Rules of Thumb (3rd Edition)

TECHNICAL NOTE TN 15/2001
Rules of Thumb (UK 3rd edition)

Guidelines for assessing building services
Edited by Martin Boushear
Contents
Space and weight allowances
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
1: Floor space allowance for services

2: Space allowances for plant rooms
3: Miscellaneous services
4: Space allowances for on-floor services
5: Space allowances for service ducts and shafts
6: Space allowances for catering facilities
7: Floor space allowance per occupant
8: Plant weight allowances
Equipment and solar loads

TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
14
1: Cooling loads
2: Cooling plant
3: Solar gains
4: Heat loads
Comfort factors
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
TABLE
16
1: External conditions
2: Ventilation and air conditioning
3: Information technology
4: Room air movement
5: Noise levels
6: Comfort data sheet
System features
20
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant

TABLE 2: Water treatment
Energy and carbon issues
24
TABLE 1: Energy conversions

TABLE 2: Energy benchmarks (offices)
TABLE 3: Lighting benchmarks
Electrical systems
26
TABLE 1: Electrical supplies and loads
Cost data
27
TABLE 1: Capital and maintenance costs

TABLE 2: Services costs as a percentage of total costs
TABLE 3: System capital and maintenance costs
References
Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001
32
3
Acknowledgements
The story behind the guide
This publication is the third update of the Technical Note TN 17/95: Rules
of Thumb last issued in 1995. The rules have been collected from various
contemporary sources in the building services industry and can reasonably
be held to reflect current design practices. The sources include major
design offices, individual engineers and public domain information
published by BSRIA and others.
The industry review team for this project comprised: John Louis Auguste
(Bovis Lend-Lease), Dennis Bastow (NHS Estates), Brian Charlesworth
(Troup Bywaters & Anders), Laurie Clark (Cundall Johnston & Partners),
Michelle Field (Buro Happold), Manus Freeman (SVM Partnership),
Nigel Hawkes (Fulcrum Consulting), Glen Irwin (Roberts & Partners),
Bob Keenan and Dr Ian Selby (Sheppard Robson, on behalf of the
British Council for Offices), Nick Mead (ACDP), Richard Tudor (WSP
Group), and Gay Lawrence Race and John Sands (BSRIA). We would
also like to thank AMEC Capital Projects, BAA plc, N G Bailey, Bryan
Franklin, Building Design Partnership, Foggo Associates, Foremans Ltd,
Hoare Lea & Partners, Max Fordham & Partners, Stanhope, and Whitby
Bird & Partners for their help.
Finally, BSRIA would like to make special acknowedgement to the
consulting engineers Foremans Ltd, whose financial support has enabled
BSRIA to extend the print run. BSRIA also acknowledges the editing
help of Nigel Pavey, author of the second edition of Rules of Thumb and
now chief engineer with Foremans Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including
photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.
BSRIA TN 15/2001 August 2001
ISBN 086022 587 9
Printed by The Chameleon Press Ltd
How to use this guide

What this guide will do
Rules of Thumb has been written to help engineers in the initial stages of
designing a building and its services. By gathering many of the most
common rules of thumb into one document, BSRIA has provided a
powerful source of inital design data that every engineer should find
indispensable.
Thumb rules (or heuristics as they are more properly known) are
extremely useful values for use at various stages of design, such as project
inception and outline briefing, feasibility planning, the assessment of
global loads and space requirements. They are also useful for getting a
initial grasp of costs. Rules of thumb come in handy for carrying out
"what if" calculations, and for use by senior engineers when checking the
work of junior engineers.
The data have been derived from a wide variety of authorative sources,
all of which are referenced. All the figures quoted have also been
assessed for usefulness and relevance by a panel of experienced,
practising services engineers.
What this guide will not do

While every effort has been made to establish current practice, the
guide's authors are keen to point out that the rules of thumb are merely
aids to the design process. They must not be used in place of detailed
design data. The responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of this
data therefore rests with the engineer.
Rules of Thumb has been designed to be your own personal reference
document. Use it, add your own data to it, and guard it jealously. And
please let us know how it works and where it can be improved.
Roderic Bunn
Publisher
When to use: During the early stages of design prior to plant selection or system analysis
Where to use: Plant room sizes, riser cupboard locations and plant capacities
Watch out for: Poor information that fails to allow for installation, commissioning or maintenance
TABLE 1: Floor space allowance for services (as a percentage of floor area)
Design area
Application
All services
Air conditioning (excluding

boilers & refrigeration)
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Simple factory
Offices and commercial
Hi-tech building
4%
6 10%
15 30%
26
26
26
Fan coil system

VAV system
1 5 2 5%
3 4 5%
26
26
03 15%
26
Electrical services (excluding

sub-stations and standby
generation sets)
05 1 5%
26
Lift motor rooms
02 0 5%
26
Central plant
1 2%
26
Toilet extract
Supply and extract system
All air low velocity system
03 1%
3 5%
4 6%
26
26
26
Cooling towers and air-cooled

condensers
Refrigeration (excluding
cooling towers)
Ventilation
Your notes and comments
Table 1 continued
For references see page 32
TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area)

Design area
Application
Air cooled condenser and

controls
Air handling units
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
space for
installation and
maintenance
25 + kW/200 m2
29
With extract
/recirculation
8 m2 per m3/s
29
Without extract
/recirculation
5 m2 per m3/s
29
26
26
Boilers
(percentage floor area)
Boiler plant
& calorifiers
Oil tank room
0 8 1 8%
1 2%
Boilers
(floor area and height)
Boilers, pumps,
piping and space for
installation and
maintenance
Output: 100 kW
Output: 200 kW
Output: 1000 kW
Output: 4000 kW
15
25
80
30
m2
m2
m2
m2
x
x
x
x
3
3
4
5
m
m
m
m
29
29
29
29
Calorifiers
(floor area and height)
Calorifiers, pumps,
pipework, controls
and space for
installation and
maintenance
Vertical
Vertical
Vertical
Vertical
10
20
25
60
m2
m2
m2
m2
x
x
x
x
3
4
5
3
m
m
m
m
29
29
29
29
25
30
45
60
m2
m2
m2
m2
x
x
x
x
3
3
3
3
m
m
m
m
29
29
29
29
(1 m3)
(5 m3)
(10 m3)
(15 m3)
Horizontal
Horizontal
Horizontal
Horizontal
(1 m3)
(5 m3)
(10 m3)
(15 m3)
Table 2 continued
7

TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area)
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Chillers (water cooled)

Floor area times height
With pumps,
pressurisation,
pipework and
control panels
Output: 1000 kW
Output: 2000 kW
Output: 3000 kW
Output: 4000 kW
50 m2 x 3 m
63 m2 x 3 m
83 m2 x 3 5 m
108 m2 x 4 m
29
29
29
29
Chillers (air cooled)
Located outside.
Includes space for
installation and
maintenance
Output: 200 kW
Output: 400 kW
Output: 600 kW
Output: 800 kW
Output: 1000 kW
Output: 1200 kW
39 m2
53 m2
75 m2
84 m2
98 m2
116 m2
29
29
29
29
29
29
Cold water storage
Single cold water tank

Includes space for
installation and
maintenance but add
space for
pressurisation plant
or circulation pumps
FA: Floor area

V: gross storage m3
1 m high
2 m high
3 m high
FA: 10 + V/075 m2
FA: 10 + V/1 6 m2
FA: 10 + V/2 4 m2
29
29
29
Minimum for
hot and cold
outlets
Offices
10-20 litres/person
Cold water storage
Hotels, childrens home,

residential nursery,
convalescent home
135 litres/bed space
Table 2 continued
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Cold water storage

(domestic) continued
Minimum for
hot and cold
outlets
Restaurant
Day school
Hostel
7 litres/meal
15-20 litres/pupil
90 litres/bed space
20
20
20
FA: Floor area

(kW: heat rejection)
FA: 50 + kW/66 m2
29
HV switchgear
HV + MV switchgear
47 m2
14 m2
27 m2
29
29
29
Standby sets and

accessories
FA: Floor area
FA:15 + kVA/30 m2
29
Single module system

(add space for
batteries)
FA: Floor area
FA: (2 + kW/200) x 2 m2
29
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
1200 1800 mm
18
Tank contents + 10%
19
Cooling towers
Sub-station
Standby generation
Uninterruptible power supply
2000 kVA
transformers
Switchgear
TABLE 3: Miscellaneous services

Design area
Application
Control panels & distribution

boards
Front panel controls, Fixing height range

wall-mounted or floor (above finished floor
standing
or operating platform
level)
LTHW boiler plant

component criteria for
leakage containment
Oil storage tanks,

distillate & residual
fuel oils
If tank fails, walls and

doors treated to
contain spillage
10

TABLE 4: Space allowances for services (depth of clear space in ceiling/floor void)
Design area
Application
Air conditioning
Rule of thumb
Ref
VAV
VRV
Recessed chilled beams
Surface chilled beams
Chilled ceilings
Fan coils
Ducted air system
350 750 mm
450 mm
350 450 mm
250 mm
250 mm
450 mm
450 mm
16
16
16
16
16
27
27
Drainage
Soil and waste
100 mm dia.
150 mm dia.
10 25 mm per m run
7 16 mm per m run
27
27
Lighting
Fluorescent
Downlighter
100 150 mm ( access) 16

150 300 mm
16
Power and communications
Multi-core cables and

lighting cables
100 200 mm
16
Power and data

(heavy line)
200 250 mm
16
Computer rooms
300 mm
16
Other information
TABLE 5: Space allowances for service ducts and shafts

Design area
Application
Air ducting
Lift shafts
Mechanical service
riser
Simple pipework
riser
Three-sided riser
11
Rule of thumb
Ref
Typical ducting size
02 m2/m3/s
30
3+A(N-4)/250 m2
30
Between 4 18 floors Internal shaft area

in office-type buildings A: floor area/
storey (250 m2 min),
N: Floors
Pipework
Service ducts
Other information
Vertical service duct
Depth needed to open

access door/pane when
width of door varies
with size/type of pipe
or depth of service/duct 690 mm
17
Pipe: 20 mm dia.
Pipe: 25 mm dia.
Pipe: 32 mm dia.
100 mm x 100 mm
120 mm x 120 mm
130 mm x 130 mm
30
30
30
Minimum depth
from services to (open)
access door/panel
690 mm
17
Floor space served by

vertical service (radius)
15 23 m
30
Aspect ratio of vertical

service duct
2:1 4:1
30
Total duct area as %

of gross floor area
2%
30
12

TABLE 6: Space allowances for catering facilities
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Kitchen and dining facilities
Kitchens including
preparation and
storage
Min. requirements:
Up to 100 meals
Up to 500 meals
04 m2/meal
0 25 m2/meal
31
31
For single sittings
Ratio of kitchen
space to dining space
033:1 to 0 5:1
31
Ratio of kitchen space

to dining space
1:1
31
For multiple sittings
TABLE 7: Floor space allowance per occupant (net internal area)

Design area
Rule of thumb
Ref
General offices
12 17 m2/person
Trading desks, call

centre, work stations
4 6 m2/person
15 m2 (or more)
per person
Enclosed offices
Application
Other information
TABLE 8: Plant weight allowances

Design area
Application
Single boiler
Rule of thumb
Ref
500 kW
1500 kW
2500 kW
1500 kg
4250 kg
6500 kg
39
39
39
Single storage steel calorifier
4 m3
8 m3
12 m3
1250 kg
2500 kg
3300 kg
39
39
39
Single non-storage mild-steel

heating calorifier
500 kW
1000 kW
1500 kW
2000 kW
150
225
275
325
kg
kg
kg
kg
39
39
39
39
1500 kW
3000 kW
4500 kW
10 000 kg
20 000 kg
30 000 kg
39
39
39
Single air-cooled liquid chiller
500 kW
1000 kW
1500 kW
6 000 kg
11 000 kg
14 000 kg
39
39
39
Single generator
500 kVa
1000 kVa
1500 kVa
5000 kg
8000 kg
11 000 kg
39
39
39
100 kVa
300 kVa
500 kVa
1250 kg
2750 kg
4250 kg
39
39
39
Single water-cooled
liquid chiller
Single UPS system
13
Other information
14
When to use:
How to use:
Watch out for:
Equipment and solar loads
For estimates of thermal loads used to assess plant and terminal equipment sizes
To determine total solar and internal gains, multiply the loads by total floor area
Solar gains depend on glazing and shading, and contribution of thermal mass
TABLE 1: Cooling loads

Design area
Application
Other information
Rules Of Thumb BSRIA 2001
Rule of thumb
Ref
Banks
160 W/m2
34
Computer suites
400 W/m2 approx
34
Hotels
150 300 W/m2
34
Offices (general)
125 W/m2
34
75 W/m2
34
120 W/m2
180 W/m2
34
34
Restaurants
220 W/m2
34
Retail buildings
140 W/m2
34
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Central cooling plant
Load/m2 of floor area

Load/m3 of floor vol.
125 W/m2
40 W/m3
36
36
Distributed cooling plant
Load/m2 of floor area

Load/m3 of floor vol.
140 W/m2
45 W/m3
36
36
Central plant
Distributed plant
05 kW/kW
0 78 kW/kW
36
36
Interior zones more

than 7 m from windows
Perimeter zones
up to 6 m
60% glazing
65% glazing
TABLE 2: Cooling plant

Design area
Electrical power for

refrigeration plant
Application
kW/kW cooling
capacity
TABLE 3: Solar gains (over floor area)
Rules Of Thumb BSRIA 2001
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Windows with
internal blinds
(June-Sept)
(June-Sept)
South facing
East-West facing
250 W/m2 of glass

150 W/m2 of glass
34
34
Clear double-glazed with

internal blinds
Out-of-town building
U-value 33 W/m2K
2650 W/m2 instant

2490 W/m2 lag (mass)
40
40
As above with flat slab
Plus brise soleil
1860 W/m2 instant

40
40
As above with coffered slab
Plus brise soleil
1860 W/m2 instant

40
40
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Floor area
90 W/m2 (30 W/m3)
34
Educational buildings
100 W/m2
34
Industrial buildings
80 W/m2
34
Offices
70 W/m2
34
Residential buildings
60 W/m2
34
Infiltration: air heating load
7 5 W/m3
34
Retail buildings
110 W/m2
34
10 W/m2
12 W/m2
15 25 W/m2
16
16
16
TABLE 4: Heat loads

Design area
Application
General buildings
Other heat gains
Offices
General offices
15
Metabolic
Lighting
Office equipment
16
When to use:
Where to use:
Watch out for:
Comfort factors
During the early stages of design prior to plant selection or system analysis
Plant room sizes, riser cupboard locations and plant capacities
Poor information that fails to allow for installation, commissioning or maintenance
TABLE 1: External conditions

Design area
Application
Winter design temperatures

for heating
Without surplus
boiler capacity
With 20% surplus
boiler capacity
Other information
Single-storey building
Other buildings
Rate of lowering
outdoor design temp.
with altitude above
sea level
Rule of thumb
Ref
-4C
37
-3 C
-1C
37
37
-06 C/100 m
37
Summer design temperature
Dry bulb temp.
28C
37
for air conditioning
Wet bulb temp.
19C
37
TABLE 2: Ventilation and air conditioning

Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Ventilation: recommended
maximum temperature
Offices
95% operation/year
25 C
Air conditioning: recommended

maximum temperature
Offices
95% operation/year
24C (or lower)
IT rooms by classification
Type A IT rooms
Specifically designed
and built for IT equipment
(ideally, isolated from
office areas)
Dedicated IT room
required
38
Table 2 continued
TABLE 3: Information technology

Design area
Application
Other information
IT rooms by classification
(continued)
Type B IT rooms
Designed for intensive

use of IT equipment at
workstations (where
air-conditioning must
be used)
Type C IT rooms
Rule of thumb
Ref
Air-conditioned office,
room or workspace
38
Non air-conditioned
office, room or
workspace
38
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
In Winter
In Summer
At 21C
At 22C
At 23C
At 24C
On back of neck
015 m/s
0 25 m/s
0 15 m/s
0 2 m/s
0 25 m/s
0 3 m/s
0 2 m/s
37
37
37
37
37
37
37
Papers will lift at

velocities in excess of
08 m/s
37
02 0 3 m/s
Room where IT
equipment is used at
workstations (may use
natural or mechanical
ventilation)
TABLE 4: Room air movement

Design area
Maximum recommended
mean air velocities
Application
Television and
broadcasting studios
17
18
Comfort factors
TABLE 5: Noise levels
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Recommended maximum
background noise levels
Very quiet rooms
Concert halls, sound

studios
Bedrooms, theatres,
churches
Small offices, libraries,
living rooms
General offices,
classrooms, small shops
Reception areas,
restaurants
Kitchens, computer
rooms, large shops
Factories
NR 20
37
NR 25
37
NR 30
37
NR 35
37
NR 40
37
NR 45
NR 50 or above
37
37
Intelligibility of telephone
conversation at background
noise levels
Satisfactory
Slightly difficult
Difficult
Unsatisfactory
Up to NR 50
Up to NR 60
Up to NR 75
Over NR 75
37
37
37
37
External noise level criteria for

new noise (above background noise)
If more than 10 dBA

If less than 5 dBA
Complaints expected
Marginal
37
37
Limiting distances for speech

intelligibility (background noise
level)
Up to NR 40
Up to NR 45
Up to NR 50
Up to NR 55
Over NR 70
7m
4m
2 2 m
1 2 m
Too noisy
37
37
37
37
37
Quiet rooms
Private rooms
Public rooms
General areas
Work areas
Industrial areas
TABLE 6: Comfort data sheet

Building Type
Internal design temperature

Summer
Winter
Humidity
(% RH)
Infiltration
(ac/h)
Ventilation
fresh air
Ventilation
air change
Lighting level
(Lux)
Noise level
(NR)
Cinemas (sedentary role)
21-23C
19-21C
5010% RH
05 ac/h
8 l/s/person
6-10 ac/h
300 lux
NR25-NR30
Computer rooms (general)
21-23C
19-21C
505% RH
1 ac/h
8 l/s/person
4-15 ac/h
300 lux
NR35-NR45
Education (teaching spaces)
21-23C
19-21C
505% RH
2 ac/h
8 l/s/person
6-10 ac/h
300 lux
NR25-NR35
Exhibition hall/conference facilities
21-23C
19-21C
50-55% RH
025-05 ac/h
8 l/s/person
1 ac/h
300 lux
NR40
Factory/warehouse
21-23C
11-21C
5010% RH
025-25 ac/h
8 l/s/person
6 ac/h
750-1000 lux
NR45-NR65
Fitness/health clubs (equipment rooms)
>18C
12-18C
40-70% RH
075 ac/h
8 l/s/person
4 ac/h
300 lux
NR30-NR40
Hospitals (ward and patient areas)
23-25C
22-24C
50-60% RH
2 ac/h
8 l/s/person
3 ac/h
50-100 lux
NR30-NR35
Hotels (bedrooms)
21-23C
19-21C
5010% RH
1 ac/h
8 l/s/person
6-10 ac/h
50-100 lux
NR20-NR30
Libraries (reading rooms)
24-25C
22-23C
505% RH
025-075 ac/h
8 l/s/person
3-4 ac/h
300 lux
NR30-NR35
Museums and galleries (display, storage)
21-23C
19-21C
50-55% RH
1 ac/h
8 l/s/person
3-4 ac/h
200 lux
NR30-NR35
Offices (general, BCO data)
24C
22C
35-40% RH
025-05 ac/h
8-12 l/s/person
4-6 ac/h
300-500 lux
NR25-NR40
Retail (shops/stores)
21-23C
19-21C
455% RH
05-1 ac/h
8 l/s/person
3-8 ac/h
500-750 lux
NR35-NR45
300 lux
NR 40-NR50
19
Swimming pools (pool halls)

23-26C
23-26C
40-70% RH
05 ac/h
0-15 l/s/m (of wetted area)
20
When to use:
Where to use:
Watch out for:
System features
During outline design before the architect has finalised space planning
For determining the spatial and operational characteristics of main plant
The rules for boiler and cooling plant are based on unit floor area or unit volume
TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant

Design area
Air handling units
Air face velocity
Application
Other information
Coil water velocity
36
16
Heating mode
Cooling mode
30C (max)
13C (min)
16
16
Air discharge
06 2 m/s
36
10 40 kPa
0 33 1 72 bar
16
36
8m
Not to exceed
50 mm within 1m
of diffuser outlet
36
Maximum height
66% of ceiling height
36
Allowance for grille
Allow 03 m
width
36
120 W/m2 floor area

40 W/m3 volume
36
36
Water pressure drop

Steam pressure drop
Air distribution
From source
Ceiling diffusers
Non-zoning partitions
Sill diffusers
Boiler plant capacity
Power per unit area
Ref
25 4 m/s
1 0 2 5 m/s
Heating coil
Cooling coil
Air supply
temperatures
Rule of thumb
Limit of throw
Surface projections
36
Table 1 continued
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Boiler plant efficiency
Boiler efficiency
Efficiency losses
Typical efficiency
Blowdown (steam)
Casing
Flue
75%
2%
3%
15 20 %
36
36
36
36
Condensing boilers
Underfloor or warm
water system
90%
22
Standard size radiators,

variable temp circuit
(weather
compensation)
87%
22
Standard fixedtemperature emitters

(83/72C flow/return)
85%
22
Modern high efficiency

boilers
80 82%
22
Good modern boiler

design closely matched
to demand
75%
22
Typical good boiler
70%
22
1 kW/person
36
Volume per kW
40 litres/kW
36
Low velocity systems

High velocity systems
3 5 m/s
7 5 15 m/s
36
36
Boiler plant
Typical seasonal
efficiencies
Non-condensing
boilers
Chiller plant capacity
Fuel storage
Ductwork
Typical duct velocities
Class D oil
Table 1 continued
21
22
System features
Design area
Application
Other information Rule of thumb
Ductwork
Inlet louvres
(through free area)
Maximum pressure drop

rates (per m run)
Ref
25 m/s
36
Low velocity systems

High velocity systems
1 Pa/m
8 Pa/m
36
36
Typical system resistances

(including air handling plant)
Low velocity supply

Low velocity extract
High velocity supply
900 Pa
400 Pa
1 5 2 kPa
36
36
36
Air leakage system loss (%)
Low pressure systems

Med. pressure systems
High pressure systems
6%
3%
2%
15
15
15
Fans
Electrical input (kW)
16 x total fan pressure

(kPa) x volume flow
rate (m3/s)
36
1C per kPa
36
Offices
Restaurants
Retail stores, halls, theatres
14 litres/s per m3
3 5 litres/s per m3
2 1 litres/s per m3
23
23
23
Total system volume

(system size, in litres)
Domestic systems
Commercial systems
6 x boiler size (kW)+10% 3

10 x boiler size (kW)+10% 3
Capacity per unit area of

radiator surface
Conventional system
1 litre/m2
36
Capacity per unit of power

produced (boilers, radiators)
Boilers
Aluminium, cast radiator
15 litres/kW
3 litres/kW
36
36
Temperature rise of air

Fan capacity of ventilated space
Class A
Class B
Class C
Total fan pressure
Heating systems
Approx. value
Approx. value
Table 1 continued
Design area
Pipework
Capacity per unit length of
of steel pipe
Application
Rule of thumb
Ref
E xtruded aluminium
Steel panel radiators
12 litres/kW
5 litres/kW
36
36
15 mm diameter pipe
20 mm diameter pipe
25 mm diameter pipe
32 mm diameter pipe
40 mm diameter pipe
025 litres/m
0 4 litres/m
0 6 litres/m
1 2 litres/m
1 5 litres/m
36
36
36
36
36
15 50 mm pipe dia.
Over 50 mm pipe dia.
075 1 5 m/s
1 25 3 m/s
36
36
Initial pressure
per 100 m pipe run
6%
36
Over 50 mm pipe dia.
100 300 Pa/m
16
Corrosive water
1 m/s
1 2 m/s
2 m/s max
36
36
36
Superheated steam
Saturated steam
Exhaust
40 60 m/s
30 40 m/s
20 30 m/s
36
36
36
49 litres/m2
36
Pressure (in kPa),

length (m)
036 x circuit length
36
Copper pipework
With steel pipework
Add 10% to water
36
Frost protection
Glycol concentration
30% of system vol.
16
Water velocity
Conventional systems
Steam pressure drop
Water pressure
Conventional systems
Water velocity (system)
Small bore
Microbore
Steam velocity
Capacity per unit of finned area
Finned tube coils
Pumps
Head pressure (pump head)
Water treatment
Additives required
23
Other information
24
When to use:
Where to use:
Watch out for:
Energy and carbon issues
When determining total building energy consumption

From briefing onwards through to design and operation (See also CIBSE TM22)
Change to the carbon conversion ratios which are continually being updated
TABLE 1: Energy conversions

Design area
Carbon dioxide emission
(Kg CO2/kWh delivery) by fuel
Application
Natural Gas
Oil
Electricity
Coal
Other information
Average
Carbon to CO2
Rule of thumb
Ref
019
0 25
0 46
0 30
1
1
1
1
kg
kg
kg
kg
CO2/kWh
CO2/kWh
CO2/kWh
CO2/kWh
Divide by 3 67
TABLE 2: Energy benchmarks (offices)

Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Naturally ventilated (cellular)

Type 1, simple relatively
small building, sometimes
converted residential,
100 3000 m2
Energy costs over

treated floor area (tfa)
Good practice
Typical
3.50 m2 tfa
6.00 m2 tfa
1
1
Gas or oil
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
79 kWh/m2
151 kWh/m2
1
1
Electricity
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
33 kWh/m2
54 kWh/m2
1
1
Good practice
Typical
4.50 m2 tfa
7.00 m2 tfa
1
1
Good practice
Typical
79 kWh/m2
151 kWh/m2
1
1
Good practice
Typical
54 kWh/m2
85 kWh/m2
1
1
Naturally ventilated (open plan) Energy costs over

Type 2, purpose-built, sometimes
treated floor area
converted industrial space, 500 m2
4000 m2
Gas or oil
(delivered)
Electricity
(delivered)
Table 2 continued
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Air conditioned (standard)

Type 3, purpose-built, speculative
often intensively used,
2000 8000 m2
Energy costs
Good practice
Typical
8.00 m2 tfa
14.00 m2 tfa
1
1
Gas or oil
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
97 kWh/m2
178 kWh/m2
1
1
Electricity
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
128 kWh/m2
226 kWh/m2
1
1
Energy costs
Good practice
Typical
13.00 m2 tfa
20.00 m2 tfa
1
1
Gas or oil
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
114 kWh/m2
210 kWh/m2
1
1
Electricity
(delivered)
Good practice
Typical
234 kWh/m2
358 kWh/m2
1
1
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Lighting benchmarks
Type 1
Good practice
Typical
12 W/m2
15 W/m2
1
1
Type 2
Good practice
Typical
12 W/m2
18 W/m2
1
1
Type 3
Good practice
Typical
12 W/m2
20 W/m2
1
1
Type 4
Good practice
Typical
12 W/m2
20 W/m2
1
1
Air conditioned (prestige)

Type 4, national or regional
head office, purpose-built to high
standards, intensively used and
extensive storage, parking and
leisure facilities, 4000 20 000 m2
TABLE 2: Lighting systems
25
26
When to use:
Where to use:
Watch out for:
Electrical systems
To determine electrical supply requirements in buildings

When assessing the connected capacity in terms of unit floor area
Allowances for expansion, particularly for on-floor communications rooms
TABLE 1: Electrical supplies and loads

Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Electrical supply
Electrical motors
Electrical motors
Above 3 kW rating
Up to and including
3 kW rating
3-phase supply
16
Direct on-line
starting
16
Assisted start
16
Lighting
10 12 W/m2
16
Small power
15 45 W/m2
16
Air conditioning
60 W/m2
35
Passenger lifts
10 W/m2
35
Electrical motors
Electrical services load

(per m2 of building floor area)
Total load (kVA)

Design allowance for future
expansion (%)
Above 4 kW rating
Small computer room
Net area
200 400 W/m2
16
Bespoke call centre
Net area
500 1000 W/m2
16
Total building load
Total kW/08
35
% increase in load
Add 25% to
existing capacity
35
Cost of m&e services by building type

When to use:
Where to use:
Watch out for:
Cost data
As a general guide to the outline services costs of specific building types

At the briefing stage onwards and during assessment of m&e tenders
Additions or amendments to the generic building type which might alter costs
TABLE 1: Capital and maintenance costs in /m2

Design area
Application
Factories
Owner occupied
For letting
Other information
1995 figure + 10%

(2001 adjustment)
Rule of thumb
Ref
64 161
34 78
25
32
Hospitals
District general
Private
393 556
415 654
25
25
Offices
For letting
Non air-conditioned
(Category A standard) Fully air-conditioned
170 190
280 410
25
25
Offices
Owner occupied)
Non air-conditioned
Fully air-conditioned
210 280
310 500
25
25
Civic
Fully air-conditioned
350 500
25
Residential housing
Local authority
Two-storey houses
Medium rise flats
71 97
96 126
25
25
Schools
Secondary
/middle schools
163 241
25
Universities
Arts buildings
Science buildings
212 268
213 395
25
25
Shopping centre
Department store
223 347
32
Warehouses
High bay
86 171
25
1995 figure + 10%

2001 adjustment)
Table 1 continued
27
28
Cost data
TABLE 2: Services costs per square metre as a percentage of total cost
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Arenas (indoor)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Lift installations
Other
Total cost
1999 data, gross

internal floor area
9%
12%
21%
1%
78%
100%
7
7
7
7
7
7
Call centres
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Lift installations
Other
Total cost
1999 data (gifa)
10%
17%
27%
1%
72%
100%
8
8
8
8
8
8
Cinemas: multiplex
(shell construction)
Mechanical
Electrical
Lift installations
Total m&e
Other
Total cost
2000 data (gifa)
1%
8%
6%
9%
85%
100%
13
13
13
13
13
13
Cinemas: multiplex
(cinema fit-out)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Lift installations
Other
Total cost
2000 data (gifa)
19%
13%
32%
0%
68%
100%
13
13
13
13
13
13
Table 2 continued
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Conference centres
Mechanical
Electrical
Lift installations
Other
Total m&e
Total cost
2000 data (m2 gifa)
8%
11%
3%
78%
19%
100%
5
5
5
5
5
5
Data/computer centres
Mechanical
Electrical
Lift installations
Other
Total m&e
Total cost
2001 data (per m2)
30%
61%
Not included
9%
91%
100%
14
14
14
14
14
14
Health & fitness centres
Mechanical
Electrical
Lift installations
Other
Total m&e
Total cost
1998 data (m2 gifa)
Offices: city
(shell & core only)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Lift installations
Other
Total cost
2000 data
(m2 gifa)
Offices: urban commercial

(category A standard fit-out)
Mechanical and
public health
Electrical
Total cost
1999 data
(per m2 nia)
13%
11%
1%
75%
24%
9
9
9
9
9
100%
46%
37%
83%
Not included
17%
100%
6
6
6
6
6
6
66%
34%
100%
12
12
12
Table 2 continued
29
30
Cost data
Design area
Application
Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Offices: out-of-town
commercial (shell & core)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Other
1999 data
(per m2 gifa)
57%
30%
87%
13%
11
11
11
11
Offices: out-of-town
commercial (category A
standard fit-out)
Mechanical &
public health
Electrical
1999 data
(per m2 nia)
78%
11
22%
11
Offices: urban commercial

(shell & core)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Other
1999 data
(per m2 gifa)
47%
32%
79%
21%
12
12
12
12
Supermarkets
(services fit-out)
Mechanical
Electrical
Total m&e
Other
2000 data
(per m2 gifa)
15%
31%
46%
54%
10
10
10
10
Ventilation
(capital costs)
Low velocity
High velocity
1995 figure + 10%

(2001 adjustment)
then 25%
67 113
71 119
33
33
TABLE 3: System capital and maintenance costs (/m2)

Other information
Rule of thumb
Ref
Air conditioning
(capital costs)
Unit air conditioners

All-air systems
Air/water system
1995 figure + 10%

(2001 adjustment)
then 25%
67 113
82 136
109 181
91 151
33
33
33
33
Air conditioning
(maintenance costs)
Unit air conditioners

All-air systems
Air/water system
1995 figure + 10%

(2001 adjustment)
then 25%
14 22
14 22
14 22
33
33
33
1995 figure + 10%

(2001 adjustment)
then 25%
148 248
33
Air conditioning
(average capital costs)
31
Application
Design area
32
References
Ref
Title
Publication
Year
Publisher
ISBN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Energy use in offices

Television studios, Section B2, page B2-14
Fry Technology (Fernox Manufacturers)
Best Practice in the specification for offices
Cost model: Conference Centres
Cost model: City Offices
Cost model: Indoor arenas
Cost model: Call Centres
Cost model: Health & fitness centres
Cost model: Supermarkets
Cost model: Out-of-town commercial offices
Cost model: Urban commercial offices
Cost data: Multiplex Cinemas
Cost model: Data/computer centres
DW/144 Specification for sheet metal ductwork. Part 8, Appendix A:
Air leakage from ductwork, system leakage loss
Industry Review - Rules of Thumb publication, May 2001
Space requirements for plant access, operation and maintenance:
Defence Works Functional Standard, Design and Maintenance Guide 08
- Section 4, Figure D4 Mechanical surface risers
- Section 4, Figure D10 Control Panels and Distribution Boards
- Section 5, Section 5.1 Central station plant, 5.1.1 LTHW boilers
Public health engineering, extract from Table 2.3
Recommended minimum storage of cold water for domestic purposes
for hot and cold outlets
Public health engineering, Extract from Table 2.11 Measured daily hot
water consumption in various types of commercial buildings
Energy efficiency in buildings,Table 9.1 Seasonal (boiler) efficiencies
Energy Consumption Guide 19

CIBSE Guide B
Fry Technology UK Ltd
BCO Guide 2000
Building 3 November 2000
Building 24th March 2000
Building 10th September 1999
Building 16th July 1999
Building 11th September 1998
Building Services Journal April 2000
Building Services Journal April 1999
Building Services Journal February 1999
Davis Langdon & Everest
Building Services Journal January 2001
2000
1986
2000
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
1998
2000
1999
1999
2000
2001
BRECSU
CIBSE
Fry Technology
British Council of Offices
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
The Builder Group
Davis Langdon & Everest
The Builder Group
0-9524131-2-4
0007-3318
0007-3318
ISSN 1365-5671
ISSN 1365-5671
ISSN 1365-5671
ISSN 1365-5671
ISSN 1365-5671
ISSN 1365-5671
Website
ISSN 1365-5671
Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association

Rules of Thumb Industry Review Committee
1998
2001
HVCA
BSRIA
0-903783-27-4
Not published
Defence Estate Organisation (Works), Mo D
1996
HMSO
0-11-772785-7
Defence Estate Organisation (Works), Mo D
1996
HMSO
0-11-772785-7
Defence Estate Organisation (Works), MoD
1996
HMSO
0-11-772785-7
CIBSE Guide G
1999
CIBSE
0-900953-87-X
CIBSE Guide G
1999
CIBSE
0-900953-87-X
CIBSE Guide G
CIBSE Guide F
1999
1998
CIBSE
CIBSE
0-900953-87-X
0-900953-861
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Ref
Title
Publication
Year
Publisher
ISBN
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Energy efficiency in buildings,Table 6.2 Basic fan capacity benchmarks

Energy efficiency in buildings,Table 7.1 Chiller plant capacity
Spons Mechanical and Electrical Services Price Book 2001
Space allocation for services,Table 2: floor space
Space allocation for services,Table 3: depth of ceiling space
Space allocation for services, Table 4: depth of floor space
Space allocation for plant rooms,Table 6: floor area
Space allocation for service ducts and shafts,Table 7
Space allocation for catering facilities, Table 9
Cost of M&E services by type of building and service, Table 10
System capital and maintenance costs,Table 11
Thermal Loads, Table 12
Electrical loads by type of load, Table 14
Sizing and operating characteristics of air system plant,Table 16
Design requirements or rules of thumb for air systems, Table 17
Guide to the accommodation and operating
environment for Information technology (IT) equipment
Facade Engineering: Fun with Facades
CIBSE Guide F
CIBSE Guide F
Rules of Thumb, 2nd Edition
1998
1998
2001
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
1995
CIBSE
CIBSE
Spon Press
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
BSRIA
0-900953-861
0-900953-861
0-415-24280-0
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
0-86022-4198
BS 7083, 1996
Building Services Journal, August 1997
1996
1997
BSI
The Builder Group
0-580-26705-9
ISSN 1365-5671
39
33

Rules of Thumb (3rd Edition)

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Rules of Thumb (3rd Edition)

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

TECHNICAL NOTE TN 15/2001

Rules of Thumb (UK 3rd edition)

1: Floor space allowance for services

Equipment and solar loads

TABLE 1: Sizing and operating characteristics of plant

Energy and carbon issues

TABLE 1: Energy conversions

TABLE 1: Electrical supplies and loads

TABLE 1: Capital and maintenance costs

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

ISBN 086022 587 9

Printed by The Chameleon Press Ltd

How to use this guide

What this guide will not do

Space and weight allowances

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

Air conditioning (excluding

Fan coil system

Electrical services (excluding

Lift motor rooms

Cooling towers and air-cooled

Your notes and comments

TABLE 2: Space allowances for plant rooms (floor area)

Air cooled condenser and

Air handling units

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

Oil tank room

Your notes and comments

For references see page 32

Space and weight allowances

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

Chillers (water cooled)

Chillers (air cooled)

Cold water storage

Single cold water tank

FA: Floor area

Cold water storage

Hotels, childrens home,

Your notes and comments

Cold water storage

FA: Floor area

Standby sets and

FA: Floor area

Single module system

FA: Floor area

Tank contents + 10%

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

Uninterruptible power supply

Your notes and comments

TABLE 3: Miscellaneous services

Control panels & distribution

Front panel controls, Fixing height range

LTHW boiler plant

Oil storage tanks,

For references see page 32

If tank fails, walls and

Your notes and comments

Space and weight allowances

Rules of Thumb BSRIA 2001

100 150 mm ( access) 16

Power and communications

Multi-core cables and

Power and data

For references see page 32