March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE

2. BURIAL DEPTH

3. MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS FOR POWER CABLES

4. PULLING TENSIONS AND SIDEWALL PRESSURES

5. PARAMETERS OF CABLE PULLING

5.1 General
5.2 Conduit or Duct Fill
5.3 Jam Ratio (JR)
5.4 Cable Clearances (CL) In Conduit

6. CABLE INSTALLATION

6.1 General
6.2 Direct Buried
6.3 Underground Structures

7. CLEARANCES IN BETWEEN POWER CABLES AND OTHER FACILITIES

7.1 Clearances Between Power Cables and Other Facilities

7.1.1 Horizontal Clearances
7.1.2 Vertical Clearances
7.2 Clearance of HV & EHV Power Cables with Other Facilities
7.2.1 Communication Facilities
7.2.2 Buildings and other Structures
7.2.3 Highways and Streets
7.2.4 Submarine Crossings
7.2.5 Railroad/Metro Tracks

8. CABLE TRENCH DESIGN PARAMETERS

8.1 Standard Design Parameters
8.2 Right-of-Way Requirement
8.2.1 Underground Cable Route
8.2.2 Duct Location
8.2.3 Thrust Boring/Directional Drilling Requirements
8.2.4 Recommended Clearances between National Grid Saudi Arabia
underground Power Cables and Other Utility Lines
8.3 Cable Route Marker
8.4 Concrete Encased Ducts

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

9. HV/EHV UNDERGROUND POWER CABLE TUNNEL

10. TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCHES & RECOMMENDED CLEARANCES

FROM OTHER UTILITIES (FIGURES 10-01 TO 10-08)

TABLES

Table-1 Minimum Cover Requirement from Grade Level to the Top Surface of a Cable or
Duct

Table-2 Minimum Bending Radius for Power Cables

Table-3 Coefficient of Friction

Table-4 Maximum Allowable Percent Conductor Cross-Section Within a Conduit or Duct

Table-5 Groups of Circuit in Ground in Trefoil Formation, Single Layer

Table-6 Groups of Circuit in Ground in Flat Formation, Single Layer

Table-7 Variation in center to center phase spacing and their corresponding correction factor

Table-8 Variation in Laying Depth of Cables based on a standard depth of 1.5m

Table-9 Clearance between power cables and communications facilities buried in the same
trench

Table-10 Clearances between National Grid Saudi Arabia Cables and other Utility

REFERENCES

IEEE/NESC C2-2017 National Electrical Safety Code C2-2017

AEIC CG5-15 Underground Extruded Power Cable Pulling Guide

IEC 60287-1-1 Current rating equations (100 % load factor) and

calculation of losses – General

IEC 60287-2-1 Thermal resistance – Calculation of thermal resistance

CIGRE Electra # 143 & 144 Calculation of temperatures in ventilated cable tunnels

TA-800062, Rev. 0 Typical Duct Bank Sections, Concrete Duct Bank for 69kV to
380kV U/G Power Cables

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

TA-800063, Rev.0 Highway Crossings for 69kV to 380kV Cables

TA-800068, Rev.0 Highway Under Crossing for 110kV to 380kV U/G

Power Cables by Directional Drilling

TB-800069, Rev. 0 Standard Trench detail Joint Communication & Power

Cables
TCS-P-104.03 Trenches and Ducts

TES-P-104.03, Rev. 01 Sizing and Selection

23-TMSS-02, Rev. 0 Duct Sealing Units

23-TMSS-02, Rev. 0 Duct Sealing Units

TES-P-119.19, Rev. 03 Substation Building and Site Development

TES-P-119.21, Rev. 01 Fire & Loss Prevention and Security Requirements

TES-P-107.02, Rev. 02 SCADA System for Transmission Substations with

Substation Automation System (SAS)

TES-B-106.01, Rev.0 Fire Detection And Alarm Systems

TES-K-100.01, Rev.02 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

Design

TCS-K-100.01, Rev.01 HVAC Systems and Equipment Installation

FIGURES

10-01 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE Power Cable;
Single Circuit, Trefoil Formation, Direct Buried

10-02 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE Power Cable;
Single Circuit, Trefoil Formation, Concrete Ductbank

10-03 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 110 kV, 115 kV, 132 kV XLPE or LPOF Power
Cable; Single Circuit, Flat Formation, Direct Buried

10-04 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 230 kV or 380 kV XLPE or LPOF Power Cable;
Single Circuit, Flat Formation, Direct Buried

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

10-05 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE or LPOF
Power Cable; Single Circuit, Flat Formation, Concrete Ductbank

10-06 Typical Cross-Section of Trench for 230 kV or 380 kV XLPE or LPOF Power Cable;
Single Circuit, Flat Formation, Concrete Ductbank

10-07 Recommended Clearances Between National Grid Saudi Arabia Underground Power
Cables 110kV to 132kV and Other Utility Lines

10-08 Recommended Clearances Between National Grid Saudi Arabia Underground Power
Cables 110kV to 380kV and Other Utility Lines

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

1.0 SCOPE

The purpose of this section is to provide design considerations for underground power cable
installations (direct buried, duct or tunnel applications) in the Transmission System of
National Grid Saudi Arabia.

2.0 BURIAL DEPTH

2.1 Unless otherwise required at greater depths by Agency/Ministry having right-of-

way jurisdiction or due to adjacent utility limitations or ampacity requirements,
the burial depths for conduit and cable shall be as shown in Table-1 below.

Table-1: Minimum Cover Requirements from Grade Level

to the Top Surface of a Cable or Duct

Voltage Direct Buried Rigid

Direct Buried Direct Buried Steel Conduit
Cables Conduit (mm)
(kV)
(mm) (mm)
Type A Type B
110 to 380 920 610 310 460

Type A: Light Traffic Areas

Type B: Heavy Traffic Areas

2.2 For paved roads, the grade level is the surface immediately below the concrete or
asphalt pavement. Subgrade is another term for this surface. For unpaved roads or
areas, the grade level is the road shoulder surface or natural ground level.

3.0 MINIMUM BENDING RADIUS FOR POWER CABLES

3.1 Bending of Power Cable at a short radius may damage the insulation, shielding
or jacket of the cable, therefore, during cable installations, care must be taken
that no sharp bends or sharp twists are made. Whenever a bend in the route is
encountered, care shall be taken to ensure that rollers are properly positioned so that
the bending radius of the cable is always more than the minimum allowable
bending radius mentioned in Table-2 of this Standard.

3.2 The rollers shall be adequately braced against tensions and side pressure that will
be encountered during the cable pull. The transition through the angle and/or bend
shall be uniformed to conform to the arc of a circle. Radii at the angles shall be as
large as practical to minimize pulling tensions and sidewall pressures. The
bending radii shall match those used in tension and sidewall pressure calculations.

3.3 Power Cable's bending radius shall not be less, under any circumstances, than the
recommended values given by the power cable's manufacturer.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

3.4 The cable shall not be bent to less radius than the drum's radius of the cable reel on
which it was shipped.

3.5 Minimum bending radius (r) to which cables may be bent refers to the inner
surface of the cable and not to the axis of the cable at the bend as shown in the
below figure:

The minimum bending radius for permanent turning during cable installation
shall be as shown in Table-2.

During cable installation, large diameter wheels, pulling sheaves and cable guides
shall be used to maintain the specified bending radius. Larger radii are
recommended wherever the cable is being pulled under tension, preferably not
less than twice the values for permanent turning.

Table-2: Minimum Bending Radius for power cables

Type of Cable Minimum Bending Radius (r) as

a multiple of
Single Core Cable - Shielded Cable
r = 20 × d
Single Core Cable with segmental Diameter
r = 20 × d
Conductor (d)*
Smooth Al. Sheathed r = 40 × d
Lead sheathed r =18× d

Note: In case the cable manufacturer recommends larger bending radius, his
recommendation shall be complied with.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

4.0 PULLING TENSIONS AND SIDEWALL PRESSURES

4.1 General

4.1.1 The axial and tangential forces applied during the pulling process shall
not damage any component of the cable assembly during the installation of
XLPE, UGNMFOC and LPOF Cables.

4.1.2 When installing cable in vertical runs, pulling the cable from the top of
the run rather than the bottom will greatly reduce the pulling tension, and
reduce mechanical forces on the cable accordingly.

4.1.3 Detailed maximum pulling tension and sidewall pressure calculations

with the route drawings showing bending radii, roller placement and
dimensions shall be developed and submitted to National Grid Saudi
Arabia for each specific cable pull section within the cable route.
The maximum values shall not exceed the values specified and
recommended by the cable manufacturer.

4.1.4 Detailed cable pulling calculations shall be submitted to National Grid

Saudi Arabia for approval and review prior to all cable pulling operations.

4.1.5 Pulling calculations and drawings which indicate maximum allowable

pulling tensions and sidewall pressure, shall be provided to pulling
crews prior to all cable pulls.

4.1.6 The placement of all rollers that conforms to the radii bends and degree
angle curves shall be verified prior to commencing the cable pull.

4.1.7 The tensile capability of every cable formation is dependent upon the
tensile limitations of the conductor plus the overall integrity of the cable
design. Each factor has finite limitations which shall not be exceeded. The
cable manufacturer shall be consulted for recommendations in this regard.

4.2 The maximum pulling tension placed on a cable shall not exceed the following

4.2.1 For cable equipped with a pulling eye or bolt attached to the conductor.

a. For copper of any temper and hard-drawn aluminum, maximum tension

in newtons (N) is equal to 50N for copper and 30N for aluminum
times the cross-sectional area of the conductor in square millimeters
(mm2).

4.2.2 For cable to be pulled with a cable grip over the sheath:
a. For a cable with a lead sheath, maximum tension in newtons (N) is
equal to 10.342 times the lead cross-sectional area in (mm2).

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

b. For cable with copper or aluminum sheath, the maximum pulling

tension shall not exceed 4.45kN and shall not exceed the maximum
tension calculated in accordance with paragraph 4.2.1 above.

c. If manufacturer recommends less maximum tension to be placed than

the specified above, his recommendation shall be followed.

4.3 The pulling tension (T) for a given installation shall be calculated from the
following formulas or shall be as per manufacturer’s requirements:

4.3.1 For a straight section:

T = 9.8 x L x W x f x OF x N (Eq. 01)

Where:

T = Pulling Tension in newtons

L = Length of duct run in m
W = Weight of cable plus 1% allowance per single core cable
in kg/m
f = Coefficient of friction (generally assumed as 0.5)
OF = Occupancy Factor
N = Number of cables per duct

Coefficient of friction shall be usually taken as 0.5. For new

installations where 9.ducts are well aligned and clean and the cable well
lubricated, a value lower than 0.5 shall be used.

Table-3: Co-efficient of Friction

Jacket Pulling on Roller Pulling into duct

Material Without With
Lubricant Lubricant
Polyethylene 0.1~ 0.2 0.3 ~ 0.4 0.15 ~ 0.25

a. For single-core cable per duct, Eq.01 becomes:

T = 9.8 x L x W x f (Eq.02)

Where
OF = 1
N = 1
b. For three single-core cables in trefoil formation:

O.F = 1 (Eq.03)
1 - [d / (D-d )]2

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Where
d = Outside diameter of each cable in mm
D = Inside diameter of duct in mm

4.3.2 For a duct with a bend:

T2 = T1 efa (Eq.04)

Where

T2 = Tension for the straight section following the bend in Newtons

T1 = Tension for the straight section proceeding the bend in
Newtons
e = Naperian log base (2.718)
f = Co-efficient of friction
a = Angle of bend in radians

4.4 The maximum sidewall pressure shall not exceed 29.2 kN/m, i.e. the tension in the
cable in kilo newtons as it leaves the bend shall not exceed 29.2 times the radius
of the bend in meters.

4.5 The following example outlines the applicable tensile considerations for duct
installation. Similar factors are applicable for direct buried cables. For a sample
calculations, assume the following:

Example: A duct with the following layout:

Cable: Single-core 132 kV, 1200 mm², Copper Conductor, shielded.

Conduit inside diameter = 150 mm

Dimension:
Weight = 20 kg/m
Outside diameter = 107 mm
Insulation thickness = 18 mm
Assume f = 0.5

4.5.1 Pull from point (A) to point (F) in Newtons (N) and meters (m):

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Normally the tension calculation is a progressive one as follows:

OF = 1
N = 1

Using (Eq. 01) T = 9.8 x L x W x f x OF x N

TB = 9.8 x 60 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1 = 5939 N

Using (Eq. 04) T2 = T1 efa (where ‘a’ will be angle in radians),

So TC shall be calculated as below:-

TC = TB efa
TC = 5939 x 2.718(0.5 x 45 x (π/180))
TC = 5939 x 1.48 = 8796 N
TD = 8796 + [9.8 x 20 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1] = 10776 N
TE = 10776 x 2.19 = 23600 N
TF = 23600 + [9.8 x 30 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1] = 26570 N

Maximum permissible pulling tension on this cable equipped with pulling

eye bolt is (50 x 1200) = 60,000 N.

4.5.2 Formula for Sidewall Bearing Pressure

a. For Single Cable in Conduit

SWBP = T2 / R (Eq. 05)

Using Equation 05 :
-3
SWBP (at C) = TC in Newton x 10 = 8796 x 10-3
Bend Radius, m 3

= 2.94 kN/m < 29.2 kN/m

-3
SWBP (at E) = TC in Newton x 10 = 23600 x 10-3
Bend Radius, m 3

= 7.88 kN/m < 29.2 kN/m

4.5.3 Because the sidewall pressure is rather high at point (E) though not outside
design limits it would be desirable to investigate the results if the cable is
pulled from at point (F) to at point (A).

TE = 9.8 x 30 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1 = 2970 N

TD = 2970 x 2.19 = 6505 N
TC = 6505 + [9.8 x 20 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1] = 8485 N
TB = 8485 x 1.48 = 12558 N
TA = 12558 + [9.8 x 60 x (20 x 1.01) x 0.5 x 1 x 1] = 18497 N

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Pulling from at point (F) to at point (A) results in considerably less

tension both at the bends and overall. While, in this case, it would be
acceptable to pull from either direction, it is prudent design to select the
direction which results in the least stress on the cable and equipment
provided there are no extenuating circumstances such as limited set up or
working space at one end or the other.

4.6 During pulling operations, it is frequently necessary to re-reel the cable or pass it
over pulleys or sheaves, to avoid damage to the cable. It is imperative that the
cable shall not be bent over the minimum radius of the cable which may cause
damage.

4.7 For direct buried, or a combination of direct buried and ducts, cable installations
where the length of the circuit must be pulled in, National Grid SA approved
rollers, shall be used.

5.0 PARAMETERS OF CABLE PULLING

5.1 General

The following parameters shall be considered during the course of cable pulling:

5.1.1 Conduit or Duct Fill (refer to Clause 5.2)

5.1.2 Jam Ratio (refer to Clause 5.3)
5.1.3 Clearance (refer to Clause 5.4)
5.1.4 Maximum Pulling Tension (refer to Clause 4.2 )
5.1.5 Maximum Sidewall Bearing Pressure (refer to Clause 4.4)
5.1.6 Minimum Bending Radii (refer to Table-2)

For Bending Radii related to communication cables, refer to TCS-T-557.05.

5.2 Conduit or Duct Fill

The size of the inner diameter of the conduit and the outer diameter of the cable
will determine the percentage fill of the conduit.

Conduit or Duct Fill is based on the percentage-fill of the cross sectional area of the
conduit/duct. The number of conductors shall not exceed the percentage fill
specified in Table-4.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Table-4: Maximum Allowable Percentage-Fill of the Conductor

Cross Section Within a Conduit or Duct

Number of Conductors Maximum Percentage- Fill (%)

In Conduit/Duct
1 53
2 31
3 40
4 40

5.3 Jam Ratio (JR)

When three or more single or multicore cables are being pulled into a conduit,
their relative position in the conduit, when being pulled around bends can change,
causing a condition of “Jamming”. If the cables jam in the conduit during
pulling, the likelihood of cable damage is high. The Jam Ratio (JR) is defined as
the ratio of the conduit Inner diameter (D) to cable overall diameter (d). The
following formula is used to evaluate the jamming potential:

If (JR) = D is : -
d
 larger than 3.0 then jamming cannot occur.
 between 2.8 and 3.0 then jamming is likely to occur and should be
avoided, but clearance must be checked (see paragraph 5.4).
 less than 2.8 then jamming is likely to occur

Where
d = Cable outer diameter in mm
D = Conduit inside diameter in mm

5.4 Cable Clearances (CL) in Conduit

Clearances must be checked to ensure that the top cable will not press against the
top of the conduit. Clearance shall be between 6 mm and 25 mm. The larger
value is used for large cables and severe bends and pulls. The formulae for
calculating clearance are as follows:

5.4.1 Parallel (Triplexed) Cables

CL = 0.5D - 1.366d + 0.5(D-d) (1-[d/(D-d)]²)½

5.4.2 Single Cable Pull

CL = D-d

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

6.0 CABLES INSTALLATIONS

6.1 General

6.1.1 In the event of minor damage to outer jacket during installation, heat
shrinkable split sleeve shall be applied to repair the jacket.

6.1.2 Cables shall be placed in trenches in a single horizontal layer without

crossings except at transition to multi-tier duct banks. Multi-layer direct
buried cable arrangements in trenches are not allowed.

6.1.3 Route of cable trenches shall avoid above ground and below ground
obstructions so as to maintain a reasonable access to the buried cables.
Trenches in unpaved areas are preferred. A minimum clearance shall be
maintained between underground runs and parallel runs of underground
piping. Cables shall not be located under present or future parallel runs of
low level underground piping which could block access to the cables.
Recommended clearances are shown on Fig.10-01 through Fig.10-06.

6.2 Direct Buried

6.2.1 Power and associated control circuits can be laid adjacent. Three single
conductor cables comprising one three phase circuit (trefoil) shall be laid
without spacing. In order to achieve a reasonable derating factor, a minimum
spacing shall be determined between all 3-phase power circuits. Refer TES-
P-104.03 for derating effects of adjacent circuits.

6.2.2 Where cables cross under main roads, concrete slabs, paved areas, railroad,
or any areas that would require extensive or impractical excavations to
replace, then they shall be run in ducts. Where such duct runs exceed 3
meters, overall cable ampacity shall be based on the duct portion of the run.
Bell end or protective bushings shall be provided on each duct end where it
terminates.

6.2.3 If underground cables are routed through a concrete encased duct bank, PVC
/ HDPE conduits shall be of encased-in type and when routed through direct
buried PVC / HDPE conduit, they shall be of direct buried (DB) type. All
conduits shall have bell ends or protective bushings where the conduits
terminate underground.

If underground cables in concrete encased duct bank are crossing the road and
at the same time crossing over other existing underground utilities making the
clearance between the concrete duct bank closer to the road surface, additional
steel reinforcement shall be provided. This helps concrete duct bank structure
withstand the impact of loads brought by the vehicles passing on the affected
roads/highways.

6.2.4 Special Back fill shall be used to gain the required ampacity and the cable
shall be protected with concrete, steel wire mesh and warning tapes as per
Clause 5.4 of TCS-P-104.03.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

6.2.5 Riser Cables

i. Protection of Riser Cables

Riser cables from underground to overhead systems shall be

protected by a covering that gives suitable mechanical protection up
to a point at least 3.7 m above the ground and at least 0.3 m below
ground level. However, it is desirable that the protective covering be
extended as high as practicable.

The use of a plastic or steel guard is generally recommended for

protecting riser cables. Using a black plate on all cable riser shield
installations will assure that the cable is completely covered on all
sides. Metallic guard shall be effectively grounded. For single core
cables, steel pipe or guard should be avoided due to high losses in the
steel at normal operation.

Cables installed in cable risers shall be clamped at a maximum of 1

metre intervals using approved cable clamps. Clamps shall be free
from sharp edges and burrs. To prevent local heating of cables caused
by eddy currents, clamps shall be either made of non-ferrous materials
or where they are made from ferrous material the two halves shall not
touch at both sides, and shall be fixed together using non-ferrous
bolts, nuts, and washers. Cable clamps can be directly bolted to cable
riser walls, or to uni strut-type supporting channels.

ii. Support of Riser Cables

Riser cables shall be supported by suitable clamps fixed on the cable

support structure. They shall not be supported by cable termination
devices such as cutouts, cable terminal connectors, etc.

iii. Cable Identification

On the cable riser support, especially in the intersection cables, there

shall be a properly fastened nameplate containing the cable
identification, name, voltage, cross sectional area and year of
installation written in English and Arabic and readable from the
ground. The nameplate material shall be stainless steel/aluminum
alloy.

6.3 Underground Structures

6.3.1 Underground structures, as defined in this Standard, shall include manholes,

vault, substation basements, duct banks, cable trays, hand holes and pull
boxes.

6.3.2 All cables installed in underground structures shall be adequately

supported and secured to withstand forces caused by the maximum short

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

circuit current to which they may be subjected.

6.3.3 Adequate access space shall be provided to maintain and operate equipment.

6.3.4 Power and communication cables shall be racked into separate walls.
Crossing of the two circuits shall be avoided.

6.3.5 All cables which exit from transformer, switchgear, vault, manhole,
handhole or switch enclosures and terminal structures shall be tagged for
identification. Tags shall be permanent, non-corrodible and clearly
readable. The following minimum information shall be put in English and
Arabic on the tag:

a. Transmission: Voltage and Insulation Material

Phase Identification (R, Y, B) for Single Core Cables
Destination (From – To)

b. Distribution:

i. Primary: Feeder Name

Voltage
Phase for Single Core Cables
Destination

ii. Secondary:
Voltage
Phase for Single Core Cables
Destination

iii. Service:
Destination or Customer Address

c. Communication and Control:

Circuit Type

Destination

6.3.6 Power Cables shall not be laid on top of other cables.

6.3.7 All cables shall be installed under applicable requirements of Standard

IEEE/NESC C2-2012.

6.3.8 Unless, otherwise specified, all cable installations in substation basements,

vault and manholes shall be fire retardant.

6.3.9 Power cables shall be fire retardant, except where fireproofing is not
necessary.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

6.3.10 In manholes and other structures containing no oil filled equipment (i.e.
where no oil fire hazard is involved), fireproofing is only necessary where
separation between cables is 45 cm or less.

6.3.11 Fireproofing is not necessary on single conductor primary cable

connections between various items of equipment in transformer vault.
However, fire proofing shall be installed on primary supply cables,
including a single supply cable, and any other primary or transmission
cables in vault or other structures containing oil filled equipment.

7.0 CLEARANCES IN BETWEEN POWER CABLES AND OTHER FACILITIES

7.1 Clearances Between Power Cables and other Power Cables

7.1.1 Horizontal Clearances

Distance between circuits and the number of circuits have an effect on rating
current which represented by Correction factors, which is corresponding to
the number of buried circuits and center to center distances between each
circuit for both trefoil and flat formation as shown in the tables below.

However these calculations are obtained based on IEC 60287-1-1 & IEC
60287-2-1 and are applicable for HV & EHV power cables (rated from 110
kV to 380 kV).

Table 5: Groups of Circuit in Ground in Trefoil Formation, single layer

Distance Between Number of Circuits

Circuits “center to 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
center” (mm) Correction Factors
400 0.80 0.69 0.64 0.60 0.58 0.55 0.54
500 0.82 0.72 0.67 0.62 0.60 0.59 0.57
800 0.86 0.76 0.72 0.69 0.67 0.65 0.64
1000 0.87 0.79 0.75 0.72 0.70 0.69 0.68
1200 0.89 0.81 0.78 0.75 0.74 0.72 0.71
1500 0.90 0.84 0.81 0.79 0.78 0.77 0.76
2000 0.93 0.88 0.86 0.84 0.83 0.82 0.81

Table 6: Groups of Circuit in Ground in Flat Formation, single layer

Distance between Number of Circuits

circuits “center to 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
center” (mm) Correction Factors
1250 0.87 0.78 0.75 0.72 0.71 0.69 0.68
1500 0.89 0.81 0.78 0.75 0.74 0.73 0.72
2000 0.91 0.85 0.83 0.81 0.80 0.79 0.78
3000 0.95 0.90 0.89 0.88 0.87 0.86 0.85

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Separation between HV & EHV power cables (rated from 110 kV to 380 kV) to be
unified in the figures of Clause 11 of TES-P-104.05, Rev.03 as the following table.

Table 7: Variation in center to center phase spacing and

their corresponding correction factor

Phases
200 250 300 400
Spacing (mm)
Correction
0.92 0.95 0.97 1.00
Factor

Table 8: Variation in Laying Depth of Cables based on a standard depth of 1.5m

Laying Depth [m] Correction factor

0.50 1.19
0.70 1.13
0.90 1.08
1.00 1.06
1.20 1.03
1.50 1.00
1.75 0.98
2.00 0.96
2.50 0.93

7.1.2 Vertical Clearances

In case of crossing between power cables and other power cables, a vertical
clearance of at least 500 mm shall be maintained (bottom to bottom distance)
notice that cables with lower voltages shall be on top of higher voltages
cables. Furthermore, security of top power cables shall be ensured by passing
them through a concrete duct bank at the crossing point.

If the bottom cables are passing through ducts, top cables which are being
laid shall not necessarily pass through ducts unless the condition warrants.

7.2 Clearance of HV & EHV Power Cables With Other Facilities

7.2.1 Communication Facilities

Adequate working space shall be provided between HV/EHV power cables

and communications facilities. If HV/EHV power cables and communication
facilities are to be installed in the same trench, then it shall be done only with
the agreement between all parties concerned. Furthermore, HV/EHV power
cables and communications facilities shall be installed to permit access to
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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

either without moving the other. For more clarification, minimum

requirements of clearances are shown in the next table.

Table 9: Clearance between power cables and communications

facilities buried in the same trench

Nominal Voltage Level (kV) Clearance Required (Surface to Surface)

(mm)
110, 115 300
132, 230 & 380 600

Note: These clearances may be reduced by mutual agreement between

concerned parties when suitable barriers or guards are installed.

7.2.2 Buildings and other structures

Cable should not be installed directly under the foundations of buildings or

other structures.

7.2.3 Highways and streets

The installation of cable longitudinally under traveled surfaces of highways

and streets should be avoided. When cable must be installed longitudinally
under the roadway, it should be installed in the shoulder or, if this is not
practical, within the limits of one lane of traffic to the extent practical.

7.2.4 Submarine crossings

Submarine crossings should be routed, installed, or both, so they will be

protected from erosion by tidal action or currents. They should not be located
where ships normally anchor.

Like many other cable laying projects, the critical part of implementing any
installation in the marine environment begins with a sound systems
engineering and project management approach. The basic principles consist
of:
 Conceptual design
 Design reviews
 Trade-off analysis
 Concept of operations
 Risk analysis
 Technical
 Cost
 Schedule
 Project plan
 Procurement
 Mobilization
 Trialing and testing
 Validation and verification

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Installing a submarine transmission cable involves a series of actions:

1. Selection of the provisional path;

2. Obtaining permission from the relevant authorities;
3. Survey of the path;
4. Designing the cable system in order to meet the conditions of the
selected path;
5. Laying the cable, including burial in appropriate areas;
6. A post-lay inspection may be necessary in some cases;
7. Notification of cable position to other marine users.

The complexity of laying down the cable requires a coordinated work of

many specialists in different fields. Path selection is done by power system
engineers together with marine specialists. The survey is performed by
geologists, geophysicists and oceanographers.

Laying the cable on the seafloor is executed by special structures engineers.

7.2.5 Railroad/Metro tracks

7.2.5.1 Vertical Clearances between Power Cables and Railroad/Metro tracks

i. Cables Longitudinally Under Railroad/Metro Track

The installation of cables longitudinally under the ballast

section for railroad tracks should be avoided. Where cables
must be installed longitudinally under the ballast section of a
railroad, they should be located at a depth of not less than
1270 mm below the top of the rail with no use of concrete
duct bank. Cables might direct buried or installed in PVC
conduits as applicable.

Note: Where unusual conditions exist or where proposed

construction would interfere with existing installations, a
greater depth than specified above would be required

ii. Cables Crossing Under Railroad/Metro Tracks

In this case, cables shall be installed in a concrete duct bank

having its top located not less than 900 mm below the top of
the rails of a street railway or 1270 mm below the top of the
rails of a railroad. Where unusual conditions exist or where
proposed construction would interfere with existing
installations, a greater depth than specified may be required

Note: Where this is impractical, or for other reasons, this

separation may be reduced by agreement between the parties
concerned. Under no circumstances, however, shall the top of
the concrete duct bank or any of its protection extend higher

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

than the bottom of the ballast section that is subject to working

or cleaning.

At crossings under railroads, manholes, hand holes, and vaults

should not, where practical, be located in the roadbed

iii. When A Cables Cross Above Railroad/Metro Tracks

A cable concrete duct bank that crosses over another

subsurface structure (such as railroad/metro tracks) shall have
a separation sufficient to limit the likelihood of damage to
either structures. These separations should be determined by
the parties involved

EXCEPTION: In case of separation sufficient could not be

achieved, cable concrete duct bank may be supported directly
on the roof of the subway tunnel with the concurrence of all
parties involved. Otherwise, lay depth recommended in TES-
P-104.05, Rev.03 shall be followed

7.2.5.2 Horizontal Clearances between Power Cables and Railroad/Metro

tracks

a. When Cables Are Installed In Concrete Duct Bank:

The separation between a concrete duct bank and other

underground structures (such as railroad/Metro track)
paralleling it should be as large as necessary to permit
maintenance of the system without damage to the paralleling
structures

b. When Cables Are Direct Buried Or Installed In PVC Conduits

(Including radial Separation also):

Cables should be located so as to be subjected to the least

disturbance practical. When cables are to be installed parallel
to subsurface structures (such as railroad/metro tracks), the
following rule of separation shall be followed:

The radial separation (other than vertical separation) should be

adequate to permit access to and maintenance of either
facility, so no disturbance to the other.

8.0 CABLE TRENCH DESIGN PARAMETERS

8.1 Figure 10-01 through 10-06 indicate standard design parameters for the cable
trench depth, width, backfill and circuit separation.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

8.2 Right-of-Way Requirement

8.2.1 Underground Cable Route

a. Parameters of Right-of-Way shall be applicable for both existing

and new road/streets.

b. The route of the underground cable shall be considered as the

shortest route and avoid or minimize:

 Communication facilities such as telephone cables

 Thrust boring
 Gas pipelines, water or sewerage pipelines
 New roads where re-asphalting is required

8.2.2 Duct Location

a. Unless otherwise specified, the duct for underground cable shall

not be located in the main (busy) lane of the street/road and to be
far away from the median bay at least 1.5 m.

b. Refer to Figures 10-01 through 10-06 for the required width and
depth of cables trench.

c. Bending radius (refer to Clause 3.0).

d. Unless otherwise specified, separate communication handholes

shall be provided for the underground optical fiber. Communication
Handholes shall be provided at every change of direction, crossing,
start and end of duct bank system and at every 500/1000m of
continuous cable run.

e. Unless otherwise specified, separation distance between fiber

optic cables and power cables shall be 300 mm minimum.as per
standard drawing no.TB-800069.

For lower distance, ampacity adequacy shall be verified.

8.2.3 Thrust Boring/Directional Drilling Requirements

a. Thrust boring or directional drilling shall be used only if

other alternative means of crossing are not possible.

b. Cable ampacity adequacy shall be verified where thrust boring or

directional drilling is required.

c. Thrust boring for 69 kV to 380 kV Underground cables:

i. The minimum depth of the thrust boring shall be 2m measured

from top of the pipe unless otherwise required at greater

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

depth by the Agency/Ministry having Right-of-Way

jurisdiction.

ii. The pipe shall be made of steel. The nominal size of the pipe
shall be minimum of 1067 mm. Thrust boring with PE pipe to
be followed whenever possible as it is much better for cable
ampacity.

iii. The number of thrust bore shall depend on required number of

cable circuits and available Right-of-Way. The spacing
between the pipes shall be 2m center-to-center. For more
details, refer to standard drawing no. TA-800063 Rev.0.

d. Horizontal Directional Drilling for 69kV to 380kV underground

cables shall be carried out in accordance with National Grid Saudi
Arabia reference Drawing No. TA-800068 Rev.0.

i. Process of directional drilling shall be per contractor’s

procedure and requirements with prior approval by National
Grid Saudi Arabia. The contractor or contractor’s approved
subcontractor specialized in the art of directional drilling
shall conduct the same.

ii. Details of directional drilling method along with description

of the machinery to be used, shall be submitted for National
Grid Saudi Arabia review and approval. The contractor shall
explain in details, how the required clearance between each
circuit and other circuit and other utilities will be maintained.

iii. The number of directional drilling conduits shall also

depend on required number of cable circuits and available
Right-of- Way.

iv. Contractor shall submit a directional drilling package

containing justification for proposed cable formation or
spacing, PVC conduit fill compound (if any) and pipe size
that will attain the required cable MVA rating for technical
review & approval by National Grid Saudi Arabia.

v. Site conditions shall be investigated by the contractor. The

contractor shall take full responsibility for maintaining and
protecting all existing site utilities and soil conditions.

vi. It is contractor’s responsibility to provide & install a

de-watering system if found necessary due to high ground
water table. De-watering system shall be reviewed &
approved by National Grid Saudi Arabia. Contractor shall
also be responsible for disposing off ground water using
water pumps & tankers.

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vii. All ducts including spare ducts shall be terminated with bell
ends

viii. Spare ducts may be provided in directional drilling

installation based on PTS requirement. All spare ducts shall
have a13 mm (1/2'') nylon pulling route rope installation
inside all the cable ducts which shall be sealed using duct
sealing units as per specification 23-TMSS-02.

ix. Test mandrel (6mm less in diameter than the normal inside
diameter of the duct) and wire brush cleaner 16mm larger
than the duct as per TCS-P-104.03) shall be pulled through to
each duct. A nylon pull line (13mm diameter) shall be pulled
at each duct line (Power & Communication). After cleaning,
construction drawings which indicate duct line length and
routing shall be verified & field noted in conjunction with
duct testing operations.

x. Both ends of directional drilling site shall be marked by a

sign post, warning sign, applicable arrow sign & anchor log
as well as a voltage rating plate. The material, size, paint and
color of the voltage rating plate shall be identical to that of
the arrow signs.

xi. Upon completion of Directional Drilling, Contractor shall

provide 'As Built Drawings' showing 'Directional Drilling
Location' and details to be reflected in Directional Drilling
marking diagram. Location shall be reflected from permanent
existing objects.

xii. Prior to commencing any directional drilling work, the

contractor shall get approval and permission from the
concerned ROW approving agencies.

xiii. All above requirements shall be submitted to National Grid

Saudi Arabia for review and approval.

e. Backfilling and Reinstatement shall be in accordance with the

requirements of appropriate authority.

f. Cable crossing by HDD method, Where Submarine cable crossing is

prohibited by local agencies (marine protection) HDD method is
adopted for crossing (river, lake, sea. etc.). The following
engineering studies shall be made:

i. High cable pulling tension should be checked to know

whether the maximum allowable pulling tension is
acceptable or not.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

ii. Racking system to prevent the cables from moving is also

one of the points to be checked.

iii. Moreover system engineering part should check the

limitation of induced voltage by using special bonding

8.2.4 Recommended Clearances between National Grid Saudi Arabia

Underground Power Cables and Other Utilities Lines.

Unless otherwise specified by the Design Engineer in the SOW/PTS after

consultation with relevant facility, the following clearances between
U/G power cable and other facilities such as water, sewer, gas, telephone
shall be used:

Table-10: Clearances between National Grid Saudi Arabia U/G

Cables & Other Utility Lines*

National Grid Saudi Arabia Underground Cables

110 kV to 380 kV
Utility Horizontal Vertical
Clearance Clearance
(mm) (mm)
Water & Sewer 1000 500
Telephone 5000 1000
Gas 1000 500
*See Figures 10-07 and 10-08

8.3 Cable Route Marker

8.3.1 Warning posts shall be installed along the center line of the trench at not over
50m intervals on congested areas and not over 90m intervals on open areas
and at all locations where the trench changes direction.

8.3.2 On straight route, the warning post shall have a two-arrow sign to indicate
cable route direction.

8.3.3 On right angle turn, the warning post shall have two signs each having an
arrow pointing to the cable route direction. The signs will be placed on the
applicable side of the post.

8.3.4 On oblique turn, the cable route direction shall be indicated by two warning
posts each having an arrow.

8.3.5 Warning Post shall not obstruct vehicle access along the side of the track or
infringe structure gauge. In yard areas, they shall not obstruct footpaths,
walkways or vehicle access ways.

8.3.6 Wordings on warning post shall include the following:

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

 Name of the owner

 Description of the service
 Warning not to excavate prior to obtaining permission from the owner
 Telephone number to be used in case of emergencies

8.4 Concrete Encased Ducts

Refer to National Grid Saudi Arabia Standard Drawing TA-800062 for “Typical
Duct Bank Sections, Concrete Duct Bank for 69kV to 380kV U/G Power Cables”.

9.0 HV/EHV UNDER GROUND POWER CABLE TUNNEL

9.1 In areas where laying the HV/EHV cable circuits in conventional way (direct
buried) is not possible due to space constraint/right of way, underground power
cable tunnel can be considered as an alternative. The power cable tunnels can be
divided into two parts.

a. Power Cable Tunnels within Substation/Power Plant Boundary.

b. Long Power Cable Tunnels between any two Urban Sub Stations/Power Plants.

The cable tunnel shall be designed/constructed with but not limited to the following
considerations:

9.1.1. The cable tunnel shall be designed to accommodate the two or more power
cable circuits.

9.1.2. In case of two circuits, the cable circuits shall be installed in vertical
formation along tunnel sidewalls to create more space for installing cable
accessories (cable joints & link boxes etc.) and maintenance work. All cable
circuits shall be installed as per approved formation submitted in current
rating calculations.

9.1.3. For cable current rating calculations tunnel ambient temperature shall be
considered as 50°C and appropriate ventilation/cooling system shall be
designed to keep tunnel ambient temperature below 50ºC.

9.1.4. Size of the tunnel (width & height) shall be determined upon the required
current rating for the number of circuits being installed and current rating
calculations shall be done according to CIGRE ELECTRA # 143 & 144 /
IEC 60287. Space required for entrance/exit, installation of link boxes,
joints, monitoring system of cable & tunnel (Distributed Temperature
Sensing/DTS system for power cable, partial discharge monitoring at each
joint and termination, SVL monitoring and tunnel temperature monitoring
system) as applicable, sagging/snaking of power cables and any other
maintenance work shall also be considered.

9.1.5. Appropriate ventilation/cooling system shall be designed to keep tunnel

ambient temperature below 50°C.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

9.1.6. Proper Lighting, Fire Fighting & Loss prevention system shall be provided
in accordance with latest revised TES-P-119.21 and other relevant
standards.

9.1.7. Cable Tunnel shall be constructed at least two meters lower than lowest
existing/future services/utilities/Ground Level along the tunnel route with
the approval of all concerned authorities.

9.1.8. Entrance/exit to tunnel shall be provided at every ventilation point or at

every two (2) kilometer tunnel route, whichever is smaller, if possible.

9.1.9. Emergency exits to the tunnel shall be provided at every 75-100 meters (as
per Civil Defense requirements).

9.1.10. The tunnel should be water proof and entrances should be water tight.
Suitable water drainage (sump pump) system shall be provided.

9.1.11. The alarm system for smoke, water level and heat shall be provided on zone
bases and to be connected to Power Control Centre/Substation Automation
System.

9.1.12. The cable support system shall carry/support the weight of 40kg/m for
aluminum alloy sheathed cable to 65kg/m for lead alloy sheathed cable. The
cable support shall be designed to carry the cable load with enough safety
margins taking into consideration the force exerted during short circuit
conditions as well.

9.1.13. Grounding system should be included for the entire length of the cable
Tunnel.

9.2 Power Cable Tunnel between Two Urban Substations:

The cable tunnel shall be designed/constructed with the following considerations in

addition to clause 9.1:

9.2.1. Cable outer sheath shall be fire retardant or painted with fire retardant paint.

9.2.2. Cable shall be Aluminum sheathed to reduce the weight of cable.

9.2.3. Sheaths for both end sections of cable circuit shall be single point bonded
and sheaths for remaining sections shall be fully cross bonded.

9.2.4. Tunnel ventilation system, fire detection/alarm system, lighting and power
distribution system, communication system and drainage system shall be
provided in the tunnel.

9.2.5. RTTR (Real Time Thermal Rating) System shall be provided. The function
of the RTTR System is to integrate the tunnel DTS system and fan stations
automatically for controlling the tunnel cooling system to maintain the cable

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

& tunnel temperature within design limits. The system shall be redundant
and has a conventional temperature gauge system to back up the tunnel
system DTS in the event of malfunction.

9.2.6. Cable DTS system, partial discharge monitoring for each joint &
termination and SVL monitoring system shall be provided.

9.2.7. At about every 350 to 500m distance local earthing grid for joint bays shall
be installed (for earthing of link boxes) and earthing connections shall be
brought in side the tunnel.

10 TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCHES & RECOMMENDED CLEARANCES

FROM OTHER UTILITIES

Attached related Figures 10-01 to 10-08 below

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-01
110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE STANDARD TRENCH

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-02
110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE STANDARD TRENCH

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-03
110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE or LPOF STANDARD TRENCH

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCH

(SINGLE CIRCUIT – FLAT FORMATION) DIRECT BURRIED

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-04
230 kV or 380 kV XLPE or LPOF STANDARD TRENCH

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCH

(SINGLE CIRCUIT – FLAT FORMATION) DIRECT BURRIED

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-05
110 kV, 115 kV or 132 kV XLPE or LPOF STANDARD TRENCH

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCH

(SINGLE CIRCUIT – FLAT FORMATION) CONCRETE DUCT BANK

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

FIGURE 10-06
230 kV or 380 kV XLPE or LPOF STANDARD TRENCH

TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF TRENCH

(SINGLE CIRCUIT – FLAT FORMATION) CONCRETE DUCT BANK

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Figure 10-07
Recommended Clearances Between National Grid Saudi Arabia Underground
Power Cables 110kV to 132kV and Other Utilities Lines

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-104.05, Rev.03

Figure 10-08
Recommended Clearances Between National Grid Saudi Arabia Underground
Power Cables 110kV to 380kV and Other Utilities Lines

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