11-01-22

SECTION 26 05 39
UNDERFLOOR RACEWAYS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between //----//

if not applicable to project. Also, delete
any other item or paragraph not applicable
to the section and renumber the
paragraphs.

This section is for underfloor raceway for

general applications. For radiology
applications, refer to Section 26 05
36.26, WIREWAYS FOR RADIOLOGY EQUIPMENT.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, installation, and connection of
the underfloor raceways to form a complete, coordinated, grounded
raceway system.
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS:
Requirements that apply to all sections of Division 26.
B. Section 26 05 19, LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL POWER CONDUCTORS AND CABLES:
Low-voltage conductors.
C. Section 26 05 26, GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Requirements for personnel safety and to provide a low impedance path to
ground for possible ground fault currents.
D. Section 26 27 26, WIRING DEVICES: Wiring devices installed as part of
the underfloor raceway system.
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Quality Assurance shall be in accordance with Paragraph, QUALIFICATIONS
(PRODUCTS AND SERVICES) in Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with Paragraph, SUBMITTALS in Section 26 05 11,
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, and the following
requirements:
1. Shop Drawings:
a. Submit sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with
drawings and specifications.
b. Provide plan drawings, section drawings, and details.

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c. Identify components and accessories such as expansion-joint

assemblies, straight raceway lengths, inserts, junction boxes, and
service fittings.
d. Provide dimensions locating raceway components. Include spacing
between preset inserts and between preset inserts and ends of
raceway runs, walls, and columns.
e. Show connections between raceways and adjacent structural and
architectural elements including slab reinforcement, floor finish
work, permanent partitions, and pre-tensioning or post-tensioning
components.
f. Indicate height of preset inserts, junction boxes, and raceways
coordinated with depth of concrete slab.
g. Indicate required floor slab thickness for encasement of raceways.
h. Show details of connections of underfloor raceways to conduits.
2. Manuals:
a. Submit, simultaneously with the shop drawings, companion copies of
complete maintenance and operating manuals, including technical
data sheets and information for ordering replacement parts.
b. Manuals shall include information on locating and installing
preset and afterset inserts.
c. If changes have been made to the maintenance and operating manuals
originally submitted, submit updated maintenance and operating
manuals two weeks prior to the final inspection.
3. As-built Drawings:
a. Deliver drawings to the //Resident Engineer// //COTR// showing the
exact location of all underfloor ducts and junction boxes
dimensioned from the centerline of building columns.
b. Show the location and circuiting of all power outlet fittings.
c. Show the location of all telecommunications fittings.
4. Certifications: Two weeks prior to final inspection, submit the
following.
a. Certification by the manufacturer that the underfloor raceways
conform to the requirements of the drawings and specifications.
b. Certification by the Contractor that the underfloor raceways have
been properly installed and adjusted.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,
supplements, and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent

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referenced. Publications are referenced in the text by the basic

designation only.
B. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70-23...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
C. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
884-16..................Underfloor Raceways and Fittings
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between // ---- /
/ if not applicable to project. Also
delete any other item or paragraph not
applicable to the section and renumber the
paragraphs.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 RACEWAYS
A. Raceways shall comply with NFPA, UL, and as shown on the drawings.
B. Raceways:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Specify the physical
size of the underfloor raceway.

1. The raceway shall have minimum outside dimensions of //79 mm x 32 mm

(3-1/8 inches x 1-1/4 inches)// //165 mm x 38 mm (6-1/2 inches x 1-
1/2 inches) // // //.
2. Preset inserts shall be spaced 600 mm (24 inches) on centers and
shall not be less than 58 mm (2-1/4 inches) in diameter.
3. Raceways shall not be less than No. 16 gauge steel, continuously
welded, with corrosion resistant coating, inside and outside.
4. Raceway covers shall be minimum 6mm (1/4 inch) thick steel, with
//tile// //carpet// trim.
5. Shall have rounded corners.
6. Raceways shall have vertical 90 degree elbows as required.
7. Raceways shall have horizontal 90 degree and 45 degree elbows and
tees as required.
8. Raceways shall have all fittings and accessories for a complete
installation, such as adjustable supports, connectors, end closures,
panel risers, covers, tile and carpet trims, etc.
9. Power and telecommunications raceways shall be separate.
10. Raceways shall provide a 50 mm (2 inch) minimum bending radius for
telecommunication cables.
C. Junction Boxes:
1. Shall be cast metal or formed steel, with corner conduit adapters.

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2. Each box shall have four screws for adjustment and leveling after
installation.
3. Boxes shall have adjustable covers.
4. Coverplates shall be removable and the proper depth for and
coordinated with the floor coverings and finishes.
D. Service fittings:
1. Shall be the low compact type, satin-finished aluminum.
2. Power outlets shall have receptacles as indicated and as specified in
Section 26 27 26, WIRING DEVICES.
3. Telecommunications outlets shall have dimensions which are
approximately the same as the power outlets. Data, telephone and
other telecommunications jacks shall be as required by the applicable
specifications.
4. Include mounting, hinged cover, and trim to support and provide
access to connector, jack, or receptacle devices mounted flush with
floor within insert.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between // ---- /
/ if not applicable to project. Also
delete any other item or paragraph not
applicable to the section and renumber the
paragraphs.

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Installation shall be in accordance with the NEC, manufacturers
recommendations, and as shown on the drawings.
B. Connect the raceways, boxes, and fittings so they are mechanically firm,
electrically continuous, and watertight.
C. Align, level, and make the raceways parallel to or at right angles with
the building walls.
D. Level raceways with floor slab, including height adjustments for floor
finishes.
E. Raceways shall be free from burrs, sharp edges, dents and other defects.
F. Cap or plug unused openings with standard fittings.
G. Fasten the junction boxes firmly in place to prevent their movement
during pouring of the slabs.
H. Raceway systems shall be supported at not more than 1500 mm (five feet)
on centers.

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I. Specific methods of installing the raceways shall be demonstrated to and

approved by the //Resident Engineer// //COTR// prior to performing the
installation.
J. Branch circuit wiring shall be the same as that specified for wet
locations in Section 26 05 19, LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL POWER CONDUCTORS
AND CABLES.
K. Ground raceway system.
L. Seal the raceway system, and prevent water, concrete, or other materials
from entering the raceway system during floor construction.
M. Protect underfloor raceway system from damage. Do not use the installed
raceway system as working platforms or walkways. Do not allow equipment
or heavy traffic over raceway during construction without first
installing ramps over the raceway. Ramps shall be designed so that
imposed loads are not transferred to the duct. Components of the system
which are damaged during construction shall be replaced.
N. Provide expansion fittings with suitable bonding jumper where raceway
crosses building expansion joints.
O. Install junction box tops flush and level with finished floor. Install
blank closure plates or plugs to close unused junction box openings.
Grout boxes in place to prevent movement during construction. Place top
covers in inverted position during construction to prevent damage to
surface of cover. Reinstall covers in proper position prior to final
acceptance of work.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE CHECKS AND TESTS
A. Perform manufacturer’s required field checks in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. In addition, include the following:
1. Visual Inspection and Tests:
a. Inspect physical and electrical condition.
b. Vacuum-clean raceway interior.
c. Wipe clean raceway exterior.
3.3 FOLLOW-UP VERIFICATION
A. Upon completion of acceptance checks, the Contractor shall show by
demonstration in service that the raceway is in good operating condition
and properly performing the intended functions.
---END---

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