, TC-6 & 8
and ASTM F512.
• Contain both a horizontal and vertical locking system. Horizontal locking system shall enable
any spacers to be interlocked regardless of size. Locking mechanisms shall enable quick and
efficient installation without the need for glue or epoxy of any type.
• Spacers shall be made of engineered thermoplastic high impact polystyrene, that incorporates
both intermediate and base spacer functions into a single unit.
• Manufacturer shall make available fitting reducers to enable smaller sized conduits to be used
in the system without the need to change spacer systems.
• Rebar holders shall be provided to provide a tie-down location for a rebar anchoring system.
• Install base and intermediate spacers, and rebar holders per the manufacturer’s installation
instructions and recommendations and per applicable electrical code.
• All necessary spacers, fittings and accessories (e.g. beaded straps and locking key) shall be
provided by the same manufacturer for a complete duct bank and raceway system.
Library: EDMS – General Page 14 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

6.5.4 The electrical contractor shall do all trenching, excavation, concrete encasing of ducts and
backfill as shown on Drawings and as specified hereinafter for the complete underground duct
system.
6.5.5 Duct lines shall be installed so that the top of the duct lines are not less than 24” or 600 mm
below finish grade, unless otherwise specified on the Drawings. This requirement does not
apply to installation below a building slab.
6.5.6 During construction and after the duct line is completed, the ends of the conduits shall be plugged
to prevent water washing mud into the conduits. Particular care shall be taken to keep the
conduits clean of concrete, dirt and any other substance during the course of construction.
6.5.7 Installation of Couplings: All types of conduit joints shall be made up in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations using solvent cement joint material. The tapered ends of
joints of PVC shall be swabbed with joint sealing compound before the coupling is applied.
Joints and/or couplings shall be staggered at least 6 inches.
6.5.8 Duct lines shall be of monolithic construction. Where a connection is made to an existing
structure, the concrete encasement shall be well bonded or doweled to the existing structure.
Underground ducts shall be enclosed in a 28-day, 2500 psi, pea gravel aggregate and concrete
envelope. Concrete directly encasing ductbank shall have two pounds of Sonobrite “Tile Red” per
100 pounds of cement to provide red-coloring.
6.5.9 Trench Excavation and Backfill:
• All company policies and standards shall be followed.
• All underground ducts shall be laid in open trench. All ducts shall be laid and pipe joints
made in the presence of Engineer or Owner. No duct bank shall be backfilled until approved
by Engineer or Owner.
• Trenches shall be backfilled only after duct banks have been inspected and approved by
Engineer or Owner. All backfill material shall be placed in the trench either by hand or by
approved mechanical methods. The compaction of backfill material shall be done by tamping
with hand tools or approved pneumatic tampers, by using vibratory compactors, by puddling
or by a combination of the three. The method of compaction shall be approved by the Owner
and all compaction shall be done to the satisfaction/standard of the owner. The backfill for
duct banks shall be select backfill material tamped at intervals of no more than 12 in. depths.
All material to be used as selected backfill material shall be approved by the Owner.
6.6 Cable Tray Installation
6.6.1 The cable tray, bends, elbows, offsets, vertical drop fittings and tee fittings shall be supported in
accordance with the latest NEMA standards as recommended in Publication NEMA VE-1
and NEMA VE-2 or as noted on drawings.
6.6.2 Provide vertical clearance above cable tray 600 mm (24”). This clearance can be reduced at pipe
or ductwork crossovers, buy may in no case be less than 150 mm (6”).
6.6.3 For indoor locations, suspend cable trays on rod hangers and hanger clamps or channels. Fasten
hangers to channels securely attached to the steel deck or roof structure to carry the design load
capacity.

Library: EDMS – General Page 15 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

6.6.4 Control and instrument cable shall be physically separated from all power cable.
6.6.5 Cable tray containing cable that is not labeled sun-light shall contain a cover specifically designed
for the tray.
6.6.6 Outdoor cable tray utilizing existing or new pipe racks shall not be installed directly under any of
the piping on the racks. Cable tray shall also be located to allow adequate space for maintenance
on, or removal of or any of the piping.
6.6.7 Provide bonding jumpers, per Drawings and/or manufacturer recommendations.
6.6.8 Support cable trays at all bend and tee fittings and at 3000 mm on center unless otherwise
provided for on yard pipe rack supports. Refer to manufacturer for additional support
requirements.
6.6.9 Install expansion joints at spacing not greater than 20 meters (65’) on center and located on tray
supports. The attachment to the supports shall allow full longitudinal movement.
6.6.10 Provide solid covers on both sides of any vertical trays installed within 2 meters (6’-6”) above
finish grade. The protective cover shall extend 150 mm (6”) below the finish grade.
6.6.11 For cables going from the cable tray to vertical conduits/raceways, provide a drain loop prior to
entering the conduit.
7 BOXES
7.1 Materials
7.1.1 General
• Boxes for interior non-hazardous location applications shall be galvanized pressed sheet steel,
blanked for conduit and have attached brackets for mounting.
• Outdoor surface mounted boxes shall be cast aluminum or ferrous metal for use with threaded
rigid steel conduit.
• In hazardous areas, boxes shall conform to the requirements of the current edition of the
applicable electrical code.
7.1.2 Outlet Boxes and Fittings
• All outlet boxes and fittings shall be constructed of metal materials; no other materials are
acceptable unless approved by engineer.
• Wall and Floor outlet boxes shall be sized per the applicable electrical code.
• Floor outlet boxes shall be water tight and shall be provided with levelling screws. .
• Boxes for outdoor, damp and refrigerated location outlets shall be cast boxes with corrosion
resistant, deep-type condulets; Crouse Hinds FS and FD series.
• Boxes for masonry work shall be Type MBD Series
7.1.3 Junction Boxes and Pull Boxes
• Pull boxes and junction boxes for indoor dry locations shall be of Code gauge, welded sheet
steel construction, conforming to the applicable electrical code, with screw-on hinged cover.
Boxes shall be phosphatized and factory painted ASA #61 Grey.
Library: EDMS – General Page 16 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

• For damp or outdoor locations, pull boxes and junction boxes shall be cast aluminum or steel,
Enclosure type NEMA 4 or as described in the drawings. Boxes with terminal blocks shall be
equipped with a metal back plate or mounting pan, piano hinged cover and padlockable hasp.
For Instrumentation and controls pull boxes and junction boxes shall be NEMA 4X
minimum.
• Hazardous locations: boxes shall be rated for the class, division or zone location.
• All junction boxes provided with hinges shall open either to the right or left.
• Provide hubs as required to install all conduits and cables.
• Where terminal blocks are required, boxes shall be square with bolt-on or hinged cover and
sized for Weidmuller Type SAK series terminal blocks. All terminal blocks shall be the
polyamide type, rated at a minimum of 600 volts, 25 Amp. Double-deck terminal blocks will
not be accepted. Mounting of terminal strips shall be on the back plane of junction box only
and shall be with the following minimum clearances.
(i) Between terminal block and junction box walls – 100 mm clear of connector intrusions
(ii) Between parallel terminal blocks – 150 mm
7.1.4 Junction Box Identification
• Junction box covers, located indoors in non-hazardous locations and above 2400 mm above
finish floor, shall be identified using color coded self-adhesive dot labels.

System Colour
600/347 V or 480/277 V Power Black
208/120 V Power Black
Controls Black
120 V DC Black
Telephone or Data Black
Security Black
Fire Alarm Red
24 V DC Black
• Junction boxes containing terminal strips shall be identified with plastic lamacoid name tags
as indicated on the Drawings.
• Junction boxes containing intrinsically safe circuits shall have box covers painted blue.
7.2 Drainage of Instrumentation boxes
7.2.1 For damp or outdoor locations, boxes and/or panels intended for instrumentation shall be
provided with drain plug.
7.3 Installation
7.3.1 Install all outlets, flush-mounted or surface mounted as required.

Library: EDMS – General Page 17 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

7.3.2 Outlet boxes shall be securely fastened with threaded fasteners with a minimum of two fasteners
to a support member. Headers for ceiling outlet boxes and frame metal stud walls may be used
provided these are metal and are approved for the application. All boxes shall be supported
independent of the raceway or cable entering them. Boxes shall not be supported from non-
electrical piping or non-electrical piping rack.
7.3.3 In mechanical and service equipment rooms, the location shown for the lights is approximate
only. Adjust the location of the lights and length of hanger rods, etc., to clear the mechanical
piping and ductwork after this work is sufficiently advanced by the mechanical trade to determine
final location.
7.3.4 In location where an outlet for a lighting fixture is indicated below, or partially below a
ventilating duct, suspend uni-strut channel supports below the duct to mount fixture.
7.3.5 In non-classified service equipment rooms, and like areas, where conduit is run exposed, handy or
utility boxes shall be used for single gang surface-mounted receptacles and switches. Utility
boxes shall not be used for recessed work or for flush-mounted devices.
7.3.6 In areas having open joist-and-column construction, and in other areas where exposed conduit is
called for, condulets with appropriate covers shall be used at all points between outlets, and at
other locations indicated. Each conduit fitting shall be of a type suitable to its particular use, and
of a type which will allow the installation of future conduits without blocking the covers of the
existing conduit fittings.
7.3.7 The Company Representative reserves the right to change the location of outlets and equipment
up to three (3) meters without the additional charge provided the relocation is made prior to
installation of the outlet and the change does not necessitate additional material and labor.
7.3.8 In all finished and semi-finished areas, outlet boxes for other than recessed fixtures shall be
installed flush. Junction boxes and pull boxes shall be installed where necessary for splicing and
pulling of conductors and set to line up with the finished lines of the building.
7.3.9 In frame or suspended solid ceilings, outlet boxes for surface or suspended fixtures shall be set
flush with the ceiling. For surface or suspended fixtures on removable tile ceilings, and for all
recessed fixtures, the box shall be mounted above the ceiling so as to be accessible when a tile is
removed or when the recessed fixture is removed. In concrete ceilings, octagonal concrete boxes
shall be used.
7.3.10 In frame walls with lath and plaster finish, or drywall or hardboard finish, or concrete block walls
with plaster finish, or concrete walls, 102 mm (4 in.) square boxes with appropriate plaster cover
shall be used for single or two-gang devices. For more than two wiring devices, boxes shall be
deep solid-gang type with a plaster cover. Sectional boxes or handy boxes shall not be used in
these locations. Boxes shall be packed with oakum or paper before concrete is poured or
plastering commenced.
7.3.11 In frame walls with plasterboard, hardboard, or drywall finish, or in brick or ceramic tile walls,
outlet boxes shall be deep solid-gang type. Shallow sectional boxes may be used in restricted
spaces or thin partitions if approved by the Company Representative and the local electrical
inspection authority.
7.3.12 Located ESD pushbuttons, fire alarm pull stations and light switches, at the latch side of the door.

Library: EDMS – General Page 18 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

7.3.13 Where outlets are shown on opposite sides of a common stud partition wall, they shall not be
located directly opposite each other but shall be off-set by at least 400 mm (16 in.) to reduce
sound partition.
7.3.14 For outlets mounted in exterior walls, ensure sufficient insulation is provided behind outlet boxes
to prevent condensation in the box. Also ensure vapour barrier material is installed completely
around box to maintain integrity of barrier.
7.3.15 Install pull boxes and junction boxes in locations shown on the Drawings.
7.3.16 Locate pull boxes and junction boxes above access panels, removable ceilings or in electrical
rooms or storage areas.
7.3.17 Where pull boxes are flush-mounted, provide overlapping cover with flush head cover retaining
screws.
7.3.18 Outdoor junction and pull boxes shall be equipped with water tight conduit or cable connectors.
Connections to outdoor junction boxes shall be from the bottom when possible. Where not
possible, connection to the side of the box is preferred over the top of the box.
8 SUPPORTING DEVICES
8.1 Installation
8.1.1 Install to maintain head room, neat mechanical appearance, and to adequately support equipment.
8.1.2 Anchors and inserts in concrete shall be of an approved make and shall be located and secured to
the form by the electrical trade before concrete is poured. Anchors or inserts which are set by a
firing gun shall not be used in pre-cast or poured-in-place concrete. Where it is not possible to
secure the inserts or anchors to the form before the concrete is poured, they shall be set into the
concrete by drilling a hole of the appropriate diameter and depth and setting a threaded expansion
shield in the hole for fastening.
8.1.3 Support equipment, conduit or cables on support channels using clips, spring loaded bolts or
cable clamps designed as accessories to basic channel members. All materials used for support
and fastening shall be zinc-plated to inhibit corrosion.
8.1.4 Fasten exposed conduits, conduit sleeves or cables to building or support system using approved
straps as follows:
1. One-hole or two-hole malleable iron or steel straps to secure surface conduit, metric size 27, 1
in. and smaller or cable 38 mm, 6 AWG and smaller.
2. Two-hole steel straps for conduits, metric size 35, 1-1/4 in and larger, and cables larger than
38 mm, 6 AWG.
3. Beam clamps to secure conduits to exposed steel work.
8.1.5 Ensure adequate support is provided for raceways and cables dropped vertically to equipment
where no wall or other form of support is provided. Under no circumstances shall wire lashing,
nylon tie-wraps, or perforated straps be used to support conduits or cables.
8.1.6 Yard equipment or devices not located on building or equipment structure shall be supported on
channel-iron supports off concrete bases.

Library: EDMS – General Page 19 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

8.1.7 Where equipment is mounted on walls or false floors which are inadequate to properly support
the equipment securely, angle or channel-iron supports shall be installed to bear the equipment
independently of the wall, floor or conduit. Equipment or devices mounted on light gauge metal
building wall panels shall be supported using 6 mm thick plate bolted to wall girts and painted to
match the adjacent surface.
8.1.8 Floor mounted equipment shall be installed on concrete pads as shown on the drawings.
8.1.9 All hangers shall be corrosion resistive rod hangers, secured to inserts set in the ceiling, structure
or wall. Perforated iron strap-hangers shall not be used.
8.1.10 Conduit supports and brackets shall be channel-shaped in cross-section and shall be uni-strut.
Such supports shall be used to fix all equipment and surface raceways in place.

9 ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS
If it complies with these specifications, conduit, fittings and boxes manufactured by one of the
following manufacturers will be acceptable. Acceptable manufacturers are in order of preference.

9.1 Rigid Steel and Intermediate Metal Conduit:

• Allied
• Republic
• Western
• Wheatland

9.2 Rigid Steel and Intermediate Metal Conduit Fittings:

• Crouse-Hinds/Midwest
• Steel City/Thomas and Betts
• Appleton
• O.Z./Gedney
• Raco

9.3 Rigid Steel Conduit and Fittings (exposed to the weather):

• Robroy Industries “Plasti-Bond-Red”
• Perma-Cote
• Occidental Coating Company

9.4 Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT):

• Crouse-Hinds/Midwest
• Steel City/Thomas and Betts
• Appleton
Library: EDMS – General Page 20 of 22
Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

• O.Z./Gedney
• Raco

9.5 Rigid Aluminum Conduit and Fittings:

• Sapa (Indalex)
• VAZ Aluminum

9.6 Flexible Metal Conduit:

• Crouse-Hinds/Midwest
• Steel City/Thomas and Betts
• Appleton
• O.Z./Gedney
• Raco

9.7 Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit:

• AFC
• ALFLEX
• Anaconda (Type “UA”)
• Electri-Flex Company
• Crouse Hinds Type “ECH” – Hazardous area Class I, Zone I
• Appleton Type “EX” series – Hazardous area Class I, Zone I
• Killark “E” series – Hazardous area Class I, Zone I

9.8 Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit Fittings:

• Crouse-Hinds/Midwest
• Steel City/Thomas and Betts
• O.Z./Gedney

9.9 Rigid Nonmetallic Electrical Conduit and Fittings:

• Cantex
• Carlton
• JM Manufacturing

Library: EDMS – General Page 21 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS
 TransCanada Engineering Specification

TES-ELEC-RBSD Raceway, Boxes and

Supporting Devices (MEX)
EDMS No.: 008693942 Rev.: 00 Status: Issued Effective Date: 2014-May-13

9.10 Cable Tray

• Cooper B-Line
• Thomas and Betts
• Globe
• Mono-Systems, Inc.
• MP Husky
• P-W Industries
• TJ Cope
• Wiremold

9.11 Outlet Boxes:

• Crouse Hinds
• Steel City/Thomas and Betts
• Appleton Electric Company
• Raco

9.12 Junction Boxes:

• Hoffman
• Unity
• Wigman

Library: EDMS – General Page 22 of 22

Owner: Electrical Engineering Classification Code: DE-16
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED – LATEST CONTROLLED COPY IN EDMS