Electronics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, development, and application of circuits, devices, and systems that use electricity to control and process information. Unlike basic electrical systems that deal mostly with power and wiring, electronics focuses on signals, data, and automated functions used in communication, control, and computing.
Electronics is part of almost everything we use today — from smartphones and computers to security systems, TVs, radios, and even automated machines. It plays a vital role in:
Communication (telephones, internet)
Entertainment (TVs, gaming consoles)
Safety (alarm systems, fire detection)
Industry (automation and robotics)
Health (medical equipment)
In the field of Industrial Arts, electronics is one of the core areas where students are trained to:
Understand basic electronic circuits
Assemble and repair electronic gadgets
Install systems like CCTV, fire alarms, or intercoms
Troubleshoot problems in audio, video, or communication systems
Apply safety and quality standards
Basic Electrical and Electronic Concepts. Students learn the fundamentals of electricity, including voltage, current, resistance, and power. They understand how electricity flows in a circuit and apply simple laws like Ohm’s Law.
Electronic Components. They study common components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. Each part is explained in terms of its function and application in electronic circuits.
Tools and Equipment Handling. Students are trained to use tools like pliers, wire strippers, and soldering irons safely and properly. They also learn how to operate basic test instruments such as the multimeter and oscilloscope.
Circuit Assembly and Soldering. They learn to interpret circuit diagrams and assemble circuits on breadboards or printed circuit boards. Safe and accurate soldering is practiced to ensure strong and reliable electrical connections
Electronic System Installation. Installation skills are developed for systems such as intercoms, CCTV, and lighting controls. Emphasis is placed on following proper procedures and electrical safety standards.
Troubleshooting and Repair. Students are trained to identify and fix problems in electronic devices. They learn how to test components and replace faulty parts to restore system function.
Digital and Analog Electronics. They explore the differences between analog signals, which vary continuously, and digital signals, which use binary values. Basic logic circuits and functions of digital electronics are introduced.
Safety Practices. Understanding and applying electrical safety is a key part of the training. Students follow safety rules to prevent accidents and protect themselves and the equipment.
The Philippine Electronics Code (PEC) 2017 serves as the comprehensive guide for the safe design, installation, and maintenance of electronic systems and equipment in the Philippines.
It sets out the essential safety requirements to protect people, property, and electronic infrastructure against hazards caused by improper installation or malfunction.
The PEC 2017 is built upon internationally recognized standards, adapted to fit the local needs and conditions in the Philippines. It covers a wide range of applications—from building communication systems like CCTV, alarms, and public address systems, to telecommunication installations, computer networks, and electronic safety devices.
By following the PEC 2017, engineers, technicians, contractors, and even end-users ensure that electronic systems are safe, reliable, and efficient, helping support the country's growth in technology, communication, and digital infrastructure.
The Code is divided into four (4) main books, each focusing on a different area of electronics engineering and practice.
Telecommunication Facilities and Distribution of System
Fire Detection and Alarm System
Cable Television System
Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
Book 1 of the Philippine Electronics Code (PEC) 2017 focuses on the standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of telecommunication facilities and distribution systems in all types of buildings and developments.
This includes the infrastructure needed for telephone lines, internet connectivity, fiber optic networks, LAN (Local Area Networks), and structured cabling systems.
The goal is to ensure that communication systems are:
Safe
Reliable
Efficient
Organized
Future-ready (able to adapt to new technology)
This chapter sets the foundation for the design and installation of all telecommunication systems in the Philippines.
It defines basic requirements, such as minimum space, cable lengths, and clearance that telecommunication systems must meet to be considered safe and functional.
Essential Details:
Telecommunication systems must comply with local regulations and follow international standards (like those from ISO, IEC).
Ensures all systems are future-proof, meaning that they must allow for easy upgrades and modifications.
Emphasizes safety first — systems must be installed with protection from physical damage and interference.
This chapter highlights the specific codes, standards, and regulations that need to be followed during the design and installation of telecommunication systems.
It refers to both local Philippine standards (e.g., Philippine National Standards, PNS) and international standards (e.g., ISO, IEC).
Essential Details:
Telecommunication facilities should meet specific standards like the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Telecommunication Industry Standards (TIA).
The standards include recommendations for wire sizes, voltage limits, power sources, signal strength, and cabling types.
Adherence to safety codes ensures systems work efficiently without posing risks to users or equipment.
This chapter covers the guidelines for designing and installing a structured cabling system, the backbone of telecommunication networks in buildings.
Structured cabling allows for a flexible, organized network, enabling the efficient transfer of data, voice, and video across various platforms.
Essential Details:
Cabling Types: Specifies the use of copper (Cat 5e, Cat 6) and fiber optic cables for different needs (e.g., high-speed internet vs. standard telephone lines).
Cable Organization: Cables must be neatly routed and properly labeled for easy identification and future upgrades.
Installation Practices: Cables must be run in conduits, trays, or raceways to avoid tangling and physical damage.
Testing: After installation, all systems must be field-tested to ensure proper performance, like signal strength and data transfer rates.
This chapter details the pathways and spaces required for the installation of telecommunication equipment and cables.
These pathways protect cables from damage, provide easy access for maintenance, and ensure the system remains organized and safe.
Essential Details:
Telecommunication Rooms: Designated rooms for housing equipment like servers, routers, and patch panels. These rooms must be spacious, ventilated, and secure.
Conduits and Cable Trays: These should be used to route cables through buildings, ensuring that they are easily accessible for both installation and maintenance.
Separation: Cables carrying telecommunications signals should be separated from electrical cables to prevent signal interference.
This chapter focuses on ensuring that all telecommunication systems are properly grounded and bonded to avoid electrical hazards such as electrical surges or lightning strikes.
Grounding provides a safe path for electric current to follow in case of a fault, while bonding connects different conductive parts to ensure there is no potential difference between them.
Essential Details:
All telecommunication equipment and metallic cables must be bonded to ground to ensure safety.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Proper grounding protects sensitive electronic equipment from static electricity that can cause damage.
Special attention should be given to lightning protection and power surges.
Grounding electrodes must meet specific resistance values to ensure efficiency.
This chapter focuses on the management and administration of telecommunication facilities and systems.
It includes guidelines for the organization, monitoring, and maintenance of telecommunication equipment and networks.
Essential Details:
Proper documentation and records of all installations and system components must be maintained.
Telecommunication systems should be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure compliance with the PEC and safety regulations.
Ensure that all systems are designed with expandability in mind to accommodate future upgrades.
This chapter provides specific installation guidelines for telecommunication equipment and systems.
It ensures that systems are installed correctly to function safely and optimally, minimizing the need for repairs and troubleshooting later.
Essential Details:
Cabling Routes: Follow clearly defined routes for cables, ensuring minimal exposure to physical damage.
System Components: Equipment like routers, switches, and distribution panels must be securely mounted and properly connected.
Performance Testing: Installation should always include performance checks, like signal integrity, connection strength, and data throughput.
This chapter provides guidelines for field-testing all telecommunication systems to ensure that they work as intended.
Field testing is critical to verify that cables, components, and equipment are operating efficiently and reliably.
Essential Details:
Cable Testing: Includes checking for signal loss, length accuracy, and proper grounding.
Performance Testing: Verifies that the installed network meets the required speed, data capacity, and signal quality.
Testing must be done after installation and during routine maintenance to catch any issues before they affect users.
Book 2 of the Philippine Electronics Code (PEC) focuses on the standards and regulations for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) to ensure the safety of buildings and occupants. It provides technical guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of fire detection systems, ensuring compliance with national safety standards.
This book covers the proper placement and integration of smoke detectors, heat sensors, fire alarms, and emergency notification systems to enable early fire detection and swift response. It also outlines wiring requirements, power supply standards, and system interconnectivity to enhance the reliability and efficiency of fire alarm systems.
By following the specifications in this code, engineers, fire safety professionals, and building administrators can implement effective fire detection measures that minimize risks, prevent property damage, and protect lives.
Highlights:
Defines the purpose and coverage of fire detection and alarm systems.
FDAS is required in residential buildings, commercial establishments, industrial sites, and public spaces to protect lives and property.
Systems must detect smoke, heat, or flames and then alert occupants and emergency services quickly.
Establishes basic principles like system reliability, early warning, and fast response time.
Refers to national standards such as the Philippine Fire Code and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.
Highlights:
Specifies how the FDAS must be planned and designed according to the building size, occupancy type, and risk assessment.
Detector Placement: Smoke and heat detectors must be installed in key areas like corridors, sleeping rooms, mechanical rooms, and escape routes.
Alarm Notification: Alarms (sirens, bells, lights) must be loud and visible enough for all occupants.
Control Panels: Centralized units must monitor detector status and manually activate alarms if necessary.
The system should be connected to a 24-hour manned station or emergency monitoring center when required.
Redundancy is important — backup power like batteries must support the system in case of main power failure.
Highlights:
Provides step-by-step guidelines on how the FDAS should be physically installed in buildings.
Wiring must be properly protected using conduits and must be fire-resistant.
Mounting of detectors must follow height and spacing guidelines to ensure proper operation.
Alarm Devices like horns, strobes, and bells must be installed where they can alert all occupants, even those with disabilities (e.g., using visual alarms for the hearing impaired).
Proper signages must be installed near manual pull stations (fire alarm activation devices).
The installation must allow for easy maintenance and testing without damaging the building or the system.
Highlights:
Stresses the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to ensure the FDAS stays functional at all times.
Testing Schedule: Fire alarms, detectors, and control panels must be tested at least once a year (or more frequently for high-risk areas).
Inspection Checklist includes checking batteries, cleaning detectors, verifying audible and visual alarms, and ensuring communication with emergency centers.
Maintenance Logs must be kept as proof of inspections and repairs.
Systems that are found faulty during inspections must be repaired immediately to avoid putting lives and property at risk.
This chapter defines the scope, applicability, and limitations of CATV systems.
CATV systems are designed to distribute broadband services, including TV signals, internet, and video-on-demand.
It emphasizes the importance of:
Compliance with national laws like the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) regulations.
Integration with other systems, such as telecommunication and security systems.
All CATV installations must also consider future technological advancements like 5G integration and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) readiness.
The service entrance is the starting point where the CATV provider’s network connects to the subscriber’s premises.
Requirements include:
Installation of lightning arresters and surge protectors to avoid damage.
Conduit systems for protection of entrance cables.
Weather-sealed cable entries to prevent moisture intrusion.
Cable entrances must follow clearances from power lines, usually minimum 12 inches below electric service entrances.
Service equipment should be installed at an accessible yet protected location.
The backbone links the headend (main system) to intermediate points or nodes.
Materials include:
Trunk coaxial cables (e.g., RG11 or larger) or fiber optic cables.
Design considerations:
Signal loss must be calculated and minimized using amplifiers.
Cables must be run through designated risers or cable trays.
Fire-rated pathways must be used when crossing fire-rated walls.
Proper labeling and color coding are required for easy identification and maintenance.
Distributes CATV signals horizontally across floors or within units.
Utilizes:
Splitters and taps rated for appropriate frequency and signal loss.
RG6 coaxial cables for short horizontal runs.
Cables should be routed away from high-voltage wiring to prevent signal degradation.
Installation must ensure minimal sharp bends (not exceeding the cable’s minimum bend radius) to maintain signal quality.
Refers to subscriber areas where users access CATV services.
Installations include:
TV outlets.
Internet modems.
Set-top boxes.
Requirements:
Proper wall plate installations.
Labeling ports for TV, Internet, and future expansion.
Avoid placing outlets behind doors, large appliances, or locations prone to moisture.
Covers all facilities located outside buildings, including:
Aerial cabling (attached to poles or buildings).
Underground cabling (in ducts or direct burial).
Key considerations:
Maintain clearance from other utility lines.
Use of messenger-supported aerial cables to withstand strong winds.
Proper grounding at poles.
Route cables carefully to prevent vehicular accidents or pedestrian obstruction.
Must follow local Right-of-Way (ROW) and easement policies.
The headend is the control center of a CATV system.
Responsibilities:
Receiving broadcast or satellite signals.
Processing signals (modulation, encryption).
Distributing signals to the network backbone.
Headend design must include:
Redundant signal paths for critical services.
Climate-controlled rooms to protect equipment from temperature and humidity variations.
Physical security to prevent unauthorized access.
Compliance with EMI/RFI shielding practices to minimize interference.
Specifies minimum performance standards:
Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (CNR): ≥ 48 dB.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥ 43 dB.
Signal strength at outlets: between +3 dBmV and +10 dBmV.
Sets guidelines for:
Channel frequency allocations.
Power level tolerances.
Spurious signal emissions limits.
Critical for maintaining consistent, clear reception across the network.
CATV operators must control RF signal leakage to prevent interference, especially with aviation and emergency communications.
Operators must perform:
Annual leakage inspections.
Quarterly drive tests using mobile detection units.
Leaks over 20 microvolts per meter must be reported and immediately repaired.
Installation practices like tight connector fitting and shielding must be rigorously enforced.
Essential to protect users and equipment from electrical faults and lightning strikes.
Requirements include:
All metallic CATV components must be bonded together and connected to a common ground.
Use of #6 AWG grounding wire or larger.
Ground connections must be weatherproof and corrosion-resistant.
Reduces the risk of fire hazards, shock hazards, and service interruptions.
Cables:
RG6 for standard installations.
RG11 for longer runs requiring less signal loss.
Fiber optic for modern CATV backbones.
Connectors:
Weather-sealed, compression-type connectors for outdoor applications.
Use of approved splitters and amplifiers with minimal insertion loss.
All cable runs must be neatly dressed, secured, and free of physical damage.
Final verification before activating the system.
Tests include:
Continuity Testing: Ensuring cables are not cut or improperly spliced.
Signal Level Testing: Confirming signal strength at each subscriber outlet.
Leakage Testing: Using signal leakage detectors to confirm no unauthorized RF emissions.
Documentation of all test results is mandatory for system certification.
Book 4 of the Philippine Electronics Code (PEC) focuses on the standards and guidelines for Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), which are essential for improving wireless communication coverage inside buildings and densely populated areas. DAS is a network of strategically placed antennas connected to a common source, designed to enhance signal strength, reduce dead zones, and ensure seamless mobile and wireless connectivity.
This book provides technical requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of DAS in various environments, including commercial buildings, airports, hospitals, and underground structures. It also outlines best practices for signal distribution, interference management, power supply, and safety measures to ensure optimal system performance.
By adhering to the standards set in this code, engineers, telecommunication providers, and building developers can deploy efficient and reliable DAS solutions that support high-quality mobile communication and data services.
Explains what DAS is and why it is important for enhancing signal strength and coverage inside buildings. DAS distributes the wireless signal from a central source (like a cellular tower) to smaller antennas placed strategically inside a building.
1.1 Individual Distributed Antenna System
Installed for a single client or user (example: one business or organization).
Customized specifically based on the user's building design and wireless communication needs.
Focuses on private usage such as in private companies, hotels, or hospitals.
1.2 Common Distributed Antenna System
A shared DAS used by multiple users or service providers (example: shopping malls, airports).
Open to different carriers (Globe, Smart, DITO) using one common antenna system.
Designed for public or shared access with larger capacity and stronger infrastructure.
This chapter outlines the required materials for building a DAS, including:
Cables (coaxial cables, fiber optics)
Antennas (omnidirectional, directional)
Connectors, splitters, amplifiers
Materials must meet international standards for quality and durability (such as fire resistance, signal efficiency).
Guidelines for proper system design to ensure maximum coverage, including:
Signal strength requirements (coverage and capacity)
Frequency ranges (for different mobile networks)
Path loss calculations (how much signal is lost as it travels)
Proper antenna placement to avoid dead zones
Interference management between antennas.
Good design is crucial for ensuring that users get strong and seamless wireless signals everywhere inside the building.
Covers how to properly install a DAS system:
Following layout and design drawings exactly.
Securely mounting antennas, cable trays, and distribution units.
Observing building safety codes (fire safety, electrical grounding).
Coordinating with other services (like HVAC, electrical, plumbing) during construction.
Following strict workmanship standards for a reliable and clean installation.
Lists the performance standards that a DAS must meet:
Minimum signal strength (RSSI levels).
Acceptable levels of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and coverage percentage.
Bandwidth requirements depending on the number of users.
Power output limits to prevent interference with other systems.
Testing is required after installation to prove that these technical standards are achieved.
Final checks and evaluations before accepting the DAS system:
Physical Installation Check:
Verifying that all hardware (antennas, cables, amplifiers) are properly and securely installed.
Checking labeling, cable management, and physical integrity.
Logical Installation Check:
Verifying network configuration, signal paths, frequencies, and operational testing.
Ensuring proper system integration with external networks.
Quality Acceptance:
Field tests (such as walk tests and signal measurements) must pass all standards before the project is officially completed and handed over.
For more detailed information about the Philippine Electronic Code, please refer to the official PEC document or visit the Official Website of Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) for the complete and updated guidelines, rules, and regulations.
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