Chapter 1: General Provisions

This chapter provides an overview of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), its scope, purpose, and applicability. It establishes the foundational principles and requirements for safe electrical practices in the Philippines.

• Purpose: The PEC ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical installations in homes, businesses, and industries, preventing accidents, fires, and equipment failure.

• Scope: Covers all electrical systems in buildings, industrial plants, public infrastructure, and more.

• Applicability: Mandates that all electrical installations must comply with the PEC, regardless of whether they are residential, commercial, or industrial.

• Compliance: Electrical installations must be carried out by licensed electricians, engineers, and contractors who are familiar with the code's provisions.

• Definitions: Defines technical terms used throughout the code to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity in application.
  
  

Chapter 2: Wiring and Protection

This chapter focuses on the installation of wiring systems, proper protection against electrical faults, and ensuring that installations are safe and comply with industry standards.

• Wiring Systems: Defines various methods for wiring installations, such as using conduits, raceways, or cables to organize electrical circuits.

• Overcurrent Protection: Emphasizes the use of overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) like fuses and circuit breakers to protect against overloads and short circuits.

• Grounding and Bonding: Mandates the proper grounding of electrical systems to prevent electrical shock and provide a safe path for stray current.

• Fault Protection: Requirements for fault protection devices to ensure that in the event of an electrical fault, the system will disconnect the power supply to prevent hazards.

• Isolation: Defines when and how to isolate circuits to prevent damage to sensitive equipment and avoid electrical hazards.
  
  

Chapter 3: Wiring Methods and Materials

This chapter outlines approved wiring methods and the materials used in electrical installations, ensuring that the systems are safe, reliable, and efficient.

• Wiring Methods: Details approved wiring methods such as using conduit, raceways, and cable trays to protect wiring from physical damage.

• Materials: Specifies the types of materials used for wiring, including copper, aluminum, and thermoplastic insulation, depending on the application and environment.

• Insulation Requirements: Details the insulation materials required for each type of wiring to ensure safety and prevent short circuits.

• Physical Protection: Emphasizes the need for wiring to be adequately protected against mechanical damage, exposure to moisture, and extreme temperatures.

• Conduit and Raceway Systems: Establishes how to use different types of conduit systems like metallic, non-metallic, and flexible conduits, depending on the environment and installation requirements.
  
  

Chapter 4: Equipment for General Use

This chapter covers the installation, maintenance, and protection of general electrical equipment such as switchboards, circuit breakers, receptacles, and appliances.

• Switchboards and Circuit Breakers: Establishes standards for the installation and protection of switchboards and panelboards to distribute power safely within a building.

• Receptacles and Outlets: Specifies the correct types of receptacles and outlets for different locations, ensuring safety and compliance with load capacities.

• Appliances: Covers electrical appliance installations, including motors, air conditioning units, and heating appliances, with a focus on proper wiring and protection.

• Equipment Labeling: Requires proper labeling of electrical equipment, including voltage, amperage, and other critical safety information.

• Circuit Protection: Mandates the use of proper circuit breakers, fuses, and overload protection devices for all installed equipment.
  
  

Chapter 5: Special Occupancies

This chapter addresses electrical installations in specialized environments such as explosive atmospheres, wet locations, and healthcare facilities, where additional safety measures are required.

• Hazardous Locations: Provides guidelines for electrical installations in explosive environments, including gas stations, chemical plants, and mines, where special protective equipment is necessary.

• Swimming Pools and Fountains: Specifies installation requirements for electrical systems around swimming pools and fountains, ensuring that they are safe and comply with special protection standards.

• Healthcare Facilities: Outlines additional electrical safety requirements for hospitals, clinics, and medical equipment to prevent interference with patient care and ensure reliable power supply.

• Other Special Occupancies: Covers other unique installations, such as motion picture studios, elevators, and cranes, where special electrical protection is required.
  
  

Chapter 6: Special Equipment

This chapter focuses on electrical installations for specialized equipment such as elevators, cranes, HVAC systems, and signaling devices.

• Elevators and Escalators: Details the electrical installation requirements for elevators and escalators, including emergency control systems and protection against overloads.

• HVAC Systems: Establishes standards for the installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, ensuring that wiring and connections are correct and safe.

• Signaling Systems: Specifies guidelines for alarm systems, fire detection systems, public address systems, and CCTV installations, ensuring safety and reliability.

• Security Systems: Outlines the requirements for electrical installations in security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, and surveillance systems.
  
  

Chapter 7: Special Conditions

This chapter deals with electrical installations in areas that require special conditions, such as wet locations, temporary installations, and emergency systems.

• Wet Locations: Specifies the requirements for electrical installations in wet environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, where special protection (e.g., waterproofing) is necessary.

• Temporary Installations: Provides standards for electrical systems used in temporary settings, such as construction sites, festivals, or events, ensuring safety during temporary setups.

• Overhead Lines: Establishes guidelines for the installation of overhead power lines, including the required clearance and protection to prevent accidental contact.

• Emergency Systems: Details the requirements for emergency lighting, backup generators, and exit signs, ensuring that the building remains safe in the event of power outages.
  
  

Chapter 8: Communications Systems

This chapter provides the requirements for electrical systems used in communications such as telecommunications, data transmission, and security systems.

• Telecommunications: Specifies the requirements for installing and maintaining telephone, internet, and fiber optic cables, ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Data Transmission: Provides guidelines for the installation of data systems (e.g., LANs, Wi-Fi), ensuring that they are safely wired and do not interfere with other electrical systems.

• Security Systems: Details the electrical requirements for alarm systems, CCTV, access control, and video surveillance to ensure they are safe, functional, and reliable.

• Signal Systems: Covers the wiring and installation of public address systems, emergency alarms, and other communication systems to ensure effective operation in all situations.
  
  

Chapter 9: Watercraft

This chapter focuses on the electrical systems used in marine environments, including boats, ships, and other watercraft.

• Electrical Installations on Watercraft: Covers the installation of marine electrical systems, such as lighting, navigation equipment, and power distribution.

• Safety Standards: Establishes safety standards for electrical systems on watercraft, including the need for waterproofing, electrical isolation, and protection against water damage.

• Battery Safety: Specifies safety standards for marine batteries, ensuring they are installed in a way that prevents damage from corrosion, overcharging, and short circuits.

• Compliance with International Standards: Ensures that electrical systems on watercraft comply with international standards such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other maritime authorities.

The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Edition provides specific requirements for electrical installations to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with the law. 

1. General Requirements for Electrical Systems

• Electrical systems must be designed, installed, and maintained to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.

• All installations should comply with the applicable provisions of the National Building Code and other related laws.

• The installation must be performed by qualified and licensed electricians or electrical professionals.

• All electrical installations must be inspected and approved by a local government unit or Electrical Inspection Authority before they can be energized.
  
  

2. Wiring System and Installation

• Wires should be installed in a manner that prevents physical damage, fire hazards, and electrical shock.

• Wires must be sized properly according to the load demand they will carry and should be made of copper or aluminum, depending on the system design.

• Insulated conductors must be used in all installations to prevent accidental contact with conductive materials.

• Conduit systems (e.g., PVC, metal conduit, or flexible conduit) must be used for wiring in areas where they may be exposed to mechanical damage.

• Where wiring is exposed to wet or damp conditions (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms), weatherproof and water-resistant materials should be used.

• Wiring systems must be color-coded for easy identification of different circuits (e.g., red for phase, blue for neutral).
  
  

3. Voltage and Current Ratings

• Electrical installations must conform to the appropriate voltage ratings for the intended use.

• Low-voltage systems (0–750 V) are common for residential and commercial circuits.

• Medium-voltage systems (750 V – 35,000 V) are used for industrial installations.

• High-voltage systems (above 35,000 V) are used for power distribution and transmission.
  The maximum allowable current for circuits is defined in the PEC and should be considered to prevent overloading.
  
  

4. Grounding and Bonding

• Proper grounding of electrical systems is essential to prevent electrical shock and fire hazards.

• All electrical systems must be grounded to direct excess current safely into the earth, ensuring that all metal parts of the system are at the same electrical potential.

• Bonding ensures that all metal objects that could become energized in case of a fault are connected to the ground to prevent shock hazards.

• Grounding electrodes, such as copper rods or metal pipes, should be installed according to the prescribed guidelines.
  
  

5. Circuit Protection

• Overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) must be installed on all circuits to protect electrical wiring and devices from excessive currents that could cause damage or fire.

• Fuses and circuit breakers are commonly used to provide overcurrent protection, and these must be sized properly to match the system’s design.

• The rating of the protective devices should not exceed the wire capacity to prevent overloads.
  
  

6. Switches, Outlets, and Panels

• Switches, outlets, and distribution panels must be installed in easily accessible locations to allow for easy operation and maintenance.

• The panelboards should be sized to accommodate the total number of circuits, and each panel must have proper overcurrent protection.

• Receptacles should be installed at standard heights (e.g., 300 mm from the floor) and must be secured against accidental disconnection.
  
  

7. Lighting Systems

• Lighting circuits must have proper overcurrent protection to prevent overloads.

• Exterior lighting installations should be weatherproof and designed to withstand environmental conditions.

• All lighting circuits should be connected to an automatic switch or timer to ensure energy efficiency.
  
  

8. Safety Requirements

• Emergency lighting and exit signs must be installed in accordance with safety standards to provide adequate illumination in case of power failure.

• Electrical equipment must be adequately sealed and protected to prevent the ingress of dust, moisture, or any other foreign substances that could affect performance.

• All systems should comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) to ensure the safety of workers during installation and maintenance.
  
  

9. Energy Efficiency Requirements

• Energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and solar power systems, are encouraged to reduce electricity consumption.

• The use of energy-efficient appliances should be promoted, and all installations should comply with local energy efficiency guidelines.
  
  

10. Inspection and Testing

• After the installation is completed, the system should undergo proper testing to ensure it is functioning according to the design and that it meets safety standards.

• Testing includes checking the continuity of grounding systems, insulation resistance, and correct voltage and current ratings.

• The testing and inspection reports should be submitted to the Electrical Inspection Authority before the system is energized.

11. Safety Signs and Labels

• All electrical panels, switches, and circuits must be clearly labeled to indicate their purpose and the electrical load they are designed for.

• Safety warning signs should be placed near high-risk areas, such as electrical rooms, to warn of the potential dangers.

• Hazard symbols should be used to alert workers about electrical risks, including shock and fire hazards.