PRODUCED BY THE OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE OF ENERGY NETWORKS ASSOCIATION

Engineering Recommendation G81 Part 1

Issue 3 2016

Framework for new low

development installations

voltage

housing

Part 1 Design and planning

www.energynetworks.org

PUBLISHING AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

2016 Energy Networks Association

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Energy Networks Association.
Specific enquiries concerning this document should be addressed to:
Operations Directorate
Energy Networks Association
6th Floor, Dean Bradley House
52 Horseferry Rd
London
SW1P 2AF
This document has been prepared for use by members of the Energy Networks
Association to take account of the conditions which apply to them. Advice should be taken
from an appropriately qualified engineer on the suitability of this document for any other
purpose.

First published, 2006; Revision and Amendment 1, 2008

Revised, 2016
Amendments since publication

Issue

Date

Amendment

2006

First issue

2 + A1

2008

Revision and Amendment 1:

Reference to ENA Engineering recommendation G5/4 updated to G5.
Reference to ENA Engineering recommendation P2/5 updated to P2.
Reference to Electricity and Pipe Line Works (assessment of
environmental effects) Regulations removed.
Reference to Electricity Works (Environmental Impact
Assessment)(England and Wales) Regulations changed to refer to the
document amended in 2007.
Reference to Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
changed to refer to document amended in 2006.

2016

Minor revision to reflect changes in the Ofgem Competition in

Connections regime and updating of reference publications and
legislation.
This issue includes the following principal technical changes.
Earth loop resistance changed to earth loop impedance.
Added definition of ADMD and IDNO.
Added requirement for fault level contribution from distributed generation
to be considered.
Reference to CDM Regulations changed from 2007 to 2015.
Changed Building Regulations 2010 to Building Regulations (applicable
to the location) to reflect different Building Regulations apply for different
locations of the UK. Added explanatory footnote.

ENA Engineering Recommendation G81 Part 1

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Details of all other technical, general and editorial amendments are

included in the associated Document Amendment Summary for this Issue
(available on request from the Operations Directorate of ENA).

ENA Engineering Recommendation G81 Part 1

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This page deliberately left blank

ENA Engineering Recommendation G81 Part 1

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Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................................ 6
1

Scope .............................................................................................................................. 7

Normative references ....................................................................................................... 7

Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................... 9

Legislation...................................................................................................................... 11

General .......................................................................................................................... 12

Design and planning ...................................................................................................... 12

6.1 General ................................................................................................................. 12

6.2 Design approval .................................................................................................... 13
6.3 Voltage regulation ................................................................................................. 13
6.4 Voltage unbalance and fluctuating loads ............................................................... 13
6.5 Losses .................................................................................................................. 13
6.6 Earth loop impedance ........................................................................................... 14
6.7 Low voltage underground cable network ............................................................... 14
6.8 High voltage network ............................................................................................ 14
6.9 Substations ........................................................................................................... 14
6.10 Services ................................................................................................................ 14
6.11 Design of unmetered supplies ............................................................................... 14
6.12 Ratings ................................................................................................................. 15
6.13 Fault levels ........................................................................................................... 15
6.14 Maximum design PSCC at LV busbars of HV/LV substation ................................. 15
6.15 LV protection......................................................................................................... 15
6.16 Provision of information required under ESQCRs ................................................. 16
6.17 Planning applications and consents ...................................................................... 16
6.18 Previously developed sites.................................................................................... 16
Appendix A (normative) Design information Data required from Applicant ........................ 18
Appendix B (normative) Data specific to Host DLH Typical example ................................ 19
Appendix C (normative) Point of Connection (POC) quotations ........................................... 21
C.1

Typical information to be provided by Host DLH ................................................... 21

C.1.1 Commercial information ............................................................................ 21
C.1.2 Technical information ................................................................................ 21
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................... 22

Tables
Table 1 Maximum design values of PSCC at the POC of LV services ............................. 15

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Foreword
This Engineering Recommendation (EREC) is published by the Energy Networks Association
(ENA) and comes into effect from date of publication. It has been prepared under the
authority of the ENA Engineering Policy and Standards Manager and has been approved for
publication by the ENA Electricity Networks and Futures Group (ENFG). The approved
abbreviated title of this engineering document is EREC G81 Part 1.
This EREC replaces and supersedes ER G81 Part 1 2008 (as amended).
This document is a qualifying standard, being listed in Appendix 2 of The Distribution Code,
and has been revised under the governance of the Distribution Code Review Panel and in
association with the Ofgem Electricity Connections Steering Group.
EREC G81 is a suite of engineering documents that sets out a national framework to
facilitate competition in new connections. EREC G81 Parts 1-3 are associated with low
voltage (LV) housing development installations and associated new HV/LV distribution
substations, where the requirements are documented as follows:

Part 1 Design and planning (this document).

Part 2 Materials specification.

Part 3 Installation and records.

Since ER G81 was last amended in 2008 the contestability of connection work has been
extended to include jointing of metered and unmetered supplies to existing low voltage mains
cables and to jointing of high voltage cables1. In addition, a significant number of references
in the documents have been superseded and new references relevant to EREC G81 have
been published. These changes and resultant changes to requirements are captured in this
revision. The opportunity has been taken to align the document with the current ENA
engineering document template and ER G0 governing the rules for structure, drafting and
presentation of ENA engineering documents.
This document is intended to be used by Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and
Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) that undertake new connections under
the Ofgem Competition in Connections regime.
Where the term shall or must is used in this document it means the requirement is
mandatory. The term may is used to express permission.
NOTE: Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller type, and does not
constitute a requirement.

If there are queries about this document, please discuss them with the Host Distribution
Licence Holder (Host DLH) in whose area it is proposed that work is to be undertaken. In the
event that it is not possible to resolve the question with the Host DLH, please seek advice
from the Connections Policy Team, Ofgem, 9 Millbank, London SW1P 3GE.

1 See Ofgem decision letter dated 8 May 2012 [1].

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1 Scope
This document sets out the minimum requirements for design and planning of new low
voltage underground electricity networks and associated distribution substations for housing
developments undertaken under the Ofgem Competition in Connections regime. This
document is one of the following suite governing this work.

Adoption Agreement2.

Design and planning framework (EREC G81 Part 1).

Materials specifications framework (EREC G81 Part 2).

Installation and records framework (EREC G81 Part 3).

Underground unmetered connections framework.

This document must be read in conjunction with these documents as some issues, for
example equipment ratings, are dependent both on the way equipment is specified, designed
or installed.
NOTE: This suite of documents applies only to new installations and is not to be applied retrospectively.

This document sets out and makes reference to design and planning requirements which
have to be met for a Host DLH to adopt contested LV networks and associated new HV/LV
distribution substations on housing developments. This includes housing developments on
both greenfield and brownfield sites.
This document supplements but does not amend, abridge or override any statutory
legislation referred to within this document.
This suite of documents principally applies to connections to single-occupied premises and
street lighting installations although some relevant design aspects associated with multioccupied premises, e.g. blocks of flats, have been summarised from ER G87. Detailed
arrangements associated with planning, connection and operation of new installations
involving an interface between the Host DLH and IDNOs are specifically addressed in ER
G88.
This suite of documents does not include any requirements in respect of generator
connections. These are subject to separate consideration (see ER G83).

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents, in whole or part, are indispensable for the application of
this document and must be complied with unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Host
DLH. The latest editions of these documents including all addenda and revisions shall apply
unless otherwise agreed with the Host DLH.
NOTE: It is not appropriate to cross-reference all relevant requirements from the following publications in this
document. Where a publication is not specifically cross-referenced in the main clauses of this document then all
relevant requirements are deemed to apply.

Standards publications
BS 7671, Requirements for electrical installations (IET Wiring Regulations. Seventeenth
Edition)

2 Also known as Agreement to Adopt.

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BS EN 50160, Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks

BS EN 60909 (all Parts), Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c. systems
BS HD 60269-2, BS 88-2, Low-voltage fuses. Supplementary requirements for fuses for use
by authorized persons (fuses mainly for industrial application). Examples of standardized
systems of fuses A to J
Energy Network Association publications3
ENA TS 12-8, The application of fuselinks to 11 kV/425 V and 6.6 kV/415 V underground
distribution networks
ENA TS 41-24, Guidelines for the design, installation, testing and maintenance of main
earthing systems in substations
ER G5, Planning levels for harmonic voltage distortion and connection of non-linear
equipment to transmission and distribution networks in the UK
ER G12, Requirements for the application of protective multiple earthing to low voltage
networks
ER G14, Protective multiple earthing: recommended principles of testing to ensure correct
polarity
ER G39, Model code of practice covering electrical safety in the planning, installation,
commissioning and maintenance of public lighting and other street furniture
ER G74, Procedure to meet the requirements of IEC 909 for the calculation of short-circuit
currents in three phase AC power systems
ER G87, Guidelines for the provision of low voltage connections to multiple occupancy
buildings
ER G88, Principles for the planning, connection and operation of electricity distribution
networks at the interface between Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and Independent
Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs)
ER P2, Security of supply
ER P17 (all Parts), Current rating guide for distribution cables
ER P25, The short-circuit characteristics of Public Electricity Suppliers low voltage
distribution networks and the co-ordination of overcurrent protective devices on 230 V single
phase supplies up to 100 A
ER P26, The estimation of maximum prospective short-circuit current for three phase 415 V
supplies
ER P28, Planning limits for voltage fluctuations caused by industrial, commercial and
domestic equipment in the United Kingdom
ER P29, Planning limits for voltage unbalance in the UK for 132 kV and below
ERep 2, Guidance on security of substations, cable bridges & cable tunnels

3 ENA documents can be obtained via the ENA web site: www.energynetworks.org.

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National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG) publications

Volume 1, NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning and Colour Coding of Underground Utilities
Apparatus
Volume 2, NJUG Guidelines on the Positioning of Underground Utilities Apparatus for New
Development Sites
Volume 4, NJUG Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility
Apparatus in Proximity to Trees
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) publications
GS6, Avoiding danger from overhead power lines
HSG47, Avoiding danger from underground services
HSG150, Health and safety in construction
Balancing & Settlement Code
Balancing & Settlement Code (BSC) Procedure BSCP 520 Unmetered Supplies Registered
in Supplier Meter Registration Service (SMRS)
Ofgem agreed publications
The Distribution Code
Standard Conditions of the Electricity Distribution Licence

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD)
maximum demand of an individual consumer property that includes diversity of load usage
for the purpose of calculating site/substation maximum demand
3.2
Applicant
company wishing to undertake the contestable work
3.3
BS
British Standard
3.4
BS EN
European Standard adopted as a British Standard
3.5
BSI
British Standards Institution
3.6
CDM
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

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3.7
CNE
combined neutral and earth (of cable construction)
3.8
Distribution Licence Holder (DLH)
Holder of an Electricity Distribution Licence as defined in the Electricity Act 1989 Standard
conditions of the Electricity Distribution Licence
NOTE: Host DLH refers to the Distribution Licence Holder for the public electricity network concerned.

3.9
Distribution Service Area (DSA)
service area of a DLH
3.10
ENA
Energy Networks Association
3.11
ENA TS
Energy Networks Association Technical Specification
3.12
Engineering Recommendation (ER or EREC)
engineering document published by the ENA, whose title may be abbreviated to ER or EREC
NOTE: Engineering Recommendations published from 2012 onwards are generally referred to as ERECs.

3.13
ESQCRs
Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended)4
3.14
Harmonised Document (HD)
IEC Standard adopted as a European reference document
3.15
Host DLH
DLH in whose licensed area (DSA) the works are to take place
3.16
housing development
development consisting of domestic dwellings
3.17
HSE
Health and Safety Executive
3.18
HV
high voltage exceeding 1 000 V a.c.
NOTE: See Clause 1 for HV limit that applies to this document.

4 And associated Guidance documents issued by DTI (now BIS) including URN 06/1294 [2].

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3.19
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission
3.20
IDNO
Independent Distribution Network Operator
NOTE: An IDNO is a DLH.

3.21
LV
low voltage not exceeding 1 000 V a.c.
3.22
NRSWA
New Roads and Street Works Act
3.23
Ofgem
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
3.24
Point of Connection (POC)
point on the existing Host DLH network to which new assets will be connected
3.25
Protective Multiple Earthing (PME)
neutral and protective functions combined in a single conductor in part of the electricity
distribution system
NOTE: Referred to as a TN-C-S (PME) system in BS 7671.

3.26
PSCC
Prospective Short-Circuit Current

4 Legislation
All requirements of all relevant legislation must be met. The following is a list of some of the
relevant legislation.
a) Building Regulations (applicable to the location)5,6.
b) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.
c) Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 20067.
d) Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
e) Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
f)

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (as amended).

5 The Buildings Regulations 2010 (as amended) only apply in England. Equivalent Building Regulations apply in
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
6 Requirements of related current approved documents also apply.
7 For equivalent Regulations in Scotland and Wales refer to The Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2005

and The Contaminated Land (Wales) Regulations 2006 respectively.

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g) Electricity Act 1989 as amended by the Utilities Act 2000; and The Distribution Code
which is given legal authority by the provisions of the Electricity Distribution Licence
issued under it.
h) Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
i)

Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (as amended)8.

j)

Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England & Wales) Regulations

2000 (as amended)9.

k) Environment Act 1995.

l)

Environmental Protection Act 1990.

m) Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

n) Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
o) New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA)10.
p) Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 200511.
q) Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
r) Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995.
s) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

5 General
Networks must be such that they are developed and maintained to provide an efficient,
secure and co-ordinated system of electricity supply that is both economical and safe.
The framework described in the suite of EREC G81 documents is subject to some local
variation between DLHs because, for example, of differences in:

substation specification, network design and fault levels;

environment and impact on ratings, insulation, corrosion etc.;

compatibility with existing equipment.

Where a deviation from this document is identified, it will be stated in the DLH Appendices to
this document.

6 Design and planning

6.1 General
The Applicant shall develop a network design which complies with requirements in those
publications stated in Clause 2 and all applicable statutory legislation, examples of which are
included in Clause 4.

8 And associated Guidance documents including URN 06/1294 [.

9 For equivalent Regulations in Scotland refer to The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment)

(Scotland) Regulations 2000 (as amended).

10 And all related Codes of Practice and Specifications.
11 Referred to as Fire Safety Regulations.

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In particular, the principles of sound health and safety management shall be taken fully into
account to ensure that the system can be constructed, maintained and operated safely and
effectively.
The Applicant shall ensure that the operating duty of equipment is within its design rating and
shall state the assumptions that have been made in deriving ratings and operating duty.
Network electrical design shall comply with the requirements of this document, employing
data listed in the Appendices. It is important to note that data may vary between DLHs, for
reasons such as those described in Clause 5.
6.2 Design approval
It is necessary for the Host DLH to approve the network design prior to construction. Each
DLH will define the information requirements necessary to support the approval process. Use
of the same design tool as the Host DLH will simplify the design approval process and it is
recommended that the Applicant discusses with the Host DLH the manner in which
information is provided.
Submission of designs by the Applicant to the DLH for approval shall include:

copies of inputs and outputs from the design package used by the appropriate DLH;

a statement of the design parameters used see Appendix A for list;

a drawing showing the network layout to a suitable scale showing, routes, joint positions,
cable sizes, link box positions and LV phase connections;

confirmation that the design meets the requirements of this document as supplemented in
the Appendices.

The Host DLH may elect to opt for a design which exceeds the requirements of this
document, for example to provide additional LV linking facilities or to increase conductor
sizing to permit later network extension not covered by the Applicants programme. If there
are generic requirements such as provision of mobile generator connection facilities then
these should be set out in the DLH specific details in Appendix B. Requirements which are
relevant to individual designs would be discussed with the Applicant during the design
process, as provided for under the terms of the Adoption Agreement.
6.3 Voltage regulation
The voltage regulation between the LV busbars of the HV/LV substation and the end of any
service, including the maximum proportion of regulation in the service, shall not exceed the
limits stated by the Host DLH in the Appendices.
6.4 Voltage unbalance and fluctuating loads
Single phase connections shall be balanced such that the resultant network voltages fall
within the voltage unbalance limits of ER P29, taking existing network connections into
account. Limits for voltage fluctuations caused by industrial, commercial and domestic
equipment, e.g. sewage pumps sometimes found on new housing estates, are set out in ER
P28.
6.5 Losses
Systems must be developed to be efficient, co-ordinated and economical. The design shall
minimise lifetime costs, including: initial capital costs, installation, operation and maintenance
costs. An evaluation of system losses using loss /kWh as used and stated by the Host DLH
in Appendix B shall be carried out.

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6.6 Earth loop impedance

The maximum earth loop impedance (LV main plus service cable loop) shall be as stated by
the Host DLH in the Appendices.
6.7 Low voltage underground cable network
The low voltage underground cable network shall be of CNE cable construction utilising the
standard sizes of cable employed by the Host DLH as specified in Appendix B.
The network shall be earthed using the PME system in accordance with ER G12.
The voltage drop on the low voltage underground cable network between the substation LV
busbars and all extremities of the network shall not exceed the limits specified in Appendix B.
This voltage drop shall be calculated assuming that all customers are taking their design
ADMD with allowance for unbalance and diversity. Host DLH-specific design ADMDs for
different classes of customer are listed in Appendix B.
6.8 High voltage network
The high voltage network shall utilise the standard design of overhead line or type of
underground cable and conductor sizes employed by the Host DLH as specified in Appendix
B. Where work falling within the scope of this document entails modification of an existing
DLH circuit, the design, for example in selection of conductor materials and sizes, shall be
such that existing ratings are maintained.
6.9 Substations
The HV/LV distribution substation(s) shall utilise the standard sizes of transformer employed
by the Host DLH as specified in Appendix B [of this document] and Appendices to the
materials specifications framework (EREC G81 Part 2).
Transformer sizing shall be based on the aggregated ADMDs for all customers fed from the
substation and the permissible cyclic rating of the transformer as specified in Appendix B,
and minimising lifetime cost criteria as set out in Clause 6.5.
The substation location shall take into account access and environmental factors such as:
noise, pollution, flooding risk and vandalism (see also ESQCRs and associated DTI (now
BIS) Guidance [2]). Early discussion is required between the Applicant and the Host DLH
over the substation ESQCR risk assessment and the proposed design features which take
account of this.
Substation earthing shall prevent danger from rise of potential during system earth faults,
shall take account of touch potentials, step potentials and transferred potentials and shall
conform with requirements in ENA TS 41-24.
6.10 Services
Service cables shall be of CNE construction using standard sizes of cable employed by the
Host DLH as specified in Appendices to the materials specifications framework (EREC G81
Part 2).
Service entry policy may vary between DLHs see information in Appendix B for details.
Guidance on service entries for new dwellings on residential estates can be found in NJUG
Publication Volume 2 (previously NJUG 6).
6.11 Design of unmetered supplies
Only supplies covered by BSCP 520 may be unmetered supplies, and the provision of
unmetered supplies requires the prior approval of the Host DLH.

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Loads shall be calculated in accordance with BSCP 520, where this provides information on
the class of load.
The network design shall otherwise follow LV network design practice described in this
document.
6.12 Ratings
The network design shall be such that equipment design ratings including any appropriate
cyclic or short term ratings as defined in the appropriate specification or ER P17 are not
exceeded, and must take into account the load profile characteristics and DLH specific
criteria, such as ambient temperatures, soil thermal resistivity etc. as listed in Appendix B.
It is important to note that these factors are likely to differ between DLHs and so application
of rating information in ER P17 will not produce common ratings throughout the UK. See
Appendices for Host DLH data.
Ratings employed shall be appropriate to the duty and environment in which the equipment
is used. An example of this is the rating of an LV house service cut-out in a meter cabinet;
the cut-out may have a manufacturers rating of 100 A, but this is de-rated when installed in a
metering cabinet. Cables in ducts shall be de-rated in accordance with ER P17.
The short-circuit rating of equipment provided shall not be less than the design fault level of
the DLH distribution network to which it is to be connected (as specified in Appendix B).
NOTE: See The Distribution Code - DPC6.5.

6.13 Fault levels

Fault levels shall be sufficient to ensure operation of protection but shall not exceed the limit
stated in Appendix B for the design PSCC at the substation LV busbars.
6.14 Maximum design PSCC at LV busbars of HV/LV substation
Networks shall be designed not to exceed the following PSCCs. The design PSCC at the LV
busbars of the HV/LV transformer shall be as stated by the Host DLH in Appendix B, unless
otherwise agreed in writing.
Allowance for fault infeed from the LV network shall be included in accordance with BS EN
60909. The Applicant shall also take into account any fault level contribution from distributed
generation connected to the LV network. The parameters used shall be stated by the
Applicant.
ER P25 and ER P26 give the following figures as maximum design values of PSCCs at the
POC of the service line to the DLH main LV distributor:
Table 1 Maximum design values of PSCC at the POC of LV services
230 V 1ph

16 kA

230/400 V 3ph

25 kA

230/460 V 2ph

25 kA

Maximum PSCC shall be quoted in kilo Amperes (kA) to avoid confusion arising from
assumptions about nominal voltages.
6.15 LV protection
The protection of LV feeder circuits shall meet the following requirements.

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a) Feeder circuits supplying more than one customer shall be protected by fuses to BS HD
60269-2, BS 88-2, Fuse system I gU fuse-links with wedge tightening contacts.
b) Feeder circuits supplying a single customers shall be protected by fuses or circuit
breakers, dependent on supply capacity and customer's protection.
c) Fuses must provide short-circuit protection for the whole length of the circuit up to the
service cut-out. Phase to neutral fault clearance time shall be as stated by the Host DLH
in Appendix B.
d) Fuse ratings must allow for the cyclic overload rating of the circuit.
e) For discrimination, the minimum pre-arcing I2t of a feeder circuit fuse must exceed
maximum total I2t of any individual fuse downstream.
f)

Overcurrent protection shall be provided at the point of supply.

g) LV fuses shall be sized to ensure discrimination with the transformer HV protection in

accordance with ENA TS 12-8.
6.16 Provision of information required under ESQCRs
The Applicant shall provide the Host DLH with a written statement of the following
information. This information is to allow the Host DLH to fulfil its obligations under Regulation
28 of The ESQCRs in respect of the proposed installation of a consumer.
a) The maximum PSCC at the supply terminals; and
i. for low voltage installations, the maximum earth loop impedance of the earth fault path
outside the consumer's installation.
b) The type and rating of the supplier's fusible cut-out or switching device nearest to the
supply terminals.
c) The type of earthing system applicable to the connection and (in accordance with
Regulation 27 (1)) the number of phases, the frequency and the voltage at which it is
proposed to supply electricity which apply, or will apply, to that installation to any person
who has reasonable cause for requiring that information.
6.17 Planning applications and consents
Attention is drawn to the requirements of various legislation for extended periods of statutory
consultation with bodies such as English Heritage, Natural England, Environment Agency,
Highways Authorities12 (NRSWA etc.) and equivalents in Scotland and Wales, which will
impact upon finalisation of proposed installations and work, where such statutory
consultation applies.
It is the Applicants responsibility to obtain planning and other consents.
6.18 Previously developed sites
There are a number of issues that are more likely to arise on previously developed
(brownfield) sites, and which will require discussion and resolution between the Applicant
and the Host DLH at an early stage in the planning process. The following are the more
common.

12 Also refers to other agencies requiring consents for work on or near major highways including the Highways
Agency, Transport for Scotland and the Welsh Assembly.

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a) Existing electricity infrastructure in place:

i. Whether the site is to be totally cleared of existing infrastructure to create a blank
sheet starting point.
ii. If not, then how will existing Host DLH infrastructure, and supplies to existing
connected customers inside/outside the development, be safeguarded at all stages of
the development?
iii. Where will existing infrastructure end up in the new development having regard to
ongoing access and consents?
iv. Where existing infrastructure, or part of it, is to remain in place, there will in
consequence be a mix of cable types, ages and designs on site, which will have an
impact on subsequent live working requirements.
b) Access and obstructions:
i. Preferred access for cables may not be via the site entrance.
ii. Cable routes outside the development area may also be on previously developed land.
iii. Cable routes need to take account of obstructions and an early survey by the Applicant
may be needed to determine such obstructions, other utility services, abandoned works
etc.
c) Contaminated land, including asbestos:
i. The Applicant shall, unless otherwise agreed with Host DLH, provide a Contaminated
Land survey.
ii. Works on site, and in particular trenching, may require special measures to be taken to
protect the ongoing reliability of buried assets and to avoid the creation of pathways,
which would otherwise allow contamination off site.
d) Conversion of existing buildings:
i. Suitability for rising and lateral mains.
ii. Impact of current Fire Safety Regulations on conversion.
iii. Suitability for location of internal substations.

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Appendix A
(normative)
Design information Data required from Applicant
Typical only subject to Host DLH variation
For each feeder:

Number of customers and connections on each phase (ph).

Maximum feeder load in Amps.

Fuse selected and maximum clearance time ph to earth fault at furthest cut-out.

Maximum voltage regulation at a cut-out position + and - %.

Maximum earth loop impedance.

Connected motor loads/disturbing loads.

Details of distributed generation connected at each installation.

Maximum voltage unbalance (%).

ADMDs/Annual consumptions by customer class.
A listing of demand profile classes + ADMDs/annual consumption used for each category of
service, together with information (as required in The Distribution Code - DPC5.2.1), on
individual maximum power requirements kVA or kW type and electrical loading of equipment
to be connected (e.g. number and size of motors, cookers, showers, space and water
heating arrangements) including details of equipment which is subject to switching by the
Supplier.
Diversity ............................................................................ %
Economic rating fixed losses........................................ /kW
variable losses ................................... /kW
Maximum design PSCCs at connection of service to main:
1 ph 230 V

kA

3 ph 230/400 V

kA

2 ph 230/460 V

kA

Design PSCC at LV busbars of HV/LV transformer

Unmetered supplies.
Classes and maximum demands per BSCP 520.

kA

Rating criteria underground

List of cable types by DLH, sizes and ratings employed see Appendix B for DLH specific
rating criteria.

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Appendix B
(normative)
Data specific to Host DLH Typical example
This is an example of the type of data that would be inserted into Appendix B by the
Host DLH and is included only for indicative purposes.
NOTE: The Host DLH may cross-reference other internal documents containing technical requirements, which will
be made available to the Applicant.

Maximum voltage regulation from LV busbars of HV/LV substation:

To end of service
To end of main, where no service exists

+%
+%

Maximum volt drop from LV busbars of HV/LV substation:

To end of service
To end of main, where no service exists

%
%
(Clause 6.6)
ohms
ohms

Design PSCCs at LV busbars of HV/LV substation:

1 000 kVA transformer
800 kVA transformer
500 kVA transformer
etc.

-%
-%
(Clause 6.7)

Maximum earth loop impedance:

To end of service
To end of main, where no service exists

(Clause 6.3)

(Clause 6.14)

kA
kA
kA

Maximum LV fault clearance time:

Phase to neutral

(Clause 6.15)
s

Loss evaluation criteria employed:

(Clause 6.5)

Economic rating fixed losses........................................ /kW

variable losses ................................... /kW
ADMD information.
Maximum number of services per joint.
Use of looped services.
Service entries

(Clause 6.7)
(Clause 6.7)
(Clause 6.7)
(Clause 6.10)

On new housing developments the preferred method of service entry to a customer's

electrical installation is via an external meter cabinet. See NJUG Publication Volume 2
(previously NJUG 6).
Underground cables
Standard conductor sizes.
Underground cable ratings criteria
Soil resistivities to be employed.

(Clauses 6.7 & 6.8)

(Clause 6.12)

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Ground ambient temperatures winter and summer.

Maximum conductor temperatures.
Definition of cyclic and distribution ratings.
Ducts maximum lengths without de-rating.
Short-circuit rating requirements etc.
HV network configuration
Maximum load on any teed section of HV network
MVA
Security of supply requirements.
Switchgear diversification requirements for adjacent substations.
Fault restoration requirements.
Fault passage indicator requirements.
Remote operation/automation requirements.
Overhead line design standards.
Underground cable design standards.

(Clause 6.8)

Substation

(Clause 6.9)

Standard transformer rated powers

kVA

Transformer cyclic overload rating.

% of rated power
hrs in 24 hr period

Protection
LV fuse protection

(Clause 6.16)

Standard LV fuse ratings

Maximum permitted LV fuse rating for LV feeder

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Appendix C
(normative)
Point of Connection (POC) quotations
C.1
C.1.1

Typical information to be provided by Host DLH

Commercial information

Information on charges for non-contestable work (see below) will be provided in accordance
with the Connection Charging Methodology and Connection Charging Statement of the Host
DLH.

Charge for information on POC.

Charge for design approval.

Charge for final connection of new assets to existing network (including work breakdown,
e.g. make 300 mm to 185 mm waveform breech joint).

Charge for inspection and monitoring of contestable work.

Charge for acquisition of wayleaves and easements.

Reinforcement costs.

Diversion costs.

Handover/adoption payment.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) charge.

C.1.2

Technical information

Geographic plan showing POC location.

Mains records showing existing Host DLH equipment and POC location.

Single line diagram, i.e. system diagram, showing existing Host DLH equipment and POC
location.

Confirmation of demand/demand characteristics provided by ICP.

Host DLH design assumptions applied to connected demand (e.g. ADMD, No. of plots,
characteristics of disturbing loads etc.).

POC specification (e.g. kVA capacity, voltage, frequency, source impedance, volt drop,
fault level).

Description of reinforcement work (e.g. replace 500 kVA TX with 1 000 kVA, upgrade 185
mm LV cable in highway to 300 mm).

Description of recovery/diversionary works (e.g. remove HV overhead line, relocate

terminal pole, divert HV cable).

Geographic plan showing recovery/diversionary work.

NOTE: This is a typical example of information to be provided for illustration only. The level of detail provided will
clearly be dependent on the nature and complexity of the connection/development. Following consideration of the
POC quotation, the ICP may, in exceptional circumstances, request supplementary information (e.g. design
options considered, interpretation of cost apportionment rules etc.) from the Host DLH that may be necessary to
clarify or justify the quotation. The Host DLH will charge for this supplementary information in circumstances
where the original POC design proposal and quotation is subsequently confirmed to be appropriate.

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Bibliography
Other publications
[1] Competition in connections Decision on extending contestability to jointing to existing
DNO mains and associated operational activities, 8 May 2012: Ofgem.
[2] Guidance on the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity (Amendment) Regulations
2006, Publication reference URN 06/1294, Department for Trade and Industry (now
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills).

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