Overview of the Philippine

Electrical Code (PEC)

An Introduction to Electrical Safety and Regulations in the Philippines
Prepared by:
JUZIELOU D. RESARE
 Introduction to the Philippine
Electrical Code
 The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) is a set of
guidelines designed to regulate the electrical
installations in the Philippines.
 It ensures safety, efficiency, and reliability in electrical
systems.
 The PEC is based on international standards, with
adjustments to suit the local environment and needs.
 Importance of the PEC
 Prevents electrical accidents such as fires,
electrocution, and electrical faults.
 Protects both human lives and property.
 Provides standards for electrical design,
installation, and maintenance.
 Ensures compliance with legal and safety
requirements.
 History of the PEC
 The PEC was first introduced in the 1980s to
standardize electrical safety practices in the
country.
 The Code is regularly updated to adapt to
advancements in technology and electrical
practices.
 The latest edition, revised in 2020, reflects
modern requirements.
 Structure of the PEC
 The PEC is divided into several Parts, including:
o Part 1: General Provisions
o Part 2: Wiring Methods
o Part 3: Circuit Protection
o Part 4: Grounding and Bonding
o Part 5: Equipment
o Part 6: Electrical Installations and Maintenance
General Provisions
• The General Provisions in the Philippine Electrical
Code (PEC) provide the foundational guidelines for
electrical installations. These provisions lay the
groundwork for the safe, efficient, and standardized
design, installation, and maintenance of electrical
systems in the Philippines. The General Provisions cover
the scope, definitions, requirements for electrical
installations, and the responsibilities of professionals in
the field.
Introduction to Wiring Methods
• The wiring methods section of the Philippine
Electrical Code (PEC) outlines the standards and
guidelines for the installation of electrical wiring
systems. This is one of the most critical sections, as it
ensures the safety, efficiency, and reliability of electrical
installations. Proper wiring methods help prevent
electrical hazards such as fires, short circuits, and
electric shocks.
• General Requirements for Wiring
• Code Compliance: All electrical wiring installations
must comply with the PEC standards to ensure safety
and avoid potential hazards.
• Durability: Materials used for wiring must be durable
and capable of withstanding environmental factors such
as heat, moisture, and physical damage.
• Accessibility: Wiring systems should be easily
accessible for maintenance and inspection without
compromising safety.
Types of Wiring Methods
• The PEC specifies several wiring methods, each suited for specific installation
requirements, environmental conditions, and safety concerns. Below are the most
commonly used wiring methods:
1.Conduit Wiring (Electrical Metallic Tubing - EMT, Rigid Metal Conduit - RMC,
and PVC Conduit):
1. Conduit wiring involves enclosing electrical conductors in a protective metal or non-metallic
tube (conduit).
2. Metallic Conduit (EMT/RMC): Offers higher protection against physical damage and is
typically used in industrial and commercial applications.
3. Non-Metallic Conduit (PVC): Commonly used in residential installations, it provides
protection against environmental factors like moisture and is lightweight and easier to
install.
2.Open Wiring (Insulated or Covered Wires):
1. Wires are laid along surfaces or through accessible spaces without protective conduit, often
used for exposed areas where the risk of physical damage is minimal.
2. Insulated or covered wires should be properly secured and supported to prevent any
potential hazards.
1.Armored Cable (AC):
1. A flexible, insulated cable encased in a metal sheath that offers both protection
from physical damage and shielding from electromagnetic interference.
2. Typically used in areas where the wiring may be subject to physical stress but
where rigid conduit may not be feasible.
2.Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM Cable):
1. Consists of multiple insulated conductors encased in a durable plastic sheath.
2. Common in residential wiring for branch circuits and light-duty installations.
3. Provides ease of installation and protection against environmental factors.
3.Busways and Trays:
1. Busways are metal enclosures containing conductive bars used for distributing
electrical power in commercial and industrial installations.
2. Cable Trays are used to support electrical cables, providing organized pathways
for cables to ensure safety and easy access for maintenance.
 Wiring Method Selection
Criteria
• The selection of an appropriate wiring method depends on
several factors, including:
• Location and Environment: Factors such as exposure to
moisture, heat, chemicals, or physical damage will influence
the choice of wiring method.
• Type of Building: Residential, commercial, and industrial
settings all have different requirements.
• Load Capacity: The type and number of electrical loads to be
served will affect the choice of wire size and protection method.
• Accessibility: Wiring should be easy to access for future
maintenance and inspections.
 Safety Considerations in Wiring
Methods
• Proper Support and Securing: Wires and cables should be
adequately supported and secured to prevent sagging,
mechanical damage, or unintentional disconnections.
• Protection from Physical Damage: In areas where wires
are exposed to potential physical impact, conduits or armored
cables should be used to protect the wiring.
• Separation of Wires: Electrical wires must be installed with
appropriate spacing from other utilities (e.g., plumbing, gas
lines) to reduce the risk of interference or accidental damage.
• Grounding and Bonding: Wiring methods must ensure
proper grounding to prevent electrical shock hazards
 Key Areas Covered in the PEC
1. Wiring and Conduit Systems

o Proper methods and materials for wiring installation.

o Use of insulated wiring, circuit breakers, and fuses.

2. Grounding and Bonding

o Safe practices for grounding electrical systems to avoid shock hazards.

3. Overcurrent Protection

o Proper protection to prevent overloads and short circuits.

4. Lighting and Electrical Equipment

o Specifications for fixtures and installation guidelines.

5. Inspection and Testing

o Requirements for routine inspections and testing of electrical installations.

 Major Updates in the 2020
Edition
 All electrical installations must comply with the
standards set by the PEC.
 Electrical practitioners, including electrical
engineers, electricians, and contractors, must
be familiar with and apply the PEC in their work.
 Non-compliance may lead to penalties, fines, or
the suspension of electrical work permits.
 Role of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and
Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)

 The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ensures that

electrical systems in buildings meet safety
requirements to prevent fire hazards.
 The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
accredits electrical professionals and ensures they are
qualified to apply PEC standards in practice.
Overview of Circuit Protection in the
PEC
Purpose and Importance:
• The primary purpose of circuit protection is to prevent
damage to electrical systems and protect human life
and property from electrical hazards.
• Circuit protection devices are designed to limit or
disconnect the power supply when abnormal conditions
like overcurrent or short circuits occur.
 Types of Circuit Protection
Devices
• Circuit Breakers: Automatically open the circuit when
an overcurrent is detected. They can be reset after the
fault is cleared.
• Fuses: A protective device that melts when the current
exceeds the rated value, thereby disconnecting the
circuit. Fuses must be replaced after operation
 Grounding and Bonding

• Grounding and Bonding are fundamental concepts in

electrical installations that are covered in the
Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) to ensure the safety
of individuals and property. Proper grounding and
bonding reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, and
equipment damage by providing a safe path for electric
current to flow to the earth in the event of a fault. They
also help stabilize voltages and minimize the effects of
electrical surges.
• Grounding: The process of connecting electrical systems
or electrical equipment to the earth, typically through a
grounding electrode (like a ground rod or plate), to
provide a direct path for fault currents to flow into the
earth. This helps dissipate electrical energy safely and
prevents electrical shock hazards.
• Bonding: The practice of connecting metal parts of an
electrical system, such as conduits, electrical boxes, and
enclosures, together with a conductive material to ensure
that all accessible metal parts have the same potential,
thereby preventing any dangerous voltage differences.
 Purpose of Grounding and Bonding
• Safety:
To prevent electric shock by ensuring exposed metal parts of electrical systems
do not become energized due to fault conditions.
• Fault Current Path:
To provide a low-resistance path for fault currents (such as those from a short
circuit) to flow to the ground, minimizing the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and
equipment damage.
• Stabilization of Voltage:
Grounding helps stabilize voltage levels within an electrical system by
providing a reference point, which reduces electrical noise and interference.
• Protection of Equipment:
Proper grounding and bonding protect electrical appliances and devices from
voltage surges (such as those caused by lightning or switching operations).