Ts108 Technical Standard For Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms

TECHNICAL STANDARD TS-108
FOR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT

AND
TRANSFORMER ROOMS
PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 2011
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Authorised: Jehad Ali
Date: 20/12/11
Page 1 of 30
The use of this Technical Standard is subject to the conditions stated in ETSA Utilities disclaimer.
WARNING: Printed copies of this document ARE DEEMED UNCONTROLLED. The most up-to-date version is located on the Intranet.
Copyright 2010
REVISION NOTICE:
DATE
EXPLANATION
November 2008
New Document
December 2011
Restructured the document to current standards.

Added new clauses 3.0, 7.0, 12.0.
Removed check list (Appendix A) and transferred
into TS-105 A form series as new form TS 105-F-40.
ETSA Utilities
- ETSA Utilities means Distribution Lessor Corporation subject to a two

hundred year lease to the partnership of companies trading as ETSA Utilities or ETSA Utilities
in its own right. ETSA Utilities, ABN 13 332 330 749, a partnership of:
CKI Utilities Development Limited, ABN 65 090 718 880.
HEI Utilities Development Limited, ABN 82 090 718 951.
each incorporated in The Bahamas
Spark Infrastructure SA (No.1) Pty Ltd, ABN 54 091 142 380.
each incorporated in Australia.
1 Anzac Highway, Keswick, South Australia, 5035.
ETSA Utilities Disclaimer:

1. The use of the information contained in this Technical Standard is at your sole risk.
2. The Information in this Technical Standard is subject to change without notice.
3. ETSA Utilities, its agents, instrumentalities, officers and employees:
a. Make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information
contained in this Technical Standard;
b. Accept no liability for any use of the said information or reliance placed on it; and
c. Make no representations, either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the said
information for any particular purpose.
4. ETSA Utilities and its agencies and instrumentalities do not endorse or in any respect
warrant any third party products or services by virtue of any information, material or
content referred to or included on, or linked from or to this Technical Standard.
ETSA Utilities Copyright 2011:

This publication is copyright. ETSA Utilities reserves to itself all rights in such material. You
must not reproduce any content of this Technical Standard by any process without first
obtaining ETSA Utilities permission, except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968.
All rights reserved.
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TS-108 Technical Standard for Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms
CONTENTS
1.0
PURPOSE................................................................................. 6
2.0
SCOPE .................................................................................... 6
3.0
GRACE PERIOD ...................................................................... 7
4.0
REFERENCES ........................................................................... 7
5.0
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................... 9
6.0
TRANSFORMER ROOM LOCATION ...................................... 11
7.0
8.0
6.1
SITE LOCATION .................................................................. 11
6.2
TRANSFORMER ROOM LOCATION.......................................... 11
6.3
TRANSFORMER ROOM SIZE................................................... 12
LAND TENURE ....................................................................... 14

7.1
FORM OF TENURE ............................................................... 14
7.2
EASEMENT DOCUMENTATION PROVISIONS .............................. 14

7.2.1
Exclusively Enclosed Building Area for Housing T/F .... 14
7.2.2
Cables and other Physical Services ............................. 14
7.2.3
Ventilation ....................................................................... 14
7.2.4
Access by Personnel, Equipment and Vehicles .......... 14
7.3
THIRD PARTY LAND ............................................................. 15
7.4
LANDOWNER AGREEMENT ................................................... 15
7.5
COSTS ............................................................................. 15
ACCESS REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 15

8.1
SLOPING GROUND CONDITIONS .......................................... 15
8.2
PERSONNEL SAFETY AND ACCESS ......................................... 15
8.3
EQUIPMENT ACCESS ........................................................... 16

8.3.1
Equipment and Personnel Doors ................................... 16
8.3.2
Personnel Doors with Stairs ............................................. 17
8.3.3
Hatchway Type Entrances ............................................. 17
8.3.4
Safety Signs ..................................................................... 17
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Hardware ......................................................................... 17
8.3.5.1
9.0
Access Route to the T/F Room Enclosure .... 17
8.4
HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS..................................................... 18
8.5
AVOIDANCE OF SERVICES AND ENCROACHMENTS ................... 18
8.6
NOISE .............................................................................. 18
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS ......................................... 19

9.1
GENERAL.......................................................................... 19
9.2
FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................... 19
9.3
DRAINAGE AND WATERPROOFING ........................................ 19

9.3.1
Site Drainage ................................................................... 19
9.3.2
Area Drainage ................................................................ 19
9.3.3
Water Tightness ............................................................... 20
9.3.4
Methods ........................................................................... 20
9.4
WALLS AND CEILINGS ......................................................... 20
9.5
FLOORS ............................................................................ 20
9.6
VENTILATION ..................................................................... 21
9.7
9.8
9.9
9.6.1
Natural Ventilation .......................................................... 21
9.6.2
Forced Ventilation .......................................................... 22
9.6.3
Transformer Space & Ventilation Requirements .......... 22
9.6.4
Special Requirements for Ventilation Ducts ................. 22
FIRE ................................................................................. 23
9.7.1
Fire Detection and Alarm Settings ................................. 23
9.7.2
Fire Fighting Systems ....................................................... 23
9.7.3
Fire Segregations ............................................................ 23
CABLE SUPPORTS ............................................................... 23

9.8.1
General ............................................................................ 23
9.8.2
Approved Supports and Enclosures .............................. 24

9.8.2.1
Buried Conduit:............................................... 24
9.8.2.2
Supported/Enclosed Conduit ....................... 24
HAULING EYES .................................................................. 25

9.9.1
For Cables & Transformers .............................................. 25
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8.3.5
10.0
11.0
9.10
OIL CONTAINMENT ............................................................ 26
9.11
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS................................................. 26
PROVISION OF PERMANENT SUPPLY.................................... 26

10.1
INCOMING HIGH VOLTAGE SUPPLY....................................... 26
10.2
APPROVAL ....................................................................... 27
10.3
INSTALLATIONS .................................................................. 27
10.4
INSPECTIONS ..................................................................... 27
AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS AND CONSTRUCTION ............. 27

11.1
SAFETY AND CLEARANCES ................................................... 27
11.2
EARTHS ............................................................................ 28
11.3
STANDARD DESIGNS ........................................................... 28
11.4
INSPECTIONS ..................................................................... 29
11.5
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE - CONSTRUCTION ................... 29
11.6
LIGHTING AND POWER WITHIN T/F ROOM ENCLOSURE .............. 30

11.6.1 Temporary (During Construction Stage) ....................... 30
11.6.2 Permanent ....................................................................... 30
12.0
MAINTENANCE/REPAIR OF THE DIST. T/F ROOM ............................. 30
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1.0
PURPOSE
This Technical Standard specifies the standard distribution equipment and
transformer rooms location, land tenure, access, construction and provision of
permanent supply requirements for a new or upgraded installation that will be
a component of ETSA Utilities distribution network.
It will assist ETSA Utilities customers/landowners (i.e. the registered proprietors of
land) in the planning of a development once it is established that a distribution
equipment and transformer room will be required within the customers/
landowners building or in a separate building on the property in order to meet
the electricity supply requirements.
Furthermore it will assist in clarifying the customers/landowners responsibilities,
agreements, approvals, construction and certificate of compliance process.
Appendix-A for this document provides compliance form check list that will
provide guidelines in carrying out duties in safe, reliable and cost effective way
with the activities associated with distribution equipment and transformer
rooms.
2.0
SCOPE
The specification in this technical standard is applicable (but not limited) for the
distribution transformers which are nominally 33kV/0.4kV or 11kV/0.4kV and with
a capacity of 2MVA or less. The construction of a transformer room is principally
governed by the requirements of the Electricity (General) Regulations 1997,
other statutory authority requirements and the Building Code of Australia.
Timely advice enables ETSA Utilities to outline the transformer room and
underground cable requirements, to assess the impact of the development on
the distribution system and to plan any associated work so that supply can be
made by the required date. The construction of the transformer room and
compliance to the technical standard is the customer/landowners (i.e. the
registered proprietors of land) responsibility.
For further assistance/information concerning this technical standard, please
contact the relevant ETSA Utilities Manager. This technical standard is available
at the ETSA Utilities websites below:
On Intranet (for Internal use):

1. Technical Standards Series
2. NICC Brochures Series
On Internet (for External use):

1. Technical Standards Series
2. NICC Brochures Series
The use of this Technical Standard is subject to the conditions stated in
ETSA Utilities disclaimer.
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3.0
GRACE PERIOD
The maximum grace period acceptable by ETSA Utilities for implementing this
Standard is 3 months from the date of publication. Any new design submitted
for a Single Customer installation must reflect this current Standard immediately.
All projects that are not in receipt of Specification Compliance at the revised
date of issue for this technical standard will need to incorporate the latest
requirements. This is applicable to both the design and construction phases of
the project.
The validity period for a Specification Compliance is 60 days. On the expiry of
a Specification Compliance, any specification change without a
documented exemption must be incorporated into the design and
construction of ETSA Utilities infrastructure.
4.0
REFERENCES
The following listed documents are for additional information. It is advisable to
refer to the current publications before implementing them. Other
documentation may be required on a project specific basis.
Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) Codes:

SA Electricity Distribution Code (EDC)
Energy Networks Association (AUS) Publications:
ENA NENS 03 - National Guidelines for Safe Access to Electrical and
Mechanical Apparatus
ENA NENS 04 - National Guidelines for Safe Approach Distances to Electrical
and Mechanical Apparatus
South Australian Legislation:

This technical standard does not necessarily align with AS/NZS.
SA Electricity Act 1996
SA Electricity (General) Regulations 1997

SA OHS&W Act 1986
SA OHS&W Regulations 2010
Environment, Heritage and Native Vegetation Protection Acts:
Environment Protection Act 1993
Environment Protection Regulations 2009
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988
Native Vegetation Act 1991
Heritage Places Act 1993
National Parks & Wildlife Act 1972
Natural Resources Management Act 2004
The Building Code of Australia Publications:
BCA - Building Code of Australia, Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings, Sections F and E
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Department of Planning Transport & Infrastructure Publications:

Application Form for Road works & Closures on Roads
Notification of Works Impacting DPTI Roads
Specification for Excavation and Reinstatement of Road Pavements
Standards Australia Publications:
AS/NZS 1158 - Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces Set
AS1319 Safety Signs for the occupational Environment
AS 1345 - Identification of the Contents of Pipes, Conduits and Ducts
AS 1668.2 - The Use of Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Buildings.
AS 60038 - Standard Voltages
AS/NZS 2032 - Installation of PVC pipe systems
AS/NZS 2053 - Conduits and Fittings for Electrical Installations Part 1 & 2
General Requirements
AS 2067 - Substations and High Voltage Installations exceeding 1 kV A.C.
AS/NZS 2648.1 - Underground Marking Tape - Non-Detectable Tape
AS 2885.1 - Pipelines - Gas and Liquid Petroleum - Design and Construction
AS/NZS 3000 - Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand
Wiring Rules)
AS/NZS 3500 (Set) - Plumbing and Drainage Set
AS 3798 - Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential
developments
AS/NZS 4645.3 - Gas Distribution Networks - Plastics Pipe Systems
AS 4678 - Earth-Retaining Structures
AS 4799 - Installation of Underground Utility Services and Pipelines within
Railway Boundaries
AS/NZS ISO 31000 - Risk Management - Principles and Guidelines
AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System Standard
AS/ACIF S009 - Installation requirements for customer cabling

ETSA Utilities Documents:
The construction must comply with the latest issue of the following ETSA Utilities
publications current at the time of commencement of the Works and the
following publications as determined by ETSA Utilities from time to time will be
considered to be incorporated in, and form part of, this Technical Standard.
Service and Installation Rules

Technical Standards
NICC Brochures
Relevant E-Drawing Series
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5.0
DEFINITIONS
Agreement to Grant Easement - An agreement letter signed by the registered
proprietor of land agreeing to allow ETSA Utilities to cross their property with our
equipment and that they will grant to ETSA Utilities a formal easement on
completion of the works. See Appendix C for Standard letter for use when the
Customer is required to obtain the required agreement to grant easement from
the affected property owner, NOT ETSA Utilities.
AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules - means the current version of the Wiring Rules
published by Standards Australia.
Authorised Person - the person in charge of the premises, or the registered
electrical worker or licensed electrical contractor or other person appointed or
selected by the person in charge of the premises, to perform certain duties
associated with the electrical installation on the premises.
Authorised Service Capacity - the demand capacity as detailed in the Offer
for Supply which was accepted by the customer. This is the maximum demand
capacity that the Service Protection Device, Consumers Terminals and
upstream Distribution System have been designed to provide for. When a
customer requests a reduction to their Agreed Maximum Demand the new
Agreed Maximum Demand will become the Authorised Service Capacity.
Connection Point - has the meaning given to that term in the Electricity
(General) Regulations 1997, namely a connection point to a transmission or
distribution network. For the purpose of this document connection point also
has the same meaning as Point of Supply as defined in AS/NZS 3000.
Consumers Mains - are the electrical cables/conductors, owned and
maintained by the customer, connecting the point of supply and the main
switchboard and form part of the customers/landowners installation.
Consumers Terminals - the junction at which the consumer main connects to
the ETSA Utilities service cable or main supply conductors.
CT Metering - a meter where electricity flow is measured by a meter using
current transformers (CTs). Note: CT meters are used where the maximum
demand of the installation is more than 100 amps.
Customer - has the meaning given to that term in the Electricity Act 1996,
namely a person who has a supply of electricity available from a transmission or
distribution network for consumption by that person and includes:
The occupier for the time being of a place to which electricity is supplied;
Where the context requires, a person seeking an electricity supply; and
A person of a class declared by regulation to be customers/ landowners.
Customer may or may not necessarily be the landowner.
Customer Agent/s - Customer agents are parties representing the customers.

Such parties may include registered electrical workers, licensed electrical
contractors, consulting engineers, architects, and equipment manufacturers.
Determined Maximum Demand - means the demand imposed on the
Distributors supply system as assessed by the Responsible Officer.
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Distribution Network - has the meaning given to that term in the Electricity Act
1996, namely the whole or a part of a system for the distribution of electricity,
but does not include anything declared by regulation not to be a distribution
network or part of a distribution network. For the purposes of these rules
references to Distribution Network means the network poles, wires, underground
cables, transformers, substations etc, operated by ETSA Utilities, which transports
electricity from the transmission system to a customers Connection Point.
Distribution Transformer - A transformer which forms a part of the distribution
network, typically with a secondary voltage of less than 1kV.
Easement - The right to enter private property, to erect, or lay and maintain
infrastructure subject to any condition stated in the easement document.
Electricity Distribution Code - means the Electricity
administered by the Essential Services Commission of S.A.
Distribution
Code
Electrical Installation - has the meaning given to that term in the Electricity Act
1996, namely a set of wires and associated fittings, equipment and accessories
installed in a place for the conveyance, control, measurement and/or use of
electricity that is, or is to be, or has been, supplied for consumption in the place,
but does not include:
Electricity infrastructure owned or operated by an electricity entity; and

Any wires, fittings, equipment or accessories connected to and beyond any
electrical outlet at which fixed wiring terminates (other than any such outlet
used to connect sections of fixed wiring).
ETSA Utilities Manager - The ETSA Utilities Manager or the Authorised Officer
serving that area of the customers installation.
Fire Rating - For the purpose of this document the fire rating relates to the fire
resistance periods for structural adequacy, integrity and insulation.
Landowner - The Landowner is the person or entity that is the registered
proprietor/owner of the land as recorded at the Lands Titles Office.
Must - is to be understood as mandatory.
Occupancy - means an electrical installation or part thereof, which is supplied
with electricity through a specific meter or meters and for which an individual
electricity consumption account is rendered.
Offer Letter - means a letter documenting an offer by ETSA Utilities to a customer
in relation to a contract to undertake and complete works for the supply of
electricity.
Point of Supply - Refer to Connection Point.
Property - For the purpose of this document Property means land on which
the single electricity customer or controlling body or their representatives have
the right to install their electrical installation.
A property may include:
A single parcel of freehold, leasehold and/or public land, and/or land held
under lease or licence on which the customer or controlling body has the
right to install their electrical installation;
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body has the right to install their electrical installation; and

Contiguous land and/or individual titles to which a corporate body,
customer and or controlling body has the right to install their electrical
installation.
Public Land - has the meaning given to that term in the Electricity Act 1996,
namely land owned by the Crown or an instrumentality or agent of the Crown
or by a council or other local government body, including any such land that is
subject to native title.
Requested Maximum Demand - the maximum demand that the Customer or
their agent have requested to be provided (as determined under AS/NZS3000
or by other method).
Retailer - a holder of a licence under the South Australian Electricity Act, 1996
authorised to retail electricity.
Service Point - Refer to Connection Point.
Service Protection Device - a device provided by ETSA Utilities, generally a fuse
but may be a circuit breaker for larger installations, to protect ETSA Utilities
assets.
Shall - is to be understood as mandatory.
Should - is to be understood as nonmandatory, i.e. advisory or recommended.
Transformer Room - A room within a building/structure or a free standing
building/structure which houses distribution transformer and/or distribution
switchgear.
Underground Service - The electricity distributors supply network to the point of
supply.
6.0
TRANSFORMER ROOM LOCATION

6.1
Site Location
Most distribution transformer sites are likely to include a Padmount
transformer and associated switchgear / ring main units. Some sites
may require multiple Padmount transformers and ring main units
depending on the total required maximum demand.
ETSA Utilities preference is for Padmount transformers and associated
switchgear to be located outdoors at ground level with direct access
from the street. This is the customers least overall cost option. Refer to
NICC-802 - Padmounted T/F Brochure. However, an alternative to the
outdoor option is a transformer room within the customers building.
6.2
Transformer Room Location

A transformer room located within a building must take into
consideration:
Ability for ETSA Utilities to replace major plant (e.g. Padmount

Transformer) under emergency conditions,
Impact on the areas adjacent to, above and below the transformer
room,
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Any combination of contiguous land to which the customer or controlling
Future access to the transformer room,

Taking into account the surrounding environment,
ETSA Utilities 24/7 access requirement,
ETSA Utilities exits under emergency situations,
The transformer room is placed within the building complex so that
at least two walls which include personnel and equipment doors are
adjacent to open areas to provide an emergency escape,
Ventilation and room cooling facilities,
Equipment installation methods, and
All other ETSA Utilities access requirements have been met.
We strongly recommend that you liaise with the relevant ETSA Utilities
Manager when selecting a site within your development for the
transformer room. Transformer rooms located at ground level with direct
access and ventilation is ETSA Utilities preference for a transformer
room.
Alternatively, transformer rooms may be located in the following
locations by agreement from the relevant ETSA Utilities Manager:
Basement level;
Upper level - by negotiation at gantry level for temporary HV supply
only.
Notes:
Basement transformer rooms are only acceptable if there is a duct
system between associated equipment to enable the installation of
the required ETSA Utilities cables.
ETSA Utilities will not accept basement transformer rooms where they
are located at the lowest point of the building or below the flood
level.
6.3
Transformer Room Size

For a single unit transformer room the minimum transformer room size
shall be not less than 6.25m (D) x 4.25m (W) x 4.0m (H) which is based
on transformer capacity 2MVA. For any transformer sizes less than
2MVA, this minimum transformer room size shall be maintained for the
future expansion and/or upgrades.
A minimum 1.0m clearance shall be measured from inside wall of the
room to the transformer and/or equipment. Refer to figure 1 on the
next page for the Typical Transformer Room Size
For installations requiring multiple units (e.g. switch gear and/or
additional transformer); the transformer room size shall be negotiated
with the relevant ETSA Utilities Manager which is subject to supply
requirements. Also, a minimum of 1.0m clearance shall be maintained
between each unit in a multiple unit transformer room.
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Figure 1 - Typical Transformer Room Size

6.25m (D) min. x 4.25m (W) min. x 4.0m (H)
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7.0
LAND TENURE
Formal land tenure (by registration in the Lands Titles Registration Office) must
be provided to ETSA Utilities for the transformer room, together with rights of
access for personnel, related services and where necessary, vehicles.
7.1
Form of Tenure
Generally, registered easements (in a form determined by ETSA Utilities)
will be adequate but in some circumstances, where the facility has
wider implications for the electricity distribution network, tenure by
ownership may be sought. In those instances where ownership is
deemed necessary, ETSA Utilities will negotiate arrangements separate
to those set out in this Technical Standard.
7.2
Easement Documentation Provisions

7.2.1
Exclusively Enclosed Building Area for Housing T/F

The area to be occupied by the transformer will need to be
dedicated as an exclusive use transformer room, to avoid the
risk of injury to third parties accessing the site. The easement
documentation will also set out the rights and obligations in
relation to the building fabric, including (but not limited to)
doorways and security.
7.2.2
Cables and other Physical Services

This may include (but not be limited to) cables for the
conducting of electricity (both high and low voltage),
telecommunications, pipes for water and air, fire services,
ancillary fixings, infrastructure and works.
7.2.3
Ventilation
As set out in clause 9.6 of this Technical Standard, the facility will
require adequate ventilation (and possibly external ventilation)
and the easement documentation will make provision for this.
7.2.4
Access by Personnel, Equipment and Vehicles

The easement documentation will include (but not be limited
to) formal provision for the movement of personnel on an
unrestricted 24/7 basis (and in a way which ensures
compliance with the Building Code). In addition, the easement
documentation must make provision for full access for plant
and equipment installation, maintenance and practical
replacement.
Further, provision will be required for vehicle parking to enable
periodic maintenance and for larger plant e.g. cranes for
transformer replacement, and in some circumstances,
temporary installation of rails.
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7.3
Third Party Land

It may be necessary for the electricity distribution network to cross third
party land to supply the transformer facility. In this case it will be
necessary to obtain the formal agreement of impacted landowners to
also grant easements on terms and conditions acceptable to ETSA
Utilities. It will be the responsibility of the landowner of the proposed
transformer facility land to negotiate this agreement.
7.4
Landowner Agreement
The owner of the land (not a tenant or informal third party
representative) must formally agree to grant an easement on such
terms and conditions as ETSA Utilities considers appropriate and
undertake to do all things necessary to obtain registration of the
easement in the Lands Titles Registration Office.
The landowner must also provide a plan delineating the easement and
do all things necessary to enable deposit/acceptance of the plan in
the Lands Titles Registration Office.
7.5
Costs
The owner of the land must agree to pay all reasonable costs
associated with the granting of the easements (including those
required over any third party land).
The easement will also require that the landowner meet the costs of
any equipment (including but not limited to cranes and forklifts)
required for installation and replacement of the subject electricity
infrastructure due to its location as requested by the landowner, rather
than a location deemed by ETSA to be more convenient and
accessible.
8.0
Access Requirements
Unless access to the transformer room is directly from any street frontage, the
following requirements shall be met by the customer.
8.1
Sloping Ground Conditions

A level area is to be provided in front of the equipment door(s). Access
to the equipment door(s) position is necessary for vehicles. This should
be taken into account in determining the transformer room floor level.
When requested on the layout drawing, the customer must supply and
install suitable hand railing and guard rails in accordance with the
Building Code of Australia. Where the site is cut into a slope, provision
must be made for retention of the bank and diversion of the surface
water from the transformer room.
8.2
Personnel Safety and Access

ETSA Utilities personnel require unhindered twenty four hour, seven day
per week access to the transformer room and associated mains at all
times from the date of handover. The customer is to provide access
details such as keys, key codes etc prior to connection of supply and
ETSA Utilities is to be informed should access alter.
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Unhindered vehicle access may be required by ETSA Utilities for

emergency situations and maintenance purposes. Access points must
be located where they will not be obstructed by vehicles, equipment,
site usage or any other impediments.
Unrestricted access, without notice, by ETSA Utilities personnel to the
transformer room must be available at all times. The requirement must
be included in any immediate or future building security arrangements.
The imposing of restrictions on ETSA Utilities personnel access such as
obtaining of approval or arranging access through the building owner,
tenant, building security (off or on site) or other sources is not
acceptable.
A permanent all-weather pedestrian access route at least 1.2m in width
is required to the transformer room entrances. This must be available for
use by personnel at all times of the day and night 24/7 using only the
ETSA Utilities master key system as outlined in Clause 4.7 of the ETSA
Utilities Service & Installation Rules. It is not acceptable for access to be
through areas which are hazardous.
The customer must not enter the transformer room unless accompanied
by an appropriately accredited ETSA Utilities employee. The customer is
required to ensure that each transformer room provides personal
access from a minimum of 2 independent doorways which can provide
an escape in the event of an emergency.
It is essential that all access ways to the transformer room be kept clear
at all times. Storage and car park bays are not acceptable in front of
transformer room doors.
ETSA Utilities may require suitable notices to be erected to this effect.
Personnel hatchways and vertical ladders as an access or escape
means must not be used.
8.3
Equipment Access
The transformer room requires suitable access to a clear equipment
handling area in front of the room. This equipment handling area is to
be large enough to manoeuvre all required equipment in to and out of
the room with a minimum width of 2.6m and length of 2.6m.
The grade of the handling area should not exceed 1:20. A 6.2m turning
circle is required for the mobile crane to navigate around corners.
A carriageway easement of 4.5m (H) x 4.5m (W) is required for the
installation or removal of the transformer. The width should be increased
on bends. The carriageway must have a maximum slope of 1:12. The
carriageway must be able to withstand the combined weight of the
transformer and crane of 23 tonnes.
8.3.1
Equipment and Personnel Doors

All doors and frames shall be 3 hours fire rated with approved
underwriters label and have all the necessary attachments for
self closing. Hinges shall be fitted with stainless steel pins. The
locking cylinders will be changed to fit ETSA Utilities key when
the transformer room is taken over by ETSA Utilities.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 16 of 30
The doors are to be opened outwards and indicated on your

layout drawings. No air space larger than 15mm is allowed
between frame and wall, door and frame and door to door.
Any single stage ventilation opening adjacent to any door lock
must be fitted with a suitable barrier to prevent unauthorized
opening of the door lock.
External doors shall be waterproof, and in the case of mild steel
construction, two coats of exterior gloss paint shall be applied.
Personnel access doors must be not less than 800mm (W) and
Equipment door size shall be 4.0m (H) x 4.0m (W).
8.3.2
Personnel Doors with Stairs

Stairways must be large enough to allow for the passage of
personnel and minor equipment. They must be no less than
1.2m wide and fitted with appropriate handrails. Headroom
must be a minimum of 2.2m.
Stairways and passageways must be provided with lighting.
Access doors should be fitted with micro-switches to
automatically activate the stairway and/or passageway
lighting.
8.3.3
Hatchway Type Entrances

Hatchway type entrances for equipment access used with
basement transformer room designs are acceptable only if two
(2) separate personnel access doors, via stairs, external to the
transformer room are provided
They are required to be of a standard design and the
necessary hatch cover and frame assembly must be supplied
and installed by the customer. The area above the equipment
hatchway must not be less than 4.0m in height to allow for the
use of a crane.
8.3.4
Safety Signs
Safety signs that draw attention to the dangers of unauthorised
access to high voltage electrical equipment must be attached
to all doors to the transformer room. These signs are to be in
accordance with the requirements of AS1319 Safety Signs for
the Occupational Environment.
8.3.5
Hardware
8.3.5.1
Access Route to the T/F Room Enclosure

Where access to the transformer room is not direct
from the street, locked doors or gates on route to the
transformer room shall be fitted with either:
A lock with a cylinder keyed to the ETSA Utilities

Master Key System.
A padbolt or similar fixing capable of accepting
Lockwood series padlocks and keyed to the
ETSA Utilities Master Key System.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 17 of 30
doors fitted with Australian Locksmiths P1 Dead

latch, incorporating a heavy duty key-n-knob lock
with rigid outside knob, key retracting bolt and
free inside lever at all times.
8.4
Hazardous Locations
ETSA Utilities transformer room access routes must not be within an area
which is classified as a Hazardous Area.
8.5
Avoidance of Services and Encroachments

The transformer room enclosure must be free of encroachments into
the required floor and trench areas. Columns, beams, footpads and
walls may occupy certain areas specifically shown on the transformer
room plans, providing it does not interfere with the location of
consumer mains, conduits, trenches, ventilation ducts and transformer
room equipment.
Please ensure that the location of the transformer room does not allow
services such as drains, sewers and piping to pass through the:
Transformer room space, Access passageways,

Ventilation ducts, Transformer room walls,
Transformer room floors, Transformer room ceiling.
The space next to all transformer room access doors must be kept clear
at all times. Customers equipment such as Mains Switch Board (MSB)
and Metering Equipment must not be installed within the Transformer
Room.
8.6
Noise
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), local councils and other
authorities have the power to ensure that noise originating from any
premises is not the cause of reasonable complaint.
The customer is responsible for the design and construction of the
transformer room to ensure that noise does not exceed the limits
defined in Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 and is not a
source of complaint.
Furthermore the use of surrounding areas will impact on the level of
noise that is permissible. Noise measurements shall be as per AS2374.
Ventilation fans also are a source of noise and need to be silenced by
attenuator attachments and baffles. Fans installed in transformer rooms
must not exceed the db(A) requirements as specified in the
Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2007.
The attenuator attachment can protrude substantially within the
transformer room. However, as a result the dimensions of the
transformer room may need to be increased. Size and position of fans
within the transformer room must be acceptable to ETSA Utilities.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 18 of 30
You are responsible for supplying and installing
9.0
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
All construction drawings for transformer rooms are to be designed to comply
with the relevant clauses of the Building Code of Australia and relevant
Standards.
9.1
General
All construction materials used in the transformer room including walls,
ceilings and floors, doors and vents must be constructed from noncombustible materials.
Any wall, ceiling or floor shared with or adjoining another part of the
building must be treated as a fire wall as defined in the Electrical Safety
(Network Asset) Regulations 1999 and Building Code of Australia and
must have a minimum fire rating of three hours (180/180/180),
effectively segregating the transformer room from the rest of the
building.
It is essential that these ratings be maintained for any penetration of the
wall for cables or other services. The sealing of the penetration must be
done strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and will
be subject to inspection by ETSA Utilities.
9.2
Foundation Requirements
The transformer room must be constructed on a stable foundation
which bears on soil or another part of a building. Where the foundation
bears on soil, the soil must be clear of any obstruction or rubble which
could interfere with the installation of the earthing electrode system
through the transformer room floor.
All transformers and HV switchgear must have a vault no lower than the
building basement with a minimum size of 1.2m deep x 0.9m wide x
1.8m long and sleeved appropriately for earthing requirements OR the
customer is to provide a transformer stand to ETSA Utilities specification.
For the site specific footings and vaults requirements, consult/discuss
with relevant ETSA Utilities Manager.
9.3
Drainage and Waterproofing

9.3.1
Site Drainage
The site shall be effectively drained to keep the area outside
the transformer room freely drained and dry. Stormwater
drainage systems shall be designed and provided to industry
best-practice standards. Site drainage shall be kept in working
order by the customer.
9.3.2
Area Drainage
The area in which the Transformer Room is to be located shall
be free of the risk of flooding and storm water damage and
any drains provided must be kept in working order by the
owner.
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Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 19 of 30
Where there is potential for water ingress, the Transformer Room

is to be fitted with a level actuated sump pump/s installed at
the lowest point which can be utilised to achieve suitable
drainage or the removal of oil, in accordance with EPA
standards.
9.3.3
Water Tightness
The enclosure housing the transformer room equipment has to
be watertight to protect all equipment within the transformer
room which may be subject to risk of damage from exposure to
water or dampness. ETSA Utilities will not accept handover of
the enclosure or install equipment if there is water or water
leakage within the transformer room or the potential for this.
9.3.4
Methods
Industry best practice construction methods shall be used at all
times to ensure the transformer room is waterproof.
9.4
Walls and Ceilings

The transformer room walls are to be concrete or solid masonry
construction. The walls must have sufficient structural strength to support
the weight of any equipment mounted on it without collapsing.
Maximum load is 200kN.
The areas surrounding any pulling eyes which must be attached to the
wall are to be suitably reinforced so that the use of the pulling eye does
not damage the wall. The ceiling shall be of concrete construction. It
must have sufficient structural strength to withstand 200kN load at any
point. All materials are to be new and to meet the appropriate
Australian standards.
9.5
Floors
The transformer room floor, including trenches, conduits, etc, is to be
formed in accordance with the positions and details shown on ETSA
Utilities drawings and specifications.
The floor is to be designed by a practicing structural engineer and be
capable of carrying the loads of the transformer room equipment. The
floor must carry a transformer load of 7900kg on 4 points anywhere in its
area. The floor must have a level non-slip finish. Provision is to be
incorporated in the floor slab for any floor hauling eyes/anchors.
A transformer landing area is to be provided in all cases. The
transformer loading area is to be constructed of reinforced concrete
and must have the same load bearing characteristics as the
transformer room floor. The equipment handling area is specified in
clause 7.3 and will be located immediately in front of the transformer
access door/s.
The landing area must be at the same relative level as the transformer
room floor to allow equipment to be rolled into the transformer room
directly from the landing area.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 20 of 30
9.6
Ventilation
Transformer rooms require special attention to ventilation in order to
dissipate heat losses from electrical equipment. Wherever possible,
natural air flow to the outside of the building will be used.
Forced ventilation should be used where natural ventilation is not
practicable. Forced ventilation by means of fan(s) must be designed,
supplied and installed by the customer to ETSA Utilities requirements.
In either case, the ventilation must be sufficient to maintain a maximum
temperature rise of 15 degrees Celsius above the external ambient
temperature when all transformers are operating at nameplate rating.
Air inlets and outlets must be arranged to achieve an even distribution
of air flow over the transformers.
Substantial vertical separation is required between inlet and outlet
openings. Inlet and outlet openings should preferably be clear of
pedestrian areas and must be located to prevent entry of noxious
gases such as vehicle exhausts, fuel exhausts, refrigeration plant gas
discharge valves, pollutants such as smoke, soot, dust, ash etc.
Air being removed from an internal transformer room must be directly
and independently ducted to outside air. A fire damper is required to
be installed in each duct-opening in a basement transformer room to
close off air supply in the event of a fire. It must have a fire rating of
three hours (180/180/180).
In special circumstances, the customer may be required to install an
exhaust fan with integral fire damper as part of the building work.
Exhaust air from the transformer room shall be ducted independently
and directly to outside air.
Note: As a guide heat losses are taken as 25kW per transformer.
9.6.1
Natural Ventilation
This type of ventilation is suitable for transformer room capacity
up to 1000kVA. The position of the vents must be directly to
outside air, if this is not achievable, such as in the case of a
basement type transformer room, then forced ventilation is
required.
The design calls for the customer to provide vermin proof,
weather proof louvered vents of a specified design in the walls
in order to achieve natural ventilation. Vents on personnel and
equipment doors are not acceptable. These areas outside the
louvers must not be subjected to fire risk.
In some cases, where the roof of the transformer room is
external, weatherproof roof ventilators may also be specified. It
is important where roof vents are installed that they are fixed
securely to the rod purloins. All vents are to be fitted with fire
shutters.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 21 of 30

Forced Ventilation
Ventilation system comprising fans, ducting and inlet\outlet
vents must be designed, supplied and installed by the
customer.
The air flow through the ventilation will be checked by ETSA
Utilities before final approval. The control devices and wiring for
the starting and stopping of the fan(s) will be supplied and
installed by the Customer.
It is ETSA Utilities requirement that the forced ventilation system
be designed so that the cool inlet air is drawn through the
circulation fan and then blown over the transformers.
In all circumstances the fans must be installed inside the
transformer room and all wiring contained within the
transformer room. The outlet ventilation shall be discharged
independently and directly to open air.
All vents are to be fitted with fire shutters. Fans installed in
transformer rooms must not exceed the db(A) requirements as
specified in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2007.
9.6.3
Transformer Space & Ventilation Requirements

Transformer rooms must provide sufficient space and ventilation
to accommodate 2000kVA transformers, ensuring sufficient
ventilation are provided for future loads, even through smaller
units may be initially installed.
Transformers must be separated from walls, ventilation
equipment and other obstructions by a minimum of 1.0m.
Transformers must not be directly placed under ventilation duct
openings.
With the exception of fire damper trip wires, if required, no item
of equipment or installation or obstruction is to be placed over
a designated transformer space.
9.6.4
Special Requirements for Ventilation Ducts

Transformer room ventilation ducts must not contain other
services, give access to other portions of the building or form
part of the ventilation system for the building.
The strength and fire rating of the walls of ventilation ducts are
required to be the same as those specified for the transformer
room walls where fire dampers are not installed.
Normal air conditioning duct construction is acceptable only
where fire dampers are installed on wall penetrations where
ventilation ducts enter or leave the transformer room.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 22 of 30
9.6.2
9.7
Fire
ETSA Utilities transformer rooms are designed to contain any products of
a fire within the enclosure. Self containment has the added advantage
of also being self smothering and this ensures that there is no spread of
fire to other parts of the building.
You must ensure all walls, floors, ceilings and doors are 3-hour fire rated
(180/180/180). The customer will be responsible for providing these fire
ratings at his cost.
9.7.1
Fire Detection and Alarm Settings

ETSA Utilities does not have a requirement to fit fire detection or
alarm systems within the transformer room.
The customer is advised that where the installation of fire
detection or alarm systems is required, consideration must be
given to the need for continued access for inspection and
maintenance of the system.
Depending on the location of the fire detection/alarm system it
may be necessary to have a shutdown of the transformer room
for maintenance or inspection.
Such needs shall incur an ongoing charge from ETSA Utilities for
providing access to the transformer room and any shutdown
required.
The customer will be responsible for the installation and ongoing
testing and maintenance. Further, the installation of such
systems must ensure that the 3 hour fire rating (180/180/180) of
the transformer room is not compromised.
9.7.2
Fire Fighting Systems

ETSA Utilities will not permit the installation of any type of fire
fighting systems within the transformer room.
9.7.3
Fire Segregations
Where a transformer room is located within a building, a 3 hour
fire rated (180/180/180) enclosure and a fire rating level in
accordance with the Building Code of Australia must be
provided.
9.8
Cable Supports
9.8.1
General
All electrical conduits and cable enclosures, between the
transformer room and the property boundary shall be provide
by the customer as specified on the layout drawings to enable
ETSA Utilities to install HV and LV cables to the transformer room.
The location of the transformer room should be such that the
length of conduits or other cable enclosures is as short as
possible. Conduits and other cable enclosures should run in a
horizontal straight line from the transformer room to the
property boundary.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 23 of 30
Where the transformer room cannot be located at street level

or there are obstructions on the customers property which
necessitate bends in the cable run the details of these bends
shall be discussed with and approved by ETSA Utilities Manager.
Any conduit bends shall have a minimum radius of 2.0m.
ETSA Utilities will specify the number, size, type and location of
conduits, pits, cable trays etc. to be installed on the customers
property.
All conduits are to be installed free of obstructions or any
material that may hinder or damage the cable during the
cable pull.
9.8.2
Approved Supports and Enclosures

The following are ETSA Utilities approved methods of supporting
or enclosing HV or LV cables to a transformer rooms.
9.8.2.1
Buried Conduit:
Heavy duty orange coloured un-plasticised Polyvinyl
Chloride (H.D. Electrical U.P.V.C. to AS2053 of solid
wall construction) and must be approved by
ETSA Utilities prior to installation direct in the ground.
The conduits shall be installed to a depth below the
finished ground level as specified in AS/NZS 3000 or
the minimum bending radius of the cable whichever
is greater.
Where the conduits are required to be installed in
public road reserve they are to be installed to the
requirements of ETSA Utilities TS-085 Trenching and
Conduit Standard for Underground Cable Networks.
These conduits may be buried at the specified depth
with appropriate bedding, without any further
mechanical protection. Cable pits may be required
external to the transformer room where a change in
direction or level occurs in the conduit run.
These cable pits will normally require a removable
cover of the Gatic type or approved equivalent.
9.8.2.2
Supported/Enclosed Conduit
(Basement Car Park)
There are two acceptable methods of encasing
conduits through buildings on route to the
transformer room from the property boundary.
Conduits must be securely fixed to prevent
movement when a 5 tonne pulling forced is applied
to them, and to support the weight of the cables.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 24 of 30

duty orange coloured un-plasticised
Polyvinyl Chloride (H.D. Electrical U.P.V.C. to
AS2053 of solid wall construction) encased in
concrete with a min diameter of 125mm, and a
3Hr fire rating (180/180/180).
Galvanized steel pipe to AS2052 suspended under
ceilings or fixed on walls. These conduits must be
enclosed in a 3 hours fire rated enclosure. This
installation must also comply with relevant fire
protection regulations where required.
The installation must also comply with the relevant
fire protection regulations where required. Where HV
cable easements are accessible to the public the
conduits must be labelled with ETSA Utilities Cables
in permanent black lettering every 4.0m along their
length.
9.9
Hauling Eyes
Where required, anchors and/or pulling eyes (provided by the owner)
are to be installed in the floor, walls or ceiling in the position shown on
the layout drawings and in a manner to achieve the working load
specified.
Normally for a single cable going to a trench, single transformer room
two pulling eyes will be required - one for the cables and one for the
transformer. However further pulling eyes may be required for more
complex transformer rooms with multiple cable trenches or multiple
transformers, or where access to install cables or transformers is
restricted.
All anchors and pulling eyes shall be clearly and permanently stamped
to indicate its safe working load. Pulling eyes located in floors shall be
removable and, upon removal, the floor surface shall be level to avoid
a tripping hazard. Threaded recesses shall be provided with reusable
removable plugs to exclude ingress of foreign matter.
Normal pulling eye requirements are as follows:
9.9.1
For Cables & Transformers

A single pulling eye cast into the floor of the transformer room
shall be provided at the location shown on the layout drawings.
The pulling eye must have a minimum working load of 10
tonnes with a 5 tonne load applied in any direction and a
minimum eye bolt hole diameter of 40mm.
Pulling eyes may also be specified for intermediate cable pits
outside the transformer room where these are required on the
owners property.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 25 of 30
Heavy
9.10
Oil Containment
Provision must be made within the transformer room to contain any oil
spillage (in the unlikely event of a transformer tank failure) and slope to
a common point. Spillage from transformers needs to be contained
within the transformer room and be 110% of oil volume as per the
AS1940 and EPA Bunding Guidelines. Bunding requirements may be
relaxed should a 100% self oil contained transformers be utilised.
9.11
Additional Requirements
Additional requirements are as follows:
Protection of vulnerable portions of the customers premises from
damage which may occur in the event of failure of an oil-filled

transformer. This means that the walls, ceilings and any ventilation
ducts must have an adequate degree of strength and, where they
are the means of separation from the interior of a building, a firerating of at least 3 hours.
The use of a spray on material to achieve fire rating will not be
permitted within the transformer room.
Protection of transformer room equipment and mains from fire and
water sources originating outside the transformer room.
High reliability in the precautions taken to ensure dry wall and floor
conditions.
Oil Containment as per the EPA Guidelines and AS1940.
High reliability in the drainage precautions.
Suitability of the floor to support heavy equipment and of walls and
ceilings to support equipment requiring heavy-duty fixings.
Suitability of the floor, walls, ceiling and roof materials, joints and
construction methods to provide a reliable watertight construction.
Suitable proofing of the transformer room against the entry of vermin
and vandals and unauthorized personnel.
Prevention against the entry of fumes and other gases in basement
transformer rooms.
10.0 PROVISION OF PERMANENT SUPPLY

Permanent supply to the customer will only be supplied when a Compliance
Form Checklist, refer to Appendix 1, has been signed by Compliance Coordinator.
10.1
Incoming High Voltage Supply

The incoming high voltage supply between ETSA Utilities high voltage
distribution system and the transformer room shall be via underground
cables.
The customer will be required to install conduits or duct system from the
property boundary to the transformer room to allow ETSA Utilities to
install its cables. The easement width required for the cables is normally
3.0m.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 26 of 30
No structures may be erected or levels altered within the easement

without written permission of the relevant ETSA Utilities Manager.
10.2
Approval
The design of the conduit route and formation is to be included on the
building construction drawing and is to be approved by ETSA Utilities
before construction commences.
Any subsequent alteration to design during construction must be
approved by the relevant ETSA Utilities Manager. When installation of
the conduits is complete, the customer shall arrange inspection by ETSA
Utilities, prior to backfilling or concrete pour.
10.3
Installations
All conduits are to be installed as per relevant ETSA Utilities Technical
Standard but specific designs need to be undertaken in conjunction
with the ETSA Utilities Manager. ETSA Utilities will inspect conduit location
and installation before backfilling.
10.4
Inspections
You must ensure the High Voltage switch room is completed to ETSA
Utilities standards and specifications prior to arranging an Electrical
Compliance Inspection.
OR
You must arrange for Electrical Compliance Inspection following the
completion of your works that are related to the provision of new high
voltage equipment on site.
11.0 AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS AND CONSTRUCTION

On receipt of drawings of the transformer room ETSA Utilities will advise the
customers representative that the building details, location and access
requirements are satisfactory, and that the customer can proceed with the
construction of the transformer room. This advice will be given on the
understanding that it does not commit ETSA Utilities in any way.
11.1
Safety and Clearances

Transformer room equipment shall be located with due regard of safety
or personnel working in the transformer room. A clear passageway at
least 1.0m wide shall be allowed from each item of switchgear to the
personnel access doors to the transformer room.
A clearance of at least 3.0m out from the front of the high voltage and
low voltage switchgear shall be allowed for safe operations.
Equipment shall be located such that any item of equipment may be
removed from the transformer room with the remaining equipment in
service and under load. A passageway of at least 4.5m wide shall be
allowed for transformers.
The transformers shall be sited with a clearance of 1.0m away from
walls, other transformers and switchgear in order to allow free air flow.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 27 of 30
11.2
Earths
The earthing arrangements for the Transformer Room are to be a CMEN
system which utilises common HV and LV earthing systems. The system
will require a value of the combined earth resistance to be one ohm or
less as prescribed in AS/NZS 3000.
For further advice on AS/NZS 3000 requirements, please contact the
Office of the Technical Regulator. This system must be used, with the
location of the earthing system and all conduits to be detailed on an
approved ETSA Utilities as constructed drawing/s.
Additional electrodes may need to be installed outside the transformer
room area and additional easements may be required if appropriate
earth resistance readings cannot be achieved.
Fault levels at specific locations can be obtained by consulting the
relevant ETSA Utilities Manager. Refer to Section 3 of the ETSA Utilities
Service & Installation Rules for contact details.
All unbounded exposed metal work within the transformer room must
be electrically bonded to the earthing system. This includes metal doors
and reinforcing in the floor. If a part cannot be adequately bonded, it
will be constructed from a suitable insulating material instead of metal.
The developer shall provide a connection point to the floor reinforcing
at a convenient location as advised by the ETSA Utilities representatives.
11.3
Standard Designs
The customer must provide drawings of the proposed site, planned
conduit route through the property and transformer room location.
Along with a floor plan, relevant sections through the transformer room
showing all levels, beams, columns, footpads and any other structures
within or outside the transformer room shall be shown. Ventilation details
that are submitted must show site and location of all vents, ducts and
fans.
The customers representative is required to prepare for the builders
guidance a building construction drawing and provide three (3) copies
of this drawing to ETSA Utilities representative for reference before
construction of the transformer room begins.
The approved For Construction drawing is to show:
The location of the transformer room in relation to adjoining

construction and to the street. If not on the street alignment, this
should include the access route, type of road surface, relative levels
of the roadway and any overhead obstruction and details of levels
external to the transformer room.
Drainage arrangements in the vicinity of the transformer room.
The location of the customers main switch room and the route of
the cables, busbars or bus way from the point of supply to the main
switchboard.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 28 of 30
enable ETSA Utilities to install HV and LV cables between the

transformer room and the property boundary.
Any variation from ETSA Utilities transformer room specification. These
must be either alternative forms of building construction or
specifically-negotiated modifications approved by ETSA Utilities
Manager.
The permanent means of access for ETSA Utilities personnel and
equipment.
11.4
Inspections
The builder will undertake regular dialogue with the relevant
ETSA Utilities Manager during the construction phase with on-site
meetings undertaken at critical milestones of the project.
For Example:
At the Pre-Construction Stage:
o
Setting up of conduit installation
At the Pre-Connecting Stage:

o
The ETSA Utilities Manager will utilise the services of a

Compliance Officer as required.
On receipt of 2 weeks notice, ETSA Utilities Compliance Co-ordinator in

conjunction with the ETSA Utilities Manager can audit the set out of
conduits, cable trenches, cable trays and pits etc. before backfilling or
concreting is commenced.
Notes:
It is the responsibility of the builder to contact ETSA Utilities to make
arrangements for this inspection.
It is ETSA Utilities relevant Managers responsibility to communicate
with the ETSA Connect Officer at various milestones throughout
project.
11.5
Certificates of Compliance - Construction

Prior to energisation and hand-over of the transformer room to ETSA
Utilities, the customer must provide the following supporting
documentation for:
Load bearing floors and walls;

3 hrs fire rating of Transformer Room; and
Compliance to all relevant Australian Standards and Building Code
of Australia; and
Other documentation as required.
Refer to TS 105-F-40, FORM 40: The Construction Check Sheet for
ETSA Utilities For Indoor Distribution Equipment and Transformer Room
which are interactive forms and are available from the ETSA Utilities
websites:
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 29 of 30
Details of cable pits and conduits provided by the customer to
TS105 Test Standard Appendix A Forms
Internet Website:
TS105 Test Standard Appendix A Forms
11.6
Lighting and Power within T/F Room Enclosure

11.6.1 Temporary (During Construction Stage)
Prior to handover of the transformer room enclosure, the
enclosure shall contain suitable temporary lights and power
supplied from the customers installation to allow the safe
installation of transformer room equipment.
11.6.2 Permanent
The customer will supply and install within the transformer room
necessary light fittings including power outlets and all wiring as
per the Building Code of Australia. Where required, equipment
such as exhaust fans, pumps, and controls will be provided and
installed by the customer in accordance with this specification.
The customer will undertake the wiring to these units. All wiring
specified above shall be undertaken in accordance with
relevant Australian Standards.
12.0 Maintenance/Repair of the Dist. T/F Room

The Landowner is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Distribution
Transformer room and its contents (other than the distribution equipment which
is ETSA Utilities responsibility).
In the event of damage or a maintenance concern to the Distribution
Transformer room which renders the Distribution Transformer room unsafe, the
Landowner must take immediate action at its cost to ensure the safety concern
is remedied.
If the Landowner fails to act ETSA Utilities retains the right to effect repairs and
the value of the repairs shall be a debt due from the Landowner to ETSA Utilities.
TS-108
Issue: DEC 2011
Date: 20/12/11
Page 30 of 30
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TECHNICAL STANDARD TS-108

FOR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT

Restructured the document to current standards.

- ETSA Utilities means Distribution Lessor Corporation subject to a two

1 Anzac Highway, Keswick, South Australia, 5035.

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TS-108 Technical Standard for Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms

GRACE PERIOD ...................................................................... 7

TRANSFORMER ROOM LOCATION ...................................... 11

SITE LOCATION .................................................................. 11

TRANSFORMER ROOM LOCATION.......................................... 11

TRANSFORMER ROOM SIZE................................................... 12

LAND TENURE ....................................................................... 14

FORM OF TENURE ............................................................... 14

EASEMENT DOCUMENTATION PROVISIONS .............................. 14

Exclusively Enclosed Building Area for Housing T/F .... 14

Cables and other Physical Services ............................. 14

Access by Personnel, Equipment and Vehicles .......... 14

THIRD PARTY LAND ............................................................. 15

LANDOWNER AGREEMENT ................................................... 15

ACCESS REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 15

SLOPING GROUND CONDITIONS .......................................... 15

PERSONNEL SAFETY AND ACCESS ......................................... 15

EQUIPMENT ACCESS ........................................................... 16

Equipment and Personnel Doors ................................... 16

Personnel Doors with Stairs ............................................. 17

Hatchway Type Entrances ............................................. 17

Safety Signs ..................................................................... 17

TS-108 Technical Standard for Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms

TS-108 Technical Standard for Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms

Access Route to the T/F Room Enclosure .... 17

AVOIDANCE OF SERVICES AND ENCROACHMENTS ................... 18

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS ......................................... 19

FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................... 19

DRAINAGE AND WATERPROOFING ........................................ 19

Site Drainage ................................................................... 19

Area Drainage ................................................................ 19

Water Tightness ............................................................... 20

WALLS AND CEILINGS ......................................................... 20

Natural Ventilation .......................................................... 21

Forced Ventilation .......................................................... 22

Transformer Space & Ventilation Requirements .......... 22

Special Requirements for Ventilation Ducts ................. 22

Fire Detection and Alarm Settings ................................. 23

Fire Fighting Systems ....................................................... 23

Fire Segregations ............................................................ 23

CABLE SUPPORTS ............................................................... 23

Approved Supports and Enclosures .............................. 24

Supported/Enclosed Conduit ....................... 24

HAULING EYES .................................................................. 25

For Cables & Transformers .............................................. 25

OIL CONTAINMENT ............................................................ 26

PROVISION OF PERMANENT SUPPLY.................................... 26

INCOMING HIGH VOLTAGE SUPPLY....................................... 26

AGREEMENTS, APPROVALS AND CONSTRUCTION ............. 27

SAFETY AND CLEARANCES ................................................... 27

STANDARD DESIGNS ........................................................... 28

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE - CONSTRUCTION ................... 29

LIGHTING AND POWER WITHIN T/F ROOM ENCLOSURE .............. 30

MAINTENANCE/REPAIR OF THE DIST. T/F ROOM ............................. 30

TS-108 Technical Standard for Distribution Equipment and Transformer Rooms

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