Electricity Wiring Regulations (EWR)

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Chapter 4-Electricity Intake

4. Electricity parameters and Electricity Intake

4.1 Electricity parameters

4.2 Electricity Intake

4.3 The Connection Point

4.4 Multiple occupancy Premises

4.5 Metering requirements

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4.1 Electricity parameters
4.1.1 The parameters for electricity supplies provided in the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi are defined in the Electricity Supply Regulations,
issued by the DoE.

Voltage and frequency

4.1.2 The nominal Voltage at LV shall be 230V single-phase or 400V

three-phase.

4.1.3 The permissible variation from the nominal Voltage shall be kept
within + 10% and - 6%.

4.1.4 The nominal frequency shall be 50Hz.

Note: allowance of 4% volt drop within the installation gives

-10% at appliances (see clause 7.5.10)

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Harmonics, voltage disturbances and power factor

4.1.5 Electrical Installations and the use of electrical equipment therein,

must be designed to avoid the generation of disturbances in the
electricity supply voltage. These may include voltage fluctuations,
voltage dips, voltage unbalance and harmonics, which are of a
magnitude that adversely affects the Customers of the Distribution
Company.

4.1.6 The permitted limits of such disturbances are given in the Electricity
Distribution Code, Annex 1. Owners will be required to install filters
or other equipment to mitigate against such disturbances that are
outside the permitted limits (as explained in the Electricity
Distribution Code).

These documents can be downloaded from the

DoE’s website www.doe.gov.ae

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4.1.7 The power factor at the Connection Point between the
Distribution Company and the Owner’s Electrical Installation
shall be maintained between 0.9 lagging and unity. Power
factor correction equipment must be used where required to
achieve this value, see Part 10.

Prospective Fault Current

4.1.8 The maximum three-phase Prospective Fault Current at LV

shall be 46kA (1 Sec) at the LV busbar of the Distribution
Company’s HV/LV substation, or 30kA (1 Sec) at a LV feeder
pillar, or 25kA (1 Sec) at a LV service turret or such lower
value as otherwise agreed between the Distribution Company
and the Owner.

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Question 1: What is the declared supply voltage and frequency in Abu Dhabi?

a) 277 V single phase, 480 V three phase, 60 Hz.

b) 240 V single phase, 415 V three phase, 50 Hz.

c) 120 V single phase, 207 V three phase, 60 Hz.

d) 230 V single phase, 400 V three phase, 50 Hz.

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4.2 Electricity Intake

4.2.1 The Electricity Intake must be positioned in a dedicated room or housing and would
typically be made from concrete block, brick or similar construction.
[Note: where prefabricated enclosures are used, the enclosures must be verified in accordance
with the relevant international standards and be approved by the Distribution Company prior to
installation.]

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4.2.2 Other than in exceptional circumstances, and with prior approval from the
Distribution Company, there shall be only one Electricity Intake for any Premises.

4.2.3 The Electricity Intake must be positioned in an area which is readily accessible to
Distribution Company staff and other authorised persons, particularly in an
emergency, and must be at or close to the outside perimeter of a Premises.

4.2.4 The Electricity Intake must not be positioned in an area controlled by one of
the tenants in a multi-occupancy building.

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4.2.5 Equipment at the Electricity Intake must be located in a safe and accessible
position, and kept clear of obstructions at all times.

4.2.6 The use of Electricity Intake rooms as storage rooms for any tools,
equipment or other materials is prohibited.

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4.2.7 The Electricity Intake must not be located on the reverse side of a bathroom or
kitchen wall, or below a bathroom or kitchen. The Electricity Intake must not be
located below any water services or pipes, such as mains water supply,
drainage systems, storage tanks, air conditioning chillers, or other liquids or
hazardous materials.

4.2.8 The Electricity Intake room must be well ventilated, preferably without the need
for forced air circulation. Where air conditioning is required in the Electricity
Intake room, the requirement for fresh air circulation must also be provided to
avoid condensation.
[Note: consideration must be given to the relevant UAE fire code requirements.]

4.2.9 At least one emergency lighting unit must be fitted in all Electricity Intake
rooms, which must be provided with a battery rated for minimum 3 hours’
illumination, and subject to adequate routine maintenance.

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4.2.10 Doors to Electricity Intake rooms must be arranged to open outwards,
be kept free from obstructions, and be capable of being opened from
the inside without the use of a key.

4.2.11 The need for delivery of heavy equipment to the Electricity Intake
room during construction and for future repair or alterations must be
taken into account in the location of the Electricity Intake room.

4.2.12 For Electricity Intake rooms greater than 6 m in length, more than
one door shall be provided as a means of emergency access.

4.2.13 Electrical Installation layouts and minimum sizes of the Electricity

Intake are given in Appendix A12(b) and A12(d).

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 Note: the above rooms sizes are given for guidance and
other requirements for access and safety should be
taken into account (see Regulation 3.5, 4.2 and
Appendix A12(d)).

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 4.2.14 For large Electrical Installations, the Electricity Intake may contain one or
more LV switchboards, the requirements for which are given in Regulation
7.9.

4.2.15 Where a HV/LV substation is required within the Premises, the design and
construction requirements for the substation will be specified by the
Distribution Company.

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4.3 The Connection Point

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4.3.1 Equipment at the Connection Point must be locked or sealed by the Distribution
Company to prevent deliberate or accidental interference. Such locks or seals will
include those for metering equipment, etc.

4.3.2 The Owners’ Main Distribution Board must always include a means of emergency isolation in
the case of a fault or breakdown (e.g. main circuit breaker) which is readily accessible and
clearly labelled so as to be easily operated by the Owner. Such means of emergency
isolation must be left unlocked at all times, except when locked in the open position to allow
access to the Electrical Installation (e.g. for maintenance).

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 4.4 Multiple Occupancy Premises

4.4.1 Individual Customers within multiple occupancy Premises may be supplied by the Premises
Owner’s Electrical Installation consisting of rising and lateral mains (cabling or busbars).
Rising and lateral mains will normally be owned and operated by the Premises Owner.

4.4.2 The electricity metering for individual Customers for a rising or lateral mains system will
normally be at the point nearest to each Customer, remote from the main Electricity Intake.

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4.5 Metering requirements
4.5.1 The requirements for Customer metering are contained in the Customer Metering
Regulations, issued by the DoE. Additional detailed requirements and procedures
will be provided by the Distribution Company where required.

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Question 2:
What is the minimum clearance for safe working and access in front of switchgear
panels in a typical Supply Intake Room:

a) 2 metres

b) 2.5 metres

c) 1.0 metres

d) 1.5 metres

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 Thank you
www.doe.gov.ae

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