260010_General-Technical-Provisions-20110407.docx

SECTION 26 0010

General Technical Provisions Part 1 - General Description Furnish all labor and material necessary for the installation, connection, testing and adjustment of all circuits and electrical equipment specified herein, shown, or noted on the drawings, specified or required in other portions of this specification and delivered to the Government as a complete installation in all respects ready for use.

Coordinate all sections of Division 26 & 27 within the division and with all other divisions. All general technical provisions apply to all sections of this division.

References 02 3180 - Excavation and Backfill for Utilities 26 0050 - Basic Materials and Methods 26 0400 - Underground Control Cable and Power Distribution 27 0000 – Telecommunications Wiring System Quality Assurance Codes and Standards: All materials shall conform to the applicable current standards (standard rules, regulations and specifications), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Insulated Power Cable Engineers Association (IPCEA), National Electric Code (NEC). All materials shall bear the label of, or be listed by, the Underwriter's Laboratory, Inc., (U.L.). Where conflicts exist between any of the above standards, the standard which is most stringent shall take precedence.

Errors and Omissions: Any errors found in plans or specifications shall be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer. Contractor is responsible for execution all work to meet applicable codes. Discovery of errors does not relieve contractor from responsibility to perform all work to meet standards and codes.

Resolve all conflicts with applicable regulations. Prepare and submit to the Contracting Officer all additional clarifying details including substitute methods and materials as needed to secure the required approval and resolve conflicts.

All work shall be done by electricians licensed by the state in which the work is performed.

Inspections: Arrange for all inspections of the work by the local or state authority having jurisdiction over the construction. Final inspection and acceptance of the work will be made only after all certificates of inspections, including final certificate of acceptance of the work by the inspection authority have been forwarded to the Contracting Officer.

Accepted Manufacturers: Where equipment is specified to be of certain manufacturer, similar equipment of other manufacturers normally engaged in this type of manufacture may be substituted. Substituted equipment shall comply with the specification. Furnish equipment performing the same function and rating (panelboards, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, etc.) of the same manufacturer throughout the job.

Drawings For clarity and legibility, the electrical layouts are essentially diagrammatic. The size and location of equipment is shown wherever possible. Make use of all the data in all the contract documents and verify information against actual field conditions. Install materials and equipment to conform to the available space. Maintain required accessibility and clearances, and satisfy the requirements of the governing codes.

Electrical drawings and layout may not necessarily suit the requirement of the particular manufacturer's equipment, which is installed. Modify wiring and location as required for proper installation.

Submit proposed modification to Contracting Officer for approval and note change on record drawings prior to making such modification.

Material Submittals Submittal format: Hard Copy and PDF. The Contractor shall supply all submittals in both hard copy form as described below and also original manufacturers PDF cut sheets on all material and equipment for add section of Division 26.

The hard copy submittal shall be supplied with printouts from the manufacturers PDF files where available and also all cut sheets indexed by Division 26 section number on a CD-ROM.

Submit three sets of catalog cuts, shop drawings and manufacturer's installation, operating and maintenance instructions for all material and equipment requiring submittals in each section of Division 26 & 27 to the Contracting Officer, according to the Supplemental General Provisions.

Obtain written approval for the above submittals prior to construction, assembly, and delivery.

Furnish complete material submittals where possible. Partial submittals will be considered only to allow timely ordering of equipment.

Submit catalog cuts, shop drawings, diagrams and manufacturing installation, operating and maintenance instructions bound with a loose-leaf cover, indexed in the order they appear in the specifications by section and item number. Put the specification items number on each cut sheet.

Shop drawings shall be 11”x17” folded to 8-1/2" x 11" sheet size.

Submittals shall have sufficient detail to determine if ratings, characteristics, and physical construction are equivalent to those specified.

Where manufacturer's catalog sheets are used, indicate the specific items to be supplied in ink either by arrow, encircled on the sheet, or the inapplicable portion blocked out. List manufacturer's name, contract, section and drawing sheet reference number on each catalog sheet. Identify where equipment is to be used, if not obvious.

Submittals shall show any changes to be made resulting from substitution of equipment or materials for those that are specified.

Make complete submittals of all equipment within 30 calendar days of notice to proceed.

Operation and Maintenance Manuals Supply Electrical Operation and Maintenance Manuals as specified. Label the front cover of the manuals with the following information: The name of the project, the General Contractor, the Electrical Contractor, the date of construction, and contract number.

Submit a preliminary complete copy to the Contracting Officer for approval at least 2 weeks prior to the final inspection.

Deliver five approved bound copies of final Operation and Maintenance Manuals to the Contracting Officer prior to closing of the contract.

Furnish manuals in 8-1/2" x 11" size in hard cover, loose leaf, 3-ring binder. Accordion fold drawings to 8-1/2" x 11" size. Provide an index and tabs for listing contents. Arrange contents in order of their appearance in the specifications.

Include the following information as part of the maintenance manuals:

Manufactures approved cut sheets and shop drawings in PDF format on CD-ROM/ If show drawings are done in AutoCAD format provide these drawings in electronic form, DWG format as well as PDF and hard copy.

Required Data: As-built shop drawings, diagrams, catalog data, parts lists, all approved submittal data, manufacturer's installation, operating and maintenance instruction manuals for all equipment and fixtures.

List major equipment with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the equipment representative providing factory trained service personnel.

As-Built Drawings:

Furnish one set of electrical drawings in CAD format with 2 copies of disks, on reproducible, erasable, mylar showing the project "as-built". Include physical layout of all conduit, buried wire, stubouts, splice vault locations, circuit changes, interior wiring, fixture and equipment location, and marked with all changes and corrections made during the course of the work.

The Government will provide CAD drawing files on disk or CD to the contractor to modify drawings of all of the contract drawings for as-builts. Create drawings for all sub systems on CAD, such as fire alarm, intrusion detection, sprinkler system, PA systems, etc.

The base background drawing files will be supplied to use in X-referencing the appropriate layer for each sub system.

Keep one full size copy of record drawings, other than working drawings, on the site at all times during construction, and note all changes and corrections made during the construction period. Transfer these changes to the CAD drawings and plot 1/2 size mylar drawings for contract “as-built” drawings.

Delivery and Storage Deliver and store materials in original containers, protected from the elements and theft, and accessible for inspection.

Store items subject to moisture damage in a dry, heated place.

Protect material against dirt, water, chemical or mechanical injury.

Excavation and Backfill Excavation and backfill for this work shall be in accordance with Section 02 3180.

Typical underground utility electrical details are shown on the drawings.

Inspections and Tests At the final inspection, conduct tests to determine that a complete workable electrical system has been installed conforming to the drawings, applicable codes, and specifications.

commissioning The Contractor shall commission each system as described in each specification in division 26 and 27.

Operating Instructions After completion and testing of the work, instruct the Contracting Officer in operation and maintenance of the electrical system, for a minimum period of one day.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

General Provide all products shown complete with accessories and mounting materials.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

General Follow manufacturer's directions in delivery, storage, protection and installation of equipment and materials.

Notify Contracting Officer of any conflicts between manufacturer's instructions and contract documents.

Wiring Methods Concealed Wiring: Install all wiring, raceway, boxes, fittings, etc., concealed unless otherwise specified or shown on the drawings.

Installation: Install equipment and materials, align, level and adjust for satisfactory operation. Install equipment so that all parts are easily accessible for inspection, operation, maintenance and repair.

Structural Openings: Obtain written permission of the Contracting Officer before cutting or piercing structural members. Install sleeves of black iron pipe sized to accommodate the penetration. All openings in structure made by parts piercing waterproofing shall be sealed and made watertight.

Sealing: Seal equipment raceways, boxes, etc., exiting through structures exposed to the weather and make watertight and insect-proof. Protect equipment outlets and conduit openings at all times that work is not in progress; utilize temporary plastic plugs or caps designed for the purpose. All penetrations through fire rated walls and floors shall be fire sealed with UL listed fire rated material, Required Clearances: Comply with NEC Art 110-26. No grounded equipment will be allowed in this clearance space.

Equipment Mounting:

Position of Outlets: Center all outlets with regard to building lines, furring and trim. Symmetrically arrange outlets in the room. Set outlets plumb and extend flush outlets to the finished surface of the wall, ceiling or floor without projecting beyond same.

Mounting Heights: Conform to the following mounting height requirements unless otherwise indicated on the drawings by detail or by a plus dimension shown adjacent to the symbol. Mounting heights indicate for pendant mounted devices are to the bottom of the device; mounting heights indicated for outlets and similar devices are to the center of the box unless otherwise indicated.

Installation of Outlet and Switch Boxes. Install boxes as follows:

Outlets cut into the back splash of any table or counter shall be at the proper height for the equipment.

Cover switches and receptacles to protect them from painting, particularly spray painting.

Install floor boxes at the proper level and adjusted to the floor to provide a true and level elevation with the finished floor surfacing.

Where outlet boxes are required adjacent to each other at the same mounting height, install with a gang type box and cover.

Securely fasten devices to outlet box with face flush with plate. Device plates shall be plumb.

Adjust the mounting height of boxes as required to insure practical cutting of masonry units and symmetrical positioning with respect to masonry joints.

Locate light outlets in acoustical tile ceilings either at the joint between tiles or in the center of the tile.

Where outlet boxes are mounted in a common wall between different areas, offset 9", and if connected, flexible conduit a minimum of 24" in length shall be used.

Junction Boxes and Pull Boxes: Install junction and pull boxes in locations that will be accessible after completion of the installation. In general, provide boxes to limit branch circuit conduit runs to 125 feet and to limit bends to the equivalent of 270 degrees. Additional boxes may be provided to facilitate wire pulling.

External Junction Box Sealing: Seal conduits entering external junction and outlet boxes on outer side of structure with duct seal for three inches to prevent moisture entrance.

Raceways Table A specifies the type of raceway required for each location and application by raceway definition listed below. Unless otherwise specified in Table A, unscheduled conduit shall be rigid steel type RGC.

Raceway definitions:

Metallic Raceways: Install all power and control wiring in metallic raceways unless otherwise shown on the drawings. Install raceways concealed unless otherwise shown.

Raceway Sealing: Seal raceway where entering through structure with duct seal for three inches to prevent moisture entrance.

Raceway Types: Use the following types of raceways in locations shown, unless otherwise shown on the drawings. Any of the indicated raceways may be used for the indicated locations. Other wiring methods as shown on the drawings.

TABLE A

PCV

DUCT

Embedded in concrete

X

Direct Burial

X

X

Noncorrosive Exposed to Weather

X

Hazardous Locations (Class I, Division 1)

Exposed Runs Sizes Larger than 1-1/4"

Inside of Concrete Blocks

Interior Building Wet or Damp

X

Exterior of Buildings Dry or Wet

Corrosive Locations

X

In Dry Locations from J- Boxes to Fluorescent Fixtures if on Chain

J-Box to Fixed Motors, Unit Heaters, and Fixed Equipment

J-Box to Fluorescent Fixtures if on Pendant in Wet Locations

X

Sizes: Use raceways no smaller than 3/4 inch except that 1/2 inch may be used for switch legs, and ground conductors to ground rods, or as shown on drawings.

Metallic Raceways in Earth or Concrete: Use RGC-PVC coated, galvanized metallic raceways and fittings buried in earth or concrete unless shown to be PVC.

Raceways Exposed: Run exposed raceways in straight lines, at right angles, or parallel with building and equipment lines.

Raceways in Plain Concrete: Install in nonreinforced concrete headers and similar locations provided for their installation and in cement fill on precast concrete roofs.

Raceways in Reinforced Concrete: Do not displace reinforcing steel to accommodate the installation of raceways and outlet boxes. In general, locate all embedded conduits in the physical center of the particular section of concrete. Provide raceways embedded in reinforced concrete in conformance with the following types of conditions. Raceways shall not be installed under equipment bases.

Raceways Through Roof:

Where raceways penetrate the roof seal, provide suitable neoprene gaskets or lead flashing.

Raceways Entering the Facility Below Grade:

Provide raceways with plastic bushing. Fill conduit with duct seal for 3".

Underground Conduit:

Install raceways to provide not less than 30 inches to finished grade. Pitch to drain; avoid trapped runs where possible. Grade trenches and place select material to provide uniform trench bottom for raceway support.

See 260400 for detailed underground conduit and conductor installation.

Raceway Fittings, Connections and Installation:

Couplings and Connections: Make all raceway couplings and connections watertight.

On rigid metallic conduit systems, use threaded connections at all locations.

On electric metallic tubing system, use insulated throat, rain-tight, concrete tight compression-type fittings at all locations. Indentor or set screw fittings will not be allowed.

On PVC systems, use PVC glued joints except at metal or fiberglass enclosures, use watertight hubs.

Make all box connections with two locknuts and one insulated steel, plastic or fiber bushing if threaded hubs are not provided. On all metallic conduit and tubing systems, provide grounding locknuts or grounding bushings where required.

Provide 3" of duct seal at exterior conduit entrances to junction boxes as specified above under RACEWAYS.

Stub-Ups Extend rigid steel conduit stubs at least 1 foot above slab or fill. At motor control panels and similar stub-ups, extend conduit stubs at least 2 inches above base of panel or into panel and install insulated grounding bushing and grounding connection on each conduit. Locate all stub-ups for equipment connection as close as practical to the unit.

Extend rigid steel conduit stubs 6 inches above floor for connection to motors unless otherwise shown on drawings.

Provide duct seal as specified above for RACEWAYS.

Protection Cap raceways immediately upon rough-in. Utilize temporary plastic caps designed for the purpose.

Raceway Installation Install raceways as follows unless otherwise shown or specified.

Offset raceways into outlets and enclosures.

Underside of exposed beams shall not be saddled.

No conduit shall be placed in any slab less than 2-3/4" thick.

No conduit shall be placed between the bottom of the reinforcing steel and the bottom of the slab, and no conduit embedded in a concrete slab or wall shall have an outside diameter greater than 1/3 of the thickness of the slab or wall. No conduit shall be so located as to impair the strength of the construction.

Use RGC, IMC, or RGC-PVC conduit for conduit runs 1-1/4" and larger above grade for exposed runs.

Install wiring in masonry walls at the same time wall is constructed so as to avoid cutting masonry units.

Use one hole cast malleable iron conduit clamps or beam clamps on exposed conduit. Provide with screw of proper length.

Carefully lay out and coordinate conduit runs in furred ceiling areas with building structure, mechanical work and lighting fixtures. Route conduits in such a manner that they will not restrict the removal of the ceiling panels and lighting fixtures.

Thoroughly clean the interior of all underground conduits and other raceways of all foreign material by compressed air or swabbing. All exposed conduit shall be clean and in new condition free of dents and machine markings.

Fluorescent, High Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor, Metal Halide Fixture Termination: Terminate fixtures in flexible metal conduit between J-Box and fixtures unless otherwise shown.

Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable Install nonmetallic sheathed cable in wood frame construction unless otherwise shown on the drawings. This is only allowed in limited applications, see table below.

Conductors General: Circuit all feeders and branch circuits as shown on the drawings. Provide copper conductors for interior and exterior building wiring. Aluminum will not be permitted.

Conductor and associated conduit sizes shown on drawings are for copper.

The complete circuit shall be size indicated on drawings, unless otherwise noted.

Control and Motor Power Circuit Conductors: Provide stranded copper, THWN conductors for control and motor power circuits in conduit, unless otherwise shown on drawings.

Minimum size No. 12 AWG, 12 strand. All conductors 12 AWG and larger to be stranded.

Provide color coding to match control panel terminal block conductors. Control panel wiring diagrams will be furnished to show conductor colors.

For motor power circuits larger than No. 8 AWG, color coded vinyl plastic tape will be permitted in lieu of continuous insulation colors.

Minimum Conductor Size (All wiring except control panels): Provide No. 12 AWG copper minimum size for branch circuits and control circuits unless otherwise specified, shown on the drawings, or required by overcurrent protection.

Wiring between fluorescent, high pressure sodium, mercury vapor, metal halide fixtures and junction box; two #12 AWG, type XHHW or THNN and #12 ground wire minimum.

Wire for low voltage control system and sound system is specified under the respective systems and wiring methods.

Undergournd Power Conductors: XLP-USE See Section 260400 for material, installation and testing.

Underground Control Conductors: See Section 260400.

600V Conductors: Provide one of the conductor types indicated for the function and location listed below unless otherwise indicated on the drawings. Provide ground and neutral wires identical in size to circuit wires unless otherwise shown on drawings. At the Contractor's option, conductors with insulation systems rated for high operating temperatures may be substituted for lower temperature rated conductors; however, no reduction in conductor size will be permitted from that indicated on the drawings. When using smaller overall diameter wire than THW, do not reduce conduit size below that required for type THW insulated conductor.

Provide a separate neutral conductor for each phase conductor unless otherwise shown on drawings.

INSULATION TYPE

or

THHN

NMSC

Lighting Circuits, Interior General

X

Inside Lighting Fixture Wiring Compartments

X

Branch Receptacle Circuits

X

Motor Circuits and Controls

X

X

Power Outlets

X

X

X

Underground - in Raceway

X (XHHW for sizes #12-#8)

Outside - All Other Locations

X

Derating: Derate circuits which are combined by increasing wire size above the minimum shown on the drawings to the full ampacity shown in Tables NEC 310-16 and 310-17 according to Table 310-15(b)(2)(a).

Identification:

Furnish factory color coded 600V wire size No. 6 AWG and smaller as follows:

Yellow

Utilize orange for the 4-wire, delta-connected systems only to identify the phase having higher than 120 volts to ground (wild leg), or 120/240V 3 phase.

Phase code wire size No. 4 AWG and larger utilizing waterproof, non-metallic, colored pressure sensitive tape at all boxes, switchboards, panelboards and at equipment served.

Identification Nameplates (See 260050 for Nameplate Construction) Provide nameplates for all electrical equipment as follows:

Panelboards. Indicate voltage, phase, number of wires, and Delta or Y if 3 phase.

Control Cable (Indicate source).

Cabinets (control, signal, communications).

Disconnect switches.

Individually mounted circuit breakers and motor starters.

All controlled devices (motors, solenoids, furnaces, unit heaters, VAV boxes, and all other controlled equipment. etc.). Labels to correspond to schematic diagrams, and motor name.

All pilot devices and sensors (flow switches, float switches, transmitters [temperature, level, pressure, RH, flow, kWH and all others, flow meters, etc.). Labels to correspond to schematic diagrams, and pilot device name.

Time clocks.

Remote control stations.

Photo Electric controls.

Identify all exposed feeder and branch conduit and control cables with nameplates. Designate the apparatus served and the voltage of the circuit. Identify each conduit once in each room, or space, where it is exposed.

Mount labels with machine screws, except where screw penetration will injure equipment, contact or epoxy cement or ty-raps may be used.

Splices in splice vaults: Indicate circuit number's point of origin, voltage and phase if power cable, and point of disconnecting means.

Provide 4" x 6" nameplate at main service or control center with the following designations:

Electrical Contractor.

Installation date and system voltage, phase, number of wires, "delta" or "Y" (208Y/120 Volt, 3 phase, 4W) or (120/240 Volt, 3 phase, 4W Delta) example.

Wire Numbers Label each power and control conductor entering each motor control panel on the load side of the connection terminal block and at each external controlled or pilot device (motor, sensor, float switch, disconnect, etc.) in its connection junction box, and any intermediate terminal or junction box with a numbered band.

Label all branch circuits in power distribution panels and all junction boxes with numbers corresponding to circuit numbers.

Wire numbers shall correspond to control panel schematic and wiring diagram's external connection terminal numbers.

CONDUCTOR Installation Keep all conductors within the manufacturer’s allowable tension limits during installation. Use lubricants for wire pulling intended for use with the insulation and raceway material. Observe cable manufacturer's and industry standard cable bending radius recommendations. Do not install conductors at temperatures less than 30 degrees F.

Splicing and Terminations General: Provide all splices and terminations including all required hardware for a complete installation. Underground splice details are shown on drawings.

Provide overall insulation equal to that of the conductors utilized. Insulation may be vinyl plastic tape, preformed insulating covers, cast-in-place encapsulating, insulating resin, or heat shrinkable tubing as appropriate for the installation of a completely insulated system.

See Section 260050 and 260400 for underground splices.

Underground Conductors Install splices and terminations underground in junction boxes and splice vaults or above ground pedestals where shown on drawings. Provide a splice vault if cable is damaged during installation and a splice is required.

Specific 600V Locations: Furnish pad mount transformers, outdoor switchgear connections, corresponding feeder and service connections in indoor switchgear with compression terminal connectors, associated fittings, and special adapter fittings as required.

Utilize pre-engineered, cable manufacturer approved, termination kits throughout.

See section 260400 for underground splice details.

Insulated Terminal Ends (motor control panels only) Install insulated compression terminals on each power and control conductor entering each motor control panel on the load side of the connection terminal block and at each external controlled or pilot device termination (motor, float switch, disconnect switch, etc.) in its connection junction box, for conductors No. 10 and smaller.

Splice Vaults Inspect actual field conditions at the proposed location for each splice vault and verify that it is free from interference with other utilities and free of flooding due to the characteristic flow of surface water. Make minor relocations required to clear obstructions and minimize flooding.

See 260400 for splice vaults Equipment Supports Raceway Supports: Support raceways with wall brackets, perforated channel, pipe hangers, or ceiling trapezes. Run conduit parallel and perpendicular with each other and building lines. Wire, chain, or perforated plumber's strap are not acceptable for raceway supports. Support conduit 8'-0" on centers max. and within 18" of termination. Use trapeze hangers, pipe hangers, or channel to support two or more conduits per run.

Equipment Bases: Provide equipment bases for all floor mounted electrical equipment. Unless otherwise indicated, provide poured-in-place concrete bases, nominally 4 inches high, and 1 inch larger on all exposed edges than the equipment to be mounted. On all equipment bases in interior locations, unless otherwise noted, provide two or more parallel, cast-in-place, continuous-slot channel erector system concrete inserts for equipment mounting. Bolt equipment to channels. Provide additional surface mounted channels where required to match and line up with existing equipment.

Supports: Provide hangers or other devices such as pads, channels, struts, joists, anchors, etc., necessary for the support of electrical equipment. Provide the design, fabrication and erection of supplementary structural framing required for attachment of hangers or other devices supporting electrical equipment. Show on shop drawing supplementary framing including design loads, member size, and location. Verify that dimensions are suitable for the equipment furnished. Provide additional strength when equipment furnished is heavier than that specified.

Wiring and Disconnects Provide power wiring including service to apparatus and line voltage (or low voltage if specified) control wiring.

Provide branch circuit wiring to each fixture and motor sized as shown on the drawings. Verify motor characteristics prior to installing wiring. After connecting, check for proper rotation.

Contractor shall provide motor disconnects, where specified, shown or required by code, under this division of the specifications.

Control Panel Installation Install Government furnished control panels where shown on drawings. Sizes shown on the drawings are approximate. Verify actual size and install conduit stub-ups to match panel location and size. Connect all controlled and pilot device (motors, float switches, etc.) conductors to control panel terminal blocks. Terminal block diagrams will be furnished to the Contractor to show connection points and wire numbers.

No electrical connection to panels will be made until all external mechanical and electrical work is complete and ready for testing.

Motor Connection Do not connect motors until control sequences are verified, with the motor leads disconnected at the motor starter.

Grounding System General: Provide all grounding systems and make connections mechanically secure and electrically continuous. Ground all line and low voltage electrical systems completely and effectively as required by code and as specified herein.

Ground all raceway systems and equipment enclosures. Where not otherwise indicated, grounding conductor size shall conform to the most stringent of the governing codes.

Ground the system to exterior ground rods, foundation Ufer Ground conductor, and building cold water piping. Provide at each such grounding location two 3/4-inch diameter by 10-foot long copper-clad steel ground rods spaced 6 feet apart and connected to the system neutral.

Furnish bolted grounding conductor connections. All grounding points to be accessible after installation. A ground rod enclosure shall be provided flush at final grade with a lid to access ground connection.

Furnish an insulated green copper equipment ground conductor installed in each conduit sized for the largest branch circuit per NEC 250-122, unless otherwise noted.

For isolated ground circuits, furnish and install a green insulated with yellow striping, isolated ground conductor in addition to an insulated green copper equipment grounding conductor.

Maintain continuity of equipment ground throughout the entire raceway, cabinet and equipment enclosure system. Use grounding bushings and jumpers wherever normal conduit termination does not ensure continuity. Where nonmetallic conduit is used for distribution or where direct burial cables are employed, install a green with one or more yellow stripes, insulated equipment ground conductor with each circuit.

At all sheet steel enclosures such as panel boards, load centers, intermediate junction boxes provide grounding locknuts with a ground conductor termination lug on each locknut. Bond all locknuts together to enclosure with copper conductors. Boxes less than 12” x 12” are not required to have conduit bonding, provide setscrew bonding locknuts. Outlets boxes 4”x4” and smaller may have locknuts only.

Bond metal parts of lighting fixtures not otherwise grounded by bolted fastenings to conduit system with bare copper wire.

Ground receptacles to outlet boxes with wire and machine screw.

Provide each electrical splice vault with one copper-clad steel ground rod, 5/8-inch diameter by 10 feet long, driven through the floor of the splice vault leaving 6 inches projecting above the vault floor.

In each splice vault, and at each termination and source, ground equipment grounding conductors and shields, medium voltage conductor shield drain wires from splices, metal splice enclosures, control cable shield and armor, if any.

Motor Grounding:

Bond motors and equipment to the equipment grounding system through approved flexible conduit connections or as shown on drawings as permitted by code. Provide a separate bare copper conductor inside each flexible conduit, bonded to the inside of the connection box and to the motor controller. Furnish cord connected motors with a separate grounding conductor in supply cable.

Splice Vault and Pad Grounding:

Where vaults or concrete pads are provided for transformers, provide grounding systems, including driven ground rods. Details on the drawings are to establish the general scope of work.

Tests General: Perform the tests as described below. Notify the Contracting Officer in writing five days in advance of all tests in this and other sections of this specification. Perform all tests in the presence of the Contracting Officer. Upon completion of all tests, submit written test results in duplicate for approval by the Contracting Officer prior to acceptance.

Test Report Forms:

Submit a copy for approval of the proposed tabular data sheet to be used for each required test. Type column and heading titles on sheets. Divide sheets into columns and rows with appropriate rulings and titles. Enter test data on tabular forms during tests by hand; do not recopy.

Furnish data in tabular form listing required test data, name of tested device, location, serial number, type and name of measurement instrument with scale settings.

Preliminary Tests (distribution panels and motor control panels) Install all mechanical and electrical equipment before any preliminary electrical tests are made and final connections are made.

Test all control and power conductors including neutrals and isolated grounds for insulation resistance and continuity as described below and in Section 16400 (before connection of conductors to control panels, controlled and pilot devices).

Connect all power and control conductors to distribution panels and control panel terminals after all preliminary tests have been done as described above.

Ground System Tests: Immediately after installation, before connection, test driven grounds and foundation ground. Test driven ground rods individually. The combined resistance of all grounded-together electrodes in a group shall not exceed 15 ohms at the main point of connection. Submit the results, date of test and soil conditions to the Contracting Officer in writing immediately after testing. Tests shall be made with a 3-point probe tester (Associated Research Vibro Ground Tester or equivalent). A standard ohmmeter will not work for this test. Splice vault ground rod resistance shall be 25 ohms maximum.

Insulation Resistance: Test insulation resistance under normal climatic conditions. Conform to the following:

Measure resistance between all insulated conductors (including neutral and isolated ground) and ground as well as each other. Coordinate testing with Contracting Officer so that tests can be witnessed if desired.

For circuits with 600 V rated insulation, make insulation resistance measurements on each power distribution and control panel, main feeder and each branch circuit and all control circuits. Make all measurements with loads disconnected and after all wiring is in place. Perform tests with Megohm meter having a minimum 10,000 megohm scale range and apply 2000 VDC. Minimum resistance shall be 200 megohms.

For circuits with less than 600 V rated insulation, other than control circuits, conductor insulation resistance as installed shall not be less than 200 megohms to ground. This does not apply to telephone or control cable. Perform tests with Megohm meter and apply DC voltage that does not exceed limit set by cable manufacturer. See Section 260400 for underground control cable testing requirements.

Insulation Resistance Testing Procedure 600V rated wiring Object of test: Measure the resistance of all insulated conductors to ground and to each other. This includes each power distribution and control panel, main feeder and each branch circuit and all control circuits.

Perform testing after all wiring is in place, with loads disconnected. All electronic devices must be disconnected to avoid damage. This includes electronic switches and outlets (GFI's). GFI breakers in branch panels must be removed, with the phase and neutral wires connected to an adjacent breaker for testing.

Open the main service switchgear disconnect switch.

Close the branch panel main switch and all branch circuit breakers.

Connect Megohm meter to phase, neutral, ground and isolated ground busses in the combinations shown in the following table. The neutral and isolated ground must be disconnected from ground at the main service switchgear in order to test the feeders.

The following table can be used to record readings:

TEST LOCATION________________________________

Apply voltage to circuit:

Wires with 600 V rated insulation: Apply 2500 VDC. A minimum value of 200 megohm is required.

Exception. Outlets may arc at less than 2500 VDC. If this happens, reduce the voltage to a lesser value and record the megohm value.

Wires with less than 600 V rated insulation: Apply voltage which does not exceed manufacturer's recommendations. A minimum value of 200 megohm is required.

If the megohm value is less than 200 megohms, isolate the problem circuit by opening breakers one at a time.

Continuity Test (Control Panels Only) Perform at each control panel continuity tests on power and control circuits after connection of external controlled and pilot devices and sensors before connecting to power and control panels. Actuate all pilot devices (float switches, etc.) manually to check proper operation and electrical continuity.

Final Tests Final Test: Start final tests after complete preliminary tests have been made. System performance shall conform to the following criteria. Note any deviations on the test reports with indication of corrective action taken or proposed.

Motor and other Load Current: Actual motor and all other equipment load current on each ungrounded conductor at maximum load conditions equal to or less than nameplate rated full load motor current at a service factor of 1.0. For equipment such as duct heaters, furnaces, or any other equipment that is controlled in stages, sequence the controllers for each piece of equipment and record load current in each phase as each stage is energized, and at full load nameplate current. Verify that the staging is proper with load at each stage point. Coordinate with equipment and control supplier to ensure that all equipment safety interlocks and control actions are proper and equipment is being operated properly.

Power Distribution Panels and Motor Control Panels Submit the following information:

No load and full load voltage, phase-to-phase, to ground in each panel main feeder at maximum system load conditions.

Full load current on each branch circuit or motor circuit in each panel at maximum system load conditions. (Show staged current as described above).

Full load current on each main supply conductor to each panel and all feeders at maximum system load conditions.

Unbalanced neutral current in each panel. The above measurements are for worst case maximum load for each phase.

Demonstration of trip action on each GFI breaker by connection of a 15,000 ohm + 5% resistor between the "hot" line and ground on each receptacle connected to GFI breaker.

Final Control System Tests (Control Panels for Motor Control, HVAC, Fire, Intrusion, PA, Lighting control, BMS, Special purpose systems):

Final operational preliminary tests of the control systems will be performed under the supervision of the control systems manufacturer's Field Engineer in the presence of the Contracting Officer. Supply all labor and material required for testing.

Provide two weeks notice to the Contracting Officer that the control panels are operational with all equipment checked out, before final tests described below:

Normal Operation Test: Test each control panel to demonstrate normal operation of the system including all pilot devices and sensors, (level flow, float and pressure switches, all instrumentation and monitoring), level probes, time delays, lights, indicator gages, controllers, etc., for correct operating sequence. All controlled devices (motors, solenoids, unit heaters, VAV boxes, HVAC equipment, etc.) will be connected and operating under normal load for tests. Final adjustment of all operating set points and other adjustments shall be permanently marked by etching a mark on control adjustment device and marking with red paint.

Motor test report forms.

Provide complete operational sequence checkout to verify all modes of operation both normal and alarm for each system.

Test all control systems that interact with each other as a complete system to demonstrate that all interconnections and interactions are correct and that all interwiring is functional.

Calibration of Equipment: Calibrate all equipment requiring calibration such as such as power supplies, instrumentation transmitters, pressure switches, flow switches, pressure gauges, and all sensors. Provide all calibrators and instruments for this calibration. Provide each sensor with the appropriate input over its full operating range to test sensor output, such as, pressure, flow, level, temperature, %RH, etc. to demonstrate the sensors output (4-20 mA) for example is linear and corresponds to the physical variable measured. Provide certified, calibrated test instruments that read these variables measuring the same media as the sensor.

Failure and Alarm Tests: Test all safety protection devices and circuits, indicator lights, sonalert, etc., to demonstrate each separate type of failure and proper circuit operation for each condition.

Show actual operation of all protective and normal operation sensors. Shorting around or opening of circuits to simulate activation will not be allowed on either normal operation tests above or failure tests.

Test each motor thermal overload relay by temporarily inserting a heater element in its overload relay sized to trip within 5 minutes or 67% of the actual measured running current of each motor or adjusting the solid state overload relay until the motor starter trips. Control panel manufacturer will supply heater elements for tests.

Demonstrate that the motor thermal overload trip, and breaker alarm trip will energize the alarm circuit, de-energize the motor, and perform other required control functions within the time limit specified above or by the overload trip time characteristic curve.

Replace the proper thermal overload element in each starter or adjust the solid state overload relay to the correct setting or heater size after each test. Provide the Contracting Officer the catalog numbers of the overload heaters and manufacturer's tables with trip ratings to verify that the heater elements have been properly sized according to the nameplate current, service factor, and any temperature derating factors.

Provide a Motor test report and motor nameplate data in a tabular list of nameplate rated currents, motor service factors, temperature derating multipliers, service factor derating multipliers and measured current for all motors to verify against overload trip ratings. The control panel manufacturer will supply overload heaters if different ones are required.

Test Switch and Control Loop Operation: Use each test switch to simulate opening, shorting around and automatic operation of all pilot devices. Provide a current, voltage or other simulator to simulate all ranges of sensor inputs to test all controllers and signal loops from 0 - 100% of range for all control and alarm points. Demonstrate the normal operational sequence using the test switches, and all failure conditions which can be simulated with the test switches.

POLARITY AND GROUND LOOP IMPEDANCE TEST FOR OUTLETS

Test all 20A receptacles for ground loop impedance with an electronic tester for the following items:

Polarity Ground loop impedance L-N, H-N L-G. results shall be less than two ohms.

Test Failure: Failure of any phase of the operation tests shall constitute failure of the system. Correct failures and retest system. Repeat until the system is operating to required specifications.

Test Reports Submit dated "Electrical System Test Reports" indicating all tests performed and demonstrating conformance with the required system performance criteria in tabular form as described above. Include all voltage, current, and resistance test data of the electrical service, main feeders, panelboards, motor control panels, control system tests and ground systems as applicable. Submit test reports prior to final inspection.

Final Corrections:

Correct promptly any failure or defects revealed by these tests and reconduct tests on these corrected items. Make any final adjustments for optimum operation of all equipment.

End of Specification 26 00 10 04/07/2011 Telecommunication and Wiring 26 00 10 - 1/1 General Technical Provisions