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.