26 05 00 COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR ELECTRICAL

26 05 00 COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR ELECTRICAL


26 05 10 Electrical Acceptance Testing

  1. The Design Professional shall consider utilizing the information below to create a separate “Electrical Acceptance Testing” specification.  It is acceptable to include these testing requirements within other specification sections, but these requirements are often overlooked by the contractor.  Documenting as a separate section clarifies the requirement to hire an independent testing agency for all electrical testing.
  2. Contractor shall be required to meet PSU Standards and Specification requirements, at a minimum, for electrical service to be energized. Refer to the document “PSU Minimum Requirements Prior to Energization” for a summary and descriptions of these requirements.
  3. PSU Minimum Requirements Prior to Energization.pdf


.01 Electrical Acceptance Testing
  1. Testing shall be performed on electrical equipment and systems to assure that equipment and systems are operational and within applicable standards and manufacturer’s tolerances.  Testing should verify that equipment and systems are installed in accordance with design specifications.  All testing shall occur at the building site.
  2. Testing shall be performed by an independent organization that is professionally independent of the manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of the equipment or systems being evaluated.  The name of the proposed testing organization shall be submitted to Engineering Services Electrical Group for approval.
  3. Qualified technicians who are trained and regularly employed for testing services shall do all testing.  Submit technician qualifications.
  4. The testing organization shall conform to the general guidelines of section 5 of the latest NETA Acceptance Testing Specifications, in their entirety.  This includes the following:
    1. Safety and Precautions
    2. Suitability of Test Equipment
    3. Test Instrument Calibration
    4. Test Report
  5. Provide report in the Megger “Power DB” program.  Furnish one (1) original, editable electronic (.mdb format), one (1) electronic PDF copy, and Four (4) paper copies of the completed report to Engineering Services Electrical Group.  Have the testing firm contact Engineering Services Electrical Group to procure PSU standard Power DB testing forms.
  6. Notify Engineering Services Electrical Group at least seven (7) days in advance of any testing.  A representative of Engineering Services Electrical Group shall witness testing.
  7. Inspection and testing of all applicable electrical equipment listed below shall be done in accordance with the latest version of NETA ATS.  This will include all tests marked optional unless waived in writing by Engineering Services Electrical Group.
    1. Switchgear and Switchboard Assemblies
    2. Transformers:  Air Cooled and Liquid Filled
    3. Cables:  Low and Medium Voltage
    4. Air Switches:
      1. Low Voltage
      2. Medium Voltage, Metal Enclosed
      3. High and Medium Voltage, Open
    5. Oil Switches:  Medium Voltage
    6. Vacuum Switches:  Medium Voltage
    7. Low Voltage Circuit Breakers:
      1. Insulated Case/Molded Case (100 amp frame and larger)
      2. Power
    8. Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers:
      1. Air
      2. Oil
      3. Vacuum
      4. SF6
    9. Circuit Switchers
    10. Network Protectors
    11. Protective Relays
    12. Instrument Transformers
    13. Metering
    14. Grounding Systems
    15. Ground Fault Protection Systems
    16. Motors:  AC and DC
    17. Generators:  AC and DC
    18. Motor Starters:  Low and Medium Voltage
    19. Motor Control Centers:  Low and Medium Voltage
    20. Adjustable Speed Drive Systems
    21. Direct Current Systems:
      1. Batteries
      2. Battery Chargers
    22. Surge Arresters
      1. Low Voltage Surge Protection Devices
      2. Medium Voltage Surge Protection Devices
    23. Capacitors and Capacitor Control Devices
    24. Outdoor Bus Structures
    25. Emergency Systems:
      1. Engine Generator
      2. Uninterruptible Power Systems
      3. Automatic Transfer Switches
    26. Automatic Circuit Reclosers and Line Sectionalizers
    27. Fiber Optic Cables
  8. Testing organization shall perform adjustments for final protective device setting in accordance with coordination study (Power Study) provided by Contractor or owner; prior to performing any testing.


.02 System Function Tests
  1. Perform system function tests upon completion of equipment tests as defined in 26 05 10.01.  It is the purpose of the system function tests to prove the correct interaction of all sensing, process, and action devices.
  2. Verify the correct operation of all safety devices for fail-safe functions in addition to design function.
  3. Verify the correct operation of all sensing devices, alarms, and indicating devices.


.03 Thermographic Survey
  1. Perform a thermographic survey on all current carrying devices.  Perform the survey during periods of maximum possible loading and prior to expiration of warranty or bond period.
  2. Imaging equipment shall be capable of detecting a minimum of 1-degree Celsius at 30 degrees Celsius.
  3. level 2 certified thermographer shall perform the survey.
  4. A report shall be submitted to Engineering Services which includes the following:
    1. Description of equipment tested
    2. Discrepancies
    3. Temperature difference between area of concern and reference area
    4. Areas inspected
    5. Load conditions at time of inspection
    6. Provide photographs and/or thermograms of deficient areas
    7. Summary which includes recommendations for corrective actions.


.04 Electromagnetic Field Testing
  1. Determine the vector-valued quantity of magnetic flux density for power frequency magnetic fields over a predetermined space or area, as designated by Engineering Services Electrical Group.
  2. Testing shall be done in accordance with the latest version of NETA ATS.
  3. This test is only necessary for specific labs, confirm with Engineering Services Electrical Group prior to adding to the specifications.


.05 Voltage Drop Testing
  1. A voltage test shall be made at the last receptacle of each branch circuit of each Panelboard.  Total voltage drop shall not exceed 3% of the initial voltage measured at the end of that branch circuit.  The test shall be made using a 12A load attached to the furthest receptacle.  Contractor is responsible to correct any installation with a voltage drop of greater than 3%.  If a branch circuit fails the test, all other branch circuits on that panel shall be tested.  Submit all test results to Engineering Services Electrical Group.
  2. Documentation of the results shall be provided to Engineering Services Electrical Group.
  3. Any non-conforming branch circuits shall be corrected.


.06 Fire Alarm Testing
  1. All connected fire alarm devices are to be tested for operation, proper programming, and verified to meet proper sequence of operation.  Printout of full system test showing test of all devices and interconnected systems shall be provided.  Test is to include all sprinkler flow sprinkler tamper devices, all duct detectors and associated fan shutdown, any smoke evacuation sequence, elevator recall, magnetic door hold or door closer devices, any fire alarm sub-system interconnection, etc.  Final fire alarm testing is to be completed in the presence of a representative from the Office of Physical Plant – Engineering Services Electrical Group with sufficient prior notification.
  2. System shall be tested for code compliant alarm audibility upon completion of construction.
  3. Completed and accurate As-Built floor plans shall be used for final testing and copies of these drawings shall be turned over to the PSU representative immediately after testing.  These plans shall include full floor plans showing all fire alarm devices with address and/or loop ID information.  Also, a copy of the MXL program shall be turned over to PSU at that time.


26 05 13 Medium-Voltage Cables and Terminations


.01 General
  1. Termination specifications are embedded within the cable specification document below.
  2. PSU OPP Engineering Services Group will provide final cable sizing.
  3. All electrical systems shall be suitably grounded, including all non-current carrying metallic components of all equipment and metallic conducts.  Grounding shall be accomplished as required by the National Electric Code and National Electrical Safety Code.
02 Guide Specifications
  1. Design Professional shall carefully review and edit the guideline specifications below, adapting them as needed to achieve application-specific, fully developed specifications for each project.
  2. These shall be edited using the process described in the instructions contained at the beginning of the document.  Proposed modifications shall be reviewed with OPP Engineering Services Electrical Group.
  3. Finalized version shall be included in the project contract documents.  Use of other specifications is not acceptable.
DocumentVersion DateDescription
Medium Voltage Cables and TerminationMarch 2022University's guide specification for Medium Voltage Cables and Terminations; to be used by the design professional.



26 05 19 Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables


.01 Cabling
  1. Minimum wire size shall be #12 AWG.
  2. All conductors size 8 AWG and larger shall be type XHHW-2. 
  3. Provide separate neutral conductor for every interior branch circuit.
  4. Utilize solid conductors for No. 10 AWG and smaller; stranded for No. 8 AWG and larger.
  5. Service Entrance, Feeders, and Branch Circuits:  Single conductors in raceway, minimum 75C rated.  MC cable is not acceptable.
  6. All exterior wiring connections, and those made at or below grade shall be waterproof with UL listed waterproof connectors.
  7. Push-on wire connectors, other than for luminaire disconnects, shall not be allowed.
  8. VFD rated cable shall be used for 10Hp, three phase, 480V AC or 208V AC motors and above, when used in conjunction with a VFD.  The designer may elect to specify VFD rated cables on smaller motors if so desired.  The VFD cable shall have the minimum following characteristics:
    1. UL listed for 600V, 1000V, 2000V (designer to discuss need for 1000V or 2000V option with Engineering Services Electrical Group.
    2. 90°C Wet/Dry
    3. UL Listed Type TC-ER
    4. UL 1569 listed Armored or Metal-clad cable
    5. Oil and Sunlight Resistant
    6. Three symmetrical placed ground wires
    7. Un-coated copper shield with minimum 50% overlap, full continuous coverage recommended.  Shield shall be in contact with ground wires.
    8. Acceptable manufacturers are:  Servicewire, Belden, General Cable, Southwire, or approved equal. 
    9. All cable shall be provided and installed with approved termination fittings.

  9. Compression lugs shall be utilized for connections where practicable.  Compression lugs shall be UL listed, two-hole type, long barrel connectors.  Acceptable manufacturer is Burndy or approved equal.


26 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems


.01 General
  1. Isolated ground systems must be approved by Engineering Service.
  2. For temporary installations (e.g. portable stage), anything protected by a GFI breaker is not required to be bonded.
  3. Typical CADD details are listed below for the Design Professionals reference:

    DocumentVersion
    Date
    Description
    Detail #260526-D01

    Grounding Details
    (AutoCAD)


    Grounding Details
    (PDF)


    June 2016Typical University Grounding Details for the Professionals'
    use.  The details provided are a baseline and it is the
    responsibility of the professional to design and develop
    complete details that are acceptable.


.02 Guide Specifications
  1. Design Professional shall carefully review and edit the guideline specifications below, adapting them as needed to achieve application-specific, fully developed specifications for each project.
  2. These shall be edited using the process described in the instructions contained at the beginning of the document.  Proposed modifications shall be reviewed with OPP Engineering Services Electrical Group.
  3. Finalized version shall be included in the project contract documents.  Use of other specifications is not acceptable.


DocumentVersion
Date
Description


260526-Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems.docx

January 2021University's guide specification for grounding and bonding of electrical systems; to be used by the design professional.



26 05 29 Hangers and Supports for Electrical Systems (reserved)


26 05 33 Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems


.01 General
  1. Minimum size 3/4 inch.
  2. Lighting runouts may be 1/2 inch flexible metallic conduits, no longer than 72 inches.
  3. Aluminum and plastic conduit is not acceptable for interior installations.
    1. Use of rigid PVC conduit within corrosive environments is acceptable with PSU approval. Review any use of PVC or plastic conduit with Engineering Services Electrical Group prior to incorporating into design or installation.
      1. The only exception to obtaining prior approval for plastic conduit is for the installation of grounding electrode and bonding conductors in PVC. All other installations must obtain approval from PSU Engineering Services.
    2. Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) conduit is not an acceptable installation method. Use of ENT is prohibited on all PSU campuses.
  4. Intermediate grade, rigid steel, and EMT conduit are acceptable.  Where EMT is used, compression fittings are required.  Metal Clad or Armored cable is not acceptable as an alternative to conduit, except in small lengths as final connections to luminaires, motors, and shall not be acceptable for a cost savings measure (i.e. Function Cost Analysis, Value Analysis or Value Engineering, etc.).
  5. Install No. 12 non-ferrous or 200 lb. test nylon fish line in conduits where permanent wiring is not installed.
  6. Support outlet boxes and switch boxes from two (2) adjacent studs.  Outlet boxes designed to attach to one metal stud and be "sandwiched" between the front and back layers of Gypsum Wallboard are not allowed.
  7. Where installed in fire-rated partitions, apply firestop putty pads or similar fire rated products on or around outlet boxes as required to maintain the fire rating of the partition.
  8. Back-to-back outlets in commons walls are not permitted.  Outlet boxes shall be separated by at least one stud wherever possible.  In cases of outlet boxes of adjacent rooms in the same stud cavity at the same height, provide a layer of expandable spray foam insulation around each box in that cavity.  There must be a minimum of a 1” horizontal separation space between boxes of adjacent rooms.  If this condition occurs in a fire rated wall, provide a 1-hour fire rated putty pad to cover the back of the outlets of one side of the partition.  Other junction box installations on fire rated walls shall comply with UL requirements.
  9. Surface mount raceway, when approved by Engineering Services Electrical Group, shall typically be non-metallic with dual channels similar to Wiremold 5400 series.  Specify appropriate metallic raceway when required to resist certain chemical environments.
  10. Exposed raceway in parking garages shall be PVC coated GRC.
    1. PVC coated fittings, supports, hangers, clamps, etc. shall all be provided by one manufacturer and installed per manufacturer’s instructions with appropriate tools.


26 05 36 Cable Trays for Electrical Systems


.01 Cable Trays
  1. Acceptable for communication cable.  Refer to the PSU ENCS (Enterprise Network and Communication Services) Minimum Standards for Telecommunications Facilities for requirements.
  2. May be desirable in certain research laboratories or facilities to contain equipment power and control cable.


26 05 43 Underground Ducts and Raceways for Electrical Systems


.01 Underground Ducts
  1. Underground primary cables shall be installed in 5-inch PVC conduit encased in concrete.  Conduit may be NEMA TC-6 Type EB or Schedule 40.  Elbows shall be Schedule 40.
  2. Underground service entrance secondary cables shall be installed in minimum 4-inch PVC conduit encased in concrete.  Conduit may be NEMA TC-6 Type EB or Schedule 40.  Elbows shall be Schedule 40.
  3. Steel reinforcing is required under traffic areas.
  4. All concrete-encased duct banks shall be installed such that a minimum 3"-thick base is poured and cured prior to setting base spacers.
  5. Add the following requirements to any ductbank detail.
    1. “Avoid over-excavation of the ductbank trench.  Ductbank walls shall be formed within 5 feet of a manhole, within a “common” utilities trench, and if the width of the pour will extend beyond the dimension shown on the detail.”
    2. “Inspection and sign-off by University representative is required after the ductbank base is poured and the conduits are installed, but prior to final concrete encasement.”
  6. Detectable warning tape shall be placed in the center and at least two feet above the underground duct.  The detectable warning cable shall have the following characteristics but are not limited to:
    1. Meets or exceeds all ASTM specifications
    2. Minimum 6: width
    3. Minimum 5 mil thickness
    4. Acid, Alkali, Chemical, and Oil Resistant
    5. Direct burial rated
    6. Multi-layered polypropylene and aluminum
    7. Print legend stating "CAUTION BURIED HIGH VOLTAGE LINE BELOW" or "CAUTION BURIED ELECTRIC LINE BELOW"
  7. Typical CADD details are listed below for the Design Professionals reference:

    DocumentVersion
    Date
    Description
    Detail #260543-D01

    Ductbank Details
    (AutoCAD)


    Ductbank Details
    (PDF)
    June 2020Typical University Ductbank Details for the Professionals
    use.  The details provided are a baseline and it is the
    responsibility of the professional to design and develop
    complete details that are acceptable.


.02 Manholes and Transformer Foundations


  1. Electric manholes shall be precast or poured in place with pulling irons and cable supports.  Coordinate size with ES.
  2. Manholes shall be fitted with nonlocking type heavy frame and cover.  Provide minimum 32" clear access opening.  The word “ELECTRIC” shall be cast in the cover in three (3) inch high letters.  The opening shall be in one corner.  A non-conductive ladder extending to the surface shall be provided.
  3. Transformer foundations base shall be precast, coordinate size with ES.  Base and lid shall have tongue and grove seal.
  4. Factory bell ends are to be used where conduits penetrate manhole/foundation walls.
  5. Grounding:
    1. All electrical systems shall be suitably grounded, including all non-current carrying metallic components of all equipment and metallic conducts.  Grounding shall be accomplished as required by the National Electric Code.
    2. Transformer foundation shall have a minimum 2/0 AWG bare copper ground ring with at least two (2) 96” ground rods. Exothermically weld rods and ring.  Ring shall be a minimum of 24” from the edge of the foundation, buried between 18” and 24” deep.  Rods shall be installed at opposite corners or at a distance of more than rod length apart.  Extend cabling a minimum of 48” above grade for connection to transformer.  Do not connect this ground ring to the building service. 
  6. Supports in Electric Manholes:
    1. The Contractor shall furnish and install supports in new and existing manholes where cables are to be installed, cable rack supports of the type permitting variable vertical location of the cable supports.  Supports shall be installed as required to support newly installed or relocated cables.  Each cable shall be secured to each cable support.  Nonmetallic support systems may be used provided they are warranted for labor and materials for a period of no less than two years.
    2. All cables shall be properly dressed and racked on the support arms around the walls of the manholes providing adequate slack for future rearrangement and splicing.  Existing ducts must not be blocked by cables.
  7. Work within manholes must comply with the PSU Physical Plant Confined Space Entry requirements and permission obtained from the Utility Electrical Supervisor to insure safe entry procedures are followed.  Due care shall be taken not to damage existing cables.
  8. Typical CADD details are listed below for the Design Professionals Reference:

    DocumentVersion DateDescription
    Detail #260543-D01

    Manhole Details
    (AutoCAD)

    Manhole Details
    (PDF)
    October
    2014
    Typical University manhole Details for the Professionals
    use.  The details provided are a baseline and it is the
    responsibility of the professional to design and develop
    complete details that are acceptable
    Detail #260543-D02

    Transformer
    Foundation Details
    (AutoCAD)

    Transformer
    Foundation Details
    (PDF)
    October
    2014
    Typical University Transformer Foundation Details for the
    Professionals use.  The details provided are a baseline and
    it is the responsibility of the professional to design and
    develop complete details that are acceptable.
    Minimum Clearances for Pad-Mounted Equipment (PDF)March 2024Typical University Detail for Minimum Clearances for Pad-Mounted Equipment, including transformers, for the Professionals use. The details provided are a baseline and it is the responsibility of the professional to desig