Installation
In general, installation is the act of installing something in a fixed, semi-fixed or temporary location. It can also refer to a complete unit which has been installed.
In terms of construction, it often refers to machinery, plant, apparatus, etc., being placed in position or connected for use. Often this can refer to a system or unit with accompanying assemblies, accessories, parts, and so on. It can also include connection to the services which are required to enable the installation to operate.
Installation drawings are developed from co-ordinated detail drawings and present the information needed by trades to install part of the works. This may be particularly important for complex installations such as plant rooms, data centres, ventilation systems, underfloor heating, and so on.
The term installation is often used in conjuction with the specific nature of that installation for example; plumbing installation, gas installation, electrical installation, fire safety installtion, heating installation, colling installation and so on.
The Building Safety Act 2022 refers to “electrical installation” as meaning 'fixed electrical cables or fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter'. (see Section 21 of the Act here)
The BSRIA guide to 'Commissioning Air Systems' (BG 49/2024), written by by Keith Barker and published by BSRIA in March 2024, explains how to commission ducted air distribution systems in buildings. It defines the installation for the purposes of the guide simply as 'A system placed in position as required by the design or specification'.
Setting the bar. A new competence regime for building a safer future. The Final Report of the Competence Steering Group for Building a Safer Future, published in October 2020, defines an installer as: ‘An operative or organisation working, with the appropriate competencies, to place a specific product or system on-site.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.