thesis cspc

Republic of the PhilippinesCamarines Sur Polytechnic College

Nabua, Camarines Sur

An Assessment of the Electrical Installations

in the Commercial and Institutional Buildings in the City of Iriga

Gracia B. Alteza

MET

ET 200

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Nabua, Camarines SurChapter 1

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

“Electricity is a wonderful utility, but can be dangerous if not approached

carefully. There are three basic hazards that cause injury or death – shock, arc-flash,

and arc-blast. It is important to remember that even a small amount of current

passing through the chest can cause death. Most deaths occurring for circuits of less

than 600 volts happen when people are working on “hot,” energized equipment”1

The City Engineer’s Office, Building Industrial and Safety Division is composed

of a team that conducts an inspection of all types of structures I securing an Annual

Inspection Certificate as well as Certificate of Occupancy to the owner or occupant of

the building.

There are several areas that comprise the team namely, structural, plumbing

or sanitary, architectural, mechanical and electronics and electrical. If these areas

are complied based on the provisions of its respective Codes, a certificate for annual

inspection or occupancy is issued.

“The revised implementing rules and regulations of the national building code

of the Philippines otherwise known as PD 1096 states that to safeguard life, health,

property, and public welfare and to provide a framework of minimum standards and

requirements to regulate and control the location of buildings, site, design, quality of

material, construction, use and maintenance. It shall cover architectural,

civil/structural, electrical, mechanical, sanitary, plumbing, electronics and interior

design; shall apply to design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair,

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Nabua, Camarines Surconversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of and addition to

public and private building and structures except traditional indigenous family

dwellings and economic and socialized housing projects. Existing buildings without

building permits/certificates of occupancy may be issued same provided they

conform to these rules and regulations”2

Among those stated areas, Electrical often encounter a fire related case such

as faulty electrical wiring, overloading, misuse or negligence, from the use of

electricity that triggers fire accident.

“The electrical design parameters, electrical installation guidelines and safety

rules in the Philippine Electrical Code have been formulated and developed to

safeguard persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. In

order for this objective to be achieved, the Code must be followed and enforced. Our

very own Electrical Practitioners, Building Officials, Electrical Contractors and skilled

workers have to perform their duties and responsibilities in conformance with the

Philippine Electrical Code. The strict compliance with the Code is a must.”3

It rarely happens that a building collapse due to under design or the use of

sub-standard materials, but a fire due to faulty wiring installation is very often.

The Ozone Disco tragedy killed many people because of the electrical fire.

The accident was attributed to the negligence of the electrical inspector, the fire

inspector as well as the Building Official of that place. It was evident that the Ozone

Disco continued their business operation when in fact some provisions in the

electrical and fire code has been violated or not complied.

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Nabua, Camarines SurThe electrical engineer or electrical inspector plays a vital role in ensuring

safety of a building or property and most especially the lives of people.

Furthermore, it is the work of an electrical engineer or electrical inspector, to

establish basic materials and electrical work standards for the safe use of electricity

for light, heat, power, communication and for other purposes.

“NIOSH reports that because electricity is a familiar part of our lives it is often

not treated with enough caution. As a result, an average of one worker is

electrocuted on the job every day of every year. Electrocution is the leading cause of

work-related deaths among 16-17 years old, after motor vehicle deaths and

workplace homicide.

Electricity travels in closed conduits, normally through a conductor. Shock

results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body

at one point and leaves at another. Typically shock occurs when a person contacts:

both wires of an energized circuit, one wire of an electrical circuit and the ground, a

metallic part in contact with an energized wire also in contact with the ground.

The electrical designer, installer and maintenance team are all expected to

provide an installation that is safe, cost effective and reliable throughout its lifetime.

The course begins with the fundamental principles that always apply to ensure

safety, the course then progresses through basic design procedures, inspection,

testing and maintenance requirements, concluding with a review of power quality

problems that affect the reliability of an installation where high technology interfaces

with a supply.”3

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Nabua, Camarines SurThe building inspector has the responsibility of conducting initial assessment

of the accuracy of electrical installations prior to design of every commercial or

institutional establishment. He must see to it that the safety factors required by

national and international standards, and the functional considerations that a

designer has to take into account.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the status of the electrical installations in the

Commercial and Institutional buildings in Iriga City. The study aims to answer the

following:

1. What is the status of the electrical installations in the Commercial and

institutional buildings in Iriga City based on the following areas;

a.) Electrical Permit

b.) Occupancy Permit

c.) Annual Inspection Permit/Business Permit

2. What are the problems encountered by the Electrical Inspector during

inspection?

3. What remedial measures and policies can the electrical inspector

recommend to the occupant or owner of the building?

Assumptions of the Study

This study will be guided by the following assumptions:

1. There are commercial buildings that operate business without an approved

Occupancy Permit/Final Electrical Inspection Certificate.

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Nabua, Camarines Sur2. There are changes in the use or occupancy of the building or additional or

alteration of electrical installations.

3. There are remedial measures and policies that can be recommended by

the Electrical Inspector/Building Official.

Hypothesis

This study will prove that there is no significant difference between the findings

of the researcher and the record of the City Engineers office as to building permits,

occupancy permit and certificate of electrical inspection.

Scope and Delimitation

The study is focused on the status of the electrical installations in the

Commercial and Institutional buildings in the City of Iriga. Electrical inspection from

the Building Industrial and Safety Division of the City Engineer’s Office is divided into

two areas, namely: Occupancy, which includes the approved building permit and

annual inspection for establishments operating business.

The study will be based on 2008-2011 records on Building Occupancy and

Annual Inspection Permits.

Significance of the Study

The results of this study will be of great benefit to the following:

Electrical Inspector. Results gathered will provide information that will

determine the deficiencies in order to establish and recommend quality materials and

electrical work standards for the safe use of electricity.

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Nabua, Camarines SurCity Engineer/Building Official. Will have full confidence that the building

inpected has been thoroughly assessed and evaluated and ready for use.

Owner/occupant. They will have an assurance that their building or dwelling

place is safe place. This will also bring a harmonious relationship between the owner

and electrical inspector.

Definition of Terms

Common terms used in this study were defined conceptually and perationally

for clarity and better understanding.

Application forms. A preformatted prescribed application form duly accomplished

and notarized by the respective design professional with validation matrices related

to other building rules and regulations.

Applicant. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, head of government or private

institution, organization of any character applying for the issuance of permits and

certificates.

Branch circuit. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device

protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

Building official. The executive officer of the Office of the Building Official

appointed by the Secretary of

Building permit. A document issued by the Building official to an owner/applicant to

proceed with the construction, installation, addition, alteration, renovation,

conversion, repair, moving, demolition or other work activity of a specific

project/building/structure or portion thereof after the accompanying principal plans,

specifications and other pertinent documents with the duly notarized application are

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Nabua, Camarines Surfound satisfactory and substantially conforming with the National Building Code of the

Philippines (the Code) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations(IRR).

Circuit Breaker. A device designed to open and close a circuit by mono automatic

means and open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without

damage to itself when properly applied its rating.

Conductor. Bare a conductor having a conductor having a covering or electrical

insulation. Covered a conductor encased within material of composition or thickness

that is not recognized by the Code as electrical insulation. Insulated conductor

encased within material of composition and thickness that is recognized by the Code

as Electrical insulation.

Conversion. A change in the use or occupancy or building/structures or any portion

thereof, which has different requirements.

Device. A unit of an electrical system that is intended to carry but not to utilize

electric energy.

Equipment. General term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures,

apparatus and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical

installation.

Grounding conductor. A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded

circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode/s.

Office of the building official. The office authorized to enforce the provisions of the

Code and its IRR in the field as well as the enforcement for orders and decisions

made pursuant thereto.

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Nabua, Camarines SurOverload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full load rating or of a

conductor in excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of

time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault such as short circuit or

ground fault, is not an overload.

PEC(Philippine Electrical Code). Contains provisions that are considered minimum

equirements necessary for safety.

Referral codes. The applicable provisions of the various agency and technical

professional codes that are supplementary to the Code.

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Nabua, Camarines SurEnd Notes

1 Electrical Theory and Application,L&L Kiln Manufacturing, 2004, www.sheffield-

pottery.com2 The national Building Code of the Philippines3 Philippine Electrical Code, Institute of Integrated Electrical engineers of the

Philippines4 Electrical Safety Laboratory Curriculum for the Safety Sciences Undergraduate: Theory to Application, Dr. Laura Helmrich Rhodes, CSP and David P. Rhodes, CSP, NIOSH Publication , Electrical Safety -Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual, January 2002, Publication No. 2002-123, Section 4 page 1) (5)

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http://www.sheffield-pottery.com/


Nabua, Camarines SurChapter 2

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

Review of Related Literature and Studies

In order to gain a better idea and design of the study, a survey of published

and unpublished literature and studies was made to determine their relation with the

present study. The sources were the published and unpublished master’s thesis

and dissertation. Related literature s were taken from books and other forms of

printed media and publications about Electrical Safety, Installations, the Electrical

Code and the national Building Code as implemented by the Building Officials.

Access to the internet is also a very helpful tool I acquiring the necessary ideas

relative to the present study. These were taken into consideration as the basis and

guide which will lead the researcher to make decisions relevant to the present

problem.

Foreign

“Grounding is a method of giving electricity the most effect way to return to the

service panel. You see current flows from the panel to the outlet or device to power it

up. The neutral wire is the return path for unused current. The ground wire is an

additional path for electrical current to return safely to ground without danger to

anyone in the event of a short circuit. In that instant, the short would cause the

current to flow through the ground wire, causing a fuse to blow or a circuit breaker to

trip.

An ungrounded electrical box, appliance, power tool, or extension cord could

become a danger if there is no path to ground, except through you. You see, without

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http://homerepair.about.com/od/electricalrepair/ss/fuse_types.htm

http://electrical.about.com/od/panelsdistribution/a/servicepanelchanges.htm

http://electrical.about.com/od/electricalsafety/ss/Checking_For_Incorrect_Electrical_Wiring_4.htm


Nabua, Camarines Sura ground wire, your body may complete the ground path and you may be shocked or

electrocuted.

A properly grounded circuit has boxes, devices, and service panel grounds

that give the electrical current the easiest path to ground and that reduces the

chances of someone getting a shock or getting electrocuted. Household electrical

systems are required by the National Electrical Code to have a grounded system

connected to earth ground via a ground rod. The earth absorbs the over-current or

short circuit harmlessly and having done so, eliminates the threat to anyone that may

have otherwise been the ground path.

But ground rods and ground wires to boxes, devices, and service panels are

not enough. You must remember to bond the grounds to the house’s copper water

lines. You certainly wouldn’t want a short circuit to travel through the water pipes

while you’re in the shower, bathtub, or using a sink. Remember that water and

electricity don’t mix!

And while we’re on the subject of grounding, I’m often asked if using a

receptacle adapter is OK. First of all, I’m not a fan of doing something half way. I’d

rather change the receptacle to a grounded receptacle and have the ground wire

connected to the receptacle and the box. Although you can use an adapter and

connect the center cover-plate screw to the adapter to gain a ground if the box is

grounded, it just seems like a skimpy, lazy way to fix the real problem, the need for a

new receptacle.”1

“Electrocution is the third leading cause of work-related deaths among 16 and

17 year-olds, after motor vehicle deaths and workplace homicide. (1) The

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http://construction.about.com/od/New-Software/qt/National-Electrical-Code-In-Your-Pocket.htm

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_cell_phone_electrocuted.htm

http://video.about.com/electrical/Preventing-Electrical-Shock.htm


Nabua, Camarines SurOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately

350 electrical-related fatalities occur each year (2) Students enrolled in the Indiana

University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Department of Safety Sciences are required to take

a course that prepares them to recognize and evaluate electrical hazards, and assist

in the implementation of hazard controls to prevent electrical fatalities and injuries in

the workplace. This article describes the lecture portion of the course and the three

phases of the laboratory training: power generation/ distribution tour and inspection,

understanding basic wiring and using test equipment to identify electrical hazards. As

a part of this article, two sample laboratory activities are provided as well as some

ideas for implementing these activities at your institution.

“NIOSH three-stage safety model: recognize, evaluate, and control electrical

hazards. The lab reinforces the idea that professionals need to use this model when

assessing work; to be considered safe while working on or near energized systems,

one must think about the job and plan for hazards. To avoid injury or death, one must

understand and recognize hazards. A person needs to evaluate the situation they are

in and assess their risks. Furthermore there is a need to control hazards by creating

a safe work environment, by using safe work practices, and by reporting hazards.”2

Section1.02.03:Building permits (a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including

any department, office, bureau, agency of instrumentality of the government

intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or

structure, or cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building permit from the

Building Official for whichever of such work is proposed to be undertaken for the

building or structure, before any such work is started; b) Appropriate rules and

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Nabua, Camarines Surregulations shall be set by the Secretary concerning: (1Forms for application for

building permits; (2) Procedures to be observed in securing such permits;

(3) Procedures to be observed in the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such

building permits; and (4) Type, nature, and scope of plans and specifications, and

other requisite documents, which shall be prepared and designed by a licensed

architect or engineer (c) When authorized by the Building Official in accordance with

the provisions of this Code, plans and specifications need not be submitted for the

following: (1) Group A traditional indigenous type of dwelling construction costing not

more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00); and (2) Group J Division 1 Occupancy

of Type 1 conventional wood frame construction or of the traditional indigenous type

of construction costing not more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00). d) The

applicant for a building permit for private buildings or structures after having complied

with all the requirements prescribed therefor in accordance with the provisions of this

Code, shall be issued a building permit within fifteen (15) days from the date of

payment of the permit fee for Groups A and J Occupancies and within thirty (30) days

from the date of payment of the permit fee for other Group Occupancies, unless the

Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit shall inform the

applicant in writing why the permit should not be issued, and shall indicate thereon

the particular provisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the particular

requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt by

the applicant of advice from the Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the

permit why the building permit should not be issued, or why the building permit is

suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or

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Nabua, Camarines Surrevocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor

of the province where the building or structure for which the permit is being applied

for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt

thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice

for final disposition. (e) All public buildings shall conform to the provisions of this

Code and the Building Official of the city or province where the public building is

located shall issue the building permit therefor, stating in writing that such public

building conforms to the requirements of the Code. For national public buildings, the

Secretary of Public Works and Communications shall issue a certification that such a

building conforms to the Code. Public buildings shall be exempt from payment of

building permit, inspection, and other fees.

SECTION 1.02.05: Inspection ad Certificates of Occupancy (a) Inspection.

The duly licensed architect or engineer engaged by the owner to undertake

inspection and detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically certify that

the construction conforms to the plans and specifications submitted in the application

for a building permit. Upon submission of such periodic certifications during the

progress of construction, the Building Official shall periodically issue the required

authority to continue with the subsequent phases of construction, without prejudice to

his right to conduct on his own initiative any inspection of the said construction. Upon

completion of the construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shall

submit to the Building Official the final certification that the building conforms to the

provisions of the Code and with the detailed plans and specifications submitted.

(b) Certificates of Occupancy. The proper Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued to

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Nabua, Camarines Surthe applicant within seven (7) days from completion of the requirements for

inspection and occupancy and payment of any and all fees therefore, unless the

building Official or his Deputy issuing the Certificate shall show cause in writing why

the Certificate should not be issued and shall indicate there on the particular

provisions of the Code violated or the particular requirements not complied with.

Within fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of the advice from Building

Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the certificate why the certificate should not

be issued, or why the certificate is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal

the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered

city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the building for which the

certificate is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen

(15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the

proper Court of Justice for final disposition. The building may be occupied only upon

issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Chan Robles virtual law library

SECTION 1.02.06: Violations of This Code Covering Designs, Materials, Methods of

Construction, and Workmanship (a) In all cases of violation of this Code covering

design, materials, methods of construction, and workmanship, the Building Official

shall observe the following procedure in ordering the alteration to conform to this

Code or demolition of the building or portion thereof: (1) Where the building is in the

process of construction, the construction of the portion or portions in violation of this

Code shall be stopped until the same shall have been altered to conform to this

Code, unless such partial violation will impair the stability and safety of the whole or

part of the structure, in which case, the whole construction shall be stopped.

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Nabua, Camarines Sur(2) Where a building or portion thereof has been constructed, the following procedure

shall be observed:(2.1) In case it can be reasonably altered to conform to the

requirements of this Code, it shall be altered accordingly; (2.2) In case the alteration

will cost more than 50 per cent of the current construction cost of the building, it shall

be altered to conform to this Code or demolished at the option of the owner; (2.3) In

case the building or portion thereof poses an immediate danger to life, limb, or

property, the same shall be vacated immediately, then altered to conform to the

requirements of this Code or demolished in accordance with subparagraphs (1) and

(2) herein. (3) If the owner, after receipts of the order of alteration or demolition fails

to comply with such order within a period of one year, said construction shall be

declared a nuisance and be abated in accordance with the provisions of Article 699

of the Civil Code of the Philippines. (b) This Code shall not be construed to deprive

any person the right to avail himself of any and all judicial proceedings or remedies

available under existing laws. (c) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to diminish the

powers vested in the different Boards of Examiners of the various architectural and

engineering professions as provided for in existence laws regulating the practice of

architecture and engineering, nor to restrict the designing engineering or architect in

the exercise of his professional discretion within the basic minimum standards and

requirements embodied in Section 1.01.02 of this Code.”3

Theoretical Framework

This study is premised on Heinrich’s Domino Theory which says that “an

accident is one factor in a sequence that may lead to injury . The factors can be

visualized as a series of dominoes standing on edge: when one falls, the linkage

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Nabua, Camarines Surrequired for a chain reaction is completed: each of the factors is dependent on the

preceding factor”.

The Domino Safety Theory was developed by pioneer industrial safety experts

H.W. Heinrich and Alfred Lateiner to provide a graphic sense of how industrial

injuries can occur and be avoided.

Heinreich and Lateiner said that an accident occurs from a sequence of

events. It is a chain reaction. Picture shows five dominoes in row to illustrate the

sequence as shown in figure 1. The first domino Background represents a worker’s

lifestyle and personality. The second domino Personal Characteristics – represents a

worker’s attitude, level of knowledge, and physical and mental conditions. The third

domino Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions – represents a worker’s behavior and

unsafe job conditions. The fourth domino-The Accident represents the unplanned

event caused by an unsafe act or condition. The fifth domino The Injury – represents

someone getting hurt.

For any given incident, not much can be done about a worker’s background

and personal characteristics. The domino that must be targeted is unsafe acts and

unsafe conditions. When an unsafe act is detected, the worker should be stopped;

the situation should be studied; a safer way to perform the task must be found;

instruct and train the worker to do it the safer way; check and retrain as necessary;

and as a last resort discipline the worker. When an unsafe condition is detected, the

condition needs to be removed, guarded, or warned against.

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Nabua, Camarines SurIn the woods there is special protection for workers. That protection is

Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, gloves, eye and ear protection, chain saw

chaps, and safety boots). Picture the five dominoes standing in a row. Put your hand

between the fourth domino, The Accident and the five spot domino, The Injury. What

happened? There was an accident, but there was not an injury. As the chain reaction

begins with the first four dominoes falling together, the dominoes fell into your hand,

which represents Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE). The Injury was avoided,

and the chain reaction of the five dominoes was broken because of Personal

Protective Equipment.

The supervisor or manager on the logging crew is the closest to the action and

can target improvements in Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions. The supervisor or

manager has the opportunity and authority to control unsafe acts and conditions. The

Opportunity and Authority add up to the supervisor or manager having the

Responsibility to control accidents on their job. Being alert for, illuminating, stopping,

and correcting Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions will result in the reduction of

accidents.

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Figure 1

Theoretical paradigm

20



Conceptual Framework

A clearer understanding of this research could be gleaned from the conceptual

framework as shown in the paradigm found in figure 2. This clearly shows the

essential features included in this study.

Inputs. This refer to the results of the survey conducted on the status of the

electrical installations in the Commercial and institutional buildings in Iriga City based

on the following areas: Electrical Permit; Occupancy Permit; Annual Inspection

Permit/Business Permit.

Process. The process includes the analysis and interpretation of the

responses and result…

Output. The output is the remedial measures can the electrical inspector

recommend to the occupant or owner of the building.

The feedback mechanism will provide a means to gather necessary

information relevant to the proposed remedial measures and policies to be adopted

by the building/electrical inspector.

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Figure 2Conceptual Paradigm

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FEEDBACK


Nabua, Camarines SurSynthesis of the State of the Art

The reviewed literature and studies shows that in the past and recent year’s

safety in electrical installations is a vital consideration in every commercial or

institutional establishment not only because it is a part of the mandate of the law but

it is a necessity for a sustainable and safe environment.

The study will focus on the present status of the electrical installations in the

various commercial and institutional buildings in Iriga City. The researcher believes

that in cognizant to electrical safety is being a responsible citizen who comply with

the requirements of the government.

On the other hand, most of the previous studies focused on safety in electrical

installation and on the requirements of the National building Code and National

Electrical Code of the Philippines. Similarities focused on safety and government

policies on accurate electrical connections and installations and procedures. This is

shown in the extensive discussion on the content of the Code and on safety

principles. This is very significant to this research because put together will be the

creation of positive measures and policies which will improve the implementation of

the Code.

Research Gap

Based on the review discovered, there is no study conducted about the status

of the Electrical Installations in Iriga City. This is the gap which this study wants to

concentrate on. This research will contribute to the proper implementation of the

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Nabua, Camarines SurCode. It will attempt to fill the research gap that aims to formulate remedial

measures and policies.

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Nabua, Camarines SurNotes

1 Timothy Thiele, About.com Guide, http://about.comguide/

2 Electrical Safety Laboratory Curriculum for the Safety Sciences Undergraduate: Theory to Application, Dr. Laura Helmrich Rhodes, CSP and David P. Rhodes, CSP, NIOSH Publication , Electrical Safety -Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual, January 2002, Publication No. 2002-123, Section 4 page 1) (5)

3 The National building Code

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thesis cspc

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