Dubai Building Code (2021)

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 81

G.7.3

Substation location and access

The substation room/RMU room shall be directly

located on the RTA/public road or sikka.
Where the substation/RMU room is located on a sikka,

the sikka should have a minimum clear width of 6.1 m.

However, if the proposed RMU room location is less

than 12 m away from the main road then the sikka can

be used with a minimum clear width of 3 m.
Access shall be provided for DEWA staff and vehicles

from the plot limits to the substation and RMU rooms

(if setback is allocated in the affection plan by the

competent authority). The access shall be directly open

to sky and available 24/7.
In a split room/basement room arrangement, the

transformer room may be located on an internal

driveway having a clear (3 m wide x 3 m high) and

direct access from the RTA road.

G.7.4

Requirements for provision of attic

slabs above substations and LV electrical

rooms

Wet facilities shall not normally be located above

the substation/RMU room/LV electrical room.

Occasionally, in exceptional unavoidable cases, this

is permitted at the discretion of DEWA, and in these

cases the following requirements shall be met.

a) A reinforced concrete attic slab shall be provided

above the entire substation/RMU room/LV

electrical room.

The entire attic slab and floor slab above, including

the vertical sides above the attic slab, shall be

waterproofed using an approved system.

c) The Consultant shall take full responsibility for

supervision of the waterproofing works, during

execution and testing of waterproofing.

d) All pipes, joints, trap, etc. running in wet areas

shall be enclosed in an approved waterproofing

membrane.

The void between the floor and attic slab shall

have a clear height of not less than 600 mm. The

void above the attic slab shall be accessed via an

opening of 1,200 mm × 600 mm, fitted with an

aluminium louvered door. The void shall not be used

for any other purpose and shall have a permanent

lighting arrangement. A drain pipe shall be provided

for the attic slab to drain out any water leakage

through the floor slab. Tiles are not compulsory

above the attic slab.

The Consultant shall forward complete floor plans

to DEWA. The plans shall show the location of

the wet area and the substation/RMU room/

LV electrical room. The extent of the attic slab

shall be clearly marked in the plans. Typical cross

sections through the wet area, substation/RMU

room/LV electrical room and attic slab shall be

shown in the drawings, including the waterproofing

arrangement/systems/materials.

The following checklist shall be followed for attic slab

construction:
1) reinforced concrete attic slab above entire

substation/ring main unit/LV;

2) clear depth (void) of 600 mm between attic slab

and floor slab;

3) aluminium louvered access door of

1,200 mm × 600 mm to above clear depth (void)

from outside substation;

waterproofing of attic slab, floor slab above attic

slab and vertical side walls;

5) drain pipe of 40 mm diameter projecting out of

the attic slab;

waterproofing of all pipe joints, traps, etc. running

in wet areas;

7)  lighting inside the void space;
8)  drawings showing the above details attached;
9)  guarantee letter;
10)   no high pressure and vertical pipes passing in the

void area;

11) PVC tray provided with a 1:100 slope towards the

drain pipe.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 82

G.7.5

Substation types and areas

G.7.5.1

Single room substation (RMU and transformer in same room on

ground floor)

The dimensions for a single room substation where the RMU and transformer are in

the same room on the ground floor shall conform to Table G.23 and Figure G.39 to

Figure G.41.

Transformer topologies

Area required

)

Minimum width

of room (m)

1 × 1,000/1,500 kVA

4.57

2 × 1,000/1,500 kVA

6.1

Additional transformer

Additional 25

—

Four or more transformers (including necessary equipment)

—

Table G.23 Dimensions of single room substation

Figure G.39 Typical 1 × 1,000 kVA/1,500 kVA substation arrangement (m) (for reference only, not for

construction)

Key

01: 150 mm øPVC at Trench Level

02: Transformer Base

03: RMU

04: RTU

05: Louvered windows 3.0 m (w) x 2.15 m (h), installed 0.6 m AFFL,

to be constructed to same detail as louvered doors

06: 0.60 m opening at channel base level

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 83

Key

01: 150 mm øPVC at trench level

02: Transformer base

03: RMU

04: RTU

0.40

0.60

3.00

6.00

0.20

0.75

0.40

0.45

0.85

0.45

0.92

0.30

0.60

0.77

1.00

0.77

0.90

0.20
0.40

0.85

0.45

2.10

0.80

1.30

0.90

0.92

0.67

0.92 0.60

1.00

0.77

0.90

6.00

9.00

2.98

3.05

Figure G.40 Typical 2 × 1,000/1,500 kVA substation arrangement (m) (for reference only,

not for construction)

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 84

Figure G.41

Typical substation arrangement allowing for additional transformers (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

9.0

6.00

4.15

1.65

0.40

0.60

0.20

0.75

0.40

0.45

0.85

0.45

0.92

0.30

0.60

0.77

1.00

0.77

0.90

0.20

0.40

0.85

0.45

2.10

0.80

1.30

0.90

0.92

0.67

0.92

0.60

1.00

0.77

0.90

Key

01: 150mm øPVC at Trench Level

02: Transformer base

03: RMU

04: RTU

05: 25 m

for extra transformer

06: 10 m

for extra transformer

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 85

G.7.5.2

Split room substation (RMU and transformer in separate rooms on

ground floor)

The dimensions for a split room substation where the RMU and transformer are in

separate rooms on the ground floor shall conform to Table G.24, Figure G.42,

Figure G.43, Table G.25 and Figure G.44.

Transformer topologies

Area required

)

Minimum width

of room (m)

towards door side

For one RMU set controlling two transformers

Additional RMU set

Four or more transformers (including necessary equipment)

Table G.24

Dimensions of RMU room, ground floor

Figure G.42 Typical ground floor RMU room spatial arrangements for one

RMU (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Figure G.43 Typical ground floor RMU room spatial arrangements for multiple RMUs (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Key

01: RMU

02: RTU

03: 9 m

Key

01: RMU

02: RTU

03: 9 m

04: 7 m

for extra RMU

05: 10 m

for four and above transformers

3.0

2.0

3.0

0.40

0.60

1.36

1.55

1.00

0.20

0.28

2.44

1.03

0.60

3.0

2.33

3.33

0.40

0.60

1.36

1.55

1.00

1.03

0.60

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 86

Transformer topologies (ground floor)

Area required

)

Minimum width

of room (m)

1 × 1,000/1,500 kVA

4.57

Extra area required for an additional transformer

—

For 2 × 1,000/1,500 kVA transformers

6.1

Table G.25

Dimensions of transformer room, ground floor

4.20

3.05

0.20

5.00

3.05

5.00

0.20
0.40

0.45

0.92

1.70

0.60

0.77

1.28

0.90

Figure G.44 Typical ground floor transformer room spatial arrangements (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Key

01: 150 mm øPVC at trench level

02: Transformer base

03: Trench

04: 21 m

for extra transformer

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 87

G.7.5.3

Basement substation (RMU room in ground floor and transformer

room at basement level)

The dimensions for a basement substation where the RMU room is on the ground

floor shall conform to Table G.26, Table G.27, Figure G.43 and Figure G.44.

RMU room, ground floor

Area required

)

Minimum width

of room (m)

towards door side

One RMU set controlling two transformers

Additional RMU set

–

Four or more transformers (including necessary equipment)

Transformer topologies (basement level)

Area required

)

Minimum width

of room (m)

1 × 1,000/1,500 kVA

4.57

Extra area required for an additional transformer

–

For 2 × 1,000/1,500 kVA transformers

6.1

Table G.26

Dimensions of RMU room, ground floor and basement substation

Table G.27 Dimensions of transformer room, basement substation

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 88

Parameter

Requirement

Equipment

1 × 1,000/1,500 kVA transformer and 1 × RMU

Dimensions

6.1 m × 6.1 m

Additional requirements

Substation space shall be located along RTA/public road or sikka.

LV room shall be adjacent to the substation room.

Soakaway shall be 3.66 m (minimum) away from the substation.

G.7.5.4

Open to sky dedicated substation with private panel

The dimensions of an open to sky dedicated substation with private panel shall

conform to Table G.28 and Figure G.45.

Table G.28 Open to sky, dedicated substation parameters

Figure G.45

Typical open to sky dedicated substation spatial arrangement (m) (for reference only,

not for construction)

6.10

0.92

0.60

0.77

1.53

0.90

0.60

0.40

0.30

1.03

0.40

0.20

0.40

0.85

0.45

0.60

0.30

Key

01: 150 mm øPVC at trench level

02: Transformer base

03: RTU

04: RMU

05: Open to sky

06: Compound wall shall not be

more than 2.1 m

07: RTA road/sikka

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 89

G.7.5.5

Open to sky pocket substation

The dimensions of an open to sky pocket substation

shall conform to Table G.29, Figure G.46 and

Figure G.47.

Equipment

Dimensions (m)

1 × 1,000 kVA

4.57 × 3.66

2 × 1,000 kVA

6.1 × 6.1

Table G.29 Open to sky, dedicated substation parameters

The substation shall be directly located along the RTA/

public road or sikka. The side of the substation with

the dimension 4.57 m or 6.1 m should be facing the

RTA/public road/service road.
The substation shall be suitable for releasing supply

through individual feeders, each of 400 A (maximum

rating).
The height of the compound wall around the

substation foundation (on three sides) shall be not

more than 2,100 mm.
Any soakaway shall be a minimum of 3.66 m from the

substation.

3.04

0.38

0.30

1.40

0.60

0.20

0.30

4.57

2.44

0.30

3.66

Figure G.46 Typical 1 × 1,000 kVA pocket substation spatial arrangement (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Key

01: Pocket substation base

02: Trench

03: Earth pits

04: Open to sky

05: RTA road/sikka

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 90

6.10

0.30

1.06

0.60

1.58

0.53

0.40

2.74

0.60

2.36

1.60

0.53

1.66

Key

01: Pocket substation No.1

02: Pocket substation No.2

03: Trench

04: Compound wall less than 2.1m

05: RTA road/sikka

Figure G.47 Typical 2 × 1,000 kVA pocket substation spatial arrangement (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 91

G.7.5.6

DEWA control room requirements for direct 11 kV supply

The dimensions of a DEWA control room shall conform to Table G.30, Figure G.48

and Figure G.49.

11 kV feeder Area (m

)

Dimension

(m)

Area for

every

additional

feeder (m

)

Additional requirements

Two feeders

29.16

5.4 × 5.4

Regular type of RMU room made of

block work and RCC slab.

Two feeders

37.2

6.1 × 6.1

37.2

Open to sky with FGRP kiosk (to be

supplied by DEWA).

Height of the wall around the

substation foundation (on three sides)

not more than 2.1 m.

Table G.30 DEWA control room requirements, 11 kV supply

Figure G.48

Typical dedicated 11 kV/RMU room (enclosed) (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Key

01: RTU

02: Trench

03: DB

04: 8 m

for extra RMU

5.40

0.90

0.30

0.45

0.85

3.05

0.60

0.42

1.18

0.60

3.03

0.42

5.40

1.50

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 92

Figure G.49

Typical dedicated 11 kV/RMU enclosure (open air) (m) (for reference only, not for construction)

Key

01: RTU

02: Trench

03: DB

04: Compound wall less than 2.1m

0.45

3.70

0.45

0.30

0.45

0.30

3.00

0.75

0.85

3.00

0.75

0.85

6.10

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 93

G.7.6

Substation ventilation and fire

safety provisions

G.7.6.1

General

Substations shall have adequate ventilation

using natural louvers, mechanical ventilation or a

combination of both, depending upon how many sides

of the transformer room have direct access to an

exterior wall.

Substations shall be 2 h fire rated to conform to Table

1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

. Exterior walls do not

need to be fire rated unless there is a risk of exterior

fire spread and the wall is fire rated in accordance with

Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

G.7.6.2

Natural ventilation via two exterior walls

Substations at ground floor shall be naturally

ventilated. A minimum of two sides shall be ventilated

using aluminium louvered doors and fixed aluminium

louvers.

Fixed aluminium louver window(s) should be at

600 mm above the outside ground level.
Aluminium louvered doors shall be of the following

sizes:
a)

transformer rooms: 3.05 m wide × 2.75 m high;

RMU rooms: 2.4 m or 3.05 m wide × 2.75 m high.

NOTE: Door details are shown in Figure G.50 and

Figure G.51.

Substations shall be 2 h fire rated to conform to Table

1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

. Exterior walls do not

need to be fire rated unless there is a risk of exterior

fire spread and the wall is fire rated in accordance with

Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

At least one exit door with door swing in the direction

of egress shall be provided. If the door is in a 2 h fire

rated fire rated wall, then the door shall be 90 min fire

rated. Equipment access doors maybe sufficient to

meet this requirement.
Walls enclosing covered parking ramps at the

exit/access of the basement are interior walls. Louvers

shall not be permitted in these walls unless they are

protected in accordance with G.7.6.3.

G.7.6.3

Forced ventilation with no exterior walls

RMU rooms shall be at the ground floor. RMU rooms

shall be 2 h fire rated to conform to Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of

UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

. Exterior walls do not need to be

fire rated unless there is a risk of exterior fire spread

and the wall is fire rated in accordance with Ch. 1 of

UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

Independent mechanical ventilation shall be provided

to transformer rooms with no exterior walls (e.g. in a

basement). All equipment shall be accessed from the

landlord side.

The mechanical ventilation shall be sized to

maintain the ambient temperature in the substation

at maximum of 55 °C based on an outside air

temperature of 48 °C. Supporting calculations shall be

provided to justify the proposed exhaust and supply

rates.

Typical details are shown in Figure G.52.
Louvers shall be provided on two sides of the room as

a back-up to the mechanical ventilation system.
The total grill area shall be not less than 14.9 m

for

1,000 kVA transformer and not less than 18.6 m

for

1,500 kVA transformer.

Transformer rooms shall be 2 h fire rated to conform

to Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

Louvers shall be protected by automatic 2 h fire rated

shutters or 2 h fire rated curtains on the landlord side

of the louvers (see Figure G.53).
Two combined fire and smoke detectors shall be

provided on the landlord side of the louvers. They

shall be located on the slab soffit within the vicinity

of the louver in accordance with the dimensional

requirements of Table 8.1 (item 25, door release

service), Ch. 8 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 94

Upon activation of both combined fire and smoke

detectors, the fire rated shutters or fire rated curtains

shall automatically close and the mechanical ventilation

to the transformer room shall automatically stop.

The fire rated shutters or fire rated curtains shall have

an automatic override switch on the landlord side.

At least one fire rated (90 min) exit door, with door

swing in the direction of egress, shall be provided.
Equipment access doors may include louvers, but they

shall be protected by automatic fire rated shutters or

fire rated curtains on the landlord side of the louvers.

The fire curtains/shutters will close in a fire and block

the equipment doors therefore an alternative exit shall

be provided and the equipment doors shall not be

marked as an exit.

Figure G.50

Details of substation louvers

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 97

Figure G.53 Plan and section view of a basement transformer room with fire rated shutter/curtains over the louvers (m)

Key

01: 150 mm øPVC duct at trench level

02: Transformer base

03: Combined heat/smoke detector

04: 2 h fire/smoke curtain on landlords side to protect louver opening

05: Louvered door

06: 90 min fire rated door

3.05

5.00

4.20

0.20
0.40

0.85

0.45

1.70

0.45

0.20

0.98

0.92

0.60

0.77

1.28

0.90

5.00

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 98

G.7.7

Transporting equipment to basement transformer rooms

Transporting transformers between the public road and the transformer room is the

customer’s responsibility. The requirements set out in Table G.31 shall be followed.

Element of transport route

Requirements

Ramp

Straight, with a minimum width of 3 m. Sloped curves and speed

breakers (humps) are not permitted. A minimum clear height of

3 m shall be maintained between the public road and the transformer

room. The slope of the ramp shall be maintained at a maximum of

1:10 (10%).

Slab cut-out opening

The cut-out size shall be 3 m × 3 m and adjacent to the main

RTA/public roadside.
The area below the cut-out at basement level shall be designated as

a loading/unloading bay.

The area above the cut-out shall be open to sky. If there is a floor

above then a minimum clear height of 7 m shall be maintained.

Substation

type

Cable arrangement

General

substation

The cable trench inside a substation shall have a clear depth of 950 mm from the

substation FFL, as indicated in Figure G.54.
Cable route/arrangement from plot limit to the substation (if setback confirmed in

affection plan issued by competent authority) shall be through cable trench with

removable slab as shown in Figure G.55, or cable tray at high level basement.

The cable route/arrangement from RMU room to transformer room for split/

basement substations shall be through cable trench with removable slab as shown in

Figure G.53, or cable tray at high level basement.
If cables are passing through a traffic movement area, concrete encased ducts with

manholes at both ends shall be provided. Spare provision for ducts shall be provided

in accordance with DEWA requirements. Cable ducts shall have an internal diameter

of 150 mm.

NOTE: Cut-out at 950 mm depth from outside level (towards road/sikka) should

be provided for HV cable entry. Typical arrangements are shown in Figure G.54 and

Figure G.55.

Basement

or split

substation

For basement/split substation, the transformer room cable trench depth shall be

500 mm below finished floor, subject to DEWA approval.
For cable tray arrangement, a clear depth of 950 mm shall be provided from the

substation FFL up to the bed of the tray, with minimum clear depth of 450 mm

between bottom of the slab and the bed of the tray.
Cable installation/maintenance space of minimum 1.2 m shall be provided on at least

one side of cable tray arrangement.
The cable tray shall pass through public/open area and not through any closed

area/room (there shall be no services, pipes, etc. below the cable tray).

NOTE: Cable route from RMU to transformer room should be straight (without

turns/bends). Where unavoidable, a minimum bending radius of R = 950 mm might

be accepted.

Table G.31

Transformer transportation requirements – main road to transformer room

Table G.32 Substation cable arrangement

G.7.8

Substation cable arrangement

Cable arrangements are subject to DEWA approval and shall conform to Table G.32.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 99

Figure G.54

Typical substation cable trench setting out details

Figure G.55

Cable lying arrangement in concrete trench

300

950

150

300

650

Key

01: Wall

02: Chequered plate

03: Channel

04: Opening

05: Slope

06: Pre-cast concrete

Key

01: Pre-cast concrete kerb

02: Cover heavy duty

03: 200 mm thick block work

04: Cables

05: 0.08 m diameter drain in floor at 2 m c/c

06: 30 N/mm

pre-cast concrete

07: Polythene sheet

08: Compacted earth

09: Channel width – variable according to number of cables

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 100

G.7.9

Direct 11 kV supply for super high-

rise towers above 200 m

G.7.9.1

Intake arrangement

The point of supply to a super high-rise tower is the

supply intake of MV switchgear, which is located

adjacent to the DEWA metering/control room. The

switchgear shall be provided with a circuit breaker, with

E/F and O/C protection.

The customer is responsible for all equipment beyond

the point of supply. DEWA does not supply, operate or

maintain any equipment installed above ground level.
All equipment procured by the customer shall have

dual ratio (6.6/11 kV) unless it is clearly stated to be

11 kV.
All equipment shall conform to the relevant

international standards (IEC standards).

Total transformer losses shall not exceed 1.5% of

rated capacity.
Only cast resin transformers shall be installed in

residential/commercial buildings.

Technical justification shall be submitted for availing

direct 11 kV supply to the super high-rise building

for locating transformers above ground level(s). This

depends on the height of the building, size of load, type

of load, etc. When buildings exceed 200 m then DEWA

may accept direct 11 kV supply. The designer shall

consult with DEWA to confirm.

MV switchgear is suitable for termination of maximum

cable size of 3 × 300 mm

XLPE/PVC/SWA/PE

aluminium/copper cable with heat shrinkable type

cable terminations.
Termination at a private MV switchgear incomer shall

be installed by the consumer. Terminations at a DEWA

RMU shall be installed by DEWA.

G.7.9.2

Protection requirements

Suitable protection and interlocking shall be provided

to ensure that a private substation does not have a

negative impact on the DEWA system.

The private substation shall be configured such that

its protection operates before the DEWA protection

during a fault.
Mechanical and electrical interlocks shall be provided

so that the incomers are not paralleled. In substations

with multiple switchboards, the interlock shall extend

to all of the switchboards.
Incomer protection relays shall conform to IEC 60255.

NOTE 1: Compliance is supported by type test

certificates and guaranteed routine manufacturer’s

works test certificates. Only certificates confirming

that relays have passed the type tests need to be

submitted to DEWA.

The overcurrent relay shall operate correctly for fault

currents up to 31.5 kA.
Instrument transformers shall conform to IEC 61869.

NOTE 2: Compliance is supported by type test

certificates and guaranteed routine manufacturer’s

works test certificates. Only certificates confirming

that current transformers (CT) have passed the type

tests need to be submitted to DEWA.

The incoming current transformer shall be

dimensioned such that the protection scheme operates

effectively for a fault current of 31.5 kA.
Reverse power protection shall be provided to enable

in-feeds to faults within the DEWA 11 kV network to

be cleared within 3 s.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 102

G.9 Water

DEWA specification

Sample drawing

number

Sample drawing

title

Domestic water

meter installation

in meter room -

guidelines

PEW-STD-

AMI-003

Water meters in

meter room

Bulk meter

installation

in chamber -

guidelines

PEW-STD-

AMI-004

Bulk water meters

in chamber (for bulk

meters 50 mm and

greater diameter

connection)

Bulk meter

installation

in chamber -

guidelines

PEW-STD-

AMI-005

50 mm diameter

bulk water meter

installation in

chamber

(2 in meter with

LDPE connection)

G.9.1

Water metering

A DEWA main meter shall be installed to measure

and record the water demand and consumption of a

building.
Each individual tenancy in a building shall have a sub-

meter installed which is connected to the building main

meter.
Additional requirements for sub-metering are detailed

H.5.2.6

Where a building management system or central

control and monitoring system is installed, metering

shall be integrated into the system to allow real time

profiling and management of water demand and

consumption.

G.9.2

Design and installation of water

meters

The design and installation of DEWA water

meters, including smart metering communications

requirements, shall follow the specifications and

sample drawings in the DEWA Circulars and

Regulations

[Ref. G.8]

and as listed in Table G.33.

Table G.33

DEWA specifications and sample drawings for design and

installation of water meters

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 103

G.10 District cooling

G.10.1 General

This section identifies the coordination requirements

and common technical requirements related to district

cooling installations and their connection to building

cooling systems.

G.10.2 Coordination with district cooling

Providers

Depending on the location of the development, the

Customer shall contact the relevant district cooling

Provider to obtain the latest district cooling technical

design guidelines

[Ref. G.9]

Coordination shall start in the concept design phase

and continue as necessary in later design stages. The

scope of work shall be agreed as part of the service

agreement between the two parties.

NOTE: district cooling Providers in Dubai include (but

are not limited to) those listed in

[Ref. G.9]

The building design parameters shall conform to

the district cooling Provider’s specific technical and

interface requirements

[Ref. G.9]

. The following

parameters shall be determined as a minimum:
a)  cooling capacity requirements;
b)  pipe connection size;
c)  supply/return chilled water temperature on the

primary and secondary sides;

d) maximum allowable system pressure; and
e) design water velocities/pressure drop.

G.10.3 Common technical requirements

The following common technical requirements shall be

met for all developments featuring district cooling.

NOTE 1: The list is provided to assist Customers but

does not replace requirements from the district cooling

Providers.

a) The energy transfer station (ETS) shall

accommodate the district cooling Provider’s heat

exchangers (HEXs), and all associated equipment

for the primary and secondary sides of the HEXs.

The chilled water system configuration shall be

determined by the Customer and coordinated with

the district cooling Provider.

NOTE 2: Figure G.56 and Figure G.57 show

examples of installed ETS pipework and pumps.

b) The secondary side shall include all equipment

for supplying chilled water to the premises.

The pipework installation shall conform to the

requirements identified in

H.4.13

The location, configuration and space dimension

for the ETS and valve chamber (VC) shall be agreed

taking into account the route and availability of the

main district cooling pipes. Space planning for the

ETS, including accessibility of the ETS plant, shall

be included in the design at the concept design

phase.

d) The structural Engineer shall design the supporting

structure to withstand the loading imposed by

equipment in the ETS and along the equipment

access route.

e) The ETS shall be provided with electric power,

lighting, communication, potable water, drainage,

ventilation and cooling in accordance with

Part G

and

Part H

f) The district cooling facility, including but not limited

to the ETS, cooling towers and other mechanical

and electrical plant rooms, shall conform to the fire

safety requirements of Ch. 14 of the

UAE FLSC

[Ref. G.1]

g) In accordance with the service agreement, the

district cooling Provider or Customer shall provide

heat exchanger (HEXs) and primary side chilled

water installation (including all piping from the

underground) to the VC, and to and inside the ETS.

h) The district cooling Provider shall design the VC in

coordination with relevant authorities and based

on the premises load demand. VC civil construction

shall be carried out by the Customer or district

cooling Provider in accordance with the service

agreement.

i) A smart energy metering system shall be provided

in accordance with

H.4.14

as part of the primary

chiller water system.

j) The Customer shall provide the secondary side

chilled water piping systems pumps, cooling coils,

and control valves and electrical equipment.

k) The secondary chilled water circuit design shall

align with the supply stated by the district

cooling Provider, and shall return chilled water

temperatures.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 104

l) The chilled water distribution system and control

system on the secondary side shall be designed as a

variable flow chilled water system. It shall use two-

way control type valves, e.g. pressure independent

control valves.

m) The secondary side system shall incorporate a

bypass to avoid chilled water stagnation. The

minimum pump flow shall correspond to a

maximum chilled water flow of 5% of the full

design flow.

n) The chilled water pumping system installed in the

secondary side in the ETS shall allow the chilled

water flow to vary between 5% and 100% of the

full design flow. The chilled water pumping design

and arrangement shall account for redundancy

and part load conditions (during winter/night-time

operation).

Secondary system pipework shall be flushed,

cleaned and provided with chemical dosing to

provide corrosion protection, and to enable the

minimum required water condition parameters

of the district cooling Provider to be achieved.

Flushing shall be carried out using a bypass to avoid

a flow of contaminated water through the HEXs.

p) A water sample shall be analysed by a district

cooling Provider-approved testing laboratory, to

verify conformity to the specified water quality

parameters. Analysis results shall be submitted to

the district cooling Provider before any water flow

is allowed through the HEXs.

q) The secondary side chilled water distribution

system shall be accurately flow-balanced in order

to achieve the specified temperature difference.

This work shall be performed in accordance with

balancing principles for variable flow systems.

r) The pumps shall be provided with variable

frequency drives (VFDs). The pump VFDs shall

be specified with the necessary communication

protocol to allow the district cooling Provider to

monitor the status of the VFDs.

s) Differential pressure transmitters shall meet the

following minimum requirements.
1) They shall be of industrial grade, and suitable

for the environment in which they are installed.

2) They shall provide a DC output of 4 mA to 20

mA with a maximum loop resistance of 1,000 Ω.

3) They shall be linear in function, with differential

pressure, and capable of isolation from the pipes

that they monitor.

The specific products to be used for pumps,

VFDs, and differential pressure and temperature

transmitters utilized on the secondary circuits shall

be agreed and confirmed with the district cooling

Provider.

u) An industrial grade programme logic controller

(PLC)/human machine interface (HMI) controller

with open protocol capability shall be provided

in the ETS. The ETS PLC shall be integrated with

other control systems in the district cooling plant

and associated building. Single mode fibre-optic

connectivity shall be included with district cooling

plant and ETS integration. Sleeves for fibre-optic

shall be included along with a chilled water pipe and

both shall be extended up to the ETS PLC control

panel.

The chilled water pipes and fibre-optics to the VC/

interface point shall be routed in accordance with

the service agreement. The ETS room shall be

located as close as possible to the plot VC and plot

limit.

NOTE 3: The district cooling Provider might choose

to review the design of the secondary side chilled

water distribution and air handling equipment, to

give confidence that the allowable chilled water

temperature difference is likely to be achieved.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 106

G.11 Telecommunications

G.11.1 Design and installation of

telecommunications infrastructure

G.11.1.1 General requirements

This section provides the requirements for the design

of all telecommunications (telecom) infrastructure

installations within any development including new

build, “greenfield”, redevelopment, “brownfield”, and

additions, alterations, renovations or refurbishments to

existing buildings, in Dubai.
These requirements are based on version two of the

Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), In-

Building Telecommunication Network – Specification

Manual Guidelines for FTTx in new

Buildings

[Ref. G.10]

. If the TRA is updated to give

more stringent requirements, these shall be used in

preference to the DBC.

This section specifies the minimum requirements

to provide a baseline infrastructure. There is no

restriction to extending the baseline, provided that

the design meets the requirements in this section and

does not prevent competition, e.g. by using proprietary

standards.
All telecom infrastructure shall enable each user/

tenant freedom of choice between telecommunication

service providers (SPs).

The requirements cover all of the following aspects of

infrastructure:
a) civil infrastructure and entry ducts;
b)

fibre concentration point (FCP) space(s) per

development or plot;

c) meet-me-room (MMR) space(s) per development

or plot;

d)  telecom rooms;
e)  indoor mobile service and rooftop rooms;
f)  building pathways;
g)  OSP cables;
h)  ISP cables.

Passive optical fibre infrastructure shall be provided to

support deployment of FTTx.

Copper access networks shall not be used for SP

services.
All buildings shall be equipped with physical

infrastructure capable of supporting multiple high-

speed SP networks which can be easily accessed by

the SP. The Developer shall assume a minimum of

two active SPs in the region, but may future-proof the

infrastructure by incorporating provision to support a

possible third SP.

New installations shall be based upon a minimum of

category 6 balanced twisted pair cabling as specified in

ISO 11801 1. Designers may future-proof designs by

providing category 6 A cabling, which supports higher

data rates and provides support for newer power-

over-ethernet (PoE) standards that are typically used

for video surveillance camera and wireless local area

network access points. Where category 6 A is specified,

unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair

(STP) may be utilized.
Category 6 cabling (structured cabling system) shall as

a minimum conform to the requirements specified in

G.11.4.10.7.
Cabling within the tenant space (e.g. multi-tenanted

commercial/retail building, home, unit, flat, apartment,

single family home or similar) for onward distribution

of services beyond the tenant equipment is not in the

scope of these requirements.
The requirements of this section do not replace

a detailed specification, act as instruction for

untrained persons, or provide for every specific design

circumstance. For situations beyond the scope of these

requirements, the TRA shall be consulted to obtain

further clarity and guidance.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 107

Special buildings or development areas (e.g. hospitals,

shopping malls, stadiums, data centres, public

buildings) will need further enhanced requirements.

Individual agreements shall be bespoke and beyond

that of the minimum requirements established in this

section.
Installations where special telecom requirements might

exist shall be referred to a registered Dubai SP at the

preliminary design stage to incorporate any specific

requirements above that of this section.

G.11.1.2 Telecoms service

To support the deployment of SP optical broadband

networks and services, the Developer shall design and

install in-building elements of telecom infrastructure

up to and within single and multi-tenant premises

(to include single or multiple buildings, villa complex,

warehouses, etc.).
Standardized telecom infrastructure shall be provided

for FTTx, to enable seamless interworking of all

network parts. All designed infrastructure shall support

ethernet and GPON.
To optimize investments, SPs shall share essential

infrastructure elements including telecom rooms,

ducts, cable pathways and cabling.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 108

G.11.1.3 Reference architecture

The general schematics in Figure G.58 and

Figure G.59 shall be used as the basis for infrastructure

design. Adaptations which enhance the resilience or

performance of telecom infrastructure are permitted,

if agreed by consultation with all stakeholders. Any

such adaptations shall meet the requirements of this

section.

NOTE: The reference architecture shown in

Figure G.58 allows the end user to change SPs.

It also allows service to be provided by multiple SPs

in parallel if required.

Figure G.58

Reference architecture

Key

01: Property boundary

02: External cabling (OSP)

03: In building cabling (ISP)

04: Equipment patch cord

05: Tenant/unit cabling

06: Service provider 1

07: Service provider 2

08: SP feeder cabling

09: SP distribution cabling

10: MMC/MMR

11: MTR

12: FTR

13: Consolidation cabinet

14: Building 1 boundary

15: Building n boundary

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 110

The design shall include:
i) shared SP infrastructure;
ii) performance requirements which achieve system

resilience;

iii) a roles and responsibilities matrix (see G.11.2);
iv) safeguards for future adjacent developments and

OSP extensions to these, clearly identified as such

on the design drawings;

v) provision or cessation of service to enable

each tenant to adopt either SP without on-site

intervention;

vi) a choice of SP;
vii) provisions for a minimum of two SPs;

NOTE 1: The design may include an option to

enhance this provision to support a future third

SP.

viii)

a minimum of four optical fibre cores per premise,

for a two-SP design, enabling the possibility for

either SP to provide an ethernet-based service;

ix)

SP OLTs/fibre switches connected directly to the

dedicated fibre cores allocated to them;

NOTE 2: Large developments can have local SP

OLTs where high tenant numbers are expected.

x) an MTR for a minimum of two SPs;
xi) rack space and SP cabling allowances in the MTR

for two SPs;

xii)

dedicated end-to-end FTTx network with full-

service delivery control for each SP;

xiii) the required splitters for GPON architecture

inside the MTR for each of the two SPs (SPs shall

provide their own feeder fibre connecting the OLT

to the splitter);

xiv)

in-building cabling with multicore optical fibre

cable;

xv)

at least one dedicated fibre from each SP OLT

to each home, commercial/retail unit or other

building;

xvi) within each tenant space, a consolidation cabinet

configured to house a minimum of two ONTs in

parallel.

The infrastructure design shall avoid single points of

failure. The design shall enable physical diversity and

redundancy in feeder and distribution cabling, and in

site-wide distributor cabling. For example, a site with

multiple buildings shall have more than one MMC and

FCP.

The design shall include all the following elements of

reference architecture:
a) duct infrastructure from SP stubs/development

boundary to MMC;

b) development MMC;
c) campus duct from MMC to BEPs, including

handholes, turning chambers and pulling chambers

as required;

d) BEPs to accommodate SP and campus telecom

cabling;

FCPs;

f)  telecom rooms; and
g)  in-building cabling.
h)  Design standards shall be applied by building type:

1) residential, designed in accordance with ISO/

IEC 11801-1, ISO/IEC 11801-4 and ISO/IEC

11801-6;

2) commercial, designed in accordance with ISO/

IEC 11801-1, ISO/IEC 11801-2 and ISO/IEC

11801-6;

3) industrial, designed in accordance with ISO/

IEC 11801-1, ISO/IEC 11801-2 and ISO/IEC

11801-3 and ISO/IEC 11801-6.

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 111

No. Item description

Masterplan

Developer

(site wide)

Building Owner

(individual

buildings)

Service

providers

(SP)

Lead-in ducts, including connections

to entry manholes outside building

boundaries.

Installation of manholes and ducts

outside the building/boundaries

(including cover).

Entry boxes inside the building/complex

of villas boundaries (including the

cover).

Supply and installation of 4-core SM

fibre terminal box with duplex LC/APC

adaptors and pigtail and two SC/APC

adaptors.

Fibre optic cable supply, pulling/

blowing, termination and testing from

the MTR to FTR and drop fibre cables

supply, pulling, termination and testing

from the FTR to consolidation cabinet

(except shell and core offices, which are

under the tenant scope).

Fibre optic cables supply, pulling,

termination and testing from the MTR

to FTR and drop fibre cables supply,

pulling, termination and testing from

the FTR to consolidation cabinet.

Supply and installation of mini optical

distribution frame (ODF) splice cabinet

at splice point location.

G.11.2 Responsibility matrix

Developers shall comply with the design and supply requirements of the responsibility matrix in Table G.34.

No. Item description

Masterplan

Developer

(site wide)

Building Owner

(individual

buildings)

Service

providers

(SP)

Splicing and labelling multicore fibre

cables with 4-core drop cables using

wall-mounted mini ODF.

Horizontal cabling inside the unit/

apartment/office/retail (except shell

and core offices, which are under the

tenant scope).

FTTx components such as the fibre

cables, 42U 800 mm × 800 mm free

standing racks, ODF, high density fibre

patch panel, low-density fibre patch

panel, patch-free splitters, mini ODF for

splice point, mini ODF for shell and core,

4-port fibre terminal box (with

LC/APC and SC/APC pigtails and

adaptors), GPON splitters, open rack for

splitters and fibre patch cords.

Fibre optic splitter supply and

installation (from the approved lists

of suppliers/vendors of both du and

Etisalat).

Supply of fibre patch cords and pre-

patching the fibre patch cords between

splitter downlink ports to building fibre

patch panels (ISP) and between splitter

uplink ports to OSP fibre patch panels.

Table G.34 Responsibility matrix

Dubai Building Code

Part G: Incoming utilities

G 112

No. Item description

Masterplan

Developer

(site wide)

Building Owner

(individual

buildings)

Service

providers

(SP)

Supply of pigtail cords and splicing of

patch-free splitter downlink cores with

the pigtail cords and terminating pigtail

cords in the fibre patch panels (ISP),

splicing the patch-free splitter uplink

cores with feeder cable (for Etisalat).

Consolidation cabinet supply and

installation (including accessories and

related elements).

Supply and installation of vertical and

horizontal cable trays, cable pathways,

ducts and microducts.

Telecom rooms/spaces and related

electrical, mechanical and civil

requirements.

Plot of 10 m × 10 m for each MMR.

Construction of MMR.

Commissioning of MMR.

Fibre optic cables supply, pulling,

termination and testing from the MTR

to each MSR and the rooftop room.

Supply and installation of fibre optic

components for IBS connectivity (GSM)

SP identification labels (GAID and EID),

supply and placement in the building

unit.

Table G.34 Responsibility matrix (continued)

Dubai Building Code (2021) - page 18