UNDERSTANDING THE

PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE

Philippine Electrical Code 2009 Part 1
Purpose
Government Agencies who adopt the Code
PEC Arrangement
Historical Background
Why Code change?
Classification of Code Rules
Enforcement
Interpretation



THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE KEY TO
ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND FIRE PREVENTION

PURPOSE OF PEC 1.0.1.1(a)
Practical safeguarding of persons and property from
hazards arising from the use of electricity

The primary objective of the code is to
establish basic materials quality and
electrical works standards for the safe
use of electricity for light, heat, power,
communications, signaling and for other
purposes.

COMPLIANCE TO THE PEC WILL ENSURE SAFETY AND
PREVENT ELECTRICAL FIRES

1.0.1.1(b) ADEQUACY
Contains provisions that are considered MINIMUM requirements
necessary for safety.

Compliance with the Code and proper maintenance will result in an
installation that is essentially free from hazard but NOT necessarily
efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion
of electrical use.

1.0.1.1 (c) INTENTION
Intended for the exclusive use of Licensed electrical practitioners
(PEE, REE, RME)

1.0.1.1 (d) RELATION TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS
The requirements in the code address the fundamental principles for
safety contained in section 131 of the International Electrotechnical
Commission Standard 60364-1 Electrical installations in buildings


THE PHILIPPINE
ELECTRICAL CODE


The PEC is a safety standard.
Electrical designs must comply with
the requirements of PEC to ensure
safety.

Energy management, maintenance,
and power quality issues arent within
the scope of the PEC.


Consideration should be given for
future expansion of electrical systems
but this is not a Code requirement.

2009 Philippine Electrical Code

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WHO ADOPT THE CODE

The Energy Regulatory Commission adopts the PEC Part
1 and Part 2 set by the Professional Regulation Commission
as Safety Standards for Generation Companies,
Transmission Providers , Distribution Utilities and Suppliers.
Also adopted in the Occupational Safety and Health
Standards by the BWC-DOLE as a Electrical Safety
Standard (Rule 1210-Electrical Safety).
The Fire Code for the Safe Use of Electricity
Minimum Electrical Safety Standard

2009 Philippine Electrical Code

In the preparation of the PEC1 2009 , the National Electrical
Code 2005 Edition (NFPA 70) was used as main reference.
Has 10 Chapters
1 General
2 Wiring and Protection
3 Wiring Methods and Materials
4 Equipment for General Use
5 Special Occupancies
6 Special Equipment
7 - Special Conditions
8 Communications Systems
9 Tables
10 - Watercraft

Applies generally to all
electrical installations
Supplements or modifies
chapter s 1-4
Applicable as reference
PEC Part 1 volume 2

2009 Philippine Electrical Code

It is NOT a textbook.

It gives NO background, reasons, application or
illustration of rules and regulations set down in the Code.

The code is more of a catalogue of rules for an electrical
installation.

The Code definition of term is NOT the same as a
definition for the same word in a standard dictionary.

The National Electrical Code

The first documented case of a Code as a requirement of
rules was published on 16th Nov. 1881 entitled The Dangers
of Electric Lighting.
The first NEC was developed in 1897, eighteen after the
invention of incandescent light bulb by Thomas A. Edison.
Since 1911, the NFPA of Quincy, Massachussets, has been
responsible for the maintenance and publication of the NEC.
Regularly revised (every three years) to reflect the
evolution of products, materials, and installation techniques.
21 Separate Committee, each consisting of 15-20 persons.
Members of each committee meet several times, discuss
proposed changes, accepting some and rejecting others, and
rewrite (as required) the sections of the Code that were
assigned to their committee.



Why Change the NEC ?



A need is identified!
Changes are necessary for:
Editorial improvements
Improve clarity and usability
Technical revisions
Existing provision became unsafe
New technologies and requirements
New products and equipment
Electrical safety is the deciding factor!


THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE

CLASSIFICATION OF CODE RULES
1. Wiring Design Rules

Wiring design rules used to determine sizes and rating of circuit
conductors and devices.

Example:
1.Branch circuit conductors supplying a single motor shall have an
ampacity not less than 125% of the full-load current. Section 4.30.2.2
2.The disconnecting means for motor circuits shall have an ampere rating
of at least 115% of the full-load current rating of the motor. Section
4.30.10.10(a)

2. Installation Rules

Example:
1.A disconnecting means shall be located within sight from the motor
controller. Section 4.30.102
2.In class II Division I Locations, motors, generators, and other rotating
electric machinery shall be dust ignition proof or totally enclosed pipe
ventilated and shall be approved for class II locations. Sections 5.02.8

3. Manufacturing Rules

Example:
Section 4.30.1.7
A motor shall be marked with the following information:
1) Manufacturers Name
2) Rated Volts and Full-load Amperes
3) Rated Frequency and Number of Phases, if
an alternating current motor, etc.
4) Rated full-load speed


Various Categories of the Code Rules which apply in a Motor and the Circuits


Enforcement

Mandatory application by government bodies
exercising legal jurisdiction over electrical installations.

Private Power Companies under the jurisdiction of the
ERC.

Licensed Electrical Practitioners under the jurisdiction
of the PRC thru PRBEE.

All individuals - ? -> SAFETY IS EVERYBODY
BUSINESS!!!

Interpretation

Upon the recommendation of the code committee,
The Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical
Engineering (PRBEE) shall render the final decision in
the interpretation of any portion of the Philippine
Electrical Code Part I, in case of controversy.

The PEC Code Committee cannot be responsible for
subsequent actions of authorities enforcing the PEC
that accept or reject its findings.

The authority having jurisdiction is responsible for
interpreting the code rules and should attempt to
resolve all disagreements at the local level.