Dubai Building Code (2021)

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 133

K.9.3.3

Wiring diagram datasheets

A single line wiring diagram, annotated/table form, which includes the information

identified in Table K.47, shall be uploaded along with DEWA application.

Heading

Information required

Array - general specifications

Module type(s)
Total number of modules
Number of strings
Modules per string

PV string information

String cable specifications – size and type
String fuse specifications (where fitted) – type and voltage/current

ratings

Array electrical details

Array main cable specifications, AC and DC – size and type

Array junction box locations (where applicable)
DC isolator type, location and rating (voltage/current)

Earthing and overvoltage

protection

Details of all earth/bonding conductors – size and connection points.

To include details of array frame equipotential bonding cable where

fitted
Design verification and details of any connections to an existing

lightning protection system or additionally provided lightning

protection system
Details of any surge protection device installed (both on AC and DC

lines) to include location, type and rating

AC electrical details, in-built

and external protections

AC isolator location, type and rating
AC overcurrent protective device location, type and rating
Residual current device location, type and rating

Table K.47

PV systems wiring diagram requirements

K.9.3.4

Labelling and identification

The entire solar PV installation shall be provided with identification and labelling as

follows.
a) All circuits, protective devices, switches and terminals shall be suitably labelled.
b) All DC junction boxes (PV generator and PV array boxes) shall be provided with

caution labels indicating the risk due to duel source.

c) The main AC isolating switch shall be clearly labelled.
d) A single line wiring diagram shall be displayed within the respective electrical

rooms/panels.

e) Inverter protection settings and installation details as applicable shall be

displayed.

The procedures for emergency shutdown shall be displayed.

All signs and labels shall be suitably affixed and durable copies of all test and

commissioning data shall be made available to the customer.

K.9.3.5

Metering and metering provision

Meter cabinet (installed by the Contractor) shall be located at an easily accessible

location for installing smart meters by DEWA, both for generation (PV generation

check meter) and net metering purposes (tariff meter).

K.9.4

LPG

LPG cylinders are not permitted indoors except where there is no other option and

as permitted by DCD. Where DCD agree that indoor installation is unavoidable, LPG

cylinder installation shall conform to Table 11.2, Ch. 11 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 134

K.9.5

Water supplies

K.9.5.1

Water metering and water conservation

DEWA-approved meters shall be installed to measure and record water demand and

consumption of the facility as a whole. The facility shall also provide accurate records

of consumption (tariff class meters).

For all buildings having a cooling load of at least 1 MW or gross floor area of

5,000 m

or greater, additional water metering shall be installed to record

consumption data for major water use of the building and major water uses in and

around the building.

K.9.5.2

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. K.38]

and as listed in Table K.48.

DEWA specification

Sample drawing number

Sample drawing title

Domestic meter installation in

villas and sheds – guidelines

PEW-STD-AMI-001

Advanced metering

infrastructure – water meters

on wall (for villas and sheds)

Table K.48 DEWA specifications and sample drawings for design and installation of water meters

K.9.6

District cooling

Where villa or townhouse communities are to be provided with district cooling

systems, the system shall conform to

G.10

K.9.7

Telecommunications

K.9.7.1

Design and installation of telecom infrastructure

K.9.7.1.1 General requirements

This subsection provides the requirements for the design of all telecommunications

(telecom) infrastructure installations to private residential villas and townhouses.
The requirements herein are based on version 2 of the Telecommunication Regulatory

Authority (TRA), In-Building Telecommunication Network – Specification Manual

Guidelines for FTTx in new buildings

[Ref. K.31]

. 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 code includes all aspects of infrastructure for:
a)  civil infrastructure and entry ducts;
b)  building pathways;
c)  ISP cables.

Passive optical fibre infrastructure shall be provided to support deployment of FTTH

broadband networks.
Copper access networks shall not be used for SP services.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 135

All villas/townhouses 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 K.9.7.4.4.

Cabling within the tenant space for onward distribution of services beyond the tenant

equipment is not in the scope of these requirements.
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.

K.9.7.1.2 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 villas/townhouses.

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.

K.9.7.1.3 Reference architecture

The reference architecture allows the end user to change SPs. It also allows services

to be provided by multiple SPs in parallel if required.
The design shall include all the following elements of reference architecture:
a) pull box inside the villa/townhouse boundary;
b) duct from pull box to villa/townhouse building entry point (BEP) including

handholes, turning chambers and pulling chambers as required;

c) BEPs to accommodate SP cabling;
d) in-building cabling.
The design standards applied shall be ISO/IEC 11801-1, ISO/IEC 11801-4 and ISO/

IEC 11801-6.
The design shall include:
1) shared SP infrastructure;
2)

a roles and responsibilities matrix (see K.9.7.2);

3) provision or cessation of service to enable each tenant to adopt either SP

without on-site intervention;

4) a choice of SP;
5) provisions for a minimum of two SPs;

NOTE: The design may include an option to enhance this provision to support a

future third SP.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 136

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;

SP OLTs/fibre switches connected directly to the dedicated fibre cores allocated

to them;

dedicated end-to-end FTTx network with full-service delivery control for each

SP;

at least one dedicated fibre from each SP OLT to each villa/townhouse; and

10)

within each villa/townhouse, a consolidation cabinet configured to house a

minimum of two ONTs in parallel.

K.9.7.2

Responsibility matrix

Table K.49 is a summary responsibility matrix for villas/townhouses

No.

Item description

Masterplan

Developer

Villa/townhouse

Developer

Service

Provider

(SP)

Lead-in ducts including connection

to manhole outside villa/townhouse

boundaries

Manholes outside villa/townhouse

boundaries (including cover)

Pull box inside the villa/townhouse

boundaries (including the cover)

OSP fibre optic cables for single villa/

townhouse or community connections

(including supply, termination and

testing)

Supply and installation of 4 core SM

fibre terminal box

Patch cords supply

Connection point cabinet supply and

installation (including accessories,

power outlet and related elements)

Supply and installation of optical

splitters inside the standalone MMR’s

racks

Plot of 10 m × 10 m to be provided for

each MMR

Construction and commissioning of

MMR

Table K.49

Responsibility matrix

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 137

K.9.7.3

Outside plant (OSP) common infrastructure specifications

A series of lead-in ducts shall be provided from the BEP to the plot entry box and

onward to the plot boundary.
The BEP is the point where external ducts physically enter the villa/townhouse. This

will be a standalone location designated for telecom equipment.
Transition from outdoor to indoor cable shall be performed within 2 m of the cable

exiting the duct where sheath material of OSP cables is not suitable for installation

within buildings or where metallic armouring forms part of the cable construction.
Entry boxes shall be provided for SPs to install their cables through the lead-in ducts.

Examples of acceptable arrangements are provided in Figure K.84 to Figure K.87.

Alternative arrangements can be proposed.
A maximum of two shallow bends up to 90° each shall be permitted on any duct

section between chambers. The maximum distance between entry box/maintenance

holes/handholes shall be not more than 200 m. Handholes shall not be used for

turns, junctions or accommodating any FTTx equipment.

The work required to connect a project’s infrastructure to any SP infrastructure shall

be minimized.
Connection points at the plot boundary shall be designed after consulting with

utilities records to establish existing SP infrastructure in the site area.
All lead-in ducts shall be designed in coordination with the design of other buried

services.

All ducts designed and installed by the Developer shall:
a)

be made from black PVC-U or HDPE;

b) be of smooth bore construction;
c)

be buried to a depth of 600 mm below the finished ground level;

d)  be sloping away from the building;
e)  be protected by concrete when running under permanent paved surfaces;
f)  be sealed at each end to prevent the ingress of water, sub soil, gas, or pests;
g)  have an entry/pull box installed for any right-angled or sharp bends in the lead-in

duct route; and

h) include a draw rope in each duct made of twisted mildew resistant polypropylene;

minimum outside diameter of 6 mm; minimum tensile strength of 1,000 kg.

OSP shall meet the requirements that are summarized in Table K.50.

No.

Item

Provision

Development duct

2 × D54 (100 mm) stubs from the entry box to

the plot boundary

Entry box

600 mm × 600 mm × 800 mm up to 2 villas

Entry duct

2 × D56 (50 mm) per villa

Riser cable containment

between floors

2 × 50 mm conduit

Table K.50

OSP requirements

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 138

Figure K.84 Lead in duct arrangement entry box per villa

Figure K.85 Lead in duct arrangement entry box serving two villas

Figure K.86 Lead in duct alternate arrangement entry box serving two villas

Figure K.87

Typical pull box set-up for attached villas

Key

01: Villa boundary
02: Villa

03: Fibre termination box

04: Two D56 ducts
05: Entry box 600 x 600 x 800
06: JRC-12 chamber
07: Two D54 ducts
08: Connection to OSP ducts
09: JRC-4 chamber, serving

maximum 8 villas, additional

JRC required for more villas
10: Plot boundary

Key

01: Villa boundary
02: Villa

03: Fibre termination box

04: Two D56 ducts
05: Entry box 600 x 600 x 800
06: JRC-12 chamber
07: Two D54 ducts
08: Connection to OSP ducts
09: D54 duct
10: Plot boundary

Key

01: Villa boundary
02: Villa

03: Fibre termination box

04: Two D56 ducts
05: Entry box 600 x 600 x 800
06: JRC-12 chamber
07: Two D54 ducts
08: Connection to OSP ducts
09: D54 duct
10: Plot boundary
11: Swept Tee

Key

01: Villa boundary
02: Villa

03: Fibre termination box

04: Two D56 ducts
05: Entry box 600 x 600 x

800
06: JRC-12 chamber
07: Two D54 ducts
08: Connection to OSP ducts
09: Plot boundary

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 139

K.9.7.4

Inside plant common infrastructure specifications (ISP)

K.9.7.4.1 Telecom spaces

Space shall be provided in a villa/townhouse to accommodate the consolidation

cabinet used for termination of fibre and locating SP ONTs.

Spaces for telecom equipment shall be located away from any sources of:
a)  heat;
b)  moisture;
c)  corrosive atmospheric or environmental conditions;
d)  high voltages;
e)

radio frequency interference (RFI); and

f) electro-magnetic interference (EMI).
Telecom spaces shall not be located directly beneath or next to wet areas such as

showers, washrooms, swimming pools and waste areas.
Telecom spaces shall be designed to be free from any of the following items unless

otherwise indicated in this section:
1)  equipment not associated with the space;
2)  utility pipes;
3)  cables;
4)  sprinkler systems;
5)  windows.
Rodents often gnaw cables resulting in damage and service disruption. Best practice

pest control methods shall be used to prevent pests from entering telecom spaces

and cable pathways.
Additional measures to protect against pests may involve the installation of covers

to cable trays. If used, covers shall be removable to allow for the installation of

additional cables.

K.9.7.4.2 Consolidation cabinets

Each villa/townhouse shall be provided with a consolidation cabinet

(see Figure K.88 or Figure K.89). Each cabinet shall be capable of accommodating

two telecom operators’ requirements at the same time (see Figure K.90).
Optical fibre cabling to the consolidation cabinet shall be installed and terminated

by the SPs.

Copper cabling to final TO positions shall be a minimum specification of category 6.

Developers may future-proof the installation through use of category 6 A cabling,

especially if future use of a WiFi overlay is anticipated.
Consolidation cabinets shall be provided in accordance with Table K.51.

Figure K.88 Consolidation cabinet 450 mm ×150 mm – to serve up to 8-port

Key

01: RJ45 patch panel – 1U

02: Cable management

panel – 1U

03: 4 port fibre termination

box (2-ports SC/APC and 2

ports LC/APC)

04: Perforated door

05: 13 A twin socket (from

dedicated circuit breaker)

06: Bottom area left with

free space for operator’s use

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 141

Parameter

Details and requirements

Small to medium villa/townhouse up

to eight loaded copper port

Large villa/townhouse eight to 24

loaded copper ports

Minimum internal

dimension

(h × w × d)

12U, 450 mm × 150 mm

12U, 600 mm × 300 mm or 150 mm

Mounting location

Concealed in the wall with the front of the cabinet flush with the wall

Mounting restrictions

Located in an accessible area inside the premises close to the entrance and

not inside the kitchen, pantry, washroom, laundry room or bedroom
Not close to sources of water or heat
Not close to any electrical distribution or busbars

Mounting height

Installed with the bottom of the cabinet at a height of 600 mm to 1,200 mm

above FFL, according to site conditions

Equipment clearance

An adequate safe working space around the location

Area lighting

Minimum of 500 lux maintained at 1,000 mm above finished floor

Ventilation

Minimum of one air change per hour

Copper cabling patch

panel

24 port 450 mm copper patch panel

24 port 600 mm copper patch panel

Twisted pair copper

cabling

24 copper cables or less

More than 24 copper cables

Cable management

Cable entries to accommodate incoming fibre optic and copper cables.
Horizontal cable management for copper patch cables

Optical fibre

termination

Fibre terminal box with adapters and pigtails for two LC/APC ports and two

SC/APC ports for a four core SM fibre drop cable termination.

Security

Lockable front door

Power

13 A dual socket inside the consolidation cabinet with dedicated circuit

breaker on the domestic supply and not looped with other general power

sockets

Labelling

Villa/townhouse number

Table K.51 Minimum specifications for consolidation cabinet

K.9.7.4.3 Cable pathways

Cable pathway specifications shall conform to Table K.52.

The following requirements shall be met for all cable tray and conduit pathway

systems.
a) Pathways shall be designed such that installed cables do not exceed the minimum

specified bend radius during or after installation.

Day one cable installation shall not exceed 50% of the pathway capacity.

All cable trays shall be hot-dip galvanized slotted steel and shall be HDRF

construction.

d) All metal parts shall be free from sharp edges and shall be earth bonded in

accordance with ISO/IEC 30129.

Slab penetrations and wall penetrations for pathways passing through fire-rated

construction shall be sealed with approved fire stopping material in accordance

with Section 3, Ch.1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

. Fire stopping shall be reinstated

whenever cables are installed after completion of initial fire stopping works.

f) Vertical pathways shall be continuous between all levels with no reduction of

capacity through penetrations.

g) Pathways shall not run through areas exposed to:

1)  excessive heat;
2)  moisture;
3)  corrosive atmospheric or environmental conditions;
4)  high voltages;
5)

RFI; or

6) EMI.

h) The separation of telecom and electrical pathways shall conform to

ISO/IEC 14763-2.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 142

All conduit junction/pull box dimensions shall be 300 mm × 300 mm × 150 mm

(w × h × d) minimum internal dimension.

Pathway

Specification

Via slab opening

To allow vertical routing of telecom conduits

Vertical pathway

Two × 50 mm conduits (copper), junction/pull box per floor per conduit

Horizontal pathway

One × 25 mm conduit per dual copper outlet from cabinet

Increase conduit size if multiple dual outlets fed on the same route
Junction/pull boxes at sharp/90° bends or routes over 30 m

Table K.52 Cable pathway specifications

K.9.7.4.4 Cables and termination equipment

All fixed and permanently installed telecom cables shall be halogen-free and achieve

a minimum rating of Cca-s1b, d2, a2 when tested in accordance with BS EN 13501-6

and be CE marked.

NOTE: CE marking represents a manufacturer's declaration that products conform to

the applicable manufacturing and testing standard.

All other cables, microduct and conduit including patch cords shall meet the minimum

requirements of IEC/EN 60332-1-2.

All optical fibre components shall be selected from the approved product list held by

SPs.

For villas/townhouses, fibre optic cables shall be provided by SPs.

Within each villa/townhouse the Developer shall supply a 12U consolidation cabinet

with a four port fibre terminal box (with LC/APC and SC/APC pigtails and adaptors)

fitted inside the cabinet to all SPs to terminate the 4 core SM drop cable.

To deliver services from the consolidation cabinets to building outlets, twisted pair

copper cables shall be provided. The full design is the responsibility of the developer;

however, the following minimum requirements shall be followed for the efficient and

effective provision of services.
a) The cables and components shall conform as a minimum to the requirements of

category 6 as specified in ISO 11801-1.

b) The wiring shall be a star topology from the consolidation cabinet.
c) Dual RJ45 TOs with spring loaded sliding shutters shall be provided wherever

service is required.

The design shall include additional spare TOs to provide service flexibility for

tenants.

e) Each socket in the dual RJ45 outlet shall be wired back to the consolidation

cabinet with an individual cable.

f)  TOs shall not be cascaded or looped.
g)  Cable pairs shall not be split between outlets.
h)  The permanent link cable length from consolidation cabinet to TO shall not

exceed 90 m.

i) Cable lengths shall be de-rated where required due to local temperature

conditions and cable specifications to enable end-to-end error free channel

performance up to 1 Gbps for category 6 and 10 Gbps for category 6 A.

j) At the consolidation cabinet, copper cables shall be terminated on an RJ45 patch

panel and labelled with the socket and outlet served. Terminations shall be to the

TIA 568B pair scheme.

k) In each TO, each cable shall be terminated such as to maintain the twists in

each pair up to the termination. The termination shall be in accordance with the

selected manufacturer installation instructions.

l) Strain relief shall be provided at the terminated ends of each cable.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 143

m) The components of the system shall all be of the same category (6 or 6 A)

and type (UTP or STP), and from a single manufacturer, to ensure optimum

performance and compatibility.

n) Test results for copper cable tests shall be saved and recorded for future reference

purposes.

K.9.7.4.5 Labelling scheme

K.9.7.4.5.1

General

The installed system shall be administered in accordance with ISO/IEC-14763-1.

All sections of the installation shall be provided with suitable identification labels to

clearly indicate the location and purpose of each item or cable.

Instructions and “Optical Fibre Caution” notices shall also be provided. All labels shall

be in both English and Arabic and of font sizes to suit individual applications.

K.9.7.4.5.2 SP GAID and EID identification plate for each villa/townhouse

The SP identification plate (see Figure K.91) shall be installed at each villa/

townhouse. The identification plate shall be made of plastic plate or light metal plate

with the alphanumeric characters (GAID or EID) engraved on it.
The GAID and EID reference number details shall be made available to the Developer

during the inspection stage.

Figure K.91 Example EID and GAID identification plate with labelling details

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 144

K.9.7.4.5.3

Component and location labelling

When labelling telecom cabling and equipment, common suffixes and designations

shall be used in label text as detailed in Table K.53 and Table K.54.

Location

Labelling designation

Equipment rack

RCK

Floor

Table K.53 Labelling designations

Label type

Format

Example

Labelling of cabinet inside villa/

townhouse

“Floor number/name” –

“Location + Number”

FL01-ACP12

Labelling for 4 core fibre

terminal box (always terminate

pigtail 1 to core 1 of the SM

fibre cable)

MMR rack number-ODF

number-ODF row/slot number-

core numbers

RK2-ODF1-S1-C1,C2,C3,C4

Table K.54 Labelling scheme for equipment

The labelling scheme for 2 core adapters inside the fibre terminal box shall follow

Figure K.92 depending upon the orientation of the adaptor.

Figure K.92 Labelling scheme for 2 core adapter inside the fibre terminal box

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 145

K.10

Indoor environment

K.10.1 HVAC systems and occupant comfort

K.10.1.1 General

This section sets out the minimum requirements, basis of design for heating,

ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and thermal comfort within

buildings. Relevant sustainability criteria and cross-references to

UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

are included.

HVAC systems shall be designed to minimize energy usage and ensure the comfort

of building occupants. Systems shall be selected to ensure long life, easy maintenance

and simple and effective controls.

For systems or applications not covered by this section, design solutions and

guidance shall be obtained from the current edition of the ASHRAE handbooks,

guides and standards.

K.10.1.2 Acoustic requirements and noise criteria

Ch. 49, Table 1 of the ASHRAE HVAC applications handbook

[Ref. K.32]

identifies

design guidelines for acceptable noise levels for HVAC-related background noise for

a range of typical building and room types. These design guidelines shall be used as

the basis for determining acceptable noise levels for the specific room types within a

villa. If a higher or lower value is considered desirable, an analysis of economics, space

use and user needs shall be obtained from an acoustic Consultant to determine an

appropriate value.

K.10.1.3 Building HVAC energy load

K.10.1.3.1 Outdoor design conditions

The design criteria values shown in Table K.55. shall be used for outdoor design

conditions in Dubai.

Design criteria

Value to be used

Dry bulb temperature

46 °C

Wet bulb temperature

29 °C

Dubai City latitude (North)

25 °N

Extent of variation in the temperature on the day

of design (outdoor daily range)

13.8 °C

Climate zone

0B (as given in Table A-6 in ASHRAE 169- 2013)

Table K.55

Outdoor design conditions for Dubai

K.10.1.3.2 Indoor design conditions

The design criteria values shown in Table K.56 shall be used for indoor design

conditions in Dubai.

Design criteria

Value to be used

Dry bulb temperature

24 °C ± 1.5 °C

Relative humidity

50% ± 5%

Table K.56

Indoor design conditions for Dubai

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 146

Indoor design conditions can vary depending on the occupancy or use of the rooms in

the villa. The ASHRAE HVAC applications handbook

[Ref. K.32]

shall be used as the

reference for all indoor design conditions for specific occupancies or usage.

When diversity factors to be used in heat load calculations are not known, the

coefficients indicated in Ch. 18 of the ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook

[Ref. K.33]

shall be used.
The following safety factors shall be applied:
a)

sensible heat: ≤10%;

latent heat: ≤5%.

K.10.1.3.3 Outdoor air design conditions

All buildings that are fully air-conditioned shall be provided with an outdoor air

system. The system shall ensure that the building is provided with outdoor air for at

least 95% of the year. The following maximum design temperatures shall be used,

where outdoor air is treated:
a) dry bulb temperature: 34 °C;
b) wet bulb temperature: 32 °C.

K.10.1.3.4 Heat gain and loss calculations

Heat load calculations shall be carried out for each air-conditioned space, including

peak load incidence in that space. The calculations shall be carried out using software

registered with the Authority.

K.10.1.3.5 External load criteria

The building envelope shall meet the requirements in K.7.2 to determine thermal

transmittance and shading coefficients.

The following parameters shall be taken into account in the building load calculations:
a) building envelope orientation;
b) building envelope design and construction details;
c)

building floor plans;

d) building elevations and sections;
e)

impact of external shading factors (see K.7.2.3); and

f) any special requirements for the building use or operation.

K.10.1.3.6 Internal load criteria

K.10.1.3.6.1

Occupancy

The total number of occupants shall be determined based on ASHRAE 62.2- 2019.

K.10.1.3.6.2 Lighting

Project specific lighting loads shall be used. Where lighting loads are not available,

they shall be determined based on the recommendations in ASHRAE 90.1.

K.10.1.3.6.3

Electrical equipment loads

Project specific electrical equipment loads shall be used. Where equipment loads are

not available, they shall be as recommended in ASHRAE 90.1 for each application

type.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 147

K.10.1.3.7 Building energy simulation and modelling

Energy simulation and modelling can be undertaken, if required, to evaluate the

energy performance and the predicted annual energy consumption/CO

emissions of

all villas/townhouses with a floor area greater than 2,000 m

The modelling software package should be capable of determining the energy load

requirements as set out in ASHRAE standard 90.2. The energy modelling should be

carried out using licensed software registered with the Authority having jurisdiction.

K.10.1.4 Thermal comfort criteria

HVAC systems shall be capable of providing the range of internal conditions in

Table K.57, for 95% of the year:

Table K.57

Thermal comfort requirements

Variable

Lower limit

Upper limit

Dry bulb temperature

22.5 °C

25.5 °C

Relative humidity

30% (min)

60% (max)

For occupant comfort, normal occupied spaces shall have an average air velocity

between 0.2 m/s and 0.3 m/s.

K.10.1.5

Energy conservation and efficiency: building systems

K.10.1.5.1

Minimum efficiency of HVAC systems

HVAC equipment and systems shall meet the minimum energy efficiency

requirements and test procedures approved by:
a)

UAE.S 5010-1: Labelling – Energy efficiency label for electrical appliances, Part

1: Household air-conditioners by Emirates Authority for Standardisation and

Metrology (ESMA); and

ASHRAE 90.2.

Chillers shall meet the minimum efficiency requirements and test procedures given in

Table 6.8.1 to Table 6.8.3 of ASHRAE 90.1:2019.

The chiller equipment requirements shall be met for all chillers, including those where

the leaving fluid design temperature is <4.5 °C.

K.10.1.5.2

Efficient sizing of HVAC systems

HVAC systems shall be efficiently sized to minimize energy use of the building.

Thermal energy load calculations shall be carried out for all the conditioned areas

of the building and the results of these calculations shall be used as the basis for

selecting the air-conditioning equipment.
Ventilation calculations shall be carried out. The results of such calculations shall be

used for sizing the outdoor air systems, exhaust systems and energy recovery units

(if applicable).

K.10.1.5.3 Central air-conditioning units equipped with Energy Recovery Units

and regulated air intake system

To prevent energy loss by exhausting conditioned air to the atmosphere, energy

recovery systems shall be used in all combined supply and extract air handling units

where applicable and found practical in terms of:
a) quantity of air extracted;
b) availability of energy recovery systems for that capacity; and
c)

assessment of the benefits.

For villas with a requirement for treated outdoor air of over 1,000 l/s, energy

recovery systems shall be provided to handle at least 50% of the total exhausted

air. The energy recovery systems shall have at least 70% sensible load recovery

efficiency.
Figure K.93 shows a typical energy recovery wheel.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 148

Figure K.93

Ventilation energy recovery thermal wheel

Key

01: Plate heat exchanger
02: Rotary heat exchanger

K.10.1.5.4 Pipe and duct insulation

The following shall be insulated to minimize heat loss

and prevent condensation:
a) all pipes carrying refrigerant, hot water or chilled

water; and

b) ducts supplying conditioned air (including

prefabricated ducts).

This shall include pipes and ducts passing through

conditioned and unconditioned spaces.
Pipes and ducts shall be encased in thermal insulation

in accordance with BS 5422 or ASHRAE 90.1.

K.10.1.6 Ventilation and air quality

K.10.1.6.1 General

An adequate supply of outdoor air shall be provided to

facilitate the health and comfort of the occupants of

buildings and to limit condensation.
Adequate space pressurization shall be provided to

reduce moisture and contaminant transfer between

adjacent spaces, thereby reducing contamination in

occupied spaces and unwanted condensation and

mould growth. Space pressurization (via return,

transfer or exhaust air) in space or location shall

be designed in accordance to ASHRAE 62.2 or as

approved by the Authority.

K.10.1.6.2 Minimum ventilation requirements for

adequate indoor air quality

Outdoor air rates shall meet the minimum requirement

of ASHRAE 62.2.

K.10.1.6.3 Indoor air quality

Air filters for general ventilation shall meet the

efficiency classification given in ISO 16890-1 based

upon particulate matter.
Paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants used in the

building shall not exceed the permitted limits for

volatile organic compounds (VOCs) specified by the

Dubai Central Laboratory

[Ref. K.34]

. These materials

shall be accredited/certified from Dubai Central

Laboratory, or any other laboratory approved by the

Authority.
Carpet systems (carpets or new permanently installed

carpet padding) shall be certified/accredited by the

Dubai Central Laboratory, or any other laboratory

approved by the Authority.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 149

NOTE: Alternative filtration techniques, such as electronic filters and air cleaners

using photocatalytic oxidation, should be approved by the Authority prior to

installation/use due to negative health effects that can arise from exposure to ozone

and its volatile reaction products. Substantial technical evidence is required on the

use of these techniques and should be validated by international agencies and test

standards. They are not considered to be a replacement for mechanical filtration but

can be used as aids to achieve better indoor air quality.

K.10.1.6.4 Air inlets and exhausts

Outdoor air inlets for all ventilation systems, including doors, operable windows

and mixed mode ventilation systems, shall be located at a suitable distance from

potential sources of contamination as specified in ASHRAE 62.2 and ASHRAE HVAC

applications handbook

[Ref. K.32]

NOTE: This is to reduce the possibility of odour, smoke or other air contaminants

entering the ventilation system.

Exhaust air shall be discharged in such a way that it does not get drawn back into the

building or the building ventilation system. It shall also not become a nuisance to the

building occupants or occupants of nearby buildings, or to pedestrians.
Air inlets and exhaust louvers/vents shall be positioned such as to prevent

recirculation of air and separated by a distance not less than the minimum given

in ASHRAE 62.2. Air inlets and exhaust shall be located relative to prevailing wind

directions, using wind rose diagrams for the building. Air inlets shall be positioned

at upwind or windward direction. Exhausts (such as from kitchens and toilets) shall

discharge at downwind or leeward direction.
Intake air shall be drawn into the system through sand trap louvers sized for at

least 1 m/s across the face area of the louver, to provide an 80% or higher filtration

efficiency at coarse sand grain size (355 μm to 425 μm).

K.10.1.6.5

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free and ozone friendly materials

All thermal insulation shall be CFC-free.
All fire suppressants shall use substances with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).

K.10.1.7 Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation of occupied spaces via windows, doors or other openings is

permitted but shall not be relied upon to provide ventilation and thermal comfort.

The operating mechanism for such openings shall be accessible so that the openings

are readily operable by the building occupants.

K.10.1.8 Mechanical ventilation

K.10.1.8.1 General

The ventilation system design and selection shall be determined by the mechanical

Engineer for the given application, taking into account all relevant issues associated

with the building design, usage, configuration and commissioning, operation and

maintenance of the system.
The mechanical ventilation system shall consist of one or more supply or exhaust

fans and associated ducts and controls. Outdoor air ducts connected to the return

side of a fan coil unit or air handler plenum box shall be permitted as supply

ventilation, provided that manufacturer requirements for return air temperature

are met and the ventilation load at peak condition is accounted for when sizing the

fan coil unit or air handler, in order to control the temperature and remove excess

humidity.
A mechanical exhaust system, supply system or combination thereof shall be installed

to operate for each villa or townhouse unit to provide ventilation with outdoor air in

accordance with ASHRAE 62.2- 2019.
Local exhaust systems shall be provided in kitchens, bathrooms and toilet rooms

and shall have the capacity to exhaust the minimum airflow rate determined in

accordance with ASHRAE 62.2- 2019.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 150

Mechanical ventilation installations shall conform to the requirements of ASHRAE

Fundamentals handbook chapter 16

[Ref. K.33]

and ASHRAE 62.2- 2019.

K.10.1.8.2 Ducts and duct connectors

Duct sizing shall be based on the recommended velocity and pressure drop ranges

given in Ch. 21 of the ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook

[Ref. K.33]

All metallic duct systems shall be constructed in accordance with SMACNA HVAC

duct construction standards – Metal and flexible

[Ref. K.35]

Ch. 10 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

requires flexible air ducts to be tested and classified

in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, and only used when the air temperature in the

ducts does not exceed 250 °C or as vertical ducts serving not more than two adjacent

stories in height.

In accordance with Ch. 10 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

, pipe and duct insulation and

coverings, duct linings, vapour retarder facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes and

supplementary materials added to air ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used

in duct systems, shall have, in the form in which they are used, a maximum flame

spread index of 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a

maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84

or UL 723. When fire testing pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings and

their adhesives, and tapes, the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of

ASTM E2231 shall be followed.

K.10.1.8.3

Air filters

HVAC systems shall be provided with approved air filters to the minimum

recommended filter efficiency reporting value in accordance with ASHRAE HVAC

systems and equipment handbook

[Ref. K.36]

. Filters shall also be installed in the

return air system, upstream from any heat exchanger or cooling coil.

Media-type air filters shall conform to UL 900.
High efficiency particulate air filters shall conform to UL 586.
Electrostatic-type air filters shall conform to UL 867.
Air filters utilized within dwelling units shall be designed for the intended application

and are not required to be approved.

Ducts shall be constructed to allow an even distribution of air over the entire filter.

Ductwork shall be effectively sealed to limit air leakage in the system. The application

of duct sealing and air leakage shall meet the requirements of ASHRAE 111 and

SMACNA HVAC duct construction standards, depending on the specific application.

K.10.1.8.4 Domestic kitchen exhaust equipment

Where domestic range hoods and domestic appliances equipped with downdraft

exhaust are located within dwelling units, such hoods and appliances shall discharge

to exterior through sheet metal ducts constructed of galvanized steel, stainless steel,

aluminium or copper. Such ducts shall have smooth inner walls and shall be airtight

and equipped with a backdraft damper.
Where installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and

where mechanical ventilation is otherwise provided, ductless range hoods are not

required to discharge to the outdoors.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 151

K.10.1.9 Hydronic systems

K.10.1.9.1 General

This section applies to hydronic piping systems that are part of HVAC systems. They

include steam, hot water, chilled water, steam condensate and ground source heat

pump loop systems.
The design and installation of hydronic systems shall meet the requirements of the

ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook

[Ref. K.33]

K.10.1.9.2 Materials

The pipe material and associated pipeline equipment and fittings shall have the

appropriate temperature and pressure rating for the system in which it is operating.

They shall be suitable for the fluid or gas conveyed.
Hydronic pipe material shall conform to the relevant ASTM standards and ASHRAE

Fundamentals handbook

[Ref. K.33]

K.10.1.9.3 Pipe joints and connections

Pipe joints and connections shall be suitable for the pressure of the hydronic system.

K.10.1.9.4 Valves

Shutoff valves shall be installed in hydronic piping systems in order to enable the

isolation of all piping equipment.

NOTE: Further details are given in Ch. 22 of the ASHRAE Fundamentals

handbook

[Ref. K.33]

K.10.1.9.5 Pipe installation

Piping, valves, fittings and connections shall be installed in accordance with the

conditions of approval.

Hydronic piping systems shall be designed and installed to permit the system

to be drained.

Openings for pipe penetrations in walls, floors or ceilings shall be larger than the

penetrating pipe. Openings through concrete or masonry building elements shall be

sleeved. The annular space surrounding pipe penetrations within fire-rated walls or

floors shall be protected in accordance with Section 3, Ch. 1 of UAE FL.SC

[Ref. K.1]

A hydronic piping system shall not be in direct contact with building materials that

cause the piping material to degrade or corrode, or that interfere with the operation

of the system.
Piping shall be installed to prevent detrimental strains and stresses in the pipe.

Provisions shall be made to protect piping from damage resulting from expansion,

contraction and structural settlement. Piping shall be installed to avoid structural

stresses or strains within building components.

Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Ch. 22 of the ASHRAE Fundamentals

handbook

[Ref. K.33]

The flash point of transfer fluid in a hydronic piping system shall be not less than

28 °C above the maximum system operating temperature. The transfer fluid shall

be compatible with the make-up water supplied to the system.

K.10.1.9.6 Pipe design

Hydronic piping design and sizing shall follow the guidelines within ASHRAE

Fundamentals handbook

[Ref. K.33]

For heating and chilled water services the following design criteria shall be applied.

a) The pressure drop shall not exceed 250 Pa/m for all pipe sizes.
b) The maximum pipe velocity shall not exceed 1.2 m/s for pipe size 50 mm

and smaller, and 2.5 m/s for pipe size 65 mm and larger.

c) The minimum pipe velocity shall be not less than 0.45 m/s.

The above criteria shall be reviewed against the ASHRAE Fundamentals

handbook

[Ref. K.33]

based on the particular installation and anticipated

operating hours.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 152

Piping to be embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring concrete.
During pouring, the pipe shall be maintained at the proposed operating pressure.

Joints of pipe or tubing that are embedded in a portion of the building, such as

concrete or plaster, shall meet the following requirements.
1) Steel pipe shall be welded by electrical arc or oxygen/acetylene method.
2)

Copper tubing shall be joined by brazing with filler metals having a melting point

of not less than 538 °C.

3) Polybutylene pipe and tubing shall be installed in continuous lengths or shall be

joined by heat fusion.

K.10.1.9.7 Testing

Hydronic piping systems other than ground source heat pump loop systems shall be

tested hydrostatically at 1.5 times the maximum system design pressure, but not less

than 689 kPa (100 psi). The duration of each test shall be not less than 15 min.
Ground source heat pump loop systems shall be tested before connection (header)

trenches are backfilled. The assembled loop system shall be pressure tested with

water at 689 kPa (100 psi) for 30 min with no observed leaks. Flow and pressure

loss testing shall be performed and the actual flow rates and pressure drops shall

be compared to the calculated design values. If actual flowrate or pressure drop

values differ from calculated design values by more than 10%, the problem shall be

identified and corrected.

K.10.1.9.8 Flushing, cleaning and water treatment

Before the system is operated, all water piping shall be flushed, chemically cleaned

and treated following the guidelines in the ASHRAE HVAC applications handbook

[Ref. K.32]

K.10.1.9.9 Refrigeration

K.10.1.9.9.1

General

The design, construction and installation of refrigeration systems shall meet the

requirements of the ASHRAE Refrigeration handbook

[Ref. K.37]

and ASHRAE 15,

including:
a) system requirements;
b)

refrigerant types and classifications;

c)  system application requirements;
d)  machinery room requirements;
e)  refrigerant piping installation and materials; and
f)  testing.

K.10.1.9.9.2

Refrigerant and ozone depletion management

Refrigerants with zero ODP or with global warming potential less than 100 shall be

used, unless the equipment contains less than 0.23 kg of refrigerant.

K.10.1.10 HVAC systems controls

K.10.1.10.1 Use of programmable controllers for HVAC system

All air-conditioning or comfort cooling systems shall be fitted with a programmable

controller and temperature sensors which, at the basic level, provides on/off controls

(timer controls) and temperature control functionality.
The control shall be simple and capable of operating independently without the need

for any advanced integrations.
Room temperature sensors shall be installed on an interior wall, away from heating or

cooling vents and other sources of heat or draughts (doorways, windows, skylights,

direct sunlight or bright lamps) which can potentially influence their function.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 153

K.10.1.10.2 Interlock of toilet/bathroom fans

To prevent the operation of extract fans of bathrooms/toilets when the rooms are

not occupied, bathroom extract fans shall be controlled through the lighting switch/

timers/sensors or synchronizing light sensors as relevant for the project.

K.10.1.10.3 Occupancy/motion sensors for internal lighting devices

As a minimum, occupancy sensors for control of lighting devices shall be provided in

the following areas:
a) corridor/hallway;
b) bathroom/toilets.
An override auto-setting shall be provided as part of the system.

K.10.2 Water supplies

K.10.2.1 General

This subsection sets out the minimum requirements and basis of design for the

water systems that serve a low-rise residential dwelling. It also includes minimum

sustainability criteria.
Where systems or applications are not covered within this section, reference shall be

made to the current edition of:
a) BS EN 806;
b) BS EN 8558;
c)

HSE Approved Code of Practice L8

[Ref. K.39]

and associated technical guidance

documents

[Ref. K.40 and Ref. K.41]

; and

Water supply regulations (water fittings)

[Ref. K.42]

K.10.2.2 Water conservation and reuse

K.10.2.2.1 Compliance method

There are two compliance routes for water use.
a)

Elemental method: All buildings shall conform to K.10.2.2.2.

b) Performance method: Alternatively, a calculation method may be employed for a

villa or townhouse which might not comply with the elemental requirements for

water efficient fixtures detailed in K.10.2.2.2.

The performance method shall use supporting calculations to compare the annual

water consumption of the proposed building with that of a reference building which

meets the elemental requirements of K.10.2.2.2. The reference building shall be equal

in shape, size and operational patterns to the proposed villa.
Compliance is demonstrated if the calculated annual water consumption of the

proposed building is equal to or lower than the annual water consumption of the

reference building.

K.10.2.2.2

Water efficient fittings

The following water efficient fittings shall be used:

fixtures with a flow rate less than or equal to the flow rates shown in Table K.58;

dual flush toilets.

Faucets installed for specialized application may be exempt from meeting the flow

rates, subject to Authority approval.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 154

Fixture type

Maximum flow rate

Showerheads

8 l/min

Hand washbasins

6 l/min

Kitchen sinks

7 l/min

Dual flush toilets

6 l full flush
3 l part flush

Table K.58 Maximum flow rates

K.10.2.3 Cold water services

K.10.2.3.1 General

Cold water shall be supplied to the following sanitary fittings:

water closet flushing;

b)  washbasins;
c)  sinks;
d)  showers;
e)  baths;
f)  bidets; and
g)  bib tap points.
The booster pump-set shall connect to a water storage tank. The booster set shall

provide a pressurized supply of cold water to all cold water outlets and hot water

plant.
The booster pump-set should incorporate a minimum of two variable speed pumps

to ensure system resilience. The booster pump-set shall have an accumulator vessel

and incorporate automatic controls to ensure even pump wear and prevent system

stagnation.

All parts of the cold water system, including storage tanks and pipework, shall be

designed to avoid water stagnation and ensure flow through all parts of the system.

Dead legs in the cold water systems shall be avoided.
The cold water distribution system shall be designed to the relevant parts of the

Water supply (water fittings) regulations

[Ref. K.42]

, BS EN 806 and BS EN 8558.

Water meter and isolation valve locations shall conform to DEWA regulations

[Ref. K.38]

K.10.2.3.2 Swimming pools

The cold water supply that serves the pool water treatment system shall be fed from

a dedicated cold water break tank to completely isolate the chemical treatment plant

from the building’s cold water supply. A booster pump-set shall be connected to

the break tank to provide a pressurized supply of cold water to the water treatment

equipment.
The cold water break tank and booster pump-set shall be located in the pool

filtration plantroom. The pool filtration system shall be designed by the pool filtration

specialist.

NOTE: The objective of the pool water treatment system is to provide a hygienic,

safe, comfortable and pleasant environment for bathers.

K.10.2.4 Tank pump-set installation

The pump-set shall be installed adjacent to the tank within an internal room of

sufficient size for the operation, maintenance and repair of the various pumps that

connect to the tank. Each pump-set shall be installed on a reinforced concrete base.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 155

K.10.2.5 Cold water storage tanks

Cold water storage shall be provided to protect the building against interruptions to

the incoming mains supplies and to ensure that water supply pressures can be safely

maintained.
The capacity of domestic water supply tanks shall be calculated based on the actual

demand of the building as stipulated by DEWA. As a minimum, water tanks shall

be sized based on 24 h demand from all water connections. Villas or townhouses

typically require 250 l to 350 l per day.
Cold water storage may be provided utilizing a single tank, a single tank with a central

division or two separate cold water storage tanks.
If a continuous supply of cold water is required during periods of tank cleaning or

maintenance, a tank with a central division or two separate storage tanks shall be

provided. For both of these tank arrangements, each tank shall store two equal

volumes (50/50 configuration) of water.

In each water tank (or water tank section when divided tanks are used), the following

components shall be provided:
a)  an isolation valve at the inlet and outlet of the tank division;
b)  a valve strainer at the outlet of each tank division;
c)  drain connection at the bottom of each tank. The invert of the drain shall be

located to fully drain that division of the tank;

overflow pipe from each division of the tank;

overflow warning pipe with insect protection screen (0.65 mm mesh – the design

needs to ensure that the screen area will pass the same amount of water as the

overflow or warning pipe);

f) an external and internal access ladder (if required);
g) a vent pipe with an air inlet corrosion resistant mesh.

Note: Figure K.94 illustrates the typical water tank fitting connection details.

Figure K.94 Typical water tank fitting connection detail

Key

01: Servicing valve

02: Fixed access cover

03: Screened air inlet corrosion resistant mesh (0.65 mm max. opening)

04: Sleeve for vent pipe

05: Straight or dipped entry to warning pipe

06: Screen (0.65 mm max. opening) to prevent ingress of insects etc.

07: Warning/overflow pipe

08: Insulation (applicable to GRP pre-insulated panel sectional tanks and steel tanks)

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 156

All tank interconnecting pipework and valves shall be configured to ensure a balanced

throughput of water through each tank mitigating the risk of deadlegs and associated

water stagnation.
Above ground cold water storage tanks should be constructed of pre-insulated glass-

reinforced plastic (GRP).
The tanks shall be installed in a conditioned space that is free from contamination

and shall not be positioned in a location where they are exposed to the external

Dubai climate.

K.10.2.6

Combined firefighting and water storage

Where water tanks are also used for firefighting purposes, the water storage capacity

shall be increased to include firefighting water storage capacity. The tank and pump

connection arrangements shall conform to Ch. 9 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

This water storage arrangement is not preferred unless the system can be designed

to ensure regular turnover of the cold water storage volume in the tank. Where this

arrangement is adopted, the fire pump test line shall not discharge back into the

tank.

K.10.2.7 Servicing and isolation valves

The water servicing distribution pipework shall incorporate service valves on all items

of plant and sources of supply to allow for isolation to facilitate maintenance. As a

minimum, branch isolation valves shall be provided on branches and risers at the

connection to the main distribution system.
Quarter turn isolation valves shall be provided on the water supply to all sanitary

fittings to aid repair and maintenance.

All water servicing valves shall be positioned in an accessible location that permits

maintenance and replacement without damage to wall, ceiling or floor finishes.

K.10.2.8

Backflow protection

The water systems shall be designed and installed to reduce the risk of contaminating

the cold water supplies. In particular, the requirements of the Water supply (water

fittings) regulations

[Ref. K.42]

and the classification of fluid category backflow

protection shall be followed.
Where required to prevent cross contamination, the water services system shall be

protected by the use of break tanks or air gaps, meeting the correct fluid category

classification, as an integral part of the plant and equipment served from the water

services system. This protection shall be provided in all areas of the building.

K.10.2.9 Hot water services

Hot water shall be supplied to the following sanitary fittings:

a)  wash basins;
b)  sinks;
c)  showers; and
d)  baths.
Where hot water is stored, the water storage temperature shall be kept at not less

than 60 °C to prevent bacterial growth within the stagnant water. The water shall

reach a temperature of 50 °C within 1 min at the outlets.
A pumped hot water return shall be provided, unless electrical trace heating tape is

used. The hot water return shall be designed to maintain distribution temperatures

between 50 °C to 55 °C. The hot water return system shall include thermal balancing

valves for all hot water sub-circuits.
All parts of the hot water system, including storage tanks, water heaters and

pipework, shall be designed to avoid water stagnation and ensure flow through all

parts of the system. Dead legs in the hot water systems shall be avoided.
The hot water distribution system shall be designed to the relevant parts of the

water supply (water fittings) regulations

[Ref. K.42]

, BS EN 806 and BS EN 8558.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 157

Thermostatic mixing valves shall be installed on all hot water outlets that are used

for handwashing or bathing, including those in Table K.59.

Figure K.95

Solar hot water detail

Key

01: Solar collector

02: Solar pump station

03: Hot water storage tank

04: Back-up heat source

05: Domestic hot water distribution system

06: Solar controller

07: Expansion vessel

08: Incoming cold-water feed

Sanitary fitting

Maximum recommended temperature (°C)

Shower and hair washing

Wash basin

38 to 41

Baths

Table K.59 Sanitary fitting hot water outlet temperatures

Thermostatic mixing valves shall meet the requirements of HSE Approved code of

practice L8

[Ref. K.39]

K.10.2.10 Use of renewable sources of energy for domestic heating

Renewable energy shall be utilized to reduce dependence on grid power for domestic

hot water heating purposes. Solar water heating (solar thermal) or heat pump

technology shall be employed for domestic hot water requirements.

The solar hot water heating system shall incorporate measures for efficient

distribution systems, pipe insulation and use of energy efficient electric hot water

system (which is normally used as backup).

NOTE: Figure K.95 illustrates the solar hot water generation details.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 158

K.10.2.11 Water services installation requirements

Water services distribution pipework shall be sized to meet the system demands

based upon the number of fittings and equipment connected to it.

Pipe velocities shall be restricted to approximately 1.5 m/s to maintain system

longevity, minimize noise generation and limit pressure waves.
Interior hot and cold water pipework shall be insulated in accordance with BS 5422.
Pressure reducing valves shall be installed to ensure safe water discharge pressures

do not exceed 2 bar at all sanitary fittings and kitchen appliances.

The cold water supply to all water closet ablution hoses shall incorporate a vacuum

breaker.
Drain valves shall be provided at all system low points. Air vents shall be installed at

all system high points.

K.10.2.12 Water treatment against microbiological bacteria growth

All water features that have a water storage volume of over 1,000 l and that create

a water spray or aerosol shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained

to minimize the risk of Legionella bacteria or microbiological bacteria growth

in accordance with:
a) latest DM guidelines, if any;
b)

Guidelines for the control of Legionella in water systems

[Ref. K.43]

;

c) Private swimming pools safety guidelines

[Ref. K.5]

; and

HSE Approved Code of Practice L8

[Ref. K.39]

and associated technical guidance

documents

[Ref. K.40 and Ref. K.41]

;

This includes, but is not limited to, hot and cold water systems, evaporative air

coolers/condensers, spas, fountains and misters.
The designer shall formulate a strategy to maintain water quality and minimize the

risk of Legionella bacteria for each manufactured water system from the point of

supply to point of use. The suitability of the materials used in the construction of the

manufactured water system shall not adversely affect water quality.

K.10.3 Drainage

K.10.3.1 General

This subsection sets out the minimum requirements and basis of design for drainage

systems that serve low-rise residential dwellings.
This subsection sets out the minimum requirements and basis of design for the

above and below ground drainage systems within the building and up to 1.5 m

beyond the building site boundary.

For systems or applications not covered within this section, the requirements in BS

EN 12056 and BS EN 752 shall be met.

K.10.3.2 Sanitary plumbing systems

K.10.3.2.1 General

A sanitary plumbing system shall be provided to all domestic sanitary fittings and

kitchen appliances. The sanitary plumbing system shall:
a)

convey and collect drainage flows to sewer infrastructure, cesspools, septic tanks

or holding tanks;

b) minimize the risk of blockage or leakage;
c) prevent foul air from the drainage system entering the building during normal

system usage; and

d) provide access provisions to clean and maintain the system.

The surface of sanitary fittings (such as toilets and wash basins) shall be of a

material that is easy to clean and maintain.

All sanitary fittings shall be provided with a water trap. If a water trap forms part

of a sanitary appliance, the fitting shall be removable. All other water traps shall be

fitted directly after the sanitary appliance and shall be removable or be fitted with a

rodding eye.

All sanitary fitting tap flow rates, and water closet cistern flush volumes, shall

conform to Table K.58.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 159

K.10.3.2.2 Sanitation system disposal

The sanitation system shall be designed to collect and convey soil and waste flows by

gravity to the public drainage network. The sanitation systems shall be designed in

accordance with BS EN 12056.

Sanitation pipework and ventilation pipework shall be configured to control pressure

fluctuations that can occur in the system. Sanitary fitting water traps shall be

maintained during normal system working conditions. Primary ventilated and

secondary ventilated discharge stack arrangements may be utilized for this purpose.

The discharge stack arrangement selected shall be determined according to the

building height, the grouping of sanitary fittings within the building, and any other

relevant factors.
All building discharge stacks shall terminate externally to vent to atmosphere.
The routing of drainage pipework through sensitive areas of a building should

be avoided. Sensitive areas include majlis, dining rooms, bedrooms, any area of

architectural significance, and areas where access to drainage pipework is restricted.

Where routing drainage pipework through these areas cannot be avoided, the

pipework installation shall be configured to mitigate the risk of pipework leaks. This

shall be achieved by using pipework materials that have limited pipework joints, or

“pipe in pipe” installation techniques.
The sanitation system shall be designed and routed through the building with

attention to the acoustic requirements of the space that it passes through. Acoustic

insulation shall be provided where required.
Where greywater recycling is proposed within a building, separate discharge stacks

shall be provided to drain greywater appliances such as showers, hand wash basins

and baths (see Figure K.96). Wastewater flows from kitchen appliances should not be

recycled.

Figure K.96

Greywater sanitary plumbing connection detail

Key

01: Washbasin

02: Bidet

03: Water closet

04: Bath/shower

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 160

K.10.3.2.3 Floor drains

Floor drains (see Figure K.97) shall be installed in all building areas containing wet

sanitary fittings or appliances (including kitchens, toilets, showers and ablution

areas).

All floor drain body and grating materials shall be specified to suit the floor finishes

within which they are installed and the imposed traffic loads to which they are

expected to be subject. A waterproof seal shall be achieved between the floor finish

and the edge of floor grating to prevent the migration of water at this junction.
Floor drains shall be constructed of a material that will not be degraded by the

discharge they have been installed to receive.

Figure K.97 Floor drain connection detail to discharge stack

In order to prevent trap seal evaporation, all floor drains shall be configured to receive

wastewater flows from a sanitary fitting or condensate connection from an air-

conditioning unit. Where this is not practicable, an automatic drain trap primer shall

be installed. A floor gulley with a back inlet connection shall be utilized to receive the

waste pipe connections from these fittings.
All floor drains shall have a minimum 75 mm deep water seal. Waste pipe connection

from bidets shall connect directly to a discharge stack, not a floor drain (see Figure

K.98).

Figure K.98 Floor drain with back inlet connection detail

Key

01: To drainage stack

02: Floor gully

03: Sanitary fixture

The waste system from one floor drain to another floor drain shall not be directly

connected.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 161

≥

3.0 m

≥

2.0 m

K.10.3.2.4 Ventilation pipework

Vent pipes from manholes, vertical discharge stacks and vent pipes shall be

positioned at least 3 m horizontally from any opening into the building and any

mechanical plant air inlet. Such vent pipes shall extend at least 2 m above the roof

level (see Figure K.99). All discharge stacks and vent pipes shall be fitted with a vent

cowl.

Figure K.99

Vent pipe location constraints

Key

01: Roof level

02: Vent cowl

03: Stack vent

04: Opening into the building

(examples include windows, doors and

air intakes)

K.10.3.2.5 Access provisions

All horizontal sanitation pipes shall have rodding eyes installed at the start of all

pipework runs and at all sanitation pipework change of direction to provide effective

access for maintenance and cleaning.
Access junctions shall be installed in discharge stacks at every storey level to provide

access to clear blockages.

K.10.3.2.6 Sanitation piping

All internal pipework shall be manufactured from PVC-U in accordance with BS EN

1329-1. Waste pipework shall conform to BS 5255 and BS EN 1329-1.

Only long radius fittings shall be permitted in the wet portion of any discharge stack.

Thermoplastic drainage pipework shall not run through electrical rooms, kitchens,

kitchen food stores and bedrooms.
Drainpipes shall not be cast into a building structural element without prior approval

from the structural Engineer at the Authority.
Where drainage pipework is required to pass through a structural element in a

building, a cast iron sleeve shall first be fitted within the structural element to allow

the drain to pass through. The sleeve shall offer a tolerance of at least 50 mm to

simplify the installation of the pipe. The gap between the pipe and the sleeve shall

then be filled with suitable sealant.
The size of the sanitary fitting outlet connections installed within the sanitation

system shall be not less than the minimum shown in Table K.60.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 162

Pipework system

Minimum pipe size (mm)

Soil vent pipe

100

Waste vent pipe

100

Rainwater pipe

100

Vent pipe

Balcony drain

AC drain pipe

Table K.60 Sanitary fitting outlet sizes

Drainage discharge stack sizes shall be in accordance with Table K.61 for low-rise-

residential dwellings.

Below-ground drainage systems shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 752 to

receive soil and waste flows from the above-ground sanitation system. Foul water

flows shall be collected and conveyed to the external drainage network by gravity

flow.
Buried drainage pipework, fittings and ring seal joints shall be specified to suit the

ground conditions they are installed within and the nature of discharge they receive.

Drainpipe sizes and gradients shall be selected on the calculated flows that pass

through the drainage system. In all instances, self-cleansing velocity shall be achieved

through each drain section.
Drainage pipe connections shall be airtight and free from any internal obstructions.

Pipe bedding and surrounding materials shall be selected to suit the prevailing

geotechnical ground conditions. All drainpipe bedding and backfilling materials shall

be installed in accordance with the specified pipework manufacturer’s requirements.
If an underground drainpipe line is installed less than 600 mm below FFL, it shall be

provided with 150 mm thick concrete encasement. Underground drainage pipework

and fittings shall conform to the requirements BS EN 13476.
Refer to the Authority drainage details for confirmation of approved manhole,

inspection chamber, pipe bedding, gulley and pipe connection arrangements.

K.10.3.3.2 Access to drainage systems

Means of access (see Figure K.100) for cleaning and maintaining the below-ground

drainage system include:
a)  manholes;
b)  inspection chambers;
c)  rodding eyes;
d)

access fittings.

Sanitary fitting

Minimum outlet size (mm)

Water closet

100

Wash basin

Kitchen sink

Floor drain

Bath tub/shower

Washing machine

Balcony drain

Table K.61

Minimum drainage pipework sizes for low-rise residential dwellings

K.10.3.3 Below ground drainage systems

K.10.3.3.1 General

Below ground drainage systems shall collect and convey foul water flows to the

external drainage network utilizing gravity flow and shall be designed in accordance

with BS EN 752.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 163

Key

01: Manhole

02: Shallow inspection chamber

03: Rodding eye

04: Access fitting

extracted from BS EN 752:2017. Permission to reproduce extracts from British Standards is granted by BSI

Standards Limited (BSI). No other use of this material is permitted).

Access shall be provided at the following points in the drainage system:
a)  at or near the end of a drainage run;
b)  at a bend or change in the system direction or drain gradient;
c)  at the junction of drain connection (unless each junction connection can be

cleared from another access point);

d) at all changes in system pipe size.

Distances between means of access shall not exceed the values in Table K.62.
Drainage pipes which extend underneath flooring and inside walls shall be protected

from any external works or against the potential settlement of floors. Such

installations shall be provided with access provisions at distances that do not exceed

the parameters identified in Table K.62.

From

To junction/

branch (m)

To access fitting

(m)

To inspection

chamber (m)

To manhole (m)

From start of

external drain

—

From rodding

point

From access

fitting (small 150

mm × 100 mm,

large 225 mm ×

100 mm)

From inspection

chamber

From manhole

—

Table K.62

Maximum spacing of drainage access provisions

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 164

K.10.3.3.3 Sump pits

All basement levels shall be provided with appropriate

means and equipment to drain and filter water (such

as sand separation rooms and mechanical plantrooms).

Sump pump pits (see Figure K.101) shall have a depth

of not less than 1 m from the level of the lowest inlet

pipe.
All sump pump pits shall be positioned in an accessible

location for ease of cleaning and maintenance.
All sump pits shall incorporate two submersible pumps

operating in a duty/standby configuration.

Each submersible pump shall be wired to a dedicated

control panel which incorporates volt-free contacts.
Open grated sump pits do not require a vent pipe.

Key

01: Guide rail

02: Pump

03: Auto coupling

Figure 6.13 from CIBSE, 2014. Guide G – Public health and plumbing

engineering guide. London: CIBSE).

K.10.3.3.4 Manholes

All manholes shall be installed within the boundaries of

the building plot. During the design, care shall be taken

to select the appropriate location of the last manhole

(i.e. the one before the public network) in terms of

ease of connection to the public drainage network and

fulfilling the conditions of the Authority.

The manhole schedule shall be arranged as shown

in Figure K.102. The manhole invert level, cover

level depth and distance between manholes shall

be determined by the Authority public drainage

connection level and the final inspection chamber

(FIC). All datum units shall be produced in the

International System of Units (SI units).

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 165

The invert level of the external drainage system shall be determined by the

Consultant. The drainage connection level shall match that of the FIC. The depth of

this last manhole shall be obtained from or approved by the Authority.
Acute angle branch connections shall not be made within manholes.
Pipework connections into a manhole shall be installed where the top of each

incoming drain connect at the same level.

NOTE 1: This connection arrangement means that smaller diameter connecting pipes

are not flooded when there is flow through the bigger pipes.

Backdrops shall be provided when the level difference between incoming drain and

main sewer is considerable.
All inspection chambers, manholes, gully traps constructed in covered building areas

shall be dry type (not open channel) and provided with recessed double seal type

cover.

Manhole access cover specification shall be suitable for the wheel loads they are

subjected to and their surrounding floor or road finishes in accordance with

BS EN 124-1.

NOTE 2: Manholes located in garages, driveways or other areas of vehicle movement

are likely to require heavy-duty covers.

If inspection chambers or manholes are installed in agricultural land, the manhole

cover shall be raised 75 mm above the natural ground level.

Manhole venting shall be provided by a vent pipe serving the first and last manholes

of any drainage line. Vent pipes shall be located at least 100 mm below cover level.
Manholes shall be sited away from underground water tanks, at a distance not less

than the depth of the water tank.
Manholes shall not be installed inside villas, except in chutes, corridors, service

rooms, car sheds and ventilated corridors. Such manholes shall be dry type (not open

channel).

K.10.3.3.5 Manhole construction

Where a manhole or inspection chamber is constructed below the groundwater table

level, the complete manhole construction shall be either waterproofed reinforced

concrete or GRP.
All main line channels shall be in the centre of the manhole. The sides of manhole

channels shall be extended vertically to the same level of the soffit of the pipe.

Benching of incoming branch drains shall be inclined towards the main direction of

flow.

The diameter of semi-circular channel in the bottom of manhole shall be equal to

that of the outgoing drain diameter.
The benching of inspection chamber/manholes shall have a smooth curved surface

using granolithic concrete that does not restrict drainage flows.

The manhole chamber and access cover sizes shall be not less than the minimum

values given in Table K.63.

Manhole

no.

Cover level

Invert level

Distance

to next

chamber

(m)

Depth (m)

Cover type

Remark

Authority

FIC

Manhole

No.

Figure K.102

Sample manhole schedule

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 166

K.10.3.3.6 Final inspection chamber and provision for future connection

The FIC shall be constructed near the building compound wall and opposite the

public drainage connecting chamber/manhole. The FIC cover shall be ductile iron with

a GRP push-fit sealing plate. This FIC manhole shall have one incoming connection

and shall operate by gravity flow.
Where there is no public drainage system, the FIC for the building shall still be

provided for connection to a future public drainage network/manhole. The FIC shall

be located towards the narrowest adjacent road.

K.10.3.4 Rainwater disposal

K.10.3.4.1 General

A rainwater disposal system shall be provided to remove rainwater from all building

roof areas. The system shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 12056, and

configured to reduce the impact of sand and dust ingress.

Rainfall intensity design criteria shall be taken from intensity duration-frequency

curves developed for Dubai urban areas as shown in Table K.64.

Unless a more stringent design rainfall intensity is requested by the Authority or

another party, a rainfall intensity of 75 mm/h shall be utilized for building roof

disposal systems.

Return

period

Intensity (mm/h) by duration (h)
0.50 (h)

1.00 (h)

1.50 (h)

2.00 (h)

2.50 (h)

6.00 (h)

24.00 (h)

1,000 year 103.44

70.99

52.40

43.63

34.90

20.51

7.62

200 year

83.78

57.81

42.73

35.50

28.40

16.43

6.12

150 year

80.26

55.45

41.00

34.05

27.24

15.70

5.86

100 year

75.30

52.12

38.56

31.99

25.59

14.66

5.48

75 year

71.77

49.75

36.82

30.53

24.43

13.93

5.21

50 year

66.78

46.40

34.37

28.47

22.78

12.89

4.83

40 year

64.03

44.56

33.01

27.33

21.87

12.32

4.62

30 year

60.46

42.17

31.26

25.86

20.69

11.58

4.35

25 year

58.20

40.65

30.15

24.92

19.94

11.11

4.18

20 year

55.41

38.78

28.78

23.77

19.02

10.53

3.97

15 year

51.80

36.35

27.00

22.27

17.82

9.78

3.70

10 year

46.63

32.89

24.46

20.14

16.11

8.71

3.30

5 year

37.48

26.75

19.96

16.35

13.08

6.81

2.61

4 year

34.38

24.67

18.44

15.07

12.06

6.17

2.37

3 year

30.19

21.86

16.38

13.34

10.67

5.30

2.06

2 year

23.65

17.48

13.16

10.64

8.51

3.94

1.56

Table K.63

Minimum manhole chamber and access cover sizes

If a public rainwater drainage network is not available in the area, it is preferable to

have a rainwater storm drain within the land boundaries that is sufficient to hold

rainwater for at least one day.

Manhole depth (mm)

Minimum manhole size (mm)

Manhole cover (mm) size for

sewerage and storm water

Up to 1,300

600 × 600

From 1,301 to 1,700

800 × 800

600 × 600

From 1,701 to 2,500

1,000 diameter

(with GRP lining)

600 diameter

From 2,501 to 4,000

1,500 diameter

(with GRP lining)

600 diameter

Table K.64

Dubai rainfall intensity frequency data

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 167

Rainwater disposal gutters, channels and rainwater pipes shall be:
a)  installed with a gradient not greater than 1/50 and not less than 1/70;
b)  made of robust material, complete with waterproof joints; and
c)  installed in a safe and reliable manner that is equipped with suitable means of

gutter and pipe protection (where required).

Rainwater shall be drained directly on to the surface of a road or passage. It shall

not be drained into the drainage pipes of septic tanks or cesspits, or into an adjacent

neighbour’s premises.
Where possible, rainwater should be drained within the land boundaries at least 2 m

away from the building.

K.10.3.4.2 Drainage of hardstanding or paved areas

Hardstanding paved areas shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 752. They

shall be drained using floor gullies and linear drainage channels.

The design rainfall intensity shall be 65 mm/h, unless a more stringent value is

requested by the Authority or another party.

The drainage of paved and hardstanding areas shall be configured to intercept sand

and dust that would otherwise be washed into the drainage system during periods of

rainfall.

K.10.3.4.3 Miscellaneous rainwater drainage

Rainwater pipes shall not be connected to sewer lines. They shall be terminated above

ground, to allow free discharge onto the external ground surface.

Exposed roof areas or canopies shall be configured with a maximum gradient of 1/50

and not less than 1/70 in order to direct rainwater to suitable channels, gutters or

outlets.

All building parapet roof areas shall incorporate emergency overflow provisions.

All internal roof or paved areas that are open to the sky (that have a catchment area

of 16 m

or less) shall be provided with floor drains to enable rainwater pipework to

connect to the nearest gully or waste discharge stack. All other open to the sky areas

shall be provided with a rainwater drain that provides free discharge to an external

area.

For all air ventilation shafts, access doors shall be provided at the lower level of the

well to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the rainwater drainage system.

K.10.3.5 Swimming pools

Backwash drainage flows from the pool filtration system shall discharge

unattenuated into the public drainage system where this is approved by the

Authority. If approval for an unattenuated discharge cannot be obtained, backwash

water shall discharge into an attenuation tank to enable a reduced drainage flow rate

to the public drainage system.

K.10.3.6 Septic tanks and sewage holding tanks

Where there is no public drainage network available, the building shall be provided

with a sewage holding tank and septic tank.
Septic tank and sewage holding tanks shall meet the following requirements.
a) Tanks shall be situated within the plot boundaries and be easily accessible for

cleaning, emptying and maintenance. They shall be included in the sanitation,

architectural and construction drawings, and tank locations shall be subject to

approval by the Authority.

b) Tanks shall be capable of being connected in future to the public drainage

network.

c) Swimming pool water shall not be drained into a septic tank.
d) Tanks shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, GRP or brickwork. All tanks

shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s requirements, and to

withstand any potential vehicle loading.

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 168

e) Where a tank is to be founded at a lower level than that of an adjacent footing,

the tank shall be constructed before the footing.

f) Tanks shall have openings of adequate size, with a heavy-duty lockable access

cover of suitable dimensions to enable cleaning and maintenance.

g) The roof level of a tank shall not terminate above the adjacent ground level in

which it is situated.

h) Tanks shall have adequate capacity, calculated on the basis of daily personal

consumptions given in standard tables produced by the Authority. Tanks shall be

emptied without impeding the operation of the building.

i) Provided that suitable insulation is provided to prevent leakage through walls,

non-penetrating reinforced concrete tanks shall be situated at a distance not less

than 1 m from nearby buildings and boundary walls, and brick tanks at a distance

not less than 3 m. The reinforced concrete tanks shall be at a minimum depth

of 1.5 m from the invert of the pipe connected to the tank inlet, and shall have a

spacing of at least 3 m from the nearest water tank.

NOTE: Location constraints are illustrated in Figure K.103.

j) Tanks shall not be located within a 5.5 m set back vehicular access area unless

this is unavoidable. If a tank has to be located within this area, the road and tank

construction shall be sufficiently robust for road use by fire tenders and heavy

goods vehicles.

k) Tanks shall be provided with a ventilation pipe.
l) All tank openings shall be covered in such a way as to prevent insects from

entering.

In the event of wastewater overflowing, the holding tank shall have a high-level

alarm facility that connects to a dedicated control panel. The control panel shall

have a visual and audible alarm.

n) The tank shall be provided with a breaching pipe for pumping out operations.

≥

1 m

≥

1 m

≥

1 m

Figure K.103

Septic tank and sewage holding tank location constraints diagram

Key

01: Site boundary/boundary wall

02: Septic/holding tank

03: No underground water tank

shall be located within 1 m of the

tank location

04: Building

(a) Reinforced concrete and concrete encased GRP holding tanks

(b) Brickwork holding tank

≥

3 m

≥

3 m

≥

3 m

Key

01: Site boundary/boundary wall

02: Septic/holding tank

03: No underground water tank

shall be located within 3 m of the

tank location

04: Building

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 169

A GRP sealing plate shall be installed on the last

manhole before the tank and on the manhole utilized

for future connection before the sewer line.
Tanks shall be designed in accordance with BS 6297. A

typical sewage holding tank arrangement is shown in

Figure K.104.

All tank locations shall be subject to approval by the

Authority and should be positioned in a location that

enables the tank to be connected in future to the

public drainage network.

Figure K.104

Typical sewage holding tank

Key

01: Heavy duty MH cover

(600 mm × 600 mm)

02: Interlock level

03: Incoming PVC-U pipe

04: Steel reinforcement rebar

05: Rubber water stopper

06: Liquid level

07: RCC wall

08: Black bitumen paint all round

09: External underground water table

10: Collection pit

11: Slope 1:10

A: Length of holding tank is variable

B: Width of holding tank

C: Standing water in the holding tank minimum

1,000 mm

NOTE: Minimum size for holding tank = A x B x C =

25 m³

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 170

K.10.3.7 Soakaways

Where a soakaway (see example in Figure K.105)

is part of the building drainage strategy, it shall

be constructed in accordance with the following

requirements.
a)

Only the surface water drainage flows shall

discharge into a soakaway.

b) The foundation level of the base of the soakaway

shall be kept at least 1 m above the winter water

table.

c) The soakaway shall be located at least 3 m away

from a building footing or boundary wall.

Soakaways shall be filled with boulders that are 75 mm

to 100 mm in size.
If the soakaway is to be founded at a lower level than

that of an adjacent footing, the soakaway shall be

constructed before the footing.

The floor area of the soakaway shall be determined

according to the percolation rate in accordance with

appropriate test in BS 6297.
The soakaway shall be not less than 1 m away from a

septic or holding tank.
The soakaway shall be constructed at a level that does

not undermine the adjacent footing of a building or a

boundary wall.
There shall be no side leakage from the soakaway.

<500

500

1,000

<3,000

1,000

Figure K.105

Illustration of a typical soakaway

Key

01: Inlet 150ø min.

02: Vent pipe 50 mm min.

03 Cover (600 mm x 600 mm)

04: Ground level

05: Concrete slab

06: GRP filter

07: Solid pipe – 1,000mm long

08: 150 mm gravel surround

09: 200 mm diameter perforated pipe

10: RCC

11: Plain cement concrete

12: Permeable floor area

13: Min 3,000 mm

14: Condensate drain pipe

15: Copper to PVC pipe joint

16: P-trap

17: Sealed gully trap

18: 600 mm diameter clear access cover

19: Loose soil

20: 1,000 mm diameter perforate PVC chamber filler with pea

gravel

21: Sand trap membrane to prevent ingress into chamber

Dubai Building Code

Part K: Villas

K 171

K.10.4 Lighting

K.10.4.1 General

A suitable low-energy lighting arrangement shall be provided within each villa or

townhouse.

K.10.4.2 Lighting controls

Lighting controls may consist of toggle switches, dimmer switches or a smart control

system. The lighting controls system shall be selected as part of an overall energy

efficient solution for the internal lighting.

As a minimum, occupancy sensors shall be provided to control interior lighting

devices as required by K.10.1.10.3.

Automatic lighting control shall be provided to shut down exterior lighting during

daylight hours. Occupancy sensors should be provided if exterior lighting is only used

to illuminate exterior circulation paths.

K.10.5 Fire safety systems

K.10.5.1 Emergency lighting

Standalone, self-contained emergency lighting shall be provided in basements in

accordance with Table 6.5, Ch. 6 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

K.10.5.2 Fire detection and alarm

Table 8.13, Ch. 8 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

requires a smoke detection and alarm

system in all villas/townhouses. The system shall be designed in accordance with

Section 4, Ch. 8 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

The fire alarm control panel or the monitoring panel shall be located near the front

door of the villa/townhouse.

Each villa/townhouse shall be provided with audio visual notification devices outside

that are visible from the common approach road.

K.10.5.3 Sprinklers and hose reels

Table 9.23, Ch. 9 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

requires sprinklers and hose reels in villas/

townhouses with a ground floor GA >1,500 m

. Sprinklers shall be provided in every

room of the villa/townhouse. Hose reels shall be provided in the basement and

ground floor. Dry landing valves and risers are not required.
Table 9.23, Ch. 9 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

requires sprinklers and hose reels in

basements where the GA of the basement >1,500 m

. Sprinklers shall be provided

throughout the basement (open as well as closed areas). Hose reels shall be provided

in the basement and ground floor. Dry landing valves and risers are not required.

When required, the sprinklers, hose reels and yard hydrants shall be designed in

accordance with Section 3, Ch. 9 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. K.1]

K.10.5.4 Smart monitoring

The fire alarm system in villas/townhouses shall be connected to DCD control

centres via the Hassantuk for Homes system (available at:

building.moi.gov.ae/en-

US/Hassantuk%20Overview/

K.10.6 Acoustics

The sound insulation of the building envelope, internal floors and partitions of a

villa or townhouse shall be designed in accordance with Approved Document E of

the Building Regulations, England

[Ref. K.44]

to provide sound insulation between

dwellings (i.e. party walls/floors) and sound insulation within a dwelling, particularly

for sleeping areas.

Dubai Building Code (2021) - page 28