Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) Overview

Objectives and Scope

• The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) establishes rules and standards for safe electrical installations.
• Objectives include ensuring safe electricity use and adequate installations.
• The PEC covers various premises including:
  • Public and private buildings
  • Electrical generating plants
  • Substations
  • Industrial plants
  • Transformer stations
  • Railway switchyards
  • Yards, parking, watercraft, and more
  • Excludes aircraft, motor vehicles, and railway rolling stocks

Government Authorities

• Implemented by:
  • Office of the Building Official
  • Office of the City Electrician
  • Office of the Municipal Electrician
  • Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Permits and Inspections

• A permit is required before any electrical installation.
• Post-installation inspection issues a certificate of final electrical inspection (CFEI).
• Exceptions where permits are not needed:
  • Portable equipment rated not more than 1,200 VA
  • Reconnection of service within a year due to non-payment or change of occupants

Requirements for Electrical Permit

• Application must be submitted by a registered Professional Electrical Engineer.
• Small installations (e.g., under 20 outlets) may be handled by a registered electrical engineer or master electrician.
• Includes five sets of plans with the signature and seal of the responsible engineer.

Electrical Circuits in Building Services

• Typically, a building is served by only one service.
• Exceptions for separate services include:
  • Fire pumps
  • Emergency systems
  • Multiple-occupancy buildings
  • Large areas or different voltage requirements

Service Entrance and Conductors

• Types: Overhead and Underground service entrances.
• Size and rating must meet load requirements without causing damage.
• Service conductors must have sufficient clearance above roofs and ground.

Protection and Installation

• Service entrance conductors must be protected against physical damage using approved methods like Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC).
• Installation methods include open-wiring, conduits, wireways, busways, and more.

Disconnecting Means

• A service disconnecting means should be installed to cut off all conductors from the service entrance.
• Must be capable of handling the maximum available short-circuit current.

Feeder and Main Requirements

• Large installations may require one feeder per floor.
• Separate feeders are needed for motors and lighting circuits.
• Proper conduit size and protection are crucial.

Standard Electrical Plan Requirements

• Must comply with PEC and other relevant regulations.
• Specify the nature of service including voltage, phase, frequency.
• Include all necessary designs and specifications for safe installation.
• Provide legends, symbols, and location plans for clarity.

Example Specifications

• Comply with the latest PEC edition, building codes, and local ordinances.
• Detailed wiring methods, materials, and installation practices.
• All work must be supervised by a licensed Electrical Engineer.