Why layout electrification needs planning early
Plotted layouts approved by urban development authorities and local bodies need a complete electrical network before plots can be released and buyers can get connections. The electrical works are usually carried out by the developer through a licensed contractor, under the supervision of your ESCOM (BESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, HESCOM or GESCOM), and then handed over to the ESCOM to operate and maintain.
Because the network becomes the ESCOM's property, it must follow the ESCOM's design norms and material specifications. Starting the electrical design at the layout planning stage avoids redesigning roads, pole positions and transformer sites later.
What the design covers
- Load estimate per plot and for common facilities, based on ESCOM norms
- HT line extension from the nearest 11 kV feeder
- Number, rating and location of distribution transformer centres (DTCs)
- LT distribution network: overhead aerial bunched cable or underground cable
- Service connection points for each plot
- Street lighting and area lighting for roads and parks
- Earthing for each DTC and at specified points on the network
Limits, charges and forms are set by KERC, your ESCOM and the Electrical Inspectorate and are revised from time to time. Use this guide to prepare, and confirm the current requirement for your case before you apply. We check it for every project.
Overhead or underground network?
| Overhead (AB cable) | Underground cable | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Appearance | Poles and wires visible | Clean streetscape, preferred in premium layouts |
| Faults | Easier to locate, exposed to trees and wind | Fewer faults, harder to locate |
| Space | Needs pole positions along roads | Needs cable trenches and feeder pillars |
Step by step
- Survey of the layout plan and the nearest ESCOM network
- Load calculation and electrical design with drawings and estimate
- Submission to the ESCOM for approval of the estimate and drawings, and payment of supervision charges
- Procurement of materials meeting ESCOM specifications, from approved makes where required
- Execution: poles or trenches, HT line, DTC structures and transformers, LT network, street lights, earthing
- Testing and inspection by the ESCOM, and CEIG inspection where applicable
- Handover of the network to the ESCOM and energisation
- Electrical completion documents for release of plots by the planning authority
- 1Layout plan and load estimate
- 2Design and estimate approved by the ESCOM
- 3Execution under ESCOM supervision
- 4Testing, inspection and handover
- ✓Energisation and plot release
Street lighting
Street lighting is designed for the road width and category, usually with LED fittings, poles at regular spacing, and timer or photocell control from a dedicated panel. After completion, the street lights are typically handed over to the local body, such as the municipal corporation, town panchayat or gram panchayat, which pays the energy bill.
Questions
Can we use our own materials for layout works?
Materials must meet the ESCOM's technical specifications because the network will be handed over. For key items, the ESCOM may require approved makes and inspection of material before use.
Who maintains the network after handover?
After handover and energisation, the ESCOM operates and maintains the HT, DTC and LT distribution network. Street lights are usually maintained by the local body.
How many transformers does a layout need?
It depends on the number of plots, the load per plot under ESCOM norms and the distance limits for LT lines. The design places DTCs so that voltage at the farthest plot stays within limits.
Need this done for you?
We handle the electrical work and the ESCOM, KPTCL and CEIG liaisoning anywhere in Karnataka, with BESCOM, MESCOM, CESC, HESCOM and GESCOM. Email basavalalith.electricals@gmail.com or use the enquiry form.
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