UNDERSTANDING THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE
Philippine Electrical Code 2009 Part 1 Purpose Government Agencies PEC
who adopt the Code
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 prim ary o bjective of the code is t o establish basic materials q uality and electric al works standards for the safe use of electricity for ligh t, heat, pow er, commu nications , sign aling 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 design s must comply wi th the requir ements of PEC to ensure safety. Energy management, m aintenance, and pow er quality issu es aren’t with in the sc ope o f t he PEC.
Consi deration sh ould b e giv en for futur e expansion of electrical systems but this i s no t 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 Standar d
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 Applies generally to all 2 – Wiring and Protection electrical installations 3 – Wiring Methods and Materials 4 – Equipment for General Use Supplements or modifies 5 – Special Occupancies chapter s 1-4 6 – Special Equipment 7 - Special Conditions 8 – Communications Systems Applicable as reference 9 – Tables PEC Part 1 volume 2 10 - Watercraft
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. Manufactur ing Rules Example: Section 4.30.1.7 A motor shall be marked with the following information: 1) Manufacturer’s 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 Categori es of the Code Rules wh ich appl y 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 th e code commi ttee, The Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engi neerin g (PRBEE) shall render the fi nal decision in the interpretation of any porti on of the Philippi ne Electri cal Code Part I, in case of c ontroversy. The
PEC Code Committee cannot be responsib le for subsequent actions o f authori ties enforcin g the PEC that accept or reject its findings. The
authority having jur isdi ction is responsibl e for interpreting th e code rules and sho uld attempt to resolve all di sagreements at the loc al level.
