Technical installations - Special technical specifications

Electrical installations
Part II: Technical Specifications

CONTENTS
Annex D-13
CONTENTS

3. CABLE SUPPORT SYSTEMS ...................................................................................1

3.1. General .............................................................................................................1

3.2. Reference documents .......................................................................................1

3.3. External factors .................................................................................................2

3.4. Basis of calculations and performance..............................................................2

3.5. Description of the equipment.............................................................................2

3.5.1. Cable trays.......................................................................................................... 2
3.5.2. Conduits.............................................................................................................. 8
3.5.3. Loose laying ...................................................................................................... 11

3.6. Through wall....................................................................................................12

3.6.1. Covers............................................................................................................... 12
3.6.2. Fire resistant wall .............................................................................................. 12
3.6.3. Acoustic wall ..................................................................................................... 13

3.7. Installation and Circulation of Low Voltage networks ......................................13

3.7.1. Between General Switchboards and Secondary Distribution Switchboards....... 13
3.7.2. Between Secondary Distribution Switchboards and equipment ......................... 13

3.8. Installation and Circulation of Extra Low Voltage networks .............................14

3.9. Scope of the Work...........................................................................................14

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Technical installations - Special technical specifications
Electrical installations
Part II: Technical Specifications

3. Cable support systems

3.1. General
Cable support systems are divided into distributed networks:

− Low Voltage Network

Primary distribution between the existing general low voltage switchboards and the new
Secondary Distribution units,
Secondary distribution between the new Secondary Distribution Units and the equipment.

− Extra Low Voltage Network

Specific distribution to all extra low voltage switchboard systems and to each individual
system.

They include:

− cable trays

· cable ladders
· cable troughs
· wire-mesh cable trunking

− conduits

· smooth steel tubes

· TTh tubes.
· flexible tubes

Specifications on cable and earthing material, securing and installation are included in the
models attached to the graphic documents file.

3.2. Reference documents

The cable support systems and equipment shall comply in particular with the following:

− standards

DIN 17.162/54.232 Sendzimir galvanisation process

NBN I07-001 to 008 Hot dip galvanisation
NBN 45 IEC 614-1 Tubes and metal sleeves for electrical installations
NBN EN 50086 Conduit systems for cable management
NBN EN 60988 Terminals and connections

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 NBN EN 60320 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes.
IEC 61537 Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems for cable management

3.3. External factors

Cable support systems are generally installed in internal locations AA8 + AA5 (+ 5ºC to 40ºC).

3.4. Basis of calculations and performance

Cable support systems are generally designed with at least 50 % reserve space available for each
tray.

Cable tray types, supports (types and spacing) and securing systems are selected and designed
taking into consideration the weight of the cables including reserves, increased by a dynamic
shock load of 75 kg and any requests when laying the cables. In these conditions, the maximum
size of the cable tray in a horizontal run must remain less than 1/200th of the total distance.

3.5. Description of the equipment

3.5.1. Cable trays

3.5.1.1. General

Cable trays include cable ladders, cable troughs and wire-mesh cable trunking and wall trunking
as well as all accessories for attachment and connection.

The cable ladders, cable troughs and wire-mesh cable trunking are made of sheet steel protected
against corrosion using one of the two following processes:

- Sendzimir galvanisation with an average zinc coating thickness of 20 microns,

approximately 250 g/m2 of zinc for the two coatings,

- hot dip galvanisation after the product has been manufactured with a minimum zinc
coating thickness of 40 microns.
In the case of hot dip galvanisation, all precautions are taken to prevent the pieces from
buckling as a result of overheating during galvanisation.

Any cuts made in the cable trays and accessories as well as any possible damage are effectively
protected against corrosion using cold galvanisation.

In certain cases, non-metallic cable trays made from polyester reinforced with glass fibres may
be used.

Cable trays are used if more than three cables run along the same path.

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Part II: Technical Specifications

3.5.1.2. Cable ladders

Cable ladders are closed longitudinal profiles fitted with cross-pieces.

The securing process ensures that the unit is stable.

Cable ladders are supplied in a standard length. The maximum distance between two consecutive
cross-pieces is 350 mm in a vertical run and 250 mm in a horizontal run.

Cable ladders should be installed in the EE8 cavity. The Contractor must provide for all of the
arrangements necessary for installing this new cable ladder (moving boxes and other equipment
situated in the chosen locations, cutting the gratings, boring, shunting, etc.)

3.5.1.3. Cable troughs

The cable troughs are made from wire-mesh.

The cable troughs are made from standard sheet metal components which are perforated before
galvanisation.

The sheet metal is at least 1 mm thick for troughs up to 250 mm wide and at least 1.25 mm thick
in all other cases.

The wire-mesh has a U-shaped section.

Wire-mesh sections are standard components made of galvanised steel wire and assembled using
special splints. The ends of the wires are rounded to give better protection during handling and
cable laying.

They are formed of grids of ± 100 x 50 mm so that the cables may be attached in bundles or
individually using a heel clip.

3.5.1.4. Wall trunking

The wall trunking shall comply with standard NBN C63-439-40 and shall comprise longitudinal
U-shaped profiles with a covered rectangular section. The cover is clipped to form the ends of
the two wings. The wall trunking shall be made of ± 2 m rigid PVC standard components in a
colour chosen by the Project Supervisor.

They shall be at least 65 mm deep and 200 mm wide.

They are fitted along a rigid partition which isolates the low voltage cables (230 V) from the
extra low voltage cables (data and telephone cables).
Special pieces (tips, corner pieces, shunts, joints, end pieces) and attachment accessories are
standardised for each type of trunking. They form a complete and coherent unit which meets

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 technical and structural requirements and has a perfect aesthetic appearance.

Base pieces clipped to the bottom of the trunking hold the clamps for securing the cables in
place.

The low voltage and extra low voltage sockets are built in to the trunking in isolated flush-
mounted boxes with cable glands.

The flush-mounted boxes are firmly secured at the bottom of the trunking.

Cuts are made in the cover of the trunking to access the bipolar + earth terminals and finger-
plates screwed onto the box are used at the data sockets to complete installation.

The trunking is covered with a protective film on all visible surfaces protecting them from
damage during the implementation period.

3.5.1.5. Supports and securing

The cable trays are secured carefully to avoid any lateral or vertical movement. The supports are
secured to the internal and external walls, ceilings and bases at regular intervals. They are
suspended or bracket supports.

The supports cannot, under any circumstances, be secured to components which may be removed
at a later time (piping or ducting or even supports for piping or ducting).

Generally speaking, the distance between the upper side of the cable trays and the ceiling may
not be less than 300 mm and the vertical distance between the two parallel table trays may not be
less than 150 mm.

Along the vertical walls, there must be a minimum distance of 50 mm between the cable trays
and the wall.

When passing through walls, these distances may, in exceptional circumstances, be reduced in
agreement with the Project Supervisor.

The supports for the cable trays are secured using metal plugs and pressure screws.
The length of the supports shall be determined based on the number of cable tray beams attached
to them and the free circulation height beneath the cable trays or the available space in the false
ceilings.
In areas where the supports remain visible (technical spaces, reservations, car parks, etc.), the
ends of the suspensions are protected with a brightly coloured cover.
Securing the cable trays using threaded rods is strictly prohibited.
In horizontal runs, the design of the supports must allow the cables to be laid or removed easily.

The spacing between the supports depends on the admissible charge. The following values must

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Part II: Technical Specifications

not be exceeded:

- spacing of 2.40 m for cable trays up to 120 mm wide,

- spacing of 1.70 m for cable trays between 120 and 300 mm wide,
- spacing of 1.50 m for cable trays over 300 mm wide.

In vertical runs, the ladders are secured using feet mounted on each side frame no more than
1.50 m apart. The design of the securing components allows the wall ladders to be spaced further
apart and stops them from sliding down.

The cable trays and accessories have good fire resistance for supporting fire resistant cables. The
attachments and plugs used must be metallic so that the support system is fire resistant for two
hours.

Cable trays may only be secured to walls with a minimum fire resistance of two hours.

In addition, the cable trays are protected to ensure that they are fire resistant.

3.5.1.6. Special pieces

Special pieces include the following:

- covers with attachment clips,

- components ensuring physical continuity such as:

. end-to-end mounting splints for components,

. flat angle pieces,
. connection pieces between vertical and horizontal trays,
. bayonets connecting two cable trays placed at different levels,
. T-shaped shunts,
. cross-pieces,
. pieces for bypassing beams.

- galvanised steel covers for passing through walls.

All of these pieces are standardised with the type of cable tray. They are installed at horizontal or
vertical changes of level or direction and form a continuous unit with the cable trays.

The head of the screw is rounded to prevent damage to the cable isolators in the cable trays.

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 3.5.1.7. Earthing

The cable trays must be connected to the earthing and protection system. In order to do so, each
cable tray section is connected to the next using a copper connection bolted to the two sections.
The end of the cable tray is connected to the earth using a main equipotential connection.

Any other continuity system for earthing cable trays must be the subject of a derogation request
to the Department of Public Works based on arguments established by the Contractor proving
the equivalence of the proposed system.

In all cases, the sides of the cable troughs must be more than 15 mm higher than the internal
cables.

3.5.1.8. Passing through at-risk areas

Memo item.

Areas at risk of fire include car parks, storage rooms, waste disposal areas, archives, workshops,
technical areas, etc.

3.5.1.9. Installation of cable trays

The Contractor shall coordinate the installation of cable trays with the concrete and stonework
and other equipment such as air ducts, pipes and various finishing components.

In areas without false ceilings, the installation of cable trays ensures that the required free
heights apply in the circulation areas. Installation is discreet and respects the main axes of the
Work.

The cable trays must remain accessible so that cables may then be laid easily in safe conditions.

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Part II: Technical Specifications

3.5.1.10. Installation of cables

Generally speaking, cables of different categories are laid on different cable trays.

High Voltage cables are always laid on separate cable trays which are at least 30 cm from the
Low Voltage cables and at least 80 cm from the Extra Low Voltage Installation cables.

If a single cable tray is used, the power cables are separated from the telecommunications,
signalling and control cables by a metal earthed screen.

Depending on the type of cable and the type of electric power being carried, the distances
between the cables are specified in the table below (extract from standard TIA/EIA – 569 – table
10.4.1).
These guidelines also apply for the installation of cables under conduits or loose laid cables.

Cable conditions Minimum separation distance (mm)

Power (Low Voltage) Telecommunications < 2 kVA 2 to 5 kVA > 5 kVA
(Extra low Voltage)
Without screen Without screen 130 310 610
Without screen With screen 70 160 310
With screen With screen 60 80 160

Other conditions may be stipulated for data network cables.

Cables are laid side by side in a single cable pool with a cross section greater than 4 x 6 mm2
while cables in the smaller cross section can be regrouped in a bundle while keeping a constant
spindle of a maximum of four to five cables. In this case, the correction factors recommended by
the Manufacturers are taken into account.
This is also the case if the cables are laid side by side.

The following attachments are used:

- for cables in a cross section that is less than or equal to 3 x 50 mm2, a self-sealing PVC
connection is used while the data cables are kept loose,
- for cables in a cross section that is more than 3 x 50 mm2, a Pohl attachment or equivalent or
a heel clip attachment is used.

The attachments for securing unipolar cables are not magnetic.

The attachments are installed as follows:

− for flat cable trays: one attachment every 3 m and at the corners and where the cable changes
direction,

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 − for cable trays laid on their sides: one attachment every 30 cm (non-armoured cables) and
every 75 cm (armoured cables).
Cable sagging due to the weight of the cables themselves may not exceed 1 % of their total
size.
− for ladders: one attachment at each cross-piece.

3.5.2. Conduits

3.5.2.1. Description

This installation method is used mainly for fixed internal cabling. Three laying methods may be
used: visible tubes, built-in tubes or coated tubes.

Unless otherwise indicated, cabling in technical areas is laid using visible tubes. In all areas
where the walls are covered with a structured coating, the tubes are built in to the stonework or
concrete. Exposed brick walls or walls with finished partitions may under no circumstances be
damaged for tubes to be built in; tubes must be laid during construction of the wall.

In staircases and elevator shafts, tubes are built in to the concrete and therefore laid when plates
and walls are reinforced with concrete.

3.5.2.2. Visible tubes

Visible tubes are smooth steel tubes covered in two coats of TTh colour (reinforced rigid PVC
tube). For false floors, the use of flexible tubes to protect cables with regard to the most remote
users is accepted.

It is prohibited to place isolated non-reinforced cables or wires such as VOB in smooth steel
tubes.

The cabling is separated by at least 15 cm from sanitation or heating equipment. It is laid

perpendicular or parallel to the lines of the building; cables laid at an angle are prohibited.
In areas that are accessible to people, tubes are secured using sanitary fasteners or equivalents. If
the cable trays are in a pool, the tubes may be secured using sliding pressure attachments in a
profiled supporting rail fixed to the wall.

Clamps are used to secure individual tubes in areas which are normally inaccessible (technical
areas or where h = 2.40 m above the ground).
The number of attachments used is such that the tubes are kept in perfect alignment.

In straight sections, there is at least one attachment every 60 cm, one at each end of the corners
and on both sides of the boxes and sleeves.

The tubes which are in contact with switchboards are arranged in the correct order to prevent
crossovers. They have an attachment no more than 10 cm from each end.

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Smooth steel (open corner) tubes fixed to the walls by attachments and metal plugs may not be
used to install tubes supporting fire resistant cables.
The walls to which these tubes are fixed must be fire resistant (fire resistant for two hours).

3.5.2.3. Built-in tubes

Tubes built in to the stonework or concrete are generally made from rigid PVC.

The tubes are built in to the stonework or concrete if the walls are covered with a finishing
coating.

Exposed brick walls and walls with finished partitions may not be damaged. In this case, tubes
are laid during construction of the wall; the tubes are built in to the bricks.

When this is carried out, the Contractor shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the wall
is returned to its original condition (restructuring of visible joints), finishing (painting) is to be
carried out by the Contractor on completion.

Tubes which do not connect to a box protrude approximately 5 cm from the wall and are cut
after the wall is finished.

3.5.2.4. Coated tubes

Tubes to be coated in the concrete are made of supple thermoplastic material. The tubes coated
in the concrete are always of a single length.

Before the concrete cools, the tubes and accessories are attached either during reinforcement or
casing. All precautions are taken to avoid damage to the tubes (crushing, cutting, etc.) and to
facilitate further laying of electric cables.

The connections between several boxes form a networked system. Each section linked to two
boxes has two tubes running along different pathways. The supply points are situated in several
places in the networked system. Tubes are installed with respect to the minimum radii. A
guidance wire is installed in each tube.

The EL Contractor remains solely responsible for the installation and maintenance of coated
tubes in the concrete.

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 3.5.2.5. Accessories

All accessories are standardised with the method of laying the tubes.

3.5.2.5.1 Installation boxes and cases

The boxes are used to keep equipment (switches, sockets, connection points, etc.) or pullboxes in
place. They have several entry points for the connection tubes. The unused entry points are
blocked off so as to maintain the necessary level of airtightness.

The boxes are secured to the formwork so that they cannot be removed and are airtight to prevent
any cement slurry from entering the tubes or boxes while the concrete is being laid.

The boxes are manufactured using the same material and have the same mechanical and
chemical resistance properties as the tubes. The depth of the boxes depends on the equipment
contained within them.

The boxes are mounted so that after the formwork has been removed, the cover of the box is
level with the concrete surface. Built-in boxes are mounted level with the finished surface of the
wall.

In the case of hollow walls, the boxes are attached using clamping wedges.

The double boxes are connected to keep a constant equidistance.

3.5.2.5.2 Sleeves
Sleeves are used to connect two tubes. The use of sleeves is prohibited in the case of built-in or
coated tubes.

When the tubes cross expansion or settlement joints, special sleeves are placed around the tubes
at the joints to allow the building to expand and settle without damaging the tubes.

Areas where there is a high concentration of tubes are coordinated with the execution of concrete
work.

3.5.2.5.3 End-pieces
All of the free ends of the smooth steel and reinforced PVC tubes have end-pieces made from
synthetic material with rounded edges.

3.5.2.5.4 Pullboxes
When installing visible tubes with closed corners, coated or built-in tubes, pullboxes are used
every 10 m or after every three corners.

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3.5.2.5.5 Miscellaneous accessories

Standard accessories such as the following are used mainly for coated tubes:

- retractors,
- attachments for tubes and boxes,
- connection components for boxes,
- etc.

3.5.2.6. Installation of cables

The diameter of the tubes is equal to 1.5 times the external diameter of the cable with a minimum
diameter of 3/4". When laying visible cables, the tubes may be cut at bends but the visible cable
length must be as short as possible.

Connections are made in the boxes using connectors for sections of 1.5 and 2.5 mm2 and using
terminals in the boxes for larger sections.

3.5.2.7. Remarks

− If the cables are exposed at ground level they are protected by a steel tube 10 cm above the
ground. The space between the tube and the cable is sealed to stop any liquid from entering
the tube.
Similarly, the tube is sealed in the ground to prevent infiltration.

- Tubes and accessories are standardised for any installation and with the equipment to be
installed under the framework of other Lots.

3.5.3. Loose laying

For loose laying along the walls, the cables are fixed high enough to prevent damage due to
mechanical causes. Sheet steel protection of at least 3 mm in width is placed in the areas where
there is a risk of damaging the cables.

This method of laying is also used in two-sided partitions and intermediate vacuum partitions.
The cables are placed in the partition and secured at certain points (maximum 0.50 m between
points) before closing the second side.
Precautions are taken to ensure that the structure supporting the partitions does not damage the
external isolation of the cables. Flexible protectors are placed in the areas where cables pass
through the structure.

Loose laying cabling may be used for some connections between lighting appliances which are
not fixed to the structure but which are built in to a false ceiling and boxes or connection boxes.
The cable has connectors attached to the lighting appliances on one side and to the boxes on the
other. These cables are laid on the false ceiling.

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 This method of laying cables is not suitable for connections between flexible cables over reduced
lengths (maximum 7 m).

3.6. Through wall

Using a cable support system to lay cables or cabling through walls can generally decrease the
acoustic airtightness or fire resistance of the wall. The Contractor shall take all necessary
measures to respect these conditions.

3.6.1. Covers
Laying cabling through a wall involves:

a) stone or concrete wall (multiple techniques):

− rigid installation of covers protected against corrosion with a length equal to the
thickness of the wall, including finishing
− fireproofing between covers and equipment
− fireproofing between covers and stonework or concrete.

b) concrete wall (single technique):

− in this case, installing a cover is not necessary

− fireproofing between the equipment and the concrete.

3.6.2. Fire resistant wall

In this case, the cable trays are interrupted or located to the right of the wall.
After equipment has been passed through or incorporated into a fire resistant wall, the openings
are made fire resistant to restore the initial levels of fire resistance of the through wall.

Fireproofing should be carried out between the equipment and the cover or the equipment and
the concrete. There may be no gaps. Furthermore, the fireproofing product must be laid around
the cabling with a minimum length of 30 cm on both sides of the wall.

The materials used must:

− be incombustible
− not release toxic gases or be corrosive
− have the required fire resistance
− be resistant to humidity and moisture
− retain their physical and chemical properties over time
− have very good adhesion
− be impenetrable to smoke and gas
− allow for new cables to be laid at a later time.

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The Contractor must provide a test certificate established by an agreed laboratory for the
fireproofing product. Furthermore, the manufacturer of the product must provide the Contractor
with a performance guarantee for the use of the product.

3.6.3. Acoustic wall

When equipment is passed through or incorporated into a fire resistant wall, the Contractor shall
take into account the acoustic conditions to restore the initial acoustic properties of the through
wall. The same applies for equipment (tubes, cabling, etc.) passed through or incorporated into
floating screeds.

3.7. Installation and Circulation of Low Voltage networks

3.7.1. Between General Switchboards and Secondary Distribution Switchboards

The cables run from the General Switchboards through technical areas on a horizontal pathway
in the cable trays installed on the ceiling.

In horizontal pathways, the cables are attached to cable ladders for cross sections greater than or
equal to 50 mm2 or on cable trays for smaller sections.

In vertical pathways, the cables are attached to cable ladders installed in riser ducts; these cables
start at the General Switchboard and end at the stage Distribution Units and the driving power
Distribution Units.

3.7.2. Between Secondary Distribution Switchboards and equipment

Cables shall be laid between Secondary Distribution Switchboards, distributors and equipment
depending on the particular finishing used in the areas.

Generally speaking, cables shall be laid between distribution switchboards, distributors and
lighting boxes, switches, push buttons, detectors, sirens, cameras, etc. as follows:

− on cable troughs running along the false floor of the Chamber,

− on cable troughs circulating in the false ceiling and in visible ducting fixed to the base of the
ceiling in the false ceilings (for access to the President’s chair),

− in conduits built in to the partitions.

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 Cables shall be laid between Secondary Distribution Switchboards and connection points (power
sockets) as follows:

- in the walls, cross sections in conduits fixed to the frame of the partitions,
- in cable troughs circulating in the false floor,
- in visible conduits in the plant rooms and similar areas.

Where conduits have been installed by another Contractor, it is the responsibility of the
Contractor to take ownership of these works and flag any faults which could harm the proper
functioning of his or her Work. In these conditions, the Contractor takes sole responsibility for
the execution of the work.

3.8. Installation and Circulation of Extra Low Voltage networks

The circulation of cables in Extra Low Voltage networks follows that of Low Voltage cables and
must respect the same conditions when being integrated into completed works. The installation
of the respective cable trays shall take into account the required distances between cables of
different natures.

Details regarding circulation are provided in the specifications for Extra Low Voltage equipment
and installations.

3.9. Scope of the Work

The Work shall include:

1. Provision and installation of all cable trays, cable troughs and ladders, including the earthing
of equipment, mounting, connection, attachment accessories and any special pieces for
changes of direction.

2. Provision and installation of visible, built-in or coated conduits (built in to the concrete)
including any accessories for attachment, mounting and fitting.

3. Openings, covers, fireproofing and sealing.

4. Closing of seals.

5. Fire resistant protection of cable trays in fire resistant through walls.

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