Distribution Construction Standards

The Austin Energy Distribution Construction Standards (DCS) Manual displays the acceptable construction assemblies that have been approved by the Austin Energy Distribution Material Standards Committee for distribution construction. Exceptions not covered in the DCS are due to maintenance and special situations. The downtown Network Construction Standards are also not covered in the DCS.

How to Read the Distribution Construction Standards Manual

The DCS is arranged in numerical order of a combination of the Compatible Unit Reference (CU-REF) numbers and Macro Unit Reference (MU-REF) numbers.

The DCS also contains drawings that show the actual representation of each method of construction.

• Some drawings have reference tables for span length and angle parameters.
• The tables reference which MU to use with a particular span length or angle.

The DCS is made up of two different but related categories: CU and MU.

• A CU consists of one stock item to several stock items which form a small assembly.
• An MU is a large assembly that is made up of CUs.
• CU-REF numbers and the MU-REF numbers relate to a particular drawing number or page number making CU's and MUs easier to find in the manual.
• The CU-REF numbers and the MU-REF number are also listed on each drawing.
  • A CU includes a generalized drawing of a part or small assembly.
  • An MU is a collection of multiple CUs.

Distribution Construction Standards

The following specifications are available for download. Please contact us if you have questions or need additional assistance.

• 1 – Introduction (pdf)
• 1098 – Engineering Notes (pdf)
• 1099 – Signage (pdf)
• 1118 – Distribution Poles (pdf)
• 1119 – Pole Grounding (pdf)
• 1120 – Hardware (pdf)
• 1122 – 1PH Framing (pdf)
• 1123 – 3PH Narrow Profile Framing (pdf)
• 1124 – 3PH Self-Supporting Framing (pdf)
• 1125 – 3PH Xarm Framing 8 ft (pdf)
• 1126 – 3PH Vertical Framing (pdf)
• 1133 – 3PH – Xarm Framing 10 ft (pdf)
• 1135 – 3PH Xarm Underbuild Framing 12 ft (pdf)
• 1142 – 3PH Np Double Circuit Framing (pdf)
• 1143 – 3PH Xarm Double Circuit Framing (pdf)
• 1163 – Guying (pdf)
• 1169 – Anchoring (pdf)
• 1200 – Conductor And Hardware (pdf)
• 1208 – Conductor (pdf)
• 1240 – Conductor Hardware (pdf)
• 1245 – Overhead And Underground Connectors (pdf)
• 1315 – Overhead Transformers (pdf)
• 1349 – Capacitors (pdf)
• 1352 – Voltage Regulators (pdf)
• 1353 – Reclosers (pdf)
• 1360 – Risers: Primary And Secondary (pdf)
• 1368 – Cutouts (pdf)
• 1370 – 900 Amp Switches And Assemblies (pdf)
• 1410 – Duct Banks (pdf)
• 1418 – Conduit (pdf)
• 1419 – Trenching (pdf)
• 1438 – Pads (pdf)
• 1448 – Pull Boxes (pdf)
• 1458 – Manholes (pdf)
• 1488 – Underground Structure Grounding (pdf)
• 1488 – Underground Structures Grounding (pdf)
• 1502 – Underground Hardware (pdf)
• 1510 – Transformer Pad – Mount (pdf)
• 1542 – Sectionalizing Cabinet (pdf)
• 1561 – Switchgears (pdf)
• 1568 – Primary Metering Station (pdf)
• 1900 – Streetlights, Overhead (pdf)
• 1910 – Streetlights, Underground (pdf)
• 1920 – Streetlights, Decorative (pdf)
• 1930 – Streetlights, Shoebox (pdf)
• 1940 – Streetlights, Maintenance (pdf)
• 1950 – Streetlights, Decorative Maintenance (pdf)
• 1960 – Streetlights, Shoebox Maintenance (pdf)
• 2000 – Small Cell Pole Attachments (pdf)

Contact Us

If you have questions about our design criteria, purchasing specifications, or construction standards, contact one of our offices of Distribution Engineering listed below.

AE Distribution Standards
Email: AE Distribution Standards
512-505-7500

AE Design South - St. Elmo Service Center
4411-B Meinardus Drive (South of 969/MLK/Windsor Rd.)
512-505-7682

AE Design North - Kramer Lane Service Center
2412 Kramer Lane, Bldg. C (North of 969/MLK/Windsor Rd.)
512-505-7181

AE Network Design - Downtown
4411-B Meinardus Drive
512-505-7682

If you are unsure which Design office to contact, view the Austin Energy Service Territory Map (pdf) to determine which office supports your service area.

For payment assistance with the AB+C portal, please visit City of Austin Contractor and Trade Permits.