SS 576 : 2012

(ICS 29.060; 93.020)

SINGAPORE STANDARD

Code of practice for earthworks in the

vicinity of electricity cables

Published by
SS 576 : 2012
(ICS 29.060; 93.020)

SINGAPORE STANDARD
Code of practice for earthworks in the vicinity of
electricity cables

ISBN 978-981-4353-37-3
SS 576 : 2012

This Singapore Standard was approved by the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee on
behalf of the Singapore Standards Council on 24 August 2012.

First published, 2012

The Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee appointed by the Standards Council consists of
the following members:

Name Capacity

Chairman : Er. Peter Leong Weng Kwai Member, Standards Council

Deputy
Chairman : Er. Tan Hak Khoon Energy Market Authority
Secretary : Mr Lee Toon Huat SPRING Singapore
Members : Prof Choi San Shing Nanyang Technological University
Mr Chong Weng Hoe TUV SUD PSB Pte Ltd
Dr Chua Sze Wey A*STAR
Mr Chuah Lye Heen Singapore International Chamber of Commerce
Mr Kwek Chin Hin National Environment Agency
Mr K Seshadri Individual Capacity
Prof Liew Ah Choy National University of Singapore
Er. Lim Ah Hee Housing & Development Board
Er. Lim Say Leong Singapore Business Federation
Er. Ling Shiang Yun Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Er. Kenneth Liu Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Mr Ng Kin Ming Singapore Electrical Contractors and Licensed
Electrical Workers Association
Mr Ong Seng Wei SP PowerGrid Ltd
Er. Ong Ser Huan Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Mr Sim Geok Seng SPRING Singapore
Mr Sim Wee Meng Land Transport Authority
Mr Tan Boon Chong Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation
Mr Alfred Tan Lai Seng Singapore Electrical Trades Association
Mr Teo Orh Hai Building and Construction Authority
Er. Peter Toi Boon Bin Individual Capacity

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 SS 576 : 2012

The Technical Committee on Earthworks in the Vicinity of Electricity Cables appointed by the
Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee and responsible for the preparation of this standard
consists of representatives from the following organisations:

Name Capacity

Chairman : Mr Ng Nam Wah Individual Capacity

Deputy
Chairman : Mr Joseph Michael Energy Market Authority
Secretary : Mr Lee Toon Huat SPRING Singapore
Members : Er. Chai Ng Fook Housing & Development Board
Er. Chan Heng Lim Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore
Mr Chiang Heung Chin Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Mr Kwan Kin Heng Jurong Town Corporation
Mr Leong Kum Seng SP PowerGrid Ltd
Mr Lim Kian Peng Land Transport Authority
Mr Quek Hong Peng Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Ms Sia Ai Ling Ministry of Manpower
Mr Tony Soh Chiow Kwee PUB, the National Water Agency
Mr Simon Soh See Khan Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Mr Tan Chiow Choon Real Estate Developers' Association of
Singapore
Mr Tan Huay San Infocomm Development Authority
Mr Daniel Wu PUB, the National Water Agency

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SS 576 : 2012

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 SS 576 : 2012

Contents
Page

Foreword 6

CLAUSES

0 Introduction 7
1 Scope 7
2 Normative references 7
3 Definitions 7
4 The dangers associated with damage to underground cables 10
5 Responsibilities of stakeholders 11
6 Cable detection work 16
7 Protection of cables and diversion 19
8 Construction activities in the vicinity of electricity cables 21
9 Risk management 24

ANNEXES

A Relevant sections of the Electricity Act 26

B General information on electricity licensees, network voltages and cable types 27
C Forms 30
D Cable detection methods 36
E Cross-sectional views of existing underground cables 39

TABLES

1 Works below ground level in the vicinity of underground cables 10

2 Typical SPPA cable types, colours, outer diameters and buried depths at various
network voltages 28

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SS 576 : 2012

Foreword
This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Earthworks in the Vicinity of
Electricity Cables under the purview of the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee. This is a
new Singapore Standard developed to serve as a guide to best practice for earthworks activities near
underground electricity cables to reduce the possibility of cable damages. The intent of the standard
is to minimise the number of damages to electricity cables caused by earthworks undertaken by
Contractors.

This standard would apply to all forms of earthworks carried out in the vicinity of underground
electricity cables. In addition to specifying an effective cable damage prevention system of work, the
standard would provide practical preventive measures to avoid damages to cables in different
situations, including works that involve excavation e.g. construction of buildings, roads, viaducts,
flyovers and sewers; laying of pipes and cables; soil investigation works; boring, dredging, jacking and
piling; and sinking of earth rods. The adoption and implementation of this standard are aimed at
lowering the number of cable damage incidents causing power outages and/or voltage dips, which
could adversely affect electricity consumers.

In preparing this Singapore Standard, reference was made to the following publications:

1. Code of practice on working near electricity supply lines, 2005 Edition, Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

2. Electricity Act.

3. Learner’s Guide, WSQ Detect & Locate Underground Power Cables, SP PowerGrid Limited.

Acknowledgement is made to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and SP PowerGrid Limited
for the use of their materials. We also acknowledge the Cable Detection Association for their
contributions.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Singapore Standard may be the
subject of patent rights. Enterprise Singapore shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all of
such patent rights.

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 SS 576 : 2012

Code of practice for earthworks in the vicinity of electricity cables

0 Introduction
Damage to electricity supply cables can cause electrical accidents and electricity supply interruptions.
Fatal accidents and serious injuries have occurred during excavation close to underground electricity
cables. In addition, damage may also cause an electricity supply interruption that could potentially
affect thousands of homes and businesses.

This Code outlines the dangers that can arise from works near underground electricity cables and
gives guidance on how to reduce the risk. It deals specifically with risks to persons carrying out works
and the necessary precautions needed to reduce the risk of accidents due to damage and unsafe
practices.

1 Scope
This Standard applies to all works carried out in the worksite or in its vicinity where underground
cables may be found. In addition to a safe system of work, it provides practical safety precautions to
avoid damage to electricity supply cables in different situations, including works that involve
excavation, ground penetration and earth moving operations by heavy machinery.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.

Electricity Act

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