Electrical Division is a part of Building services along with other services like Plumbing , HVAC ,

Building automation, Fire Protection etc.

I. How to Calculate the Estimated Electrical Project Load

Thump Rules for Electric Design (based on BSRIA guidelines) are using for Concept Design

Energy consumption in kWh/m2/year treated floor area for Standard Air Conditioned area is about
130 to 225 . For a prestige air condtioned area it is 230 to 360 . Lesser the value better the design.

HVAC loads or Thermal Loads ( TABLE A-1)

Category Type of BLDG Load / unit Category Type of BLDG Load / unit
floor area - floor area
W/m2 - W/m2
Offices 70 Retail 140
Industrial 80 Banks 160
Heating Educational 100 Typical Restaurants 220
load Retail 110 Buildings Hotels 150-300
Computer suites 400
Residential 60
(approx.)
General Offices 125 Typical Break up
Interior Zones
Naturally With
(>7 m from 75 Item
Ventilated HVAC
Cooling windows)
Loads Space 60 48
Perimeter Zone.
Heating
--65% Glazing 180 Lighting 20 16
--60% Glazing 120 Hot Water 12 6
Cooling 0 10
Other 8 20
Electrical

Design Engineers are taking the value of 150 W/m2 for arriving a general conclusion of Electrical
loads. For LED lit buildings 130 will be enough.

Initial Design meant for arriving figures for

 Connected load
 HT Connection
 Transformer
 Generators
 Backup Power.

Type of load and Full load pattern are gathered. Local Regulations are considered. Load constraints
are studied . Eg for a Hospital Clinical and Non Clinical Areas are demarcated. Critical and Non Critical
areas are also demarcated.

II. Preparation of SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Next stage is the preparing Schematic Design

Individual loads like Motor-Pumps, Elevators, Lighting , HVAC are gathered .

Location for Substations, Electrical Rooms, Generator Room, Elevators are finalized. Design Current
is determined. Rating of Equipment are also determined. Bus Bar design can be done at this stage
Based on Predesign phase data and conforming to Electricity regulations and Client requirement
Schematic Diagrams are developed.

III. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Safety and Risk factors are considered .
Rating Factors are decided. Cable Sizing is an important activity at this stage. Voltage Drops are
calculated and ensured at the safe level.
Individual Loads or the Room wise loads are allotted; then Load Schedules are prepared.
Development of Drawings are started after finalizing the Architectural (Civil)/ Structural Drawing.
Electrical Drawings consists
 Schematic Diagrams.
 Lighting
 Small Power
 Cable Routes
 Earthing
 Lightning Protection
 Load Schedule
The Fire Alarm, Access Control & Security Systems, Audio & Video Systems, Data & Telecomm etc are
now a days handled by Electronics Engineers. These Systems are also called as Low Voltage Systems
or ELV systems.In many parts Structured cabling for these systems are still executed by Electrical
Engineers.

Softwares used in Electrical Designs

Various Software are being used at this stage for precise and faster design process .Some of them
are:-
For CAD operation:- REVIT, or Autocad
For Cable Sizing Excel Templates or Waterfall Charts
For Load Stability ETAP or ECODIAL (FREE software by Schneider Electric)
For Lighting illumination DIALux ,RELUX, CALCULUX (Phillips)
For Generator Sizing PSSPEC by MTU

Now tender Drawings are ready.

Upto this stage the Design document is intended to the use of related professionals only .

Based on Tender Drawings and Specifications (laid by the relevant stake holder) Shop Drawings are
prepared , which is supposed to be used at construction site by Foreman, Supervisors, Technicians,
other disciplines or any other stakeholder who may not be an Electrical Engineer. So it should be
simple and instantly recognizable .That’s why more pictorial data are used.
Best practices include

 Use of Standard symbols

 Related Standards/ Specifications
 Related Drawing Numbers.
 Associated Documents
 Revision History
 Follow Copy Rights Protection Rules and Laws.

Information included in SHOP DRAWINGS

IV. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Categorized drawings satisfying Commercial , Legal and Environmental aspects are prepared.

V. As-built Drawings
Actual executed work are depicted and the modified Shop drawing are certified by the authorities
are recorded and as-built drawings are prepared. This will form the part of MRB (Manufacturer
Record Book) for Electrical Equipment. The As-Built drawings are to be handed over to the Client
during handing over of building to the Client.

VI. Electrical Design Standards

In Kuwait; Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) and MEW Regulations Shall be followed along with
the client centered specifications like KOC KNPC

List of MEW publication for regulation and codes of practice as the following:-
1) Regulation for electrical installations fourth edition/1983 MEW/R-1.
2) Procedures for electrical and A/C drawings and connection for power supply for construction and
building projects first edition/1983 MEW/R-2.
3) Electrical load form and explanatory memo second edition/1983 MEW/R-3.
4) Regulation for testing electrical installation before connection of power supply MEW/R-4.
5) General guide lines for energy conservation in building MEW/R-5.
6) Code of practice MEW/R-6 for energy conservation measures in Kuwait buildings and
appendices.
7) Rules and regulation for design of A/C system and equipment MEW/R-7.
8) Rules and regulation for handing over engineering services (Electrical and Mechanical) to the
maintenance authority MEW/R-8.
9) General specification for electrical installations MEW/S-1.
The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe
installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States.

IEC 60083 Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member
countries of IEC

IEC 60085 Electrical insulation

IEC 60255 Electrical Relays

IEC 60287 Calculation of permissible current in cables at steady state rating

IEC 60298 high voltage switchgear in metallic enclosure

symbols to be used in electrical technology