In electrical and mechanical installation projects, thousands of items of equipment and cables are tagged one by one. These tags stay the same from the drawing to the list and from the list to the commissioning record, and they ensure the traceability of the system. Touching the tags in translation is equivalent to breaking the map of the system.
The tag numbering system
Every item of equipment and every cable is identified by a tag number, and the number is shared across the documents. Tags are not translated and their format is not changed. The numbering logic is specific to the project.
The single-line diagram
The logic of electrical distribution is shown in a single diagram, and this diagram is the reference for the other documents. The labels inside the diagram are part of the image. They are translated in a separate list.
Cable schedules
Where each cable runs from and to, its cross-section and its type are in the schedule. The schedule is preserved with its column structure. Cross-section values are carried over with their units.
Panel layout drawings
The layout inside a panel is shown in separate drawings and defines the positions of the components. The component tags match the diagram. The match is verified.
Material lists
The materials to be used are listed by brand, model and quantity. Brand and model names are not translated. Quantity units are not mixed up.
Technical specification items
The specification defines the minimum requirements for each item of equipment and is the basis of bid evaluation. Requirement statements are written in definite language. That definiteness is preserved in translation.
Load calculations
Electrical load calculations are presented as tables, and the totals determine the choice of capacity. Totals are not recalculated. The values are carried over.
Mechanical calculation reports
Heating, cooling and ventilation calculations are made by their own methods and reported. Method names are technical terms. Their equivalents are chosen consistently.
Equipment data sheets
The manufacturer's data sheet for every item of equipment is in the file, and most are already in a foreign language. The scope is determined at the start of the job. Unnecessary translation is avoided.
Commissioning records
The system is tested before it is handed over, and every test is put on record. The record forms are filled in field by field. Empty fields are indicated.
Test forms
Insulation resistance, earthing and pressure tests are documented on their own forms. The measured values and the acceptance limits stand side by side. The two columns are not mixed up.
Earthing measurements
Earthing resistance measurements have safety consequences, and their values are a critical field. The measurement conditions are given with them. The values are verified separately.
Labelling and marking
If the label text used on site is to be translated, it is listed separately and the space constraint is taken into account. Abbreviations are made consistently. The list is provided on delivery.
Operation and maintenance manuals
The manuals supplied at handover are aimed at the end user and their language is plain. Safety warnings are set texts. The warnings are carried over in full.
Spare parts lists
Spare parts lists are given with manufacturer codes, and the codes are not translated. Part names are translated. The two fields are handled separately.
Warranty scope
The warranty period and scope are defined in a separate document, which contains the exclusions. Exclusion wording is translated with care. Sentences that narrow the scope are not skipped.
As-built drawings
The drawings updated after construction show the actual state and differ from the design drawings. Which set was translated is stated. The two sets are not mixed up.
The costliest mistake in this sector
A change in the format of a tag number makes it impossible to find that item of equipment in the other documents. The map of the system breaks, and the equipment cannot be found when a fault occurs. Tags are not edited under any circumstances.