UDC 624(083.

75) SABS 1200 LF-1983

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED SPECIFICATION

for

CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

LF : ERF CONNECTIONS (WATER)

Approved by the Obtainable from the

COUNCIL OF THE SA BUREAU OF STANDARDS
SOUTH AFRICAN Private Bag X191
BUREAU OF STANDARDS Pretoria
on 8 June 1983 0001 Republic of South Africa

Telegrams : Comparator, Pretoria

Published and printed in the Republic of South Africa by the
South African Bureau of Standards

ISBN 0-626-06479-1 Gr5

 3 SABS 1200 LF-1983
Erf connections (water)

CONTENTS

C1 ause Page Number

1 . .................................................................... 5
SCOPE
2 .2.1 INTERPRETATIONS.......................................................... 5
Supporting Specifications ................................................
.............................................................. 5
Application
5
2.2
2.3 Definitions and Abbreviations ............................................
................................................................ 5
5
3. MATERIALS
3.1 Pipes. Fittings. and Couplings ........................................... 5
3.1.1 Copper pipes..............................................................
Galvanized iron pipes .................................................... 55
3.1.2
3.1.3 Malleable CI pipe fittings
Polyethylene pipes
...............................................
....................................................... 5
5
3.1.4
3.1.5 ............................................................... 5
upvc pipes
................................................................. 5
Ferrules
3.1.6
3.1.7 ..................................................................
Saddles
Stop Taps and Meters ..................................................... 5
6
3.2
3.2.1 ................................................................
Stop taps
................................................................... 66
Meters
3.2.2
'3.3 Alternative Materials for Pipes. Fittings. and Couplings ................. 6
3.4 ..................................................................
Bedding
Valve and Meter Chambers ................................................. 66
3.5
3.5.1 ...................................................................
Bricks
...................................................................
Mortar
6
6
3.5.2
3.5.3 Surface boxes............................................................
Markiligs and Marker Posts ................................................ 66
3.6
4. .................................................................... 6
PLANT
4.1 ..............................................................
Setting Out 6
4.2 ..................................................................
Testing
............................................................. 6
5. CONSTRUCTION 6
5.1 Trench Bottom............................................................
Laying from Main to Erf .................................................. 6
5.2
5.2.1 Access to properties in built-up areas ................................... 66
5.2.2 ..............................................................
Pipe laying 6
5.2.3 Service connections ...................................................... 6
5.2.4 Pipes of different materials ............................................. 77
................................................................
Brickwork
5.3
5.4 Connecting Points ........................................................ 7
5.4.1 Markings and marker posts ................................................ 7
5.4.2 Recording of locations ................................................... 7
5.5 Installation of Meters and Stop Taps .....................................
...................................................................
Meters
7
7
5.5.1
5.5.2 ................................................................ 7
Stop taps
5.6 Installation of Surface Boxes ............................................ 7
5.7 Commissioning of Meters and Maintenance
Commissioning
..................................
............................................................
8
8
5.7.1
5.7.2 Maintenance..............................................................
............................................................... 8
6. TOLERANCES 8
6.1 .................................................................. 8
General
6.2 Meter Readings........................................................... 8
7. ..................................................................
TESTING 8
7.1 ..................................................................
General
Action to be Taken During and After Testing .............................. 8
8
7.2
7.3 Meter Testing............................................................ 8
7.3.1 Manufacturer's test ......................................................
................................................................
Site test 8
8
7.3.2
8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT .................................................. 8
8.1 ..................................................................
General 8
8.2 Scheduled Items .......................................................... 8
APPENDIX A . APPLICABLE STANDARDS ..................................................... 9
 5 SABS 1200 LF-19R3
Krf connections (water)

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED SPECIFICATION
for
CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

LF : ERF CONNECTIONS (WATER)

1. SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the construction of connections from a water reticulation main to the
boundaries of (or other specified points on) individual erven. It covers the pipework, meters, and the
making of the connections.
NOTE
a) Sewer connections are covered by SABS 1200 LD.
b) The standards referred to in the specification are listed in Appendix A.

2. INTERPRETATIONS
2.1 SUPPORTING SPECIFICATIONS. Where this specification is required for a project, the following
specifications shall, inter alia, form part of the contract document:
a) Project specification;
b) SABS 1200 A or SABS 1200 AA, as applicable;
c) SABS 1200 D or SABS 1200 DA, as applicable;
d) SABS 1200 DB;
e) SABS 1200 L.

2.2 APPLICATION. This specification contains clauses that are of general application to the construction of
erf connections. Interpretations and variations of this specification are set out in Portion 2 of the
project specification which precedes this specification in a contract document.

2.3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS. For the purposes of this specification the definitions and abbreviations
given in the applicable of the specifications listed in 2.1 and the following definitions shall apply:
Ferrule. A short metal tube that is screwed or plugged into the wall of a pipe or into a saddle to form
a connection.
Leading connection (or service connection or erf connection). A short pipeline used for conveying water
from a reticulation main to a consumer's meter.
Saddle. A metal ring split into two semi-circular halves that are clamped round a pipe and used with a
ferrule to form a connection.
Stop tap (stop valve). A shut-off device installed in a pipeline to control the flow of water.

3. MATERIALS
3.1 PIPES, FITTINGS, AND COUPLINGS
3.1.1 Copper Pipes. Copper pipes shall comply with the relevant requirements of SABS 460, and fittings for
copper pipes shall be of corrosion-resistant brass. Couplings shall be of an approved loose cone type.
3.1.2 Galvanized Iron Pipes. Galvanized iron pipes and fittings shall comply with the relevant requirements of
SABS 62 for medium class pipes.
3.1.3 Malleable CI Pipe Fittings. Malleable CI pipe fittings shall comply with the relevant requirements of
SABS 509.
3.1.4 Polyethylene Pipes. Polyethylene pipes shall comply with the relevant requirements of SABS 533 for the
type and class scheduled or stated in the project specification. Couplings used to join polyethylene
pipes shall be of galvanized malleable iron and threaded.
3.1.5 UPVC Pipes. uPVC pipes and fittings shall comply with the relevant requirements of SABS 966 for, in the
case of pipes, the class scheduled or stated in the project specification and shall have suitable
approved flexible joints.
3.1.6 Ferrules. Ferrules shall be manufactured from leaded gunmetal and shall be of a standard pattern
a) screw-in type, or
b) plug-in type,
as scheduled.
The outlets of ferrules shall be such that they are compatible with the pipes used for the erf
connections.
3.1.7 Saddles. Unless saddles of any other style or material are scheduled or required in terms of the project
specification, each saddle shall
a) be of malleable or ductile iron with an ultimate tensile strength of 310 MPa,
b) be fitted with M16 bolts and nuts that have been bitumen dipped, and
c) have a boss of diameter 75 2 1,0 mm, and
1) for pipe diameters not exceeding 300 mm, of thickness 13 5 1,5 mm; and
2) for pipe diameters exceeding 300 mm, of thickness 16 2 1,5 mm.
SARS 1200 LF-1983 6
Erf cunnections (water)

3.2 STOP TAPS AND METERS

3.2.1 Stop Tapz. Stop taps shall be of screw-down pattern, clockwise closing, and shall comply with the
relevant requirements for Class 1 water taps of SARS 226. Each stop tap shall be fitted with a crutch
for hand operation.
3.2.2 Meters
3.2.2.1 General. Meters shall be of the type, size, and manufacture specified in the project specification. The
meters shall be suitable for installation in horizontal, vertical, or inclined pipelines without their
accuracy being affected, and shall be supplied with couplings suitable for connecting them to pipes of
the type and class specified in the project specification or scheduled.
3.2.2.2 Range of volume registration. Each meter shall, subject to the provisions of 6.2, be capable of
registering the volumes of water stated in the project specification under the conditions specified
in it.

3.3 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS VOR PIPES, FITTINGS, AND COUPLINGS. The Contractor shall use pipes and fittings of
the materials scheduled. Should he propose to use pipes and fittings of materials other than those
specified in 3.1 and 3.2.1, he shall submit for approval detailed specifications including details of the
types of couplings he proposes to use with such pipes and fittings. The Contractor shall not use pipes
or fittings of such other materials unless and until he has obtained written approval for their use from
the Engineer.

3.4 BEDDING. Bedding shall be a light sandy material.

3.5 VALVE AND METER CHAMBERS

3.5.1 Bricks. The requirements of Subclause 3.11.1 of SABS 1200 L shall apply.
3.5.2 Mortar. Mortar for brickwork and plasterwork shall be composed of 1 part of cement, 3 parts of sand, and
l/lOth part of lime, by volume.
3.5.3 Surface Boxes. Surface boxes and covers may be of CI or, provided that they conform to the relevant
shapes and internal dimensions given in SABS 558 or approved by the Engineer, of materials that comply
with the applicable requirements of Subclause 3.11.2 of SABS 1200 L. CI surface boxes shall comply with
the requirements of SABS 558 for the type given on the drawing or scheduled. All CI surface boxes shall
have been hot dipped in an acceptable bituminous or other approved compound before despatch from the
manufacturer's works.

3.6 MARKINGS AND MARKER POSTS. Markings and marker posts shall comply with the applicable requirements of
the project specification.

4. PLANT
4.1 SETTING OUT. The apparatus used for the line, level, and positional control of pipelaying shall he
accurate, sturdy, and in good operational condition. The Contractor may use any acceptable device for
such control.

4.2 TESTING. In addition to the pumps, gauges, storage tank, tools, pipes, fittings, specials, and bracing
necessary for the tests required in terms of 7.3.2, the Contractor shall provide all plugs for the
temporary stopping off of pipelines for the purpose of testing.

5.
5.1 TRENCH BOTTOM. The trench bottom shall be prepared as specified in SABS 1200 DB. Trenches shall be kept
sufficiently dry to allow proper and safe bedding, laying, and jointing of pipes and kept dry until the
pipeline has passed the required tests and construction of the selected fill blanket over the pipes has
been completed.

5.2 LAYING FROM MAIN TO ERF

5.2.1 Access to Properties in Built-Up Areas. Before commencing operations the Contractor shall deliver to the
owner or occupier, as appropriate, of each house or building, a printed notice provided by the Employer
informing the owner or occupier that any existing water supply may be interrupted at short notice. When
an erf connection is to be disconnected or shut off, the Contractor shall give reasonable warning to the
consumer, and should it be necessary to shut off the main supply, the Contractor shall make arrangements
in good time with the Employer.
Where any part of an erf connection is to be installed within the boundaries of an erf, the Contractor
shall arrange with the Employer to ensure that the Contractor's employees have access to private
properties at all reasonable hours for the purpose of installing each such erf connection, but shall
regulate his work in such a way as to cause the least inconvenience to consumers. The Contractor shall
endeavour to cause the least possible damage to private property and shall, after backfilling, make good
and maintain those portions of lawns, flower beds, driveways, and pathways (gravel, tar, paving, or
concrete), etc., that have been disturbed by his operations.
5.2.2 Pipe Laying. Pipes shall be laid and bedded as shown on the drawings, to straight lines and, as far as
possible, to uniform grades. All metal and other chips shall be removed from the inside of a pipe by
reaming after it has been cut or bent, or both, and each section of pipeline shall be flushed with water
until a13 sand, sediment, and other foreign matter have been removed.
5.2.3 Service Connections
5.2.3.1 General The first 2 m of a service connection shall be of flexible piping. tloles for ferrules shall be
drilled, not punched.
On pipes in which ferrules are intended to be fitted while the pipes are under pressure, an approved
special drilling and tapping machine shall be used.
Any connection showing leakage when tested under the test pressure specified for the water supply main
will be considered defective and the pipe length with the defective connection shall be replaced and
retested.by the Contractor at his own expense.
 7 SARS 1200 IJ--lI)t33
Erf connections (water)

5.2.3.2 AC pipes. Except where plug-in type (expanding) ferrules are scheduled, and except where the water main
is of Class 18 (CID) or Class C (COD) or better and has a wall thick enough for direct tapping, saddles
shall be used for service connections to AC pipes. The nominal diameter of ferrules used for direct
tappings in AC pipes shall not exceed 20 mm for pipes of nominal diameter 100 mm and 150 mm, and shall
not exceed 25 nun for pipes of nominal diameter greater than 150 nun.
A service connection to an AC pipeline may be made
a) at a joint by using
1) a long collar detachable joint, or
2) a CI detachable coupling that is longer than the standard sleeve and incorporates a platform with a
tapped hole to which a service connection can be attached,
or
b) on a pipe section at a position not less than 300 mm from the end of the pipe by one of the following
methods:
1) The pipe shall be drilled at the take-off point to a diameter greater than that of the threaded
portion of the ferrule. A suitable saddle complete with rubber washer having a hole that has been
clearly punched to the size of the ferrule beforehand, shall then be accurately centred over the hole,
and bolted round the pipe, the boss being drilled and tapped to the size required for the ferrule. A
ferrule of the appropriate size shall then be installed.
2) A saddle complete with rubber washer shall be bolted round the pipe at the take-off point. The hole
for the connection shall then be drilled and tapped through the saddle, washer, and pipe and a ferrule of
the appropriate size installed.
3 ) Where plug-in type ferrules for AC pipes are scheduled or specified in the project specification, the
pipe shall be drilled to the correct size, and a ferrule of the type and dimensions appropriate to the
wall thickness of the pipe shall then be installed in accordance with the ferrule manufacturer's
instructions.
In each method given in (b) (11, (21, and (3) above the ferrule shall be so installed that, when the
connection is tested in terms of 7.1, there is no sign of visible leakage.
5.2.3.3 CI pipes. On CI pipes a service connection shall be made by drilling and tapping the pipe at the
take-off point and then fitting a ferrule of the required size in the manner specified in 5.2.3.2 b(2).
5.2.3.4 Steel pipes. Where a service connection is required to be taken off a steel pipe, the Contractor shall
observe the special procedures specified in the project specification to ensure that any pipe lining or
coating is not damaged by the connection.
5.2.3.5 uPVC pipes. On uPVC pipes service connections shall be made using special saddles in strict accordance
with the method recommended by the pipe manufacturer. Pipes shall be cut in such a way that each cut end
is smooth and clean.
5.2.4 Pipes of Different Materials. Pipes and fittings of different materials shall be jointed only with
special adaptors recommended by the pipe manufacturer(s) and approved by the Engineer.

5.3 BRICKWORK. Except where a manhole is constructed to the relevant requirements of Subclause 5.8 of SARS
1200 L for a service connection to a major consumer or where surrounds of other materials are required in
terms of the contract, brickwork shall be so placed around each stop tap and meter as shown
diagrammatically on the drawings that
a) there is enough room for an operator to operate the stop tap easily;
b) the cover, if any, on the meter can be opened or removed to enable the meter to be read; and
c) the surrounding soil does not seep into the space required for operating the stop tap and reading the
meter.
Mortar shall be used between courses of bricks, and on the top to hold the frame of the surface box or
cover in place (see 5.6).

5.4 CONNECTING POINTS

5.4.1 Markings and Marker Posts. If so scheduled, markings or marker posts shall be placed to mark the
position of the end of each future pipe connection in the manner specified in the project specification.
5.4.2 Recording of Locations. In addition to placing any markings or marker posts required, the Contractor
shall record the following data in respect of each connection and, at the time of recording, shall make
the data available to the Engineer to enable him to check their accuracy:
a) The name of the street;
b) the number of the plot or erf;
c) the location measurements of the stop tap in relation to the nearest erf peg(s);
d) the position of the connection on the supply main relative to lateral erf boundaries and all such
other information as the Engineer may require;
e) the size of the connection.
On completion of the contract, or from time to time, as directed, the records shall be handed to the
Engineer.

5.5 INSTALLATION OF METERS AND STOP TAPS

5.5.1 Meters. Each meter shall be installed in the position shown on the drawings and in such a manner that
the meter can be removed easily after unscrewing the couplirigs and slightly springing the pipes apart.
Paint or joint compound shall be used so sparingly on threads as not to clog the working parts of the
meter or, alternatively, PTFE sealing tape shall be used at couplings. The inlet and outlet of each
meter shall be kept securely covered until the meter is installed.
Before being installed, each meter shall be blown through carefully in the direction of the arrow on the
meter to ensure that it works freely. The meter shall then be set in position with the arrow pointing in
the correct direction.
5.5.2 Stop Taps. Each stop tap shall be installed with the arrow on the body of the tap pointing in the
direction of flow.

5.6 INSTALLATION OF SURFACE BOXES. Each surface box shall be set according to the ground slope, clear of,
and in such a way as to afford adequate protection for the meter and stop tap. The inside of the box
shall be backfilled to the underside of the meter.
SAbS 1200 I F - 1 9 A 3 b
Lrf connections (water)

5.7 COMMISSIONING OF METERS AND MAINTENANCE

5.7.1 Commissioning. When turning on the water at each erf connection, the Contractor shall slowly expel all
air from the meter by opening the highest tap on the premises and then SLOWLY opening the stop tap. Any
damage traced to failure on the part of the Contractor to observe this precaution shall be made good by
the Contractor at his expense.
5.7.2 Maintenance. Until the expiry of the period of maintenance, the Contractor shall replace at his own
expense (except where a meter has been supplied by the Employer) all damaged or defective parts and shall
replace or repair and adjust, to the satisfaction of the Engineer, all meters delivered in a defective
condition, or that become defective under the conditions specified in the contract, or that do not
register within the limits of accuracy specified in 6.2.

6. TOLERANCES
6.1 GENERAL. The relevant terms of Subclauses 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 of SABS 1200 L shall apply.

6.2 METER READINGS. Each meter shall record to an accuracy of within 2 % over the range specified in the
project specification.

7. TESTING
7.1 GENERAL. The terms of Subclause 7.3 of SABS 1200 L shall apply, where relevant.

7.2 ACTION TO BE TAKEN DURING AND AFTER TESTING. The Contractor shall make good any defects that may be
found while the erf connection is under test. Thereafter the tests shall be repeated at his expense
until the connection complies with all the other relevant requirements of the specification.

7.3 METER TESTING

7.3.1 Manufacturer's Test. Except where a meter is supplied by the Employer, the Contractor shall ensure that
each meter has been tested by the manufacturer to twice the working pressure specified in the project
specification, and, if so requested by the Engineer, shall submit to him a certificate stating that each
meter supplied has successfully withstood the test pressure.
7.3.2 Site Test. The Engineer may order each meter to be tested on Site after installation to verify that the
meter has not been damaged during installation and to determine the accuracy of the readings. Such tests
shall be carried out by the Contractor under the direction of the Engineer using approved testing
equipment and methods specified in the project specification.

8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

8.1 GENERAL. The provisions for measurement and payment for excavation and backfilling given in SABS 1200 DB
shall apply. No extra payment will be made for bedding material. The relevant items for erf connections
will be scheduled in the section covering medium-pressure pipelines. The operations of supplying the
bedding material and placing it under, round, and over the top of the erf connection will be regarded as
part of the pipe-laying operation.

8.2 SCHEDULED ITEMS

8.2.1 Provide Erf Connections Complete (approximate length of a connection or drawing number
stated) .....................................................................................
Unit: No.
Where the materials to be excavated, the depth of cover over the water main and the erf connections, and
the lengths of the erf connections are reasonably consistent, separate items will be scheduled only for
connections and stop taps of different sizes and, if applicable, for meters of different sizes or types.
The rate shall cover the cost, as applicable, of providing the pipes, saddles, ferrules, stop taps,
meters, surface boxes, marker posts, and excavating, connecting to the water main, laying in light sandy
material, jointing, backfilling, testing, and completing the service connection.
8.2.2 Supply, Lay, and Test Erf Connections .......................................................
Unit: m
The length of erf connections will be measured on slopes overall as laid. No deductions will be made for
specials, stop taps, and meters. Separate items will be scheduled for erf connections of each diameter
and type.
The rate shall cover the cost of providing the pipes, saddles, and ferrules, connecting to the water
main, laying in light sandy material, jointing, and testing.
8.2.3 Extra-Over Item 8.2.2 for Specials (if any) .................................................
Separate items will be scheduled for each type and diameter of special.
Unit: NO.

The rates shall cover the cost of supplying, laying in light sandy material, jointing, and testing.
8.2.4 Supply and Install Meters Complete with Couplings ...........................................
Meters will be measured separately by number of each type and size.
Unit: NO.

The rates shall cover the cost of supplying all materials (including works tests) and of handling,
transporting, installing, jointing, cutting, commissioning, listing, and submitting a record of
installations to the Engineer.
8.2.5 Site Testing of Meters, when ordered (Provisional) ..........................................
The rate shall cover the cost of testing in terms of Subclause 7.3.2.
Unit: No.

8.2.6 Supply and Install Stop Taps Complete with Special Fittings .................................
Stop taps and special fittings will be measured separately by number of each type and size.
Unit: No.

The rates shall cover the cost of supplying all materials, handling, transporting, installing, jointing,
cutting, and commissioning.
8.2.7 Supply and Install Surface Boxes ............................................................
Unit: No.
Surface boxes will be measured separately by number of each type.
The rate shall cover the cost of supplying the surface box, bricks, and other materials and for
installing as shown on the drawings or as specified.
8.2.8 Markings or Marker Posts ....................................................................
Unit: No.
The rate shall cover the cost of painting identification marks or of manufacturing. installing, and
painting marker posts and, in both cases, the cost of listing and submitting a record of the
installations to the Engineer.
 9 SABS 1200 LF-1983
Erf connections (water)

APPENDIX A. APPLICABLE STANDARDS

Reference is made to the latest issues of the following standards:

SABS 62 Steel pipes and pipe fittings up to 150 mm nominal bore suitable for screwing to IS0 R7
pipe threads
SABS 226 Water taps (metallic)
SABS 460 Copper and copper alloy tubing
SABS 509 Malleable cast-iron pipe fittings
SABS 533 Black polyethylene pipes for the conveyance of liquids
SABS 550 Cast iron surface boxes and manhole and inspection covers and frames
SABS 966 Components of unplasticized polyvinylchloride (upVC) pressure pipe systems
SABS 1200 A Civil engineering construction : General
SABS 1200 AA Civil engineering construction : General (small works)
SABS 1200 D Civil engineering construction : Earthworks
SABS 1200 DA Civil engineering construction : Earthworks (small works)
SABS 1200 DB Civil engineering construction : Earthworks (pipe trenches)
SABS 1200 L Civil engineering construction : Medium-pressure pipelines
SABS 1200 LD Civil engineering construction : Sewers

ISBN 0-626-06479-1

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