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SECTION 1 Authority

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101 These regulations are applicable to all electrical installations in buildings in the State of Bahrain.

102 Compliance to these regulations is compulsory and electrical power supply shall not be made available if
these regulations are not met with in their entirety.
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am

103 These regulations are not intended to be design or material specifications but are primarily related to the
Total Availability Demand
requirements for electrical installations so as to ensure safety of persons and property from hazards arising from
3128 MW 1193 MW
the use of electricity.

NOTE: Electricity Distribution Directorate publishes from time to time standard specifications for electrical
installations works. It is recommended that all consumers make reference to the standard specifications and
21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
require compliance to them in their contract agreements with the electrical contractors.

104 The regulations do not provide for all types of conditions but encompasses the general type of installations Storage Availability Supplied
generally encountered. Where difficult or special situations are met with which are not covered or allowed for in 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
these regulations, the services of the Electricity Distribution Directorate may be sought to obtain the best solution.

105 Various explanatory notes are added to the different regulations. These notes are not part of the
regulations and have been included to give a convenient explanation of the regulations only.
--- Select ---

106 Existing electrical installations executed in accordance with the previous regulations and already connected
to the electrical supply, shall be exempt from the additional safety requirements stated herein.

107 These regulations are equally applicable for all electrical installations in caravans and prefabricated
buildings.
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108 Where for construction purposes or otherwise a temporary supply is required, then the temporary electrical
installations shall fulfil as a minimum with all the safety requirements and shall be to the approval of the Electricity
Distribution Directorate in each case.

109 The section on temporary electricity supplies in construction and building sites shall also be complied with.

110 This regulation do not apply to lightning protection of buildings. For guidance on protection of buildings
against lightning refer to B.S. 6651.

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SECTION 2:DEFINITIONS Authority

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Accessory. A Device other than current-using equipment associated with such equipment or with the wiring of
an installation.

Adapter, Socket outlet. An accessory for insertion into a socket outlet and containing metal contacts to which
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
may be fitted one or more plugs for the purpose of connecting to the supply, the lighting fittings or current using
appliances.
Total Availability Demand
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Ambient temperature. The temperature of the air or other medium where the equipment is to be used.

Appliance. An item of current-using equipment other than a luminaire or an independent motor.

21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
Barrier. A part providing a defined degree of protection against contact with live parts, from any usual direction
of access.
Storage Availability Supplied
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
Bonding. Electrical connection putting the various exposed conductive parts at a common potential.

Bunched. Cables are said to be bunched when two or more are contained within a single conduit, duct, ducting,
or trunking or, if not enclosed, are not separated from each other.
--- Select ---
Cable coupler. A means enabling the connections at will, of two flexible cables. It consists of a connecter and a
plug.

Caravan. Any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one
place to another.

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Circuit breaker. A mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal
circuit conditions and also of making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents under specified abnormal
circuit conditions such as those of short circuit.

NOTE A circuit breaker is usually intended to operate infrequently, although some types are suitable for frequent
operation.

Circuit conductor. A current carrying conductor forming part of a circuit or final circuit, but excluding the earth
continuity conductor.

Connector. A device intended for connection to a Flexible cord or flexible cable which has protected current
carrying contact tubes similar to those of a socket outlet.

Consumer's installation. Wiring and apparatus situated upon the consumer’s premises and controlled
or/and installed by him, excluding any switchgear of the supply undertaking.

Consumer's Terminals. The point in the consumers installation at which the incoming supply of energy is
delivered to that installation.

Current-carrying capacity of a conductor. The maximum current which can be carried by a conductor under
specified conditions without its steady state temperature exceeding a specified value.

Damp and Dust-proof. Applied to apparatus and accessories to denote that the live and other component parts
are protected by an enclosure or enclosures being so protected and/or fitted as to prevent the ready ingress of
dust and/or moisture.

Damp situation. A situation in which moisture is either permanently present or intermittently present to such an
extent as to be likely to impair the effectiveness of an installation conforming to the requirements for ordinary
situations.

Danger. Danger to health or danger to life or limb from shock, burn, or injury from mechanical movement to
persons (and livestock where present), or from fire, attendant upon the use of electrical energy.

Distribution board. An assemblage of parts including one or more fuses or circuit-breakers, arranged for the
distribution of electrical energy to final circuits or to other distribution boards.

Duct. A closed passage-way formed underground or in a structure and intended to receive one or more cables
which may be drawn in.

Earth-continuity conductor. The conductor including any clamps, connecting to the consumers earthing
terminal, those parts of an installation which are required to be earthed. It may be in whole or in part the metal
sheath and/or armouring of a cable, or the special earth continuity conductor of a cable or flexible cord
incorporating such a conductor.

Earth electrode. A metal rod or rods, or other conducting object, providing an effectual connection with the
general mass of the earth.

Earthed. Effectually connected to the general mass of the earth.

Earthing lead. The final conductor by which the connection to the earth electrode, or other means of earthing, is
made.

Electrode boiler (or electrode water heater). Equipment for the electrical heating of water or electrolyte by
the passage of an electric current between electrodes immersed in the water or electrolyte.

Electric discharge lamp. An electric lamp comprising a hermetically sealed bulb or tube containing gas and/or
metal intended to be vaporized during operation and fitted with electrodes between which a discharge of electricity
takes place, the useful light being emitted either by the discharge through the gas or vapour or by the
fluorescence of translucent coating which may be on the inner surface of the outer tube or bulb.

Emergency switching. Rapid cutting off of electrical energy to remove any hazard to persons, livestock, or
property which may occur unexpectedly.

Enclosure. A part providing an appropriate degree of protection of equipment against certain external influences
and a defined degree of protection against contact with live parts from any direction.

Excess current protection. Excess current protection which will operate within four hours at 1.45 times the
designed load current of the circuit which it protects.

Final circuit. An outgoing circuit connected to a distribution board or otherwise and intended to supply electrical
energy to current using apparatus either directly or through socket-outlets or fused spur boxes.

Fixed equipment. Equipment fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location.

Fuse element. A part of a fuse designed to melt when the fuse operates.

Fuse link. Apart of a fuse, including the fuse element(s), which requires replacement by a new fuse link after the
fuse has operated and before the fuse is put back into service.

Insulation. Suitable non-conducting material enclosing, surrounding or supporting a conductor.

Isolator. A mechanical device capable of opening or closing a circuit under conditions of no load or negligible
current.

Live. In relation to a conductor means that under working conditions and a difference of voltage exists between
the conductor and earth.

Neutral conductor. The neutral conductor of a three phase 4-wire system, the conductor of a single phase
installation which is earthed by the Electricity Distribution Directorate.

Occupancy single. A single occupancy building is one which is normally occupied by one consumer only and is
provided with one kilo-watt-hour meter at each intake.

NOTE: Buildings and premises which have only one kilo-watt-hour meter but are occupied by different tenants will
not be considered as a single occupancy.

EXCEPTION Residential hotels and other similar resorts will be considered as single occupancy buildings with one
or more kilo-watt-hour meters to the same consumer.

Occupancy-multi. A multi-occupancy building is one which is occupied by more than one tenant and is provided
with one or more kilo-watt-hour meters.

Phase conductor. A conductor of an A/C system for the transmission of electrical energy, other than a neutral
conductor.

Plug. A device, provided with contact pins, which is intended to be attached to a flexible cable, and which can be
engaged with a socket outlet or with a connector.

Point (in wiring). A termination of the fixed wiring intended for the connection of current-using equipment.

Portable equipment. Equipment which is moved while in operation or which can easily be moved from one
place to another while connected to the supply.

Ring circuit. A final circuit arranged in the form of a ring and connected to a single point of supply.
 Socket outlet. A device, provided with female contacts, which is intended to be installed with the fixed wiring
and intended to receive a plug.

NOTE: A luminaire track system is not regarded as a socket outlet.

Space factor. The ratio (expressed as percentage) of the sum of the overall cross-sectional areas of cables
(including insulation and any sheath) to the internal cross-sectional area of the conduit or other cable enclosure in
which they are installed. The effective over-all cross-sectional areas of a non-circular cable is taken as that of a
circle of diameter equal to the major axis of the cable.

Spur: A branch cable connected to a ring circuit.

Stationary equipment. Equipment which is either fixed, or equipment having a mass exceeding 18 kg and not
provided with a carrying handle.

Switch. A mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking current under normal circuit
conditions, which may include specified operating overload conditions, and also of carrying for a specified time
currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short circuit.

NOTE: A switch may also be capable of making, but not breaking, short circuit currents.

Switch, linked. A switch the contacts of which are so arranged as to make or break all poles simultaneously or
in a definite sequence.

Switchboard. An assembly of switchgear with or without instruments, but the term does not apply to a group of
local switches in a final circuit.

Switchgear. An assembly of main and auxiliary switching apparatus for operation, regulation, protection or other
control of electrical installations.

Trunking. A system of enclosures for the protection of cables, normally of square or rectangular cross section, of
which one side is removable or hinged.

Voltage nominal. Voltage by which an installation (or part of an installation) is designated. The following,
ranges of nominal voltage (r.m.s. values for a.c.) are defined

Extra low. Normally not exceeding 50V a.c. whether between conductors or to Earth.

Low. Normally exceeding extra-low voltage but not exceeding 1000V a.c. between conductors, or 600V a.c.
between conductors and Earth.

NOTE : The actual voltage of the installation may differ from the nominal value by a quantity within normal
tolerances.
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SECTION 3:GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS Authority

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301 All electrical equipment, accessories and fittings employed in electrical installations shall be fully suitable for
use in the climatic conditions of Bahrain having the following salient features

Maximum sun radiation temperature in summer 84‫آ‬°C

27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
Maximum ambient temperature in summer 501‫آ‬°C
Average ambient temperature in summer 451‫آ‬°C
Minimum ambient temperature in winter -60‫آ‬°C Total Availability Demand
3128 MW 1193 MW
Periods of high humidity are common and a relative humidity of 100% at 30‫آ‬°C has been recorded. Even on
comparatively still days fine dust is carried in suspension in the air.

21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am

302 In buildings of substantial construction, all electrical equipment and cables shall be rated for continuous
operation at an ambient temperature of 40‫آ‬°C. In plant and machine rooms an ambient temperature of ‫آ‬55°C shall
be assumed. Storage Availability Supplied
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
303 All electrical equipment, apparatus, accessories and fittings shall be so designed and manufactured to
operate continuously in the electricity supply system of Bahrain having the following characteristics

Voltage 400 volts + 6%, 3 phase, 4 wire

--- Select ---
Frequency 50 Hz. +- 2 percent
Neutral Solidly earthed
Fault level 31 MVA at 400 volts
Fault duration 0.5 seconds

Where it can be established that the fault level within the wiring installation of a premises shall be less than 31
MVA due to the parameters and characteristics of the equipment, apparatus, lines or cables connected to the
wiring installation, electrical switchgear and accessories with a lower interrupting capacity may be employed, To invest in Bahrain, visit
subject to prior approval of the Electricity Distribution Directorate.

Wherever the supply of electricity is at 11,000 Volts the characteristics of the electricity supply
system will be as follows :-

Voltage 11 kv 3 ,%6 ±‫ آ‬phase, 3 wire

Frequency 50 Hz + 2%
Fault level 350 MVA at 11 kv
Fault duration 1 sec.

304 All electrical wiring shall be so installed that when completed, the system will be free from short circuits and
earth faults.

305 Devices intended to break current shall have a breaking capacity sufficient for the voltage employed and for
the current that must be interrupted.

306 All electrical equipments shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. Wooden plugs
driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster or similar materials shall not be used.

307 All electrical equipment, accessories and fittings exposed to weather, corrosive atmosphere, or other
adverse conditions shall be so constructed or protected as may be necessary to prevent danger arising from such
exposure.

308 Where electrical equipment, accessories, fittings and cables are likely to be exposed to flammable
surroundings or an explosive atmosphere, it shall be protected by a flame-proof enclosure or be otherwise so
designed and constructed as to prevent danger.

309 All electrical equipments, accessories, fittings and cables shall be installed in a neat and workman like
manner.
 310 All materials used in electrical installations shall be of good quality and shall comply as a minimum with
the latest relevant recommendation(s) or specification(s) of the GCC. In the absence of such recommendation(s)
or specification(s) all such materials shall comply with the latest recommendation(s) or specification(s) of the
International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) and if these are not available to the latest relevant British
Standard Specification(s) (BSS). Materials of other national standards may also be employed provided they are
compatible with GCC/IEC/BSS.

311 No addition, temporary or permanent shall be made to the authorised load of an existing installation,
unless it has been ascertained that the current rating and the condition of any existing conductors and equipment
which will have to carry the additional load are adequate for the increased loading and that the earthing
arrangements are also adequate.

Any additions to the existing installations shall only be executed after approval of the relevant application
submitted to the Customer Services Directorate.

The Secretariat reserves the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any consumer who has carried out
unauthorised additions or extensions to the originally approved electrical installation.

312 All electrical installation works, new and/or additional shall only be carried out by licensed Electrical
Contractors as authorised by the Electricity Distribution Directorate from time to time.

313 All electrical equipment including fractional H.P. motors, window A/C units, fluorescent light fittings etc.,
shall be so selected that the over-all power factor is not less than the following:

Min P.F.
At full load
Fluorescent discharge lamp circuits 0.90
Window type A/C units 0.85
Refrigerators 0.85
Other single phase motors 0.80

3-phase motors

Motors 15 HP - 50 HP - ( 1 kW - 37 kW) 0.83

Motors 50 HP - 100 HP - ( 37 kW - 75 kW) 0.85
Motors 100 HP - 200 HP - ( 75 kW - 150 kW) 0.87
Motors 200 HP - 400 HP - (150 kW - 300 kW) 0.88
Motors above 400 HP - (300 KW) 0.89
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SECTION 4:SERVICE INTAKE Authority

SECTION 4 02/11/2010
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401 There shall be only one metering position within each premise, at which the meter(s) and other accessories
belonging to the Electricity Distribution Directorate shall be installed, unless prior approval is obtained from the
Electricity Distribution Directorate for the establishment of more than one metering position. Such meter position
(s) shall be so selected as to meet with the approval of the Electricity Distribution Directorate.
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
The consumer's switchgear shall be installed adjacent to the selected meter position.
Total Availability Demand
3128 MW 1193 MW
402 Meter cabinet(s) of ample dimensions with hinged doors (not lockable) shall be provided in all premises to
house the meter(s) and other associated equipment belonging to and at position(s) acceptable to the Electricity
Distribution Directorate. An adequate and suitable vertical solid surface shall be provided at the meter position(s)
in such a manner as to facilitate the installation and inspection of meter(s) and other accessories.
21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
403 Duct(s) of not less than 100 mm diameter, at a depth of not less than 500 mm below ground level shall be
provided from the boundary of the premises to a manhole of ample dimensions immediately below the demarcated Storage Availability Supplied
meter position. Inspection chamber(s) and/or manhole(s) of adequate dimensions shall be provided along the 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
route of the duct(s) at regular intervals or whenever the duct(s) change direction to facilitate installation of cables
necessary for the connection of electricity to the premises. Such duct(s), inspection chamber(s) and/or manhole(s)
shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Electricity Distribution Directorate and shall be
maintained by the customer to the satisfaction of the Electricity Distribution Directorate for as long as the premises
is supplied with electricity. --- Select ---

In addition to the above duct(s) of not less than 60 mm diameter shall be provided to facilitate overhead service
connections. Such duct(s) shall be installed from the point of entry of the overhead service line into the building up
to the meter position following the shortest possible route with no more than two easy and smooth bends of not
less than 90‫آ‬°. The point of entry of the duct(s) into the building shall not be lower than 4.5 m from the ground
level. These ducts may be incorporated into slabs, walls, beams, during the construction of the building.
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The overall dimensions of the cable cutout(s) and the minimum distance between the bottom of the cutout(s) and
the floor level shall be as indicated below.

Size of Cutout Height Width Depth Min. distance from

floor
Amps mm mm mm mm

100 230 240 110 1000

200 475/560 360/380 175/175 1000
300 - - - 1000
400 640/750 500/500 200/200 1000

Typical arrangements related to meter Cabinet(s), ducts(s), inspection chamber(s) and manhole(s) are shown in
Appendix.

404 The Electricity Distribution Directorate shall normally provide a three phase and neutral service at 400/230
Volt 50 Hz and the electrical installation shall be arranged for connection to the three phase. In situations where
the installed load is less than 20 kW, Electricity Distribution Directorate shall provide a single phase and neutral
service.

Where the electrical maximum demand of a single consumer exceeds 1 MVA, the Electricity Distribution
Directorate shall provide a three phase service at 11,000 Volt, 50 Hz and the electrical installation shall be so
arranged as to receive electricity supply at this voltage. The distribution of electrical energy within such
consumer’s installation shall be responsibility of the consumer.

405 Wherever the installed load in a development exceeds 100 kW the Electricity Distribution Directorate in its
absolute discretion shall have the right to request

a. the construction of suitable room(s) or

b. the allocation of suitable site(s)

for establishing distribution substation(s) for exclusive use by the Electricity Distribution Directorate. Such
substation(s) shall be accommodated at the ground floor or at ground level within the development and at a
location acceptable to the Electricity Distribution Directorate.

The consumer shall be required to sign a dedication agreement with regard to the distribution substations

Failure to provide the room(s) or site(s), if requested, may result in the denial of supply of electricity to the
development.

Structural requirements and specifications for the construction of the distribution substation(s) shall be provided
by the Electricity Distribution Directorate on request. Physical dimensions of the room(s) may vary depending on
the electrical maximum demand of the development.

406 The distribution substation(s) shall normally, comprise of an 11,000 Volt switchboard and one or more step-
down 11,000/400 Volt Transformer(s), and low voltage distribution board(s) all of which will be provided by the
Electricity Distribution Directorate, except in cases of single consumers with an electrical maximum demand in
excess of 1 MVA. Low tension switch board controlling the electrical installation of the building or premises shall
be provided by the consumer and shall be installed in meter room(s) or in plant room(s) immediately adjacent to
the distribution substation(s).

In cases of single consumers with a maximum demand in excess of 1 MVA, the Electricity Distribution Directorate
shall provide an 11,000 Volt incoming switchboard in a ring-main arrangement to be installed in the distribution
sub-station. The consumer shall provide his own 11,000 Volt switchboard, incorporating one or more incoming
11,000 Volt circuit breaker(s), on which the consumer shall receive the electricity supply. The consumer's
equipment shall be installed in a switch room immediately adjacent to the distribution substation of the Electricity
Distribution Directorate with an interconnecting door lockable only from the distribution substation.

407 Distribution substation(s) within a development shall be provided with vehicular access open over 24 hours
per day.

408 Wherever distribution substation(s) are provided within the development, building or premises, ducts in
adequate number and of not less than 150 mm in diameter, inspection chamber(s) and or manhole(s) to the
requirements of the Electricity Distribution Directorate shall be provided to facilitate installation of cables for the
connection of electricity to the development.

409 The electrical installation in every building or premises shall be adequately controlled by a switchgear
located adjacent to the service intake and which shall be readily accessible to the consumer. The switchgear shall
form an integral part of the low tension switchboard of the building and shall be completely enclosed in earthed
metal or approved insulating material. The switchgear shall incorporate means of isolation, means of excess
current protection and means of earth leakage protection.

For reasons of selectivity, means of earth leakage protection may be sub divided and provided on the various
outgoing feeders from the switchgear. In this event earth leakage protection on the incoming switchgear may be
omitted.

410 In single metering buildings, the switchgear detailed in clause 409 shall also be the consumer's main
means of isolation and provision for installing the cable cutout and kWh-meter of the Electricity Distribution
Directorate shall be allowed immediately preceding the switchgear.

The kWh-meter may be integrated into the low tension switchboard of the building.

411 Multi-metering buildings, the switchgear detailed in clause 409 shall be considered only as a means of
isolating the electricity supply from the entire building in the event of an emergency and separate means of
isolating the electrical supply of each individual consumer shall be provided. Such means of isolation shall
incorporate separate means of excess current and earth leakage protection and shall be located at a position
which is fully under the control of the consumer.

In multi-metering buildings proper selection of both excess current and earth leakage protection is essential in
order to ensure discrimination in the operation of these protective devices.

In multi-metering buildings, the requirements of a separate means of earth leakage protection as set out in
paragraph 409 and 415 may be omitted, provided each individual consumer's switchgear is equipped with such
protection and all metal work are bonded.

412 The means of isolation provided for individual consumers in a multi-metering building or premises may be
combined together and installed adjacent to the service intake provided facilities are available for padlocking and
sealing each individual means of isolation in the OFF position. Where such means of isolation is provided
additional isolation within the consumer's premises shall also be available.

413 The means of isolation shall be by a load break switch or a circuit breaker arranged to disconnect all the
live conductors only and equipped with an isolator link on the neutral conductor.

414 The excess current protection shall be either by means of fuses or over-current releases fitted in each live
conductor. The rating of the excess current and isolation devices shall be determined in accordance with the total
connected load or the anticipated maximum demand of the installation.

Section 5 of these regulations deals in detail with-excess current protection which shall be complied with fully.

415 The earth leakage protection shall be by means of an appropriate earth leakage circuit breaker or by
means of an earth leakage relay operating the shunt trip of the circuit breaker. The earth leakage protection shall
disconnect the electricity supply to the building or premises or sections thereof in the event of any danger from
earth leakage currents.
 416 The installation of automatic earth leakage protection as set out in clause 415 does not exclude the
necessity of bonding all non current carrying metal to the earthing system or for the necessity of providing
sufficient and adequate earth electrodes.

Section 6 of these Regulations deals in detail with earthing and earth leakage protection which shall be complied
with fully.

417 The means of isolation, excess current and earth leakage protection may all be combined into one
component equipment.

418 In multi-metering buildings or premises, the kWh-meters for all consumers shall preferably be installed
adjacent to the service intake.

kWh-meters shall not be installed within the customer's premises or at locations which do not have ready access
to the meter readers of the Secretariat for Customer Operations. All kWh-meters shall be installed prior to the
consumers means of isolation.

Where a number of kWh-meters are grouped together at one place, they shall be housed inside a suitable and
neatly manufactured and installed cabinet with hinged doors (not lockable) so as to conceal all wiring connections.

In multi-metering buildings or premises where it is impractical to group the various kWh-meters at one single
location adjacent to the service intake, kWh-meters may be grouped at different locations within the building,
provided always that such locations are ready accessible for meter readers and the approval of the Electricity
Distribution Directorate has been obtained.

419 In multi-metering buildings or premises the feeders from the service intake position to the individual
consumer’s switchgear shall always be installed in separate conduits and no conduit shall contain the feeders
to more than one consumer.

Where bus bar trunking is employed for load contribution to different floors of a multi-metering building or
premises, then the feeders from the floor distribution boards to the individual consumers switchgear shall comply
with the above requirements.

420 Sufficient and adequate working space shall be provided in the vicinity of the service intake and associated
switchgear to permit safe operation, inspection and repairs. Unless the service intake and switchgear are located in
a separate room, access to which is available at all times, it, shall be properly enclosed to prevent entry by
unauthorised persons.

421 All cables required for the connection of the consumer’s installation onto the kWh-meter of the
Electricity Distribution Directorate shall be provided by the consumer and the actual connection shall be carried out
by authorised employees of the Directorate. The current rating of the cables to be provided shall not be less than
the rating of the consumer’s switchgear.

Wherever busbar trunking is employed by the consumer all cables required between the busbar trunking, the kWh-
meter and the consumer’s switchgear shall be provided by the consumer and the connection onto the kWh-
meter shall be carried out by authorised employees of the Electricity Distribution Directorate. The current rating of
the cables to be provided shall not be less than the rating of the consumer’s switchgear.

Any switchgear installed in accordance with paragraph 409 and 411 and/or any busbar trunking employed by the
consumer shall remain the consumer’s property. The consumer shall be total responsible for maintaining such
switchgear and/or busbar trunking in good working order and the Electricity Distribution Directorate shall not be
held responsible for any discontinuance of the electricity supply due to any fault occurring in such switchgear
and/or busbar trunking. The electricity supply shall be reconnected to the consumer’s premises only after the
Electricity Distribution Directorate is satisfied that the fault in such equipment has been rectified.

In cases where electricity supply to the consumer's incoming circuit breaker is to be connected directly from a
distribution substation within the consumer's premises, the Electricity Distribution Directorate shall provide the
cables required and shall make the final connection onto the consumer's incoming circuit breaker. The consumer
or his Electrical Contractor shall supply all necessary materials to facilitate the connection of the aforesaid cables
onto the incoming circuit breaker. Details of the cables, which shall be used in each case can be provided by the
Electricity Distribution Directorate on request.
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SECTION 5:EXCESS CURRENT PROTECTION Authority

SECTION 5 02/11/2010
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501 Every phase conductor in an installation, other than an earth conductor or those exempted under clause
504 shall be protected against excess current by a fuse or circuit-breaker fitted at the origin of a circuit of which
the conductor forms a part.

27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am

502 The current rating of every fuse employed for the above purpose shall not exceed the current rating of the
conductor to be protected. Fuses shall be of a type approved by the EDD.
Total Availability Demand
3128 MW 1193 MW
503 The current rating of every circuit breaker employed for the purpose of affording excess current protection
shall be such that it will operate within 4 hours when subjected to a sustained excess of 1.45 times the rating of
the conductor to be protected.

21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am

504 Clause 501 may be omitted in the following cases:

a. Circuits in which the omission of excess current protection is necessary to prevent danger, e.g.. shunt trip Storage Availability Supplied
circuit of a circuit breaker. 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
b. Auxiliary circuits of apparatus contained entirely within the enclosure of the apparatus.

505 All fuses employed within the electrical installations shall be H.R.C. cartridge fuses. Rewireable fuses shall
not be employed.
--- Select ---

506 The rating of the excess current protective device indicated in clauses 502 and 503 above applies to the
phase conductor only and in a 3 phase, 4 wire installation, having a reduced neutral conductor, the excess current
protective device need not be related to the rating of the neutral conductor.

507 Where floor distribution boards are connected by means of tap off units from adjacent busbar trunking the
excess current protection may be located at the load end and not at the origin of the circuit provided that both are To invest in Bahrain, visit
located in the same room.

508 Each excess current protective device shall be fully suitable for withstanding the maximum short circuit
current attainable at that location.

509 The selection and ratings of excess current protective devices throughout an installation shall be so
arranged that proper discrimination is ensured during operation of these excess current protective devices.

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Home >> Rules & Regulations >> Electricity >> Electricity Regulations 15/10/2011
Announcement for Customers
of the Electricity and Water
SECTION 6: EARTHING AND EARTH LEAKAGE PROTECTION Authority

SECTION 6 02/11/2010
Electricity & Water Authority
provides free service to pay bills
EARTHING AND EARTH LEAKAGE PROTECTION
via Direct Bank Debit

601 Every consumer, who is provided with a separate service intake by the Electricity Distribution Directorate,
shall provide an adequate earth electrode immediately adjacent to the service intake. The earth electrode shall be
housed in an approved hand hole which shall be fitted with a heavy duty inspection cover. The earth electrode
shall comprise of a copper clad rod of at least 15 mm. diameter driven to a minimum depth of 3 metres. The top
of the electrode shall be provided with a corrosion resistant terminal connections. The connection of the earthing 27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
lead to the earth electrode shall be soundly made and electrically and mechanically satisfactory and suitably
labelled. Total Availability Demand
3128 MW 1193 MW
602 The overall resistance between any point on the earth installation and the general mass of the earth shall
be less than 2.0 ohm.

NOTE: In order to achieve the above value in areas of high soil resistively it may be necessary to install more than 21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
one earth electrode. Where this figure cannot be achieved, the Electricity Distribution Directorate must be
consulted
Storage Availability Supplied
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
603 Every consumer's electrical installation shall be provided with an earthing terminal which shall be located
adjacent to the consumers supply intake. Throughout the consumers electrical installation, an earth continuity
conductor of adequate size and coloured green/yellow shall be provided and connected to the earthing terminal.
The cross sectional area of copper earth continuity conductors shall be in accordance with the appropriate table in
Section 14. In mechanical plant rooms and other similar locations, flat copper tape may be employed in place of --- Select ---
stranded conductors.

604 The earthing terminal of every socket outlet shall be connected to the earth continuity conductor of the
final circuit by a conductor of adequate size.

605 At every lighting point an earth terminal shall be provided and connected to the earth continuity conductor
of the final circuit. An earth terminal connected to the earth continuity conductor of the final circuit shall be To invest in Bahrain, visit
provided at every lighting switch position unless this takes the form of an earthed metal box having a means of
fixing the switch plate in reliable electrical contact with the box.

606 Where wiring is enclosed in a continuous system of metallic conduit or trunking, such conductor trunking
may not be employed as an earth continuity conductor. The steel armouring of cables may be employed as an
earth continuity conductor provided the specified earth continuity resistances can be obtained and maintained.

607 Where the cable sheath or armouring, form a part or whole of the earth continuity conductor, the
resistance of any point in the earth continuity system to the main earth electrode shall not exceed 0.5 ohms
including the connection to the main earth electrode. Where the earth continuity conductor is composed entirely of
copper then the said resistance shall not exceed 1 ohm.

608 All metal work of wiring systems (other than current carrying parts) including cable sheaths and armour,
conduits ducts, trunking and boxes shall be connected to the appropriate earth continuity conductors. The exposed
metal work of all domestic equipment-like window air-conditioning units washing machines, refrigerators and the
like shall also be connected to appropriate earth

Continuity conductors. The exposed metal work of motors, starters and other non-domestic equipment like
package and central air-conditioning units, air handling equipment, laundry, lift machinery and the like, shall also
be effectively connected to a main earth continuity conductor which is directly connected at both ends to earth
electrodes. The connection from each piece of equipment to the main earth continuity conductor shall be by
separate branch earth continuity conductors of adequate sizes and in accordance with the appropriate table in
Section 14. Branch earth continuity conductors shall be connected to main earth continuity conductors by
permanently soldered, fusion welded or mechanically clamped joints that will not be accidentally or unwittingly
broken. The series method of earthing one piece of apparatus to another shall not be permitted except in the case
of socket outlets connected to a ring circuit and lighting points.

609 The consumers earthing terminal mentioned in clause 603 shall be connected by an earthing lead of
appropriate size to the earth electrode located adjacent to the service intake. The main earthing lead from
consumer earthing terminal to the earth electrode shall not be run through steel or other conduit or duct of
magnetic material, but shall be protected from damage by suitable sheathing which shall not completely encircle
the earth conductor, if the sheathing is of steel or other magnetic materials. No earthing lead run separately shall
 be smaller than 6 sq. mm. The size of earthing leads shall be in accordance with the appropriate table in Section
14.

610 Every consumer's installation shall in addition to the foregoing be equipped with earth leakage protection
by one or more current operated earth leakage circuit breakers to afford the protection stipulated in Clause 611 to
613.

611 The following degree of protection against earth leakage shall be provided throughout the electrical
installation.

Maximum 10 mA trip rating - for under water lighting

Maximum 30 mA trip rating - all socket outlets and domestic apparatus
Maximum 300 mA trip rating - lights, A.C., cooker without socket etc.
Preferably 300 mA and maximum 500 mA trip rating all other apparatus and equipment such as A/C plants, lifts
pumps, etc.

EXCEPTION:

1. Where an immediate disconnection of the electricity supply will cause difficulties to consumers, the EDD
may permit omission of earth leakage circuit breakers provided in each case a separate approval is
obtained and the portion of the installation so exempted is provided with an audio-visual alarm indicator.
2. For motors driving fire pumps, the provision of current operated earth leakage circuit breakers will not be
permitted and an audio visual alarm indicator shall be provided.
3. For motors over 15 HP, earth leakage protection for a group of motors will not be permitted.

612 In multi-occupancy buildings and other similar locations the operation of any current operated earth
leakage circuit breaker shall not interrupt the electricity supply from any other consumer in the same premises.

613 The neutral conductor shall not be earthed anywhere within the premises.

614 Throughout the low voltage electrical installation the earthing system shall be separated and divorced
from the earthing systems of 11 KV or higher voltage systems.
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Home >> Rules & Regulations >> Electricity >> Electricity Regulations 15/10/2011
Announcement for Customers
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SECTION 7:WIRING AND DISTRIBUIION ARRANGEMENTS Authority

SECTION 7 02/11/2010
Electricity & Water Authority
provides free service to pay bills
WIRING AND DISTRIBUIION ARRANGEMENTS
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700 WIRES AND CABLES

700-1 Every cable for use as fixed wiring shall be selected from one of the following types:
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
i. 600/1000 Volts multi-core PVC insulated and PVC sheathed armoured and unarmoured cables.
ii. 600/1000 Volts multi-core XLPE insulated PVC sheathed armoured and unarmoured cables.
Total Availability Demand
iii. 450/750 Volts single core PVC insulated cables.
3128 MW 1193 MW
iv. 450/750 Volts single core PVC insulated and sheathed cables.
v. 450/750 Volts Twin core and earth PVC insulated and sheathed cables.
vi. 600/1000 Volts single core PVC or XLPE insulated and non-magnetic armoured cables.
vii. 600/1000 Volts mineral insulated cables.
viii. 600/1000 Volts multicore silicone rubber insulated hard grade PVC sheath bonded to coated aluminium 21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
fort cable with fire resistance and fire retardant properties.
ix. Other cables subject to the approval of Electricity Distribution Directorate.
Storage Availability Supplied
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
All cables shall have conductors of plain annealed copper. The PVC insulation employed shall be suitable for the
site conditions.

700-2 The maximum permissible drop in voltage from the consumer’s terminal to any point in his
installation shall not exceed 2.5 % of the nominal voltage when the conductors are carrying full load current (6 --- Select ---
volts for 1 phase and 10 volts for 3 phase systems).

700-3 Sizes of single core and multi-core cables shall be such that current carried by them shall not exceed
those shown in the appropriate tables in Section 12.

700-4 Cables shall not generally be connected in parallel except where for a particular loading, a single
cable is insufficient and it is not practical to employ bus bar trunking. In such situations single core or multicore To invest in Bahrain, visit
cables may be connected in parallel provided that the cables are of the same type, size and length to ensure
proper division of the current.

700-5 Identification of wires and cables

a. Single core, PVC insulated, non-armoured cables used for wiring shall be identified by the following colours

Phase : Red / Yellow / Blue

Neutral : Black
Earth : Green/Yellow

b. The conductors of multi-core PVC insulated and nonarmoured cables shall be identified by the following
colours

Two-core cable : Red, Black

Three-core cable : Red, Yellow, Blue or Red, Black, Green/Yellow
Four-core cable : Red, Yellow, Blue and Black

c. All wires or conductor to the neutral of the supply shall have "BLACK" outer layer of insulation and shall
not be used as phase conductor. Similarly, Green/Yellow coloured wires or conductors of cables shall be
used as "EARTH" conductor only.

700-6 All Conductors and cables shall be adequately protected against any risk of mechanical damage to
which they may be liable in normal conditions of service.

700-7 Cables shall not be run in a life shaft unless they form a part of the lift installation. Cables of lift
installations other than travelling cables in such a shaft shall be protected from mechanical damage and shall be
armoured or mineral insulated cables or enclosed in metal conduits.

700-8 The different cables specified in Clause 700.1 shall be installed in the manner indicated below:
 a. Multi-core PVC or XLPE insulated armouredd and, PVC sheathed cables may be directly buried in the
ground, laid in trenches and trays or drawn through ducts. The maximum current carried by any cable will
depend upon the worst conditions of installation.
b. Multi-core PVC or XLPE insulated, non-armoured and PVC sheathed cables may be installed in cable trays
and in trenches or fixed to the walls by cleats. These cables shall only be installed at locations where they
will not be damaged.
c. Single core PVC insulated cables shall only be run in conduits or in trunking.
d. Twin core and earth PVC insulated and PVC sheathed cables may be run on wooden battens fixed to the
walls or may be installed within metallic partitions provided always that they are not liable to damage.
e. Mineral insulated cables may be installed at locations where flame-proof installations are necessary or at
locations of high temperature and elsewhere as required.
NOTE: The ends of mineral insulated metal sheathed cables shall be protected from moisture by being
suitably sealed and the installation shall be thoroughly dry before the sealing material is applied. Such
sealing material and any material used to insulate the conductors where they emerge from the insulation,
shall have adequate insulating and moisture-proofing properties, and shall retain these properties
throughout the range of temperatures to which the cables is subject in service.
f. Multi-core silicone rubber insulated PVC sheath bonded to coated aluminium foil cable with fire resistant
and retardant properties may be employed where flame proof installations are necessary, or at locations of
high temperature or for emergency and fire alarms circuits and elsewhere as required.
g. Single core PVC or XLPE insulated and non-armoured cables may be installed in cable trays, trenches and
ducts or fitted to the walls by cleats. At all locations they shall be protected from damage.
h. Single core PVC or XLPE insulated and non-magnetic armoured cables may be installed in cable trays,
trenches and ducts or fitted to the walls by cleats. At all locations they shall be protected from mechanical
damage.

705 FLEXIBLE CORDS AND CABLES

705-1 No size smaller than 16/0.2mm (0.5 mm²‫ آ‬shall be used. Size of flexible cords and cables shall be such
that the current normally carried by them shall not exceed the values shown in the appropriate table in Section 14.

705-2 Where apparatus requires to be earthed, flexible with earth core shall be used.

705-3 Flexible cords and cables shall be so connected to plugs or ceiling roses, etc., that the Brown or Black
sheathed conductor is connected to the phase, the Blue sheathed conductor to the neutral and the Green/Yellow
conductor to the earth.

705-4 Flexible cables and cords shall be so connected to portable or fixed apparatus, standard lamps, etc.,
that the green/yellow conductor is connected to the frame of the apparatus and any single pole switches are so
connected that they break the phase conductor to the apparatus.

705-5 In all situations where flexible cables and cords are exposed to the risk of mechanical damage, they
shall as a minimum be of a type sheathed with rubber or PVC and where necessary shall also be armoured.

705-6 Where flexible cables and cords are normally exposed to the risk of damage due to high temperatures,
they shall be insulated with silicone rubber or other approved insulating materials.

705-7 Connections of flexible cords and cables to terminals of apparatus and accessories shall be made in a
similar manner to those of cables.

705-8 The current carrying capacities of flexible cables and cords and the maximum weight that they may
carry shall not exceed the values given in the appropriate table in Section 14.

705-9 All flexible cables and cords shall have the following identifications:

a. Two core : Brown………………..Phase

Blue………………..…Neutral
b. Three core : Brown or Black………Phase
B
Blue………………….Neutral
Green/'Yellow……..…Earth
c. Four or Five core : Brown………………..Phase
Blue………………….Neutral
Green/Yellow…..…….Earth

705-10 Flexible cables and cords shall be used only for the following purposes

a. As pendants
b. As wiring of fixtures
c. As connection of portable lamps or apparatus
d. As lift travelling cables.
NOTE: In other special situation flexible cable may be employed after the prior approval of the EDD.

710 JOINTS, CONNECTIONS AND TERMINATIONS

710-1 Joints shall be avoided in conductors of all sizes wherever possible, and in final circuits feeding two or
more lights, switches, sockets and/or other accessories, the loop-in system of wiring shall be employed.

710-2 Where joints are essential, they shall be housed in purpose made boxes and/or otherwise readily
accessible for inspection throughout the life of the installation. Under no circumstances shall joints be drawn into
conduits or positioned in the thickness of walls, ceiling or floor, etc., or behind plaster, tile or panel finishes etc.

710-3 Joints in cable conductors shall be mechanically and electrically sound and shall be made by soldering,
brazing, welding or mechanical clamps or be of the compression type. All mechanical clamps and compression type
sockets shall securely retain all the wires of the conductors.

710-4 Every joint in a cable shall be provided with insulation not less effective than that of the cable cores and
shall be protected against moisture and against mechanical damage. Soldering fluxes which remain acidic or
corrosive at the completion of the soldering operation shall not be used.

710-5 Joints in earth continuity conductors, earth leads, etc., shall be made in a similar manner to those in
current carrying conductors.

710-6 Joints in flexible cables and cords shall not be permitted.

710-7 All terminations of cable conductors shall be mechanically and electrically sound and every termination
shall be made by means of a terminal, soldering socket or compression type of socket. The termination
arrangement shall contain and anchor all the wires of the conductor and shall not impose any serious mechanical
strain on the terminal or socket.

710-8 At all terminations of cables, the insulation shall be neatly stripped without nicking the strands of the
conductor. The conductor shall be tightly twisted and doubled backed (where space is available in the terminal)
before being clamped with pinching screws. Where two or more sables are looped into the same terminal, their
conductors shall be tightly twisted together before being inserted into the terminal. In no case shall bare
conductor be allowed to project beyond any insulated shrouding or mounting of a live terminal.

710-9 At all terminations of wires and cables, sweating sockets or cable lugs shall be used unless adequate
pinching screw terminals or clamps are provided and their use approved by the Engineer. In all such cases, the
cable ends shall be tinned solid. Such lugs and sockets shall be connected in a manner that they are and with
remain both mechanically and electrically sound and efficient. Only acid-free soldering fluxes shall be used. Any
insulation and/or protective covering on the cables damaged by heat of the soldering shall be replaced by suitable
and approved insulating sleeves.

715 BUNCHING AND SEGREGATION OF CONDUCTORS

715-1 Where conductors or bunches of conductors are protected by metallic sheathing, installed in metallic
conduits trunking or ducts, the conductors of an phases and neutral, associated with any one circuit, shall be
included in the same sheath, conduit, trunking or duct.

715-2 Where conductors pass through the metallic case of any switch, fuse, distribution board or other
apparatus, or through any structural steel of any building, etc., an phase conductors and the neutral associated
with any circuit shall pass through the same hole or aperture.

715-3 The dividing of the conductors of any circuit in such a manner that they induce magnetic fluxes or
electrical currents in their sheathing or adjacent or surrounding metal of any sort shall not be permitted.

715-4 Where 230 volt loads are fed from a three phase and neutral distribution board no multi-gang switch
or socket outlet box shag contain the wiring fed from more than one phase.

715-5 Not more than three lighting circuits or two socket circuits shall be bunched in the same conduit.

715-6 Where circuits are bunched proceeding from the distribution board and have separated they shall not
be brought back again into any common conduit.

715-7 Circuits fed from distinct sources of supply different distribution boards or through separate isolators
shall not be bunched in one conduit.

720 RIGID METALLIC CONDUITS

720-1 The use of rigid metallic conduits shall be permitted for general electrical installation provided that it
is from heavy gauge steel and hot-dip galvanized inside and outside. Black enamelled steel conduits shall not be
used for electrical installation. All metallic conduits shall be screwed typed.

720-2 The metallic conduit and its accessories shall form a continuous metallic sheath of adequate strength
surrounding the cables throughout the length of the conduit.

720-3 Metallic conduits shall not be run under floor tiles of buildings.

720-4 The bores of all conduits shall be smooth and free from projections and/or edges which may injure
the wires or prevent them being drawn in. The internal edges of the end of all lengths of conduit shall be reduced
or chamferred before assembling into position.

720-5 All runs of conduit shall be assembled complete with all necessary accessories and the whole firmly
attached to the structure of the building before any wires are drawn in. All wires shall be drawn through the covers
of inspection and other fittings installed for the purpose.

720-6 All threads, vice marks, tool marks and breaks in the protective coating on metallic conduit and
conduit fittings shall be painted with a steel preserving paint immediately after erect ion.

720-7 No run of conduit shall exceed 10 metres between adjacent draw-in points, nor shall contain more
than two right angle bends, set or other deviation from the straight line.

720-8 Inspection couplings or long through draw-in boxes shall be used where necessary in straight runs of
conduits for drawn-in purposes and shall be placed so that cables can be inspected and if necessary withdrawn
throughout the life of installation.

720-9 Where conduit and/or conduit fittings are attached to switches, distribution boards, boxes or other
equipment, smooth bore male brass bushes and flanged couplings shall be used.

720-10 Circular or hexagonal heavy locknuts shall be used at all positions where running joints are required
and great care shall be taken to see that they seat firmly and evenly into mating faces of couplings or other
adjacent accessories.

720-11 Where exposed to water, rain or weather, all covers shall be arranged or fitted with machined joints
and/or fitted with durable gaskets such that water cannot get inside

720-12 All runs of conduits shall be truly vertical or horizontal except where the architectural features of the
building demand otherwise.

720-13 Except where provision is made for fastening a box or other conduit fitting directly to the structure
of the buildings and such fastening is made, conduit shall be saddled to the structure of the building within 15
cms. of each terminal box, angle box, bend or other conduit fitting and at intervals not greater than 1.5 m.
Couplings and through type drawing boxes shall be counted as part of a straight run of conduit.

720-14 All boxes, bends and other accessories shall be of the same material as the conduit and shall have
the same protective coatings. Grey cast iron boxes etc. may be used with metallic conduit, but shall be finished in
the same manner as the conduit to which they are directly attached.

720-15 The number of single core PVC insulated non-sheathed cables run in metallic conduit shall be such
as to permit easy drawing of the cables. The actual number of cables drawn into any conduit shall not be greater
than the number given in the appropriate table in Section 14. Where different sizes of cables are drawn into a
conduit, the number and sizes of cables installed shall be selected in accordance with the method detailed in
Section 14.

720-16 Metallic conduits system must be provided with a separate insulated earth wire and the conduit itself
may not be considered as the earthing system. All joints shall be made mechanically and electrically continuous.

720-17 The minimum size of metallic conduit that may be used in electrical installations shall be 16 mm
diameter. Other sizes of conduits shall be limited to the following diameters 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 nun, 38 mm and
50 mm.

725 RIGID NON-METALLIC CONDUITS

725-1 Rigid non-metallic conduits may be employed in general electrical installations provided it is made
from polyvinyl chloride or equivalent material that bas been certified as suitable for use at ambient temperatures
upto 55‫آ‬°C. Additionally the material shall not soften or suffer any structural degradation at a temperature of ‫آ‬85°
C, shall be non-hygroscopic, and self-extinguishing type.

NOTE: Rigid non-metallic conduits shall not be used at locations where they will be subjected to mechanical
damage.

725-2 The inside and out side surfaces of non-metallic conduits shall be smooth and fresh from burrs and
similar defects. The interior and ends of conduit fittings shall have no sharp edges and corners, shall be smooth
and well rounded to permit easy drawing in of cable and prevent any damages to cable insulation.

725-3 The entries of non-metallic conduit fittings shall be so designed that are liable water tight joint can
be made between the conduit and fittings. Vinyl cement shall be used to make all joints. A vinyl solvent shall be
used for permanent joints and a cement of the type that shall continue to remain in a sticky condition shall be
used for expansion couplers.

725-4 Rigid non-metallic conduits shall be so constructed that it will be possible to bend the conduit easily
with the aid of bending spring and all conduits and conduit fittings shall be of the unthreaded type.

725-5 The minimum size of rigid non-metallic conduit used for general electrical installation shall be 16
mm diameter. Other sizes of rigid non-metallic conduits shall be of the following diameters

20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm and 50mm

725-6 The number of single core PVC insulated non-sheathed cables run in one conduit shall be such that
it permits easy drawing of the cables. The actual number of cables drawn into any conduit shall not be greater
than the number given in the appropriate table in Section 14. Where different sizes of cables are drawn into a
conduit, the number and sizes of cables installed shall be selected in accordance with the method detailed in
Section 14.

NOTE: Where a number of cables are bunched in one conduit, the current carrying capacity of the cables shall be
reduced by using the stipulated grouping factor. For full details, refer to section 14.

725-7 A separate insulated earth wire shall be drawn into all rigid non-metallic conduits.

725-8 Rigid non-metallic conduits shall be installed generally in accordance with the requirements set out
for metallic conduits. Additionally the method of supporting rigid non-metallic conduit shall allow for the
longitudinal expansion and contraction of the conduits.

725-9 Where a lighting fittings is suspended from a non-metallic conduit box, care shall be taken to ensure
that the temperature of the box does not exceed the permitted safe temperature of the material and is fitted with
screwed metal insert clips. The mass suspended from the box shall not exceed 2 kgs.

730 CABLE TRAYS

730-1 Cable trays may be employed in warehouses and other industrial buildings for supporting cables. In
residential and commercial buildings cable trays may be employed in mechanical equipment and plant rooms.
Where service floors or similar facilities are available cable trays may be employed at other locations in commercial
and residential buildings also.

730-2 Cable tray system shall comprise of a unit or assembly of units or sections, and associated fittings,
made of metal or other non-combustible materials forming a rigid structural system. Cable tray systems include
ladders, troughs, channels and solid bottom trays.

730-3 Multi-core armoured or non-armoured cables may be supported by cable trays. Single core
insulated and sheathed cables may also be installed in cable trays.

730-4 Cable trays shall not be used in lift shafts or at locations where they will be subjected to severe
physical damage.

730-5 Cable trays shall have adequate strength and rigidity to provide satisfactory support for the cables
contained within it. All sharp edges, burrs and projections shall be removed and the tray shall be finished smooth
to prevent injury to cables.

730-6 Metallic cable trays shall be adequately protected against corrosion by galvanishing or shall be made
of corrosion resistant material.

730-7 Non-metallic cable trays shall be made from polyvinyl-chloride or equivalent and shall be fully
suitable for continuous service in the climatic conditions of Bahrain.

Note: PVC used in cable trays shall comply with the requirements of Clause 725.

730-8 All cable trays shall be equipped with sides of adequate dimensions. All fittings bends, tees,
employed shall be completed before the installation of cables.

730-9 Cable trays shall be installed as complete system with bends and other accessories. Each run of
cable tray shall be completed before the installation of cables.

730-10 Adequate supports shall be provided to prevent stress on cables where they enter or leave the tray.
Where cable trays extend transversely through partitions and walls additional protection in the form of non-
combustible covers shall be used.

730-11 Sufficient space shall be provided and maintained around cable trays to permit adequate access for
installing and maintaining the cables.

730-12 The number of multi-core cables that may, be installed in a ventilated or solid bottom cable tray shall
not be greater than the number given in the appropriate table in Section 14.

Note: Where a number of cables are installed in a cable tray the current carrying capacity of the cables shall be
reduced by using the stipulated grouping factor. For full details, refer to Section 14.

730-13 Metallic cable trays shall not be used as an earth continuity conductor.

735 CABLE TRUNKING

735-1 Cable trunking may be employed for housing single core cables at special location where it is difficult
to install conduits. They may be of metallic or non-metallic construction. Non-metallic cable trunking shall be
constructed from non-combustible insulating material like polyvinyl-chloride which shall be fully suitable for use in
the climatic conditions and shall comply with the requirements of Clause 725. Metallic cable trunking shall be
adequately protected against corrosion by galvanising or shall be made of corrosion resistant material or stove
enamelled. All cable trunking shall be provided with removable covers.

735-2 Cable trunking shall generally be run exposed and the trunking shall be completely erected before
drawing in the cables. Where adequate means of access is readily available throughout its length, cable trunking
may be concealed.

735-3 Every entry to trunking shall be so placed as to prevent the ingress of water and all deadends shall
be closed. Only unbroken lengths of trunking shall be employed for crossing positions and walls.

735-4 Where a common cable trunking is employed for housing both power and communication circuits, or
for housing circuits operating at different voltages, the trunking shall be provided with separate compartments for
the different types of circuits.

735-5 Cable trunking shall be manufactured from substantial sections to provide adequate strength and
rigidity. AR sharp edges, burrs and other projections shall be removed and the trunking finished smooth to prevent
injury to cables.

735-6 All bends, tees and other accessories of cable trunking shall be substantial sections and of the same
quality as the trunking itself.

Note: Where a number of cables are bunched in trunking the current carrying capacity of the cables shall be
reduced by using the stipulated grouping factor. For full details, refer to Section 14.

735-7 Cable trunking shall be securely supported every metre, when run exposed.

735-8 The number of single core cables that may be housed in a trunking shall be such that a space factor
of 45 percent is not exceed or shall be selected in accordance with the method detailed in Section 14.

735-9 Metallic trunking shall be provided with a separate insulated earth wire. The trunking itself may not
be considered as the earthing system. All joints shall be made mechanically and electrically continuous. The
different sections of the trunking shall be bonded by copper links.

735-10 Non-metallic trunking shall be provided with an insulated earth wire for each circuit.
740 FLEXIBLE CONDUITS

740-1 Flexible conduits may be employed for connecting electric motors and other equipment subject to
adjustment of position and vibration to the fixed wiring and at similar positions.

740-2 Flexible conduits may be of the metallic or non-metallic type. Flexible conduits shall not be used as
the sole means of providing earth continuity and in both type of flexible conduit separate earth continuity
conductor of appropriate size shall be provided.

740-3 In damp and wet locations all flexible conduits shall be of the type that prevent the ingress of water
and moisture.

740-4 Flexible conduits shall be run exposed and shall be so positioned that they are not susceptible to
mechanical damage. Where necessary flexible conduits shall be adequately supported.

745 BUS BAR TRUNKING

745-1 Busbar trunking may be employed as horizontal feeders from mains switch board to submain switch
boards and as risers to the different floor distribution boards. The bus bars shall be totally enclosed in metallic
housing of substantial construction and of adequate strength to withstand the electro-mechanical forces that may
be induced by the prospective short circuit current.

745-2 All bus bar trunking shall be so designed and arranged that they are free to expand and contract
without detriment to themselves or to adjacent parts of the installation. All dead ends of bus bar trunking shall be
closed. Fire barriers shall be provided at each floor level.

745-3 All bus bar trunking shall be surface mounted and so installed that they are inaccessible to
unauthorised persons. They shall be securely supported and only unbroken lengths shall be permitted at floor
crossings. Bus bar trunking shall not be installed in lift shafts.

745-4 No branch connections shall be permitted except through tap off units. Tap off units shall incorporate
the required excess current protective devices.

Note: Clause 5O7 allows omission of excess current protection if floor distribution board is in the same room.

745-5 All bus bars employed in bus bar trunking shall be of high conductivity copper supported on
adequately rated and sized insulators.

750 FINAL CIRCUITS

750-1 Each final circuit shall be connected to a separate way of a distribution board, a consumer service
unit or a splitter switch.

750-2 The wiring of each final circuit shall be electrically separate from that of every other final circuit and
each circuit shall be provide with its own separate neutral.

EXCEPTION: In ware-houses, factories, workshops, hangars and other larger areas where it is desirable to
connect adjacent lights to different phase of the supply, it is permissible to employ a three phase and neutral
circuit comprising of 4-wires as a final circuit provided the circuit is controlled by at triple pole breaker in the
distribution board.

750-3 Final circuit having a rating exceeding l5/16 amperes shall not supply more than one point.

EXCEPTION:

1. 13 ampere socket outlets connected to a radial or a ring circuit as per Clause750.10 and 750.11.
2. Two or more 30/32 ampere socket outlets feeding portable x-ray or welding equipment etc., may be
connected to one final circuit and protected by a maximum 30/32 ampere fuse or circuit breaker provided
it is ascertained that the maximum load on the circuit will not exceed 30/32 ampere and the circuit wiring
is rated as minimum for this current.
3. Two or more 60/63 ampere socket outlets feeding portable x-ray or welding equipment, etc., may be
connected to one final circuit and protected by a maximum 60/63 ampere fuse or circuit breaker provided
it is confirmed that the maximum demand on the circuit will not exceed 60/63 amperes and the circuit
wiring is rated as minimum for this rating.
4. A cooker control unit incorporating a socket outlet or a lighting track system in which individual luminaries
are suitably protected against excess current.

750-4 No cable with a conductor smaller than 1.5 mm²‫ آ‬shall be used as a final circuit.

750-5 A l.5 mm²‫ آ‬cable may be employed as a final circuit for supplying lighting points and protected by a
fuse or circuit breaker of 10 amps rating providing the circuit loading is limited to 2000 VA.

Note: Circuits for discharge lamps including fluorescent lamps shall be designed to carry total steady current viz,
that of the lamp and any associated control gear and also their harmonic current. Where more exact information is
not available, the demand in voltamperes may be taken for the purpose of this regulation as the rated lamp watts
multiplied by no less than 1.8. This multiplier is based on the assumption that the circuit is corrected to a power
factor of 0.85 lagging as required per Clause 313 and also takes into account control gear losses and harmonic
current.

750-6 Cables with conductor of 2.5 mm²‫ آ‬or greater may also be employed for supplying points where large
distances or high wattage fittings are involved.

750-7 Two socket outlets of 13 amps rating may be connected to a single phase and neutral circuit wired
with 2.5 mm²‫ آ‬cable, protected by a fuse or circuit breaker of rating not exceeding 15/16 amps.
750-8 One socket outlets of 15/16 amps rating may be connected to a single phase and neutral circuit wired
with 2.5 mm²‫ آ‬cable, protected by a fuse or circuit breaker of rating not exceeding 15/16 amps.

750-9 Six socket outlets of 13 amps rating may be connected to a single phase and neutral circuit wired with
2.5 mm²‫ آ‬cable, protected by a fuse or circuit breaker of rating not exceeding 15/16 amps, serving one room only
of less than 50 sq. metres floor area which is not a kitchen, provided that no fixed water heater or window air
conditioning unit shall be connected to any of those points.

750-10 Six socket outlets of 13 amps, rating may be connected to a single phase and neutral circuit wired
with 4 mm²‫ آ‬cable, protected by a circuit breaker of rating not exceeding 25 amps, provided that the total
connected load of the circuit does not exceed 5 KVA.

750-11 Ten socket outlets of 13 amps rating may be connected to a single phase and neutral ring circuit
subject to the following provisions.

1. The circuit shall consist of a ring of 2.5 mm²‫ آ‬cable looped from one socket to the next throughout the
circuit and from the last socket back to the distribution board. Except in the case of the sockets connected
on a spur as indicated in a sub-clause 5, not more than two conductors shall be connected into one
terminal of any socket. No joints shall be permited in any box housing a socket.
2. The circuit shall be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker of rating not exceeding 30/32 Amps.
3. Ring circuit shall not be used where there is any likelihood of the total connected load of the circuit
exceeding 7 KVA.
4. In special situations not more than two sockets may be connected as spur from the ring.
5. A diagram illustrating the ring circuit appear as an appendix to this Regulations.

750-12 All wire sizes indicated in sub-clause 750.4 to 750.11 inclusive, relate to PVC insulated cables run as
single circuits viz., without assuming any grouping factor. Where mineral insulated cables or cables with other
insulating materials are employed for final circuits, the wire sizes stipulated in the above sub-clauses may be
appropriately reduced and wire sizes having the same current rating as those specified for PVC insulated cables
may be employed.

750-13 Where two, socket outlets are housed in one common box, this will be considered as one outlet only
for purposes of interpreting sub-clauses 750.7 to 750.11 both inclusive.

750-14 All single phase socket outlets in any one room shall normally be connected to the same phase of the
supply. In larger rooms and other areas, socket outlets connected to any one phase are grouped together and no
two socket outlets connected to different phases of the supply are less than 2 metres apart.

EXCEPTION: Where an under-floor ducting system is employed the minimum distance between any two outlets to
different phases of the supply may be further reduced to 1.2 metres.

750-15 Fixed window type air conditioning units, and other fixed equipment like water heaters, shall be
connected to the circuit only by means of a switch, fuse or circuit breaker.

750-16 A shaver outlet provided with a double wound isolating transformer may be connected to a lighting
circuit.

750-17 For all other final circuits the size of cable employed shall be suitable for the load connected and no
diversity shall be allowed . Section 14 provides a detailed method of selecting circuit sizes and the excess current
protective device to be employed, which shall be adhered to for all circuits.

755 WIRING ACCESSORIES - LOCAL SWITCHES

755-1 All local switches shall be of adequate capacity. For outdoor use switches shall be water-tight and
metal-clad, Switches not designed to break an inductive load of its full rated capacity if used to control discharge
lighting circuits shall have a current rating of not less than twice the total steady current which it is required to
carry.

755-2 Normally all local switches shall be mounted with the dolies between 1.0 m and 1.5 m above the
finished floor level. Where several switches are mounted in two or more horizontal rows, the lowest row shall have
dollies at least. 1.0 m above the finished floor level. Unless prevented by the swing of the door, all switches shall
be mounted inside the room on the side of the door where the catch or lock is situated the nearest switches being
approximately 15 cms. from the door frame. The switch nearest the door shall control one or more of the principal
lights of the room. In large rooms where groups of switches are employed the switching arrangement shall be
carried out in a symmetrical manner.

755-3 In kitchens and other situations excepting bath rooms, where water is regularly used, no switch shall
be mounted within two metres of any tap, basin, sink or metal drainage board.

755-4 In bath rooms all switches shall be of the ceiling mounted cord operated type if located inside.
Otherwise, switches shall be located in an accessible position outside the bath room and immediately adjacent to
the door.

755-5 All one way switches both single and double pole shall be so mounted that the dolly is up when the
switch is in the "OFF" position. All single pole switches shall be so connected that they control the phase lead to
the light or other consuming device.

760 WIRING ACCESSORIES - SOCKER OUTLETS AND PLUGS

760-1 Socket outlets shall be of the 13 Amps, 3 pin type or 15/16 amps, 3 pin round pin type with
shuttered line sockets. The earth contacts of each socket shall be effectively connected to the earth continuity
conductor and the phase and neutral shall be connected to the correct sockets. When viewed from the front in its
final mounted position, earth socket shall be at the top, the neutral socket shall be below to the left and the phase
socket shall below to the right.
760-2 No socket outlets shall be mounted in any bath room except for shaver socket outlet.

760-3 No socket outlet shall be mounted within two metres of any tap sink, basin in any kitchen, clockroom,
etc., without the special approval of the Engineer in each case. Except where otherwise specified, all socket outlets
shall be mounted 30 cm above the floor or work bench where bench apparatus specified will be used. Socket
outlets shall not be mounted at locations where they are liable to come into physical contact with fabrics or other
material that may catch fire due to transmission of heat.

760-4 Socket outlets and plugs for use on more than one phase shall include a pin or other approved
contact for the earth continuity connection which shall make contact before and break contact after all the phase
connections and the neutral connections where such is fitted.

Where a pin for the neutral conductor is fitted it shall make contact not later than and break contact not earlier
than all the pins for the phase conductors. The design of the socket and plug shall be such that the plug cannot be
inserted in such a manner that the neutral and any phase conductors become wrongly connected to the supply.

760-5 All 3 phase socket outlets shall be combined with switch so interlocked with the plug that the plug
cannot be withdrawn or inserted with the switch in the "ON" position.

765 WIRING ACCESSORIIES-JUNCTION BOXES AND FUSED SPUR BOXES

765-1 Junction boxes shall be complete with a terminal block suitable for connecting up to 10 mm 3 core
copper conductor cables and an all-insulated moulded cover plate. The cover plate shall permit easy connection of
outgoing cable.

765-2 Fused spur-box shall be unswitched type equipped with fuse base and carrier and 13 amps, fuse link
fully shrouded to permit safe replacement of fuse. The terminal shall accommodate 3 core, 4 mm²‫ آ‬copper
conductor cables.

770 WIRING ACCESSORIES - LAMP HOLDERS

770-1 All lamp holders shall preferably be of the all-insulated pattern and if not separately and firmly
attached to a bracket, conduit or block shall have a substantial cord grip with the flexible wire so connected that
no pull due to the weight of the holder, lamp shade or fitting or pull on the flexible can be transmitted to the
connections of the conductors to the terminals.

770-2 All batten, back-plate or thread mounted lamp holder shall be free from edges or other projections
which might damage the wiring.

770-3 In bath room, kitchen and other places where water is regularly used, no lamp holder less than 2.5
metres from the floor shall be within 2 metres of any taps, bath, basin or sink, unless it and the lamp are totally
enclosed in. a fitting of all insulated construction and the lamp-holder is of the heavy duty porcelain type. Such
fitting shall not be of the type which is suspended by the flexible cord, but shall be permanently mounted on the
wall or otherwise supported independently of the current carrying conductors.

770-4 All lamp-holders of the screw cap lamps shall be so connected that the contact formed by the screw
cap is connected to the neutral conductor.

775 WIRING ACCESSORIES - CEILING ROSES

775-1 All flexible cords and cables not connected to the supply by plug and socket shall be connected by
means of insulated ceiling roses. Where the flexible cord or cable contains an earth continuity conductor, the
ceiling rose shall be of the three or four plate type with the following terminals

For three plate : Two + Earth (Phase, Neutral and Earth)

For four plate: Two + Loop-in + Earth (Phase, loop-in, neutral and Earth)

The terminals shall be clearly marked for identification by letters stamped or cast into material of which the ceiling
rose is made.

775-2 Ceiling roses shall be securely fixed to the structure of the building and shall not hang on or strain
any wires feeding them. Flexible shall be securely anchored so that no pull from them can be transmitted to the
conductor connections.

775-3 Where flexible cables supplying water heaters or other fixed apparatus are too large to be connected
by a ceiling rose, a suitable heavy duty junction box may be used instead. In all cases the flexible cable shall be so
arranged and secured that any pull on the cable shall be transmitted directly to the structure of the box and not to
any current carrying or earth continuity connections.

780 WIRING ACCESSORIES - MOUNTING BLOCKS & BOXES

780-1 Where conduits are run on the surface of walls of the building, all branch switches, sockets, ceiling
roses, etc., shall be mounted on purpose made galvanized, P.V.C. or equivalent boxes specially designed for
surface installation. All such boxes shall be securely fixed to the structure of the building in such a manner that
they cannot rotate or rock throughout the life of the installation.

780-2 Where conduits are run buried in walls of the building, all branch switches, sockets, ceiling roses,
etc., shall be housed in purpose made galvanised, PVC or equivalent boxes and all switch plates, socket plates and
accessories shall be installed flush with the plaster.

785 SWITCHES AND ISOLATORS

785-1 All switches and isolators shall be of the load break type, of adequate size and robust construction.
 They shall be completely enclosed in a heavy gauge rust-proofed sheet steel or all insulated housing with the
cover interlocked with the operating handle in such a manner that the cover cannot be opened whilst the switch is
in the 'ON' position.

785-2 Double pole switches shall break phase and, neutral conductors simultaneously. Switches controlling
more than one phase shall not break the neutral conductor but shall break all phases simultaneously

EXCEPTION: 4 pole c.o.e.l.c.b's used as isolators in distribution boards may break the neutral conductor also.

785-3 Where fuses are also incorporated within the same housing as the switch, the fuses shall be so
connected that the fuses are not alive when the switch is in the â€‫ک‬OFF’ position. No fuse shall be inserted in
the neutral conductor.

785-4 No switch shall be mounted in such a position that it can be touched by any person at the same
time as any water taps, basins, sinks, metal drainage boards etc. The minimum clearance from any of the above
plumbing fitting shall be two metres. Switches shall not be installed in any room containing a bath or shower bath
or shower unless they are of the cord operated ceiling type.

790 DISTRIBUTION BOARDS

790-1 Distribution boards shall be housed in purpose made heavy gauge, rust-proofed sheet steel housing.
The distribution boards shall be so installed that its top does not exceed 185 cms from finished floor level.
Alternatively they may be housed in non-metallic enclosures provided the material employed is fully suitable for
use in the climatic conditions and has the required insulation level.

790-2 Distribution boards having fuses or circuit breakers in the phase lead only shall not be controlled by
any other switch having a fuse or circuit breaker in the neutral lead.

790-3 Each distribution board shall have a circuit schedule pasted or otherwise permanently fixed inside
the cover or adjacent to the board stating what each way controls and the size or rating of the fuse or circuit
breakers to be used. All such schedules shall be in both Arabic and English.

790-4 Where multi-phase circuits are connected to a distribution board, the corresponding fuse or circuit
breaker in each phase shall control the same circuit.

790-5 Each phase of every distribution board shall have an adequate busbar of high conductivity
electrolytic copper to distribute the electricity to the various circuit fuses or circuit breaker. Such busbar shall be
provided with an adequate terminal or clamp to take the incoming main conductor.

795 UNDERFLOOR DUCTS

795-1 The installation of underfloor ducts shall be permitted beneath the surface of concrete or other
flooring material.

795-2 Under floor ducts shall not be installed at locations which are regularly washed or where they are
subject to corrosive vapours. In hazardous locations under floor ducts shall not be employed.

795-3 Unless adequate protection against corrosion is provided, metal underfloor ducts, junction boxes and
fittings shall not be installed in concrete. Metallic and non-metallic underfloor ducts shall be of substantial
construction.

795-4 All underfloor ducts shall be laid in straight lines and junction boxes shall be installed at all changes
in direction. All junction boxes shall be levelled to the floor. Dead ends of all ducts shall be closed.

795-5 Underfloor ducts shall be provided with tap off position for outlets at regular spacing.

795-6 Throughout the underfloor duct system joints in conductors shall not be employed.

795-7 The combined cross sectional area of all conductors installed within the duct shall not exceed 40
percent of the interior cross sectional area of the duct or the duct size shall be selected in accordance with the
method detailed in Section 14.

795-8 Where underfloor ducts serve more than one service as telephones, intercoms, etc. in addition to
socket outlets, multi-sectioned ducts shall be provided and each service shall be housed in a separate duct. Outlet
boxes serving-different services and installed within the same box shall be provided with suitable separators.
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Announcement for Customers
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SECTION 8:ELECTRIC MOTORS, MOTOR CIRCUITS AND CONTROLLERS Authority

SECTION 8 02/11/2010
Electricity & Water Authority
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ELECTRIC MOTORS, MOTOR CIRCUITS AND CONTROLLERS
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801 All motors shall generally be totally enclosed, fan-cooled Other types of enclosures may be employed
provided that they are suitable for the particular application.

802 All motors, control gears and all ancillary apparatus (e.g. remote push buttons, pressure, float or limit
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
switches, interlocks, relays, etc.) shall be of robust construction and shall have all windings, contacts and all
current carrying live parts and components insulated with suitable materials. For certain applications and locations
other superior classes of insulating materials may be applicable, and each situation shall be carefully studied in Total Availability Demand
order to ensure that the temperature rise of the motor as declared by the manufacturer + ambient temperature is 3128 MW 1193 MW
at least 10‫آ‬°C below the maximum operating temperature of the insulating material used.

NOTES:
21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
1. The ambient temperatures in plant rooms should be taken as 55‫آ‬°C.
2. In all cases where the motors depend totally on the outside air for cooling whether by natural ventilation Storage Availability Supplied
or by mechanical ventilation of the motor room, the entering cooling air temperature shall be taken as not 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
less than 48‫آ‬°C for the purpose of calculating the amount of ventilating air.

803 Motors and their control gears shall be located so that adequate ventilation is provided and so that
inspection and maintenance can be readily accomplished.
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804 If any motor is to be located out of doors, such motor shall be protected from over heating by the sun
with a canopy of approved design.

805 Motors below 1 H.P. (0.75 KW) may be connected to single phase supply. Under special conditions to be
approved by EDD for each individual case, motors upto 5 H.P. (3.75 KW) may be connected to single phase
supply. No motor higher than 5 H.P. (3.75 KW) shall be connected to single phase.
To invest in Bahrain, visit

806 Self-contained air conditioning units upto 2.5 KW may be connected to a single phase supply.

807 Motors upto 150 H.P. (1 12 KW) may be connected to the 400 volts supply system. Where a consumer
proposes to use motors of higher capacity, he should contact the EDD to obtain the approval of such supply before
purchasing any motor or appliance. If power supply at voltages higher than 400 volts are required, EDD can only
supply 11000 volts, 3 phase, 5OHz.

808 3 -Phase motors upto and including 5 H.P. (3.75 KW) may be started direct on line (D.O.L.). motors above
5 H.P. (3.75 KW) shall be provided with equipment to ensure that starting current does not exceed 2.5 time the
full load current. For larger motors, method of starting and voltage dips must be discussed with and approved by
EDD in each case before the motors are connected to power supply.

809 All motors over 1 H.P. (O.75 KW) shall be provided with starters which have means for automatically
disconnecting them from the electric supply in the event of Failure of supply, Serious drop in voltage, Flow of
excess current

EXCEPTION: For motors driving fire pumps, the above protections may be omitted. Where no volt releases are
fitted to such motors they shall be of the automatic resetting type.

810 Each motor over 1 H.P. (0.75 KW) shall be provided with means of isolation suitably placed and so
connected that all voltage may be cut off from the motor and a lockable all apparatus including any automatic
circuit breaker used therewith. If this means of isolation is remote from a motor, an additional means of isolation
adjacent to the motor shall be installed. This means of isolation may be an isolator or "stop-lock" button.

811 Where a group of motors function as one unit, means shall be provided in the control system, to prevent
the simultaneous starting of all motors at one and the same time. Where this is not possible for any reason
whatsoever, the method of starting shall be approved by the E.D.D.

812 Starters shall be provided with overload relays of the thermal or hydraulic type with automatic
compensation for variation in ambient temperature between O‫آ‬°C and ‫آ‬55°C.
 813 All starters and push buttons shall be clearly labelled in Arabic and English stating the machines they
control and the function of the various buttons.

STOP push buttons shall have large mushroom heads and/or coloured bright red.

START push buttons shall be shrouded to prevent accidental operation and must be coloured green.

814 All motors, single phase and three phase, shall have a power factor according to clause 313 at full load.
Final circuit conductor sizes for motors shall be selected in accordance with the method indicated in Section 14.

815 All motors shall be suitably earthed in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 6. A frame
earth terminal shall be provided in addition to the terminal block earth.

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SECTION 9: OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUEPMENT Authority

SECTION 9 02/11/2010
OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUEPMENT Electricity & Water Authority
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900 DOMESRIC APPLIANCES

900-1 All domestic appliances such as electric kettles, toasters, mixers, refrigerators, freezers, washing
machines, etc., shall be adequately rated for the correct electrical supply conditions.

27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am

900-2 All domestic appliances shall be provided with a totally enclosed and fully shrouded terminal box which
shall include a substantial earth terminal.
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3128 MW 1193 MW
900-3 All domestic appliances shall be connected to the electrical supply by means of plugs and sockets or by
means of junction boxes and isolators depending upon the location of the appliances.

900-4 Flexible cables employed for the purposes of connecting domestic appliances shall be fully suitable for
21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
the purpose, of ample rating and provided with an earth conductor. All flexible cables shall be in accordance with
Clause 705 of this regulation.
Storage Availability Supplied
900-5 All domestic appliances shall be used in circuits which in addition to excess current protection be 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
provided with automatic earth leakage protection that will trip the circuit in the event of a leakage current in
excess of 30 milliamperes.

900-6 The non-current carrying metal work of all domestic appliances shall be securely connected to the
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earthing system.

905 ELECTRIC STORAGE WATER HEATERS & ELECTRODE BOILERS

905-1 Electric storage type water heaters shall generally be either of the vented type and open to the
atmosphere so that under no condition of use can the pressure at the surface of the water be other than
atmospheric or of the cistern type in which the feed cistern is an integral part of the appliance or a separate part To invest in Bahrain, visit
located immediately above the water heater. Where the cistern is separate the water heater shall be provided
with a a vent so arranged that any expanded water can return to the cistern. All water heaters shall be provided
with thermostats to control and prevent dangerous rise in temperature.

NOTE:

1. Storage type water heaters are recommended when an elevated water tank is available at normal location
on roof and the vent pipe can be easily installed.
2. Cistern type of water heaters are recommended when a high level tank is provided and vent pipes cannot
be easily installed.

905-2 Pressure type storage water heaters may be installed in particular locations where the vented type or
cistern type water heaters are not practicable. Pressure type water heaters shall be provided with adequate safety
devices in order to ensure that any pressure build up within the heater which is in excess of the safe working
pressure of the heater is immediately and effectively released. All pressure type water heaters shall in addition to
safety valves and control thermostat shall also be fitted with high limit safety thermostat to cut off the power
supply in case of the control thermostat does not function.

905-3 Storage water heaters upto 3 KW may be connected to the single phase and neutral supply. Storage
water heaters over 3 KW shall be suitable for connection to the three phases.

905-4 All storage water heaters shall be connected to the earthing system in accordance with Section 6 and
shall additionally be protected by a current operated earth leakage circuit breaker having a trip rating not
exceeding 30 milliamps.

905-5 Electrode boilers having two or more electrodes may be employed in large premises, hospitals,
industries, etc. The electrical supply to electrode boilers shall be controlled by a circuit breaker of the multiple
linked type and arranged to disconnect the supply from all electrodes simultaneously. The circuit breaker shall also
be provided with excess s current protection in each conductor feeding an electrode.

905-6 The earthing of the electrode boiler shall comply with the requirements of section 6. Additionally all
 armouring of cables, if any, shall also be connected to the shell of the boiler. The circuit feeding the boiler shall be
provided wit h a current operated earth leakage circuit breaker having a trip rating of 300/500 milliamps.
NOTES: Where in some special cases it is also required to connected the neutral conductor to the shell of the
boiler, the Electricity Distribution Directorate's prior approval shall be obtained before effecting such a connections.
In special situations where a 300/500 milliamps trip rating will cause nuisance tripping a higher trip current may be
permitted, but this should be approved by EDD.

905-7 Where an electrode boiler is to be connected to a supply exceeding low voltage, then the method of
connection shall be submitted to EDD for their prior approval.

910 LIFT AND ESCALATORS :

910-1 All elevators, and escalators shall be provided with a separate means of isolating the entire electrical
supply to the equipment.

910-2 On single and multicar installations where a separate power is used for signals or lights or any other
equipment common to the group, a separate means of isolating the electrical supply to such devices shall be
provided.

910-3 Where interconnections between control panels are necessary for operation of the system on multicar
installations that remain energized from a source other than the isolating means, a warning sign shall be mounted
on or adjacent to the isolating means. The sign shall be clearly legible and shall read "Warning-Parts of the control
panel are not de-energized by this switch".

910-4 All isolators shall be located in a readily accessible location. Where practicable, the isolators shall be
located adjacent to the door of the machine room or enclosure.

910-5 Electrical elevators driven by polyphase alternating current motors shall be provided with a means to
prevent starting of the elevator motor when:

1. the phase rotation is in the wrong direction, or

2. there is a failure in any phase

910-6 Elevator, escalator, driving machines, motor-generator sets controllers, auxiliary control equipment
and isolators shall be installed in a room or enclosure set aside for that purpose. The room or enclosure shall be
secured against unauthorised access.

910-7 Sufficient clear working space shall be provided around control panels to provide safe and convenient
access to all live parts of the equipment necessary for maintenance and adjustment.

910-8 In public buildings and other premises it is recommended that a Fireman's break glass type switch or
similar device be installed to over ride all operating controls and bring all the lift to the ground floor during an
emergency.

910-9 Adequate illumination shall be provided in the vicinity of the lift machinery room. Self contained
emergency lights capable of providing if lumination for a period of 3 hours from a battery source shall be
provided. Such emergency lights shall be automatically charged and shall be switched on automatically in the
event of failure of supply. Alternatively, lights connected to a maintenance/emergency source with automatic
change over in the event of failure of normal supply shall be provided.

915 UNDERWATER LIGHTING

915-1 All circuits feeding under water lights shall be so designed and installed so that they ensure full safety
for personnel.

915-2 All underwater lighting circuits shall operate at voltage not exceeding 36 volts.
EXCEPT - In large decorative fountains, where adequate fencing and guarding is provided to ensure that only
competent persons can come in contact with the pool the normal system voltage may be employed.

915-3 Lighting fixtures and all other equipment employed in the pool shall be of approved manufacture and
tested to ensure complete safety in operation.

915-4 All circuits feeding pool lights shall be protected by a current operated earth leakage circuit breaker
having a trip rating of 10 milliamps. Also other equipment associated with the under water lights viz. pumps etc.,
shall be protected by a current operated earth leakage circuit breaker having a trip rating of 300/500 milliamps1.

915-5 All electrical equipment, lighting fittings, transformers and accessories shall be connected securely to
the earthing system.

915-6 All metallic parts of the pool structure, including the reinforcing steel, all forming shells, all metal
fittings within or attached to the pool structure and all metal parts of electric equipment shall be bonded together.
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Announcement for Customers
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SECTION 10:EMERGENCY AND STAND-BY SYSTEMS Authority

SECTION 10 02/11/2010
EMERGENCY AND STAND-BY SYSTEMS Electricity & Water Authority
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1000 EMERGENCY SYSTEMS

1000-1 Emergency systems shall generally be provided in places of assembly where artificial illumination is
required like buildings subject to occupancy by large number of people, hotels, theatres, multi-storey buildings,
sports arenas, hospitals and similar premises and in such premises adequate illumination shall be provided from
the emergency system to safely evacuate personnel. All stair ways, landings, exits and similar locations shall be 27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
provided with emergency lighting. This system shall also be capable of providing power to essential services and
equipment in hospitals, refrigeration plants, in bulk cold stores, air conditioning systems in operating theatres, lifts, Total Availability Demand
fire alarm systems, fire pumps, industrial processes equipment where an interruption of the normal supply would 3128 MW 1193 MW
produce serious hazards, and for all other similar functions.

1000-2 The emergency system shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operation of all
equipment connected to the system. 21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am

1000-3 The emergency system shall be so designed and constructed that in the event of failure of the normal
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supply to or within the building, emergency lighting and emergency power where such is required, will be
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
immediately available.

1000-4 The type of emergency system adopted shall depend upon the nature of the occupancy and the load
and one of the following systems may be provided
--- Select ---
a. Storage Battery
A storage battery of suitable rating and capacity along with inverters etc. to supply and maintain at not
less than 90 percent of the system voltage the total load of the circuits supplying emergency lighting and
emergency power for a minimum period of 1.5 hours. The system shall be complete with automatic
battery charging means.
b. Generator Set
A generator set driven by a prime mover of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain at system
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voltage the total load of the circuits supplying emergency lighting and emergency power. Means shall be
provided for automatically starting the prime mover on failure of the normal supply. Automatic means shall
also be provided for transferring from the normal supply to the emergency supply those loads necessary
during emergency. For hospitals, the transition time from the instant of failure of the normal supply to the
emergency supply shall not exceed 10 seconds.
NOTE: EDD's approval shall be obtained for the type of automatic transfer from normal emergency supply.
c. Built-in Equipment
Individual unit equipment for emergency illumination shall comprise of a rechargeable battery, a battery
charging means, lighting fixture and a relaying device arranged to energise the lamps automatically upon
failure of normal supply. The batteries shall be of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain at
not less than 90 percent of the normal battery voltage, the total lamp load for a period of at least 1.5
hours.

1000-5 Prime movers associated with generator sets shall be provided with an on-site fuel supply sufficient to
operate the prime mover for at least 3 hours.

1000-6 All circuit wiring for emergency system shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and
equipment and shall not enter the same trunking or tray as normal wiring except in transfer switches, exit or
emergency light fixtures, or where the wiring is common for both systems.

1005 STAND-BY SYSTEMS

1005-1 In addition to the emergency system due consideration shall also be given in the selection and rating of
such systems to afford standby power also to non-emergency system during a failure of normal supply.

1005-2 For stand-by systems a manual or automatic change over from normal supply to standby supply shall be
provided.
NOTE:

1. Under no circumstances shall there be any possibility to back feed the generator set to the main network.
2. E.D.D's approval shall be obtained for the type of change over system adopted from normal supply to
emergency or stand-by supply.
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SECTION 11: INSPECTION AND TESTING Authority

SECTION 11 02/11/2010
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1101 Every installation shall, on completion and before being energised, be inspected, tested and approved by
EDD's Inspector in accordance with this section. All necessary application forms and other details as stipulated
shall be submitted to the EDD prior to testing the installation.

27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am

1102 A visual inspection shall be made to verify that the installed equipment and installation methods are in
accordance with the approved drawings. The EDD's Inspector will also ensure that there is no damage to any part
of the installation. Total Availability Demand
3128 MW 1193 MW
1103 Visual inspection shall also be carried out to ensure satisfactory and approved methods are adopted for
the following.

21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am

Connection of conductors

Identification of conductors

Connection of single pole devices in phase conductor only Storage Availability Supplied

Correct connection of socket outlets and lamp holders 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG

Presence of fire barriers and protection against thermal effects

Method of protection against direct contact including measurement of distances

Labelling of circuits, switches, etc.

1104 The E.D.D. Inspector shall carry out insulation r‫©أ‬sistance test and earth continuity test. Insulation r‫أ‬ --- Select ---
©sistance test in large buildings may be divided into groups of outlets, each containing around 50 outlets. An
outlet shall include every point and every switch except that a socket outlet incorporating a switch shall be
regarded as one outlet. A 500 volts D.C. supply shall be applied to the installation and the insulation resistance
obtained shall not be less than one (1) megohm.

1105 Earth continuity test shall be carried out between the consumer earthing terminal and the remote end of
earth continuity conductors. The r‫©أ‬sistance value obtained shall not exceed those stated in clause no. 607. To invest in Bahrain, visit

1106 The E.D.D. Inspector shall also carry out appropriate tests to ensure efficient and correct operation of all
earth leakage circuit breakers and other protective devices.

1107 The contractors shall obtain a test certificate from E.D.D. ensuring that all control and safety devices are
tested prior to the usage of the electric water heaters. All tests shall be carried out by the contractor, who must
record the cut out, cut in temperatures and the fluid pressure at which the mechanical safety valve operates and
resets.

NOTE: The role of E.D.D. Inspector is to witness these test only and certify the test certificates, three copies of
which will be prepared, one for retention by E.D.D.

1108 The E.D.D. Inspector shall carry out measurements to determine the earth electrode r‫©أ‬sistance by
approved methods and all necessary assistance required for carrying out this test other than the testing apparatus
and auxiliary electrodes shall be provided by the contractor.

1109 Any alteration to the existing installation shall also be inspected and approved by E.D.D. Inspector.

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SECTION 12: ELECTRIC DISCHARGE LAMP INSTALLATIONS Authority

SECTION 12 02/11/2010
ELECTRIC DISCHARGE LAMP INSTALLATIONS Electricity & Water Authority
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A fireman’s emergency switch shall be provided for

a. Exterior Electric Discharge lighting installations and/or

b. Interior Electric Discharge lighting installations which run unattended (window lighting for display
purposes).
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
Every fireman’s switch shall -
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i. Be arranged to isolate the installation from all poles of the supply, except that it need not isolate the
installation from the neutral conductor of a 3-Phase 4-wire supply.
ii. Be coloured red and have fixed near it a nameplate marked with the words " FIREMAM’S SWITCH' in
English and Arabic. This plate should be of minimum size 150 mm by 100 mm with lettering not less than
15 mm high. 21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
iii. Have its "on and Off' positions clearly indicated by lettering legible to a person standing on the ground.
iv. It shall be fixed in a conspicuous position, reasonably accessible to firemen, and not more than 2.75
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metres from the ground.
285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
v. For exterior installations it shall be outside the building and adjacent to the electric discharge lamps(s), or
alternatively a notice indicating the position of the switch shall be placed adjacent to the electric discharge
lamp(s).
vi. For interior installations, it shall be in the main entrance to the building or alternatively in a position to be
agreed with the local fire-brigade authority.
vii. The voltage to earth shall not exceed 5 KV. --- Select ---

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SECTION 13: TEMPORARY ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES IN CONSTRUCTION AND Authority
BUIILDING SITES
02/11/2010
SECTION 13 Electricity & Water Authority
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Due to the adverse conditions obtaining at construction and building sites, temporary installations, including supply
cables, conductors, and portable appliances, are subject to accelerated wear and tear.
The reliability and adequacy of circuit protection, both mechanical and electrical, and earthing arrangements shall
be ensured at all times. Frequent periodic maintenance including inspections and tests shall be carried out by the
electrical contractor. 27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am

Supplies for portable hand-lamps and portable tools shall be operated at 1 10 volts or less, through a double Total Availability Demand
wound transformer specially manufactured for this purpose. The primary winding terminal must be enclosed in 3128 MW 1193 MW
insulating material and earthing terminal provided. The secondary winding shall terminate in a suitable socket
outlet attached to the transformer or its enclosure.

CABLES 21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am

Wiring for, semi-permanent parts of the site installation, such as site offices and buildings, shall comply with these Storage Availability Supplied
Regulations. For all other parts of the installation the following additional precautions shall be taken. 285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG

a. Underground cables shall be of a type having a continuous and earthed metal sheath or armour. The
metal sheath or armour shall not be used as the sole earth conductor.
b. Except for situations where the risk of mechanical damage is slight, armoured cable should be used for the
wiring. --- Select ---
c. Overhead Fines shall be fully insulated and supported at suitable intervals, and where necessary
suspended by catenary wires at a height not less than 5 metres from the ground at vehicle crossing
points.
d. All joints shall be mechanically and electrically sound, fully insulated, inaccessible to workmen, and clear of
all materials.

EARTHNG To invest in Bahrain, visit

Earthing shall be in accordance with these Regulations.

SWITCHES, SOCKERS, COUPLERS

All switches, switched socket outlets, plugs and cable couplers shall be contained in weatherproof enclosures
unless they are-of the weather-proof type.

LIGHT FIXTURES Light fixtures used outdoors, or at locations where there ' is likelihood that such fixtures are
subject to splashing water, shall be of the weatherproof type.

PORTABLE APPARATUS
All metal-clad portable apparatus shall be effectively earthed at all times.

FLAMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE LOCATIONS

All appliances or accessories intended for use in flamable/explosive locations and the associated wiring there of,
shall be in accordance with B.S. specification BS 5345 and CP 1003.

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SECTION 14: APPENDICES, TABLES, GRAPHIC SYMBOLS Authority

SECTION 14 02/11/2010
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APPENDICES, TABLES, GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
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NOTES:

1. Various appendices, tables, graphic symbols, etc. are provided in this Section. These are to be construed
as a part of the Regulations and shall be complied with.
27 Nov 2013 - 08:00 Am
2. Where for a particular condition of installation, the appendix, tables etc. do not apply, then E.D.D's prior
approval shall be obtained for the method adopted.
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APPENDIX 1

CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN CONDUCTOR SIZE AND EXCESS CURRENT ROTECTION DEVICE EMPLOYED
21 NOV 2013 - 08:00 Am
General Condition: For compliance with Clause No. 750.17 of the Regulation the following conditions are to be
fulfilled
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285.64 MIG 135.54 MIG
i. the excess current protection device's nominal current or current setting (In) is not less than the design
current (IB) of the circuit, and
ii. its nominal current or current setting does not exceed the lowest current carrying capacity (Iz) of any of
the conductors of the circuit and
iii. the current causing effective operation of the protective device (I2) does not exceed 1.45 times the lowest
--- Select ---
of the current carrying capacities (Iz) of any of the conductor of the circuit.

The above condition may-be stated as formulas

iB 1 N -<, IZ

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In order to determine the size of the cable to be used for a particular condition of installation, it may be necessary
to apply one or more of the following correction factors:

i. For ambient temperature - Table 2.5 of Appendix - 2 which gives correction factor to be applied for the
actual ambient temperature of the installation when it exceeds 40‫آ‬°C.
ii. For grouping - Tables 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of Appendix - 2 which gives correction factors for various grouping
of circuits.

Determination of Size of Cable to be used

Having established the designed current of the circuit under consideration and having chosen the type and
nominal current or current setting of the excess current protective device it is intended to use in accordance with
general condition above, the following procedure shall be adopted to determine the size of cable.
(i) DIVIDE the nominal current of the excess current device by the appropriate ambient temperature correction
factor given in Table 2.5 for the type of cable to be used.

i. Then further, DIVIDE by any applicable correction factor for grouping given in Tables 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4.
ii. The size of the cable to be used shall be such that its tabulated current carrying capacity for the
installation method concerned is not less than the value of the nominal current of the excess current
protective device adjusted as above.
EXAMPLE:
a. A circuit feeding a balanced three phase load of 21 KW at 0.8 P.F. 400 volts, at an ambient
temperature of 50‫آ‬°C by means of single cote, PVC insulated cable in conduit along with another
circuit.

21 Design Current = -37.9 Amps

F3 x 0.400 x 0.8

Nominal current of excess current

 protective device 40 Amps

Adjustment for ambient temperature 40

from Table 2.5 - 47 Amps

0.85
47

Adjustment for grouping from Table 2.2 = -68 Amps

0.69

Size of cable from Table 2.6 = 25 mm²‫آ‬.

b. If the above circuit is ruse in a separate conduit,

Adjustment for ambient temperature 40

From Table 2.5 - = 47 Amps
0.85

Size of cable from Table 2.6. 16 mm,

c. A single phase, 230 volts lighting circuit having a load of 2000 VA in an ambient temperature of 45
‫آ‬°C and wired with single core PVC insulated cable run in a conduit having two more circuits (ie)
three circuits together and protected by 10 amps circuit breaker.

2000 Design Current = - = 8.7 Amps 230

Nominal current of the excess current protective device = 10 Amps Adjustment for ambient
temperature 10 from Table 2.5 = - = 1 1.0 0.91 1.1 Adjustment for grouping from
Table 2.2 = - = 16 Amps 0.69 Size of cable from Table 2.6 2.5 MM2

d. If the above circuit is run in a separate conduit. Adjustment for ambient temperature 1.0 from
Table 2.5 - = 1 1.0 Amps 0.91 Size of cable from Table 2.6 1.5mm²‫آ‬
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