UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Design Standards

Revision July 2019

SECTION 260500 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL

1.0 ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance: University of Pennsylvania buildings shall comply with the Commer-
cial Energy Efficiency Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016. The ASHRAE 90.1-2016
compliance paths shall be followed instead of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
requirements as permitted by 2018 IECC Section 401.2 Application.

2.0 In addition to the requirements previously presented herein, each specification shall contain the
following general information:

A. Codes, Laws, Ordinances, Regulations and Requirements:

1. State that all materials, equipment and workmanship must conform to all perti-
nent codes, laws, ordinances and regulations of all bodies having jurisdiction.
2. Identify all references as necessary to invoke applicable electrical codes and
standards, as well as building codes and any codes and standards that are not
specifically electrical (ex. - building codes).
3. State which codes and standards apply: ASTM, NEC, NFPA, UL, NETA, etc. by
title and document number.

B. Tests:

1. Define the Contractor’s responsibility for execution, notification, documentation of

results, and witnessing.
2. Define, in detail, the factory and field tests required as part of the contract.
3. As a minimum, factory acceptance tests shall be required for generators, trans-
formers, UPS, switchgear/switchboards and paralleling switchgear. Consult the
University for requirements for witnessed factory test requirements, which will re-
quire a minimum of two weeks’ notice, when required.
4. Field acceptance testing shall be completed in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendation by a factory-authorized field services technician and Interna-
tional Electrical Testing Association Inc. (NETA) Acceptance Testing Specifica-
tions, by a NETA certified electrical testing firm that is retained by the contractor
as an independent subcontractor. The testing subcontractor shall provide their
report directly to the University and the design professional. Any non-
conformance issues shall be resolved immediately, unless University operations
require a delay to avoid conflicts.
5. The electrical testing firm shall be required to perform an infrared thermographic
inspection of all current carrying equipment and connections per NETA Stand-
ards, six months after beneficial occupancy (minimum 75% of available floor
space is occupied unless directed otherwise by the University Engineering De-
partment), and provide a report to the Owner. The inspector shall be Level III
certified in infrared testing by the American Society of Nondestructive Testing
(ASNT).
6. Records of all torque wrench calibration and settings shall be provided

3.0 As a minimum, a start-up/energization plan shall be provided for new or modified electrical sys-
tems. When directed by the University Engineering Department (typically, larger projects) com-
missioning by an independent commissioning agent will be required for commissioning require-
ments.

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4.0 Instructing Owner's Personnel:

A. Require the contractor and each equipment manufacturer's technical agent to fully in-
struct the representatives of the University in all details of operation of the equipment in-
stalled under his contract. Training sessions should be scheduled with the appropriate
University personnel (usually, Electrical Operators and Electricians - "ELOPs") and re-
quire a minimum of two weeks’ notice.

B. Each contractor shall be directed to provide three (3) copies of printed operating and
maintenance instructions in separate hardback, three-ring loose-leaf binders and an elec-
tronic copy in Adobe or other acceptable format. The instructions shall be prepared by
section and contain detail operating and maintenance data including wiring and piping di-
agrams. Each section shall be labeled and include detailed parts list data and the name,
address and phone number of the nearest supply source. The manuals must provide all
the information required to run the building and maintain systems and equipment effi-
ciently.

C. The manufacturer's standard specification sheets, if generalized in any way, will be clear-
ly marked to show exactly which item has been supplied, what ratings are applicable,
etc., and the job designation for that item will be noted on manufacturer's specification
sheet which includes all details for this unit.

D. If there are differences between pieces of equipment, then include a specification sheet
for each, properly marked.

E. Include control diagrams, single-line diagrams, interconnection (point to point) wiring dia-
grams, sequence of operations, and service instructions.

F. Provide one section for preventive maintenance procedures (recommended materials

and procedures, frequency, etc.).

G. Include Contractor's phone numbers and any other references required to obtain warran-
ty service.

H. Training shall be conducted by the manufacturer's factory trained personnel who are
knowledgeable of the specific project and actual operating conditions and requirements.

I. Operator training shall be conducted before the equipment is placed into energized oper-
ation.

J. The manufacturer shall produce a test procedure that covers all modes of operation and
demonstrates all interlocks for the equipment provided.

5.0 Mechanical-Electrical Coordination:

A. Include one or more articles that clearly define the extent of responsibility between the
mechanical and electrical contractors regarding equipment, wiring or other features that
involve the work of both trades.

B. Require the contractors to provide coordination drawings that document coordination

among all trades.

C. Do not install equipment that must be accessed or serviced by trades other than electri-
cal, in electrical rooms that are to be locked with an “ELEOP” key.

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D. Do not install equipment, piping, etc. that is foreign to electrical system above electrical
equipment.

6.0 Description of Work:

A. Include a description of the scope of work highlighting all major systems, ratings, system
boundaries and extents, equipment and material selections, etc.

B. If the nature of the project requires a phased approach in order to keep systems running
and buildings in operating condition, describe the required sequences of work.

C. Any temporary power provisions must be clearly defined, including required equipment
and materials, location of equipment, guarding of equipment (fences, etc.), tie-ins and
shutdowns, sequencing, etc. Define the entire extent of the campus that is affected by
temporary power provisions, such as buildings/building areas, exterior lighting, etc. De-
fine the duration of required outages and scheduling restrictions.

D. Define the required coordination between University operations, building owners and
building occupants, for egress and access restrictions during the construction work, shut-
downs, system availability, etc.

E. Define all tie-ins to the University's campus substations and medium voltage distribution
feeder circuits, including a plan that identifies the sequencing required to get the new
work tied in, listing of existing buildings that are affected by outages and/or switching op-
erations, duct banks, manholes, etc.

F. Existing University electrical site maps and electrical site single line diagrams are to be
updated to show all new building electrical tie-ins, as part of the project. Additionally, the
composite campus site utility drawing showing chilled water, steam and electric must be
updated. These drawings must be updated and submitted to the University prior to ener-
gizing electrical service to the building.

7.0 Shop Drawings:

A. Each shop drawing submitted shall be identified by the following:

B. Project Name

C. Specification Section

D. Drawing Numbers

E. Shop drawing data shall include but not be limited to:

1. Manufacturer's catalog designation.

2. Complete data and wiring diagrams.
3. Dimensions, capacities, ratings, weights, materials, finishes, and storage condi-
tions.
4. Recommended installation procedures, performance, and conditions of perfor-
mance, testing, and certifications if required.

F. Each submittal shall be required to bear the review stamp of each contractor associated
with the processing of the document. The processing of shop drawings shall follow con-
tractual relationships between the Prime Contractor and all Subcontractors.

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G. Shop drawings which require coordination of two or more trades shall be required to bear
the review stamp of the coordinating trades.

1. All submittals depicting multiple options or configurations shall be marked to

completely identify the specified options and/or configurations. This includes all
electronic submittals, which shall be identical to all submitted paper copies.
2. Coordination drawings shall meet the Division 1 requirements

8.0 Record Drawings

A. The project specifications must define the requirements for the as-built drawings. At a
minimum, these drawings must identify locations and size of all major raceway systems
(to include conduits 3” and larger, cable tray, etc.); locations of all devices; updated pan-
elboard schedules, equipment locations; substitutions; depth of ductbanks, routing of duct
banks. Also record on as-built drawings the dimensioned locations of other piping sys-
tems where they cross underground electrical duct banks.

B. Provide digital pictures of duct bank crossings with other piping systems and at building
entrances, prior to backfilling excavations.

C. Require an electronic file of all project specific drawings in a version compatible with cur-
rent University CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit and PDF formats, where applicable).

9.0 Sleeves and Penetrations:

A. The specifications and drawings must define and detail the installation of grouting and
waterproofing of sleeves and fireproofing of rated wall penetrations, if necessary.

B. Penetrations through below grade walls and foundation walls shall be sealed using
grouted sleeves, with link seals to waterproof the sleeve to conduit annular space.

C. Each fire-rated wall penetration shall be sealed with listed, fire-rated sealant and shall be
located on as-built drawings and identified by the applicable UL directory file number.

D. Sleeves installed in floors shall have a minimum 3" extension above the finished floor el-
evation.

E. Access panels in walls and ceilings shall be provided where there are concealed items
requiring access. Access panels shall match the fire rating of the wall or ceiling assembly
in which they are located.

F. Roof penetrations shall be supplied in accordance with the roofing system manufacturer’s
recommendations.

10.0 Contract Drawings: The following applies to the preparation of drawings:

A. All Division 26 drawings will be labeled according to the attached drawing numbering
guide.

B. Separate sheets must be used for plans, details, panelboard schedules, single line dia-
grams, and risers.

C. Standard University details must be used where applicable.

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11.0 Additional Design Considerations:

A. Demolition work: Equipment to be removed, replaced, or made obsolete shall be demol-

ished in its entirety back to source.

B. All primary (high voltage) main breakers installed on the campus will be monitored (volt-
age [three phase L-L, L-G] amperes - each phase, kW, kVARS, kVA, kWH, kVARH, har-
monics, relay status and breaker status) from the centrally located Operations Control
Center.

1. Refer to specification guideline 260913, Electrical Monitoring and Control, for

monitoring and meter requirements.
2. Meter data will be delivered to the building's SCADA node. All new building
projects shall include the provision of a new SCADA node, utilizing exclusively,
the services of the University's SCADA system provider. Renovation projects
may, if allowed by the University Engineering Department, tie in to an existing
SCADA node if one is present in the building. In general, meters and other
devices are to interface with the SCADA node via Modbus TCP-IP. Refer to
specification guideline 260913 for more information.

C. Coordination of the design for the location of all floor and wall openings, lintels, equip-
ment pads, etc. is the responsibility of design professional engaged to design the system
which penetrates the floor, wall or roof.

D. The following is a list of prohibited installations:

1. Armored Cable. (Type AC)

(type MC cable with insulated internal ground wire is acceptable.)
2. Aluminum wires and cables.
3. Aluminum bus duct.
4. Aluminum windings in transformers and motors.
5. Twin breaker units.
6. Aluminum bus in panelboards or switchboards.
7. Underslab/in-slab conduits.
8. Direct burial of underground cable.
9. Top entry in areas where water is present or could be present.
10. Line side taps on panelboards
11. Bottom entry in medium voltage switchgear
12. Front access-only medium voltage switchgear

E. All equipment must be installed on raised concrete housekeeping pads. Pads shall be a
minimum of 4 inches high and shall extend a minimum of 4 inches beyond all sides of the
equipment. Pads in front of switchgear or motor control centers containing draw-out units
shall extend the full required working distance recommended by the manufacturer.

F. The work sequence required to accommodate the University's operational or occupancy

requirements must be described.

G. Temporary work required to facilitate construction or University’s occupancy require-

ments (i.e. continuity of electrical service) must be identified. Work and connections re-
quiring interruption of services shall be identified and coordinated with Owner and per-
formed only with prior written approval of Owner. Seven (7) days prior written notice of
service interruption is required.

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H. The design professional shall demonstrate that electrical equipment is able to fit in space
allotted with required NEC and OSHA clearances. Also demonstrate that equipment re-
moval paths from the building are defined.

I. The design professional shall familiarize themselves with the University’s “Climate Action
Plan” (latest version) which seeks to integrate sustainability into every aspect of the Uni-
versity including campus planning and design, and campus operations. To that end,
equipment selections shall consider all practical options for reduction of losses, reduction
of waste materials, and improved operating and maintenance efficiency. Refer to section
010020 for more detail on the University’s Climate Action Plan.

12.0 Power System Study:

A. A power system coordination and short circuit study shall be performed. Provide a sys-
tem time-current coordinated at all levels of overload and fault current. A complete short
circuit protection and coordination study shall be prepared to denote actual items of
equipment proposed to accomplish the required degree of coordination between protec-
tive devices from the external source feeding the building through all internal switch-
boards and panelboards. Study shall also evaluate withstand ratings of passive equip-
ment such as bus duct, automatic transfer switches, contactors, and safety switches.

B. The minimum interrupting rating of 15KV class switchgear shall be 20 kA (500 MVA).

C. Design professional shall design the system for power factor correction to 95 percent.
Capacitors should be placed locally at motors 20 HP and above, except for motors fed
from VFDs. In addition, secondary automatic power factor correction capacitors shall be
provided to further correct the power factor to 95 percent overall at the building low volt-
age substations.

D. Provide an arc flash analysis that covers all electrical or electrified equipment supplied
under the project. The arc flash analysis shall evaluate all operating scenarios present
and report the worst case results obtained by the methodologies of both NFPA 70E and
IEEE 1584. The most conservative results from these two methodologies shall be used
as the basis for PPE recommendations.

E. Refer to section 261000 for additional requirements for relay and circuit breaker coordina-
tion.

13.0 Power Capacity Analysis:

A. An electrical power capacity analysis shall be performed to confirm the ability of existing
power systems to handle additional loads imposed by renovation projects and building
expansion projects. For projects with demand loads of 100 KVA or more, the capacity
analysis shall include local panelboards, affected power risers or feeders and the service
feeder or transformer. For new buildings, a service capacity study shall be performed in
conjunction with the University Engineering Department. A load study of the existing ca-
pacity shall be performed on all projects that intend to draw power from a campus substa-
tion.

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