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MEP Design

The evolution of the contemporary construction sector is deeply connected to the quality of systems integrated into structures. MEP Design (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Design) constitutes a crucial element for ensuring security, sustainability and operational efficiency in any building. Recent European regulations have raised required quality standards, imposing an increasingly specialized and innovative approach. The energy transition and new digital technologies are redefining design paradigms, creating a constantly evolving landscape.

MEP Design: Multidisciplinary Approach and Technological Innovation

The MEP Design requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates different technical expertise and advanced technologies. Current regulations and the need for sustainable solutions demand a comprehensive vision that also includes structural design as a complementary and essential element.

The use of BIM software enables creation of detailed three-dimensional models that visualize the integration between systems and structures, identifying clashes before the construction phase and optimizing every design solution.

L’Technological innovation has transformed the sector by introducing state-of-the-art instrumentation for field analysis, energy simulations, and consumption optimization. This integrated approach guarantees excellent results in technical, economic, and environmental sustainability terms.

MEP Project: Operating Methodology and Quality Assurance

Creating a quality MEP Design requires a rigorous operating methodology that follows well-defined phases. Analysis of client needs and operational context generates a pathway ensuring optimal results while respecting regulations and timelines. Fire prevention activities are integrated from the initial phases to ensure compliance and safety.

Here's why you should trust 3i group:

Established experience: Over 40 years of activity guarantee deep knowledge of regulations and best design practices.
Multidisciplinary team: Professionals specialized in various technical fields collaborate to offer integrated and comprehensive solutions.
Continuous updates: Ongoing training on the most recent industry regulations and technologies.
Personalized approach: Each project is developed based on specific client needs, with tailored solutions.
Complete supervision: From initial site inspection to final testing, the process is constantly monitored.

Electrical Systems Design: Energy Efficiency and Customized Solutions

The MEP Design for modern electrical systems focuses on consumption optimization and environmental sustainability.Business energy efficiency is a priority objective, pursued through innovative technologies and renewable sources that enable significant reductions in operating costs.

Each project is customized based on specific client needs and building characteristics, ensuring optimal solutions for every application context.

Below are the main activities of the 3i group department:

Thermal and Mechanical Systems Design: Tailor-Made Solutions for Every Need

The PThermal and mechanical systems design requires specialized expertise and advanced tools to meet efficiency and sustainability requirements. Instrumental Surveys are therefore a fundamental phase for acquiring precise data on which to base design choices.

The solutions developed are always customized based on specific context and client needs, ensuring optimal performance and energy savings in every application, both residential and industrial.

1. Lightning risk assessment and design of lightning protection systems

The documentation reports the relevant calculations and highlights the particularities of the protection systems in compliance with European standards CEI EN 62305-1-2-3-4, for the purpose of evaluating the lightning risk to be included in the Risk Assessment Document:

– CEI EN 62305-1 “Protection against lightning. Part 1: General principles” – February 2013;

– IEC EN 62305-2 “Protection against lightning. Part 2: Risk assessment” – February 2013;

– CEI EN 62305-3 “Protection against lightning. Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life hazard” – February 2013;

– CEI EN 62305-4 “Protection against lightning. Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems within structures” – February 2013;

– CEI 81-29 “Guidelines for the application of CEI EN 62305 standards” – May 2020;

– CEI EN IEC 62858 “Lightning flash density. Lightning location systems (LLS) – General principles” – May 2020.

2. Design of electrical systems for power distribution and lighting

Electrical system design according to the technical indications of DM 37/08 and based on the dictates of specific CEI and UNI standards:

D.M. 01/22/2008 n. 37 “Regulations concerning the implementation of Article 11-quaterdecies, paragraph 13, letter a) of Law 248 of December 2, 2005, concerning the reorganization of provisions on plant installation activities within buildings”
D.P.R. 22/10/2001 n. 462 “Regulation simplifying the procedure for the notification of installations and protective devices against atmospheric discharges, grounding devices for electrical systems, and hazardous electrical systems.”
Legislative Decree of April 9, 2008, No. 81, “Consolidated text on safety.”
64-8 “Electrical installations of consumers for nominal voltages not exceeding 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC”

The service consists of the following activities:

Survey of existing utility features
Technical Report for Electrical / Technological Systems Project
Construction and dimensional drawings
Low-voltage electrical diagrams

3. Lighting design and verification

UNI EN 2013 1838 Application of lighting. Emergency lighting”

UNI 2013 11222 “Light and lighting – Emergency lighting systems in buildings – Procedures for periodic verification, maintenance, overhaul, and testing”
UNI 2016 11248 “Street lighting – Selection of lighting categories”
UNI EN 2021 12464-1 “Light and lighting – Lighting of work places – Part 1: Indoor workplaces”
UNI EN 2017 12464-2 “Light and lighting – Lighting of work places – Part 1: Outdoor work places”
34-22 – vari “Lighting equipment Part 2-22: Particular requirements – Emergency lighting equipment
64-7 Outdoor lighting systems
CEI EN 50171 2022 Centralized power supply systems (EMERGENCY LIGHTING)
CEI EN 50172 2006 “Emergency lighting systems”

4. Classification of explosion hazard areas

31-33 “Explosive atmospheres. Part 14: Electrical apparatus design, selection and installation”. (CEI EN 60079-14)
31-34 2015 Explosive Atmospheres. Part 17: Electrical Installations Inspection and Maintenance. (CEI EN 60079-17)
31-35/AB 2012 Explosive atmospheres – Guidance for the classification of areas where explosive atmospheres may be present due to gases in application of Standard CEI EN 60079-10-1 (CEI 31-87)
31-72 2017 Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible or toxic gases or vapours, or oxygen – Functional safety requirements for gas detection systems
31-85 2017 Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-1: Inflammable gas detectors – General and performance requirements
31-86 2016 Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-2: Flammable gas detectors – Selection, installation, use and maintenance of flammable gas detectors and oxygen detectors
31-87 2021 “Explosive atmospheres. Part 10-1: Classification of locations. Explosive atmospheres due to the presence of gas”
31-88 2016 “Explosive atmospheres. Part 10-2: Classification of locations. Explosive atmospheres due to combustible dust”
31-108 2016 Explosive Atmospheres
Guide to the design, selection, and installation of electrical equipment in accordance with Standard CEI EN 60079-14 (CEI 31-33)

5. Design of Sound Diffusion and Guided Evacuation Systems

EN 54-16
EN 54-24

6. Site electrical system design

Guide to the execution of electrical installations on construction sites – CEI 64-17

7. Intrusion Detection and CCTV System Design

CEI EN 62676-41 standard – requirements and recommendations for the selection, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of video surveillance systems for security applications.

8. Declaration of conformity

Drafting of the aforementioned document, including the planned attachments, pursuant to DM 37/08, in order to remedy the lack and/or absence of design and certification documentation required for existing systems installed between the date of the entry into force of DPR 447/91 and 03/27/2008 (simultaneous birth of DM 37/08).

D.M. 01/22/2008 n. 37 “Regulations concerning the implementation of Article 11-quaterdecies, paragraph 13, letter a) of Law 248 of December 2, 2005, concerning the reorganization of provisions on plant installation activities within buildings”

D.P.R. 22/10/2001 n. 462 “Regulation simplifying the procedure for the notification of installations and protective devices against atmospheric discharges, grounding devices for electrical systems, and hazardous electrical systems.”

Legislative Decree of April 9, 2008, No. 81, “Consolidated text on safety.”

64-8 “Electrical installations of consumers for nominal voltages not exceeding 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC”

9. Support for reporting on the CIVA portal for systems under DPR 462/01

Support from our technician for ONLINE completion on the CIVA portal of declarations for grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and electrical systems in areas with an explosion hazard. The support will be provided by our technician at your premises or alternatively via a remote connection.

HVAC systems, for any intended use

Ventilation and air conditioning systems ensure adequate termo-hygrometric conditions in the areas being serviced and are built in compliance with current energy-saving legislation, such as Ministerial Decree 26/06/2015 or Legislative Decree 08/11/2021. Therefore, particular attention is paid not only to the selection of equipment but also to the regulation and control of room terminals, thus combining high efficiency with precise management of internal microclimatic conditions.

2. Gas Supply Systems

Gas supply systems are designed, for both civil and industrial applications, to allow terminals to operate safely, following the applicable standard on a case-by-case basis.

UNI 7129 – Gas installations for domestic use

UNI EN 14459:2008 – Control functions of electronic systems for gas burners and gas appliances

UNI 11528:2014 – Gas installations with a thermal output greater than 35 kW – Design, installation, and commissioning

UNI 9165:2020 – Gas infrastructure – Pipelines with a maximum operating pressure less than or equal to 5 bar – Design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

D.M. 04/17/2008 – Technical regulation for the design, construction, testing, operation, and monitoring of natural gas transportation works and plants with a density not exceeding 0.8.

D.M. 16/04/2008 - Technical rule for the design, construction, testing, operation, and monitoring of works and systems for the distribution and direct lines of natural gas with a density not exceeding 0.8.

3. Compressed air production and distribution systems

The sizing of compressed air networks is carried out with particular attention to the energy costs that the client will face during the plant's useful life. For this reason, the requirements for correct operating pressure are combined with an appropriate configuration of the distribution system, proposing, where appropriate, strategically located compressed air storage tanks to avoid excessive start-stop cycles for the compressors. Analyses of existing systems are also performed to check for any leaks or inefficiencies and to verify if the plants comply with Directive PED 2014/68/EU and Ministerial Decree No. 329/04 and subsequent amendments. The service is completed with the reporting of pressure equipment, vessels, and piping falling within the scope of the PED Directive on the CIVA portal.

4. Plumbing and sanitary systems

Plumbing systems allow for the treatment and distribution of domestic hot water within a building, as well as, in parallel, the production and distribution of domestic hot water, in compliance with current regulations. UNI 9182:2014 – Systems for water supply and distribution (hot and cold) – Design, installation and testing.
UNI 806 - Specifications for installations within buildings for the conveyance of water intended for human consumption.

UNI 12056 – Gravity drainage systems inside buildings

5. Fire suppression systems (sprinklers, hydrants, deluge, or foam)

Fire protection systems consist of various active protection devices that allow for the detection, containment, or extinguishing of a fire. Depending on the risk assessment conducted during the design review phase, the systems to be designed for the protection of the context considered are defined, whether they are of the hydra, deluge, or sprinkler type. In particular situations, powder (aerosol) or gas extinguishing systems may also be required, especially in contexts where water cannot be used.

UNI 10779 - Fire extinguishing systems - Hydrant networks;
UNI 12845 - Fixed firefighting installations - Automatic sprinkler systems
UNI 11292 – Rooms intended to house pump groups for fire-fighting systems
UNI EN 15276 – Fixed firefighting systems – Condensed aerosol extinguishing systems
NFPA – American standard for fire protection design

6. Exhaust gas systems

Combustion product evacuation systems allow for the discharge of fumes into the atmosphere. Depending on the type of fuel and the combustion plant, the resulting system can vary significantly, especially regarding the characteristics of the chimney, as specified by various current regulations.

7129 – Domestic gas installations;
UNI EN 13384 – Chimneys connected to a single appliance or to multiple appliances;
UNI 10640 and UNI 10641 - Branching Collective Chimneys

7. Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems

These systems aim to ensure a layer of clean air at the bottom of rooms, facilitating people's evacuation and potential rescue operations. There are two main types of SEFC: natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SENFC) and forced smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SEFFC), regulated by UNI 9494 standards. SENFC systems use the stack effect to expel smoke and heat, while SEFFC systems employ mechanical fans and adequately sized ductwork to guarantee the smoke-free layer.

8. Industrial steam/hot water production and distribution systems

Steam and superheated water are widely used in industrial settings, as they ensure high stability in energy transfer between various processes, even in environments that require high capacities. The sizing of these systems is carried out by first taking into account the particular needs of the production context in which they will operate, chief among them the operating pressure and the types of systems. control and regulation adopting (pneumatic or electromechanical). The design is also conducted in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Decree 11/04/2011 and Legislative Decree 26/2016, so as to ensure compliance with the Directive for ED to ensure that subsequent inspections by INAIL or other notified bodies are successful.

9. Industrial-type dust and solvent aspiration systems

Dust and solvent extraction systems are required in all environments where the healthiness of the workplace must be guaranteed, respecting potential emission sources that can release dust or pollutants.

The extraction system consists of several main components: extraction hoods, a main duct that conveys dust or fumes towards the fan, and the fan itself. Depending on the type of substance, whether it is volatile or simple processing dust, adequate filtration systems must be provided, both to protect the mechanical parts of the system and to reduce potential pollutants, thus avoiding their simple dispersion into the atmosphere.

10. Thermal systems - work method and tools used

First, it is necessary to determine the operating context and define the limits imposed by current regulations to contextualize the client's desires.

The building's energy modeling will proceed. This activity is carried out using various software, including Edilclima EC700, which allows for virtually simulating the building-plant system under intervention and thus determining the best solutions necessary for the execution of the works, both from a technical-regulatory and economic point of view.

This approach also makes it possible to evaluate different solutions and technologies and, among these, choose the best one, in order to maximize the efficiency of the plants within the specific system in which they will operate and, therefore, also the return on investment.

Based on the energy model, the following is then developed: intervention design with the drafting of a Technical report, functional and planimetric diagrams, and a bill of quantities, necessary for the client to define the overall expense they will incur. The drafting of these documents is carried out using the most modern software available, such as autocad and similar, Revit and Archicad for 3D modeling, Primary for the development of quantity take-offs and applications for Edilclima for each specific sizing that is carried out (air conditioning systems, hydraulic systems, sanitary water systems, etc...)

Depending on the specific context, authorization procedures are often added to these documents, such as documentation pursuant to the former law 10/91, INAIL procedures, CAM reports, and energy diagnoses pursuant to Presidential Decree of April 2, 2009, no. 59.

An integrated approach to systems design is key to achieving efficient, sustainable solutions that meet specific needs. Multidisciplinary expertise and cutting-edge technologies guarantee optimal results in every technical, economic, and environmental aspect.

Through a TOP-DOWN vision, specific and sound technical regulations are applied, which also encompass the sectors of Fire Prevention, Workplace Safety, and Energy Efficiency. Forty years of experience gained in the field, in training rooms, and in site management of construction sites, through the use of constantly updated software, cutting-edge instrumentation, and BIM modeling technologies, guarantees continuous evolution of the sector for a service of the highest quality.

Why choose us

The competence, the multidisciplinarity, forty years of experience and the constant update constitute the main strengths of the Progettazione Impianti engineering team. Thanks to a’constant interface among all the departments of 3i Group, a comprehensive analysis is conducted of the needs dictated by both the current regulations from which Operating context so as to ensure an organic response to the client's needs.

Through a efficient methodological approach, which includes an initial meeting with the client, followed by site inspections, design activities are planned, defining roles and interventions, objectives, and adherence to delivery timelines.
The following is a supervision phase for issuance and final delivery to the client.
Concurrently, any changes made during the work are tracked to keep a record of everything that contributed to the final draft of the project documents.

For each of these activities, objectives and limits defined by current regulations are established to ensure a complete service, from the’Preliminary analysis for executive design, everyone site supervision, to guarantee the creation of functional, efficient, and cost-competitive plant solutions compared to the market average.