No — you must separate these into underground and above-ground sections. Each installation method has different cost drivers. Underground cables require trenching, backfilling, warning tape, protection, and sometimes ducts, whereas above-ground cables need brackets, trays, saddles, or conduits. Combining them into a single quantity would distort both the contractor’s tender pricing and the Engineer's ability to verify correct installation methods. Always itemise by the method of installation, not just by the cable size or type.

Yes. Non-standard accessories must be separately identified and measured under Fittings, Equipment, etc. Standard plastic faceplates are typically assumed under general descriptions. However, premium finishes like stainless steel, brass, or powder-coated components have distinct cost implications and are often supplied by specialist manufacturers. Omitting this information could result in pricing mismatches or claims later.

No. Lightning protection is a separate system from general earthing and must be measured as its own item. It involves dedicated components, specific installation techniques, and often stricter regulatory requirements. Don't confuse it with standard equipment earthing, which generally involves basic earth wires and earth bars. The BoQ must reflect the lightning protection system in full, typically under its own heading within Electrical Work.

Yes, they must be included. Any electrical outlets, whether mounted on building structures or within furniture like workstation screens, fall under Electrical Work. Only the screens themselves and associated carpentry or fixing are excluded unless specified otherwise. However, it's important to coordinate with the furniture supplier to confirm interface points, as this may affect both measurement and site work.

No, but you must still measure them under Electrical Work. Conduits embedded into slabs are always part of the electrical scope, even when coordinated closely with the concrete contractor. The forming of rebates, chases, or sleeves for larger cable runs may be measured separately under Concrete if applicable. The embedded conduit is always distinct from the concrete works themselves.

You must measure draw wires as a separate item if specified. While some may assume they are included in conduit supply and installation, the SSMBW requires them to be distinctly measured where intended for future use. This is especially important when the conduits are being installed without initial wiring, and future cable pulling is anticipated.

No. These fittings must be measured separately under Fittings, Equipment, etc. and clearly described as emergency fittings. They typically include internal battery packs, control gear, and special wiring (e.g., via essential circuits or UPS systems) which differ from ordinary lighting. Pricing, maintenance obligations, and statutory compliance requirements make it essential that these fittings are not lumped under general lighting.

The floor boxes, including power and data points, are measured under Electrical Work. However, any special supports, linings, or alterations to the access floor to accommodate them should be measured under Ceilings, Partitions, and Access Flooring. Be sure to clearly coordinate these items between trades to avoid disputes and confusion during installation.

No — this is a special requirement and must be separately described and measured. Basic labels may be deemed included, but engraved or permanently marked labels, especially those requiring compliance with asset registers or health & safety codes, need to be included in the BoQ description and priced accordingly.

Yes, if the base building works include provision for future services, these conduits (whether left empty or capped) are fully measured under the current contract’s Electrical Work. Only the future cabling, outlets, or final connections would be by others. Don’t confuse or omit this just because no cables are installed yet — the conduit installation is very much part of your current measurement.

No. The concrete bases, anchor bolts, and related excavation and backfilling are measured under Concrete or External Works, depending on the project structure. The electrical trade is only responsible for supplying and installing the poles, luminaires, associated cabling, and earthing. Ensure that coordination between the civil and electrical trades is clear, or you will end up with gaps and disputes.

No. Surface-mounted conduits and concealed conduits are treated as different items due to their very different installation techniques and appearances. Concealed conduits typically involve more coordination with the building structure and finishing trades, while surface-mounted conduits may require bends, saddles, and surface trunking. If the contractor proposes this change, it must be formally accepted by the principal agent and measured as a variation, ideally with new rates agreed.

No — fittings like bends, tees, junction boxes, reducers, and couplers are deemed included in the conduit measurement unless otherwise specified. The only exceptions might be for large proprietary or specialist junction boxes (e.g., IP-rated, explosion-proof) which, if specified, should be listed as separate items. Standard accessories are assumed to be included in the conduit system.

This is treated as Alterations, not as part of new Electrical Work. Modifying, adapting, or re-using existing services — whether cleaning, rewiring, or checking for compliance — must be measured under Alterations and not lumped into the Electrical Work section. The BoQ should clearly separate new work from work relating to existing installations to avoid disputes during final accounts.

Supports and fixings for busbars and cable trays are generally deemed included, but where special finishes (such as hot-dip galvanising, epoxy-coating, or stainless steel) are specified, you must clearly state this in the BoQ item description. The cost implication of non-standard supports is significant, and failing to describe them could result in tenderers pricing for standard off-the-shelf mild steel brackets.

On a recent project, the electrical engineer specified an integrated lightning protection system that connects into the main earthing grid. The protective system includes air terminals, down conductors, and test joints, but it uses the same earth termination system as the electrical installation.

Do I measure the lightning protection as a separate system, or can it be included with the earthing installation? The drawings treat them as one continuous system.

Lightning protection must be measured separately from the general electrical earthing installation, even if the two systems share an earth termination. The SSMBW requires each distinct system to be separately measured and clearly described.

While the shared earthing connection may be noted in the description for clarity, the lightning protection elements (e.g., air terminals, down conductors, test clamps) are functionally different from power supply earthing and must be itemised on their own. This ensures appropriate pricing, inspection, and compliance with SANS standards.

We are doing first-fix electrical installations in a commercial building where services are being chased into masonry walls before all internal partitions are finalized. The QS is asking us to measure installed conduits, but some may need relocation once the walls are moved.

Can we include provisional quantities for conduit or rerouting allowances? Or must all conduit be measured as fixed quantities?

In cases where conduits are installed ahead of final partition layouts, it is acceptable to allow for a provisional quantity or clearly describe the installation as being subject to rework or rerouting. The SSMBW supports the use of provisional items or flexible descriptions where site conditions or coordination require it.

To maintain BOQ accuracy and pricing fairness, the conduit quantities should reflect:

• Known, fixed conduit runs (measured as normal),
• Provisional quantities for anticipated rework or relocation (with a qualifying note).

Always consult with the Engineer to confirm areas of uncertainty, and include a clause in the preliminaries noting coordination responsibilities and contingencies.

We’re installing multiple low-voltage and data cables in shared cable trays running through risers and ceiling voids. Some cables are grouped in multi-core armoured sheaths, and others are run loose.

Do I measure each cable run individually, or can I group them by tray route? Also, should the tray be measured per run or as a combined element?

You cannot group cables by tray route for measurement purposes—only the tray can be grouped.

Each type of cable must be measured separately based on its function and specification, i.e., power, lighting, data, or security—even if they run in the same tray. The SSMBW treats each system as a distinct service.

However, the cable tray system itself should be measured once per route, and its size and material (e.g., perforated galvanised tray, trunking, etc.) should be clearly described. Support brackets and bends must be itemised where required. Be sure to specify cores and whether the installation is surface-mounted, concealed, or in ceiling voids.

Our design uses dual-function luminaires where emergency lighting is integrated into the same fittings used for general lighting. These are wired into the same circuit but with a battery backup and auto-changeover.

Do I measure these fittings under normal lighting or under emergency systems? Or do I need to duplicate the quantity in both?

In this case, the luminaires can be measured under Emergency Lighting, with a clear description that they serve both general and emergency functions. The dual-function nature should be included in the item description (e.g., 'Recessed LED light fitting with integrated battery backup for emergency operation').

The SSMBW requires that emergency lighting be measured and priced separately—even if shared with general lighting—due to its backup and compliance function. Do not duplicate quantities but do ensure that the electrical drawings and BOQ descriptions make the dual role clear for coordination purposes.