INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE

ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE (PEC)

PEC I – Electrical Installation inside

buildings.
PEC II – Electrical Installation outside
buildings.

PEC consists of rules which are

intended to make use of electricity safe for
person and property.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

OBJECTIVES:
a) Safe Use of Electricity
to establish basic materials quality and electrical work standards for the safe use of electricity for light,
heat, power, communications, signaling and for other purposes
b) Adequacy
Strict compliance with the provisions of this Code will ensure safety in electrical installation and
construction, but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of
electrical use.

Two (2) categories of PEC rules

1. Mandatory Rules – characterized by the use of the word “SHALL’’.

2. Advisory Rules – characterized by the use of the word “SHOULD” or are stated as
recommendations of that which is advised but not required.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

 The use of PEC is mandated by R.A. 7920 ( formerly R.A. 184 ), also known as the New
Electrical Engineering Law. Likewise, referral codes are also used which are mandated by their
corresponding laws.
1. P.D. 1096 – National Building Code
2. P.D. 1185 – Fire Code of the Philippines
3. Structural Code R.A. 7920 – is an act providing for a more responsive and comprehensive regulation
for the practice, licensing and registration of electrical engineers and electricians.

Government Authorities who implement PEC

1. Office of the Building Official
2. Office of the City Electrician ( City Electrical Supervising Engineer )
3. Office of the Municipal Electrician ( Municipal Electrical Supervising Engineer)
4. Regional Office of the DOLE

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

SCOPE OF THE PEC
PEC covers the electric conductors including optical fiber cable and installed within or on, to or from:

1. Public and private buildings

2. Electrical generating plants
3. Temporary and permanent substations
4. Industrial plants
5. Transformer stations
6. Railway switchyards
7. Yards, carnival, parking, etc.
8. Watercraft
9. Dockyards
10. Airfields
11. Quarries and mines
12. Mobile homes, travel trailers and recreational vehicles
13. Offshore facilities
14. Other premises which requires electrical installation except to those which are done in;
a) Aircraft
b) motor vehicles
c) railway rolling stocks

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

PERMITS AND INSPECTION CERTIFICATES

A permit is required before undertaking any electrical installation. An inspection is also required
after which certificate of final electrical inspection (CFEI) is issued by the authority.

EXCEPTIONS
A permit is not required for;
1. the installation of electrical portable equipment rated not more than 1,200 VA.
2. reconnection of disconnected service due to non-payment of electric bill or change of occupants for a
period of one year.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

Requirements for Electrical Permit
a) An application form (DPWH form No. 77-001-E) shall be accomplished, signed and submitted by a duly
registered Professional Electrical Engineer. However, if the installation does not exceed 20 lighting and/or
receptacle outlets or 4000 volt-amperes, 230 volts, the application may be prepared, signed and submitted
by a duly registered electrical engineer or master electrician.

b) The application shall include additionally, the name and signature and seal of the electrical practitioner who
will take charge of the installations as well as the signature of the owner or his authorized representative.

c) Five (5) sets of plans and specifications bearing the signature and seal of the responsible Professional
Electrical Engineer shall be submitted together with the application. However, if the installation does not exceed
20 lighting and or receptacle outlets or 4,000 VA, 230 V; five (5) sets of sketches and bill of materials may be
prepared signed and submitted by the responsible Registered Electrical Engineer or Master Electrician.
According to P.D. 1096, no plans is required for building made of indigenous materials or which cost is not
more than P15,000.00.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS IN BUILDING
– SERVICES
No. of Service
– A building or other structure served shall be supplied by only one service.

EXCEPTIONS
1. For fire pump where a separate service is required.
2. For emergency electrical system where a separate service is required.
3. Multiple-Occupancy building
4. Capacity Requirements. Two or more services shall be permitted:
a) Where the capacity requirements are in excess of 2,000 amperes at a supply voltage of 600
volts or less; or
b) Where the load requirements of a single-phase installation are greater than the serving
agency normally supplies through one service; or
5. Building of Large Area ( 10,000 m2 or more Total Area ).
6. For different voltage characteristics, such as for different voltage, frequencies, or phases, or for different
uses, such as for different rate schedules.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

THE OVERHEAD SERVICE-DROP CONDUCTOR
This is the overhead service conductor from
the last pole or other aerial support to and including
the splices if any, connecting the service entrance
conductors at the building or other structure.

SIZE AND RATING:

a) General. Service drop shall have sufficient
ampacity to carry the load without a temperature rise
detrimental to the covering or insulation of the
conductors and shall have adequate mechanical
strength.
b) Minimum Size. The conductors shall not be smaller
than 8 mm2 copper, 14 mm2 aluminum or copper-
clad aluminum.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

CLEARANCES:
a) Above Roofs. Conductors shall have a vertical
clearance of not less than 2,500 mm from the roof
surface.
b) Vertical Clearance from Ground.
3,100 mm – at the electric service entrance to
buildings, or at the drip loop of the building electric
entrance, or above areas or sidewalks
3,700 mm – for those areas listed in the 4,600 mm
classification when the voltage is limited to 600 volts
to ground.
4,600 mm – over residential property and driveways,
and those commercial areas not subject to truck
traffic.
5,500 mm – over public streets, alleys, roads, parking
areas subject to truck traffic, driveways on other than
residential property, and other land transversed by
vehicles such as cultivated, grazing, forest, and
orchard.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

UNDERGROUND SERVICE-LATERAL
CONDUCTOR
– This is the underground service conductor between
the street main, including any risers at a pole or other
structure or from transformers, and the first point of
any connection to the service-entrance conductors in
a terminal box or meter or other enclosure with
adequate space, inside or outside the building wall.

INSULATION
– Service-lateral conductor shall withstand exposure
to atmospheric and other conditions of use without
detrimental leakage of current.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

EXCEPTIONS
A grounded conductor shall be permitted to be
uninsulated as follows:
a) Bare copper used in a raceway.
b) Bare copper for direct burial where bare copper is
judged to be suitable for the soil conditions.
c) Bare copper for direct burial without regard to soil
conditions where part of cable assembly identified for
underground use.
d) Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum without
insulation or covering where part of a cable assembly
identified for underground use in a raceway or for
direct burial.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

SIZE AND RATING
a) General. Service lateral conductors shall have sufficient ampacity to carry the current for the load and
shall have adequate mechanical strength.
b) Minimum Size. The conductors shall not be smaller than 5.5 mm2 copper or 8.0 mm2 aluminum or
copper-clad aluminum.

Where two to six service disconnecting means in separate enclosures supply separate loads from one
service drop or lateral, one set of service entrance conductors shall be permitted to supply each or
several such service equipment enclosures.

EXCEPTION:
– For installations to supply only limited loads of a single branch circuit such as small polyphase power,
controlled water heaters and the like, they shall not be smaller than 3.5 mm2 copper or 5.0 mm2
aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

SERVICE ENTRANCE
– Service is defined as the portion of the supply which
extends from the street main duct or transformer to the
service switch or switchboard of the building supply.
-it is the conductor and equipment for delivering energy from
the electricity supply system to the wiring system of the
premises served.

TYPES:
1. Overhead Service Entrance
The most common type of service entrance employed by the
power companies supplying electricity which is either a 2, 3 or 4-
wire connection. Generally, the overhead service cable between
the building property line and the supply point is supplied by
electric company to a limit of 30 meters.
2. The Underground Service Entrance
The underground service entrance consists of a raceway conduit
extending from the building to the property line where it is tapped
to the main. The type of cable recommended is the underground
service entrance cable commonly referred to as USE.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
– No. of Service-Entrance Conductor Sets Each
service drop or lateral shall supply only one set of
service-entrance conductors.

EXCEPTIONS:
1. Buildings with more than one occupancy.
2. Where two to six service disconnecting means in a
separate enclosures are grouped at one location and
supply separate loads from one service drop or lateral.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

SIZE AND RATING:
– Service entrance conductors shall be of sufficient size to carry the
computed loads.
Ungrounded conductors shall not be smaller than:
1. 100 A - For one family dwelling with six or more 2-wire branch circuits.
2. 60 A - For one family dwelling with an initial computed load of 10 kVA
above.
3. 40 A - For other loads.

EXCEPTIONS:
1. For loads consisting of not more than 2 – wire branch circuits, 5.5 mm2
copper or 8.0 mm2 aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.
2. By special permission, for loads limited by demand or by the source of
supply, 5.5 mm2 copper or 8.0 mm2 aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.
3. For limited loads of single branch circuit, 3.5 mm2 copper or 5.5 mm2
aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

INSTALLATION OF SERVICE CONDUCTORS

Service entrance conductors shall be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of this Code
covering the type of wiring method used and limited to the following methods:

1. Open-wiring on insulators
2. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
3. Intermediate Metallic Tubing (IMT)
4. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
5. Service-Entrance Cables
6. Wireways
7. Busways
8. Auxiliary gutters
9. Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit (RNMC)
10. Cable Bus
11. Mineral-Insulated Metal-Sheated Cable
12. Type MC Cables

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

PROTECTION:

Service entrance conductors subjected to physical damage shall be protected in any of the following ways
or methods:
1. By RMC
2. By IMC
3. By RNMC suitable for the location
4. By EMT
5. Type MC cable or other approved means

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

THE SERVICE EQUIPMENT-DISCONNECTING MEANS GENERAL:

The service-disconnecting means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other
structures from the service-entrance conductor.

NUMBER OF DISCONNECTING MEANS:

The service disconnecting means for each set

or each subset of service entrance conductor
shall consist of not more than six switches or
six circuit breakers mounted in a single
enclosure, or in a switchboard.

LOCATION:

The service disconnecting means shall be

installed either inside or outside the building or
other structure at a readily accessible location
nearest the point of entrance of the service
entrance conductor

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

RATING:

The service disconnecting means shall have a

rating of not less than the load to be carried. In no
case shall the rating be lower than specified
through:
1. One circuit installation — The service
disconnecting means shall have a rating of not
less than 15 amperes.
2. Two circuit installation — The service
disconnecting means shall have a rating of not
less than 30 amperes.
3. One family dwelling — The service
disconnecting means shall have a rating of:
60 A — where the initial computed loads is 10 kVA
or more 100 A — where the initial installations
consist of six or more 2-wire branch circuit.
4. Others — For all other installations, the service
disconnecting means shall have a rating of not
less than 40 amperes.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

NOTES:
The service disconnecting means shall
simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded
conductors and shall be capable of being closed on
a fault equal to or greater than the maximum
available short-circuit current.

Service entrance conductor shall have a short-

circuit protective device in each ungrounded
conductors. Fuses shall have an Interrupting Rating
no less than the maximum available short circuit
current in the circuit at their supply terminals.

Circuit breakers shall be free to open in case the

circuit is closed on an overload. Circuit breakers
shall have an interrupting rating not less than the
maximum available short-circuit current at its supply
terminals.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

FEEDERS AND MAIN
Essential considerations being adapted or followed.
1. On large installation, one feeder is provided for each floor.
2. In small installations, one or two feeders is satisfactory.
3. Feeder for motor must be separate and
independent from the light circuits.
4. Feeders requiring more than 50 mm
diameter conduit should not be used.
5.Feeders should be subdivided if there are
several bends or offsets because a 50 mm
conduit is the largest that could be
economically used.
6. Feeders radiating from the distributing
panel should be provided each with a properly
rated switch and circuit breaker.
7. Good practice dictates that feeders and
main shall be installed inside a conduit pipe as
it carries high voltage that should be well
protected.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

REQUIRED PARTS OF A STANDARD ELECTRICAL PLAN
A. GENERAL NOTES / SPECIFICATION
Specification written on electrical plan should indicate :
1. That the design is done in accordance with the P.E.C. and all electrical works shall comply with the
provisions of all authorities having jurisdiction on the use of electrical power.
2. The nature of the service including voltage, phase and frequency.
3. The type of approved wiring to used in installing service entrance,
feeders, sub-feeders, branch circuit conductors, remote control system, fire protection, signal and
communication system.
4. All other aspects and details that the designer and the owner would want to be done in the actual
construction of the project.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

EXAMPLE :
1. Works here under shall comply with the latest edition of the P.E.C, the national building code, municipal or city
ordinances, office of the municipal or city electrician, & Meralco.
2. Type of services shall be 230 volts, 1 phase, 2 wire system, 60 hertz and there shall be only one service drop
to the building.
3. Method of wiring shall be EMT both exposed and embedded work with proper fitting and supports. In cases
where concealed conduits wiring is impracticable to use, metal moulding may be applied.
4. All materials and equipment shall be new and approved type for both location and purpose intended.
5. All lighting and convenience outlet circuit homeruns shall be wired with no less than 2 sq. mm and 3.5 sq.
mm respectively, unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
6. Lighting and power panel board shall be circuit breaker type surface or flushed mounted or as indicated on
the plan; door shall be provided with locked and milled key, a line circuit directory card and holder shall be
provided in inner face or door.
7. Whenever required and necessary, full boxes and junction boxes of proper sizes shall be installed at
convenient and inconspicuous locations although such boxes are not shown on the plans nor mentioned in the
specification.
8. All outdoor installation shall be weather proof type.
9. All electrical work shall be done under the direct and immediate supervision of a duly
licensed Electrical Engineer.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

B. LEGEND AND SYMBOLS
The legend or symbols shall show symbols
or configurations and figures of devices
and equipment used. Standard Electrical
symbols can be obtained from the
appendix – a of the Philippine Electrical
Code.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

 C. LOCATION PLAN
Location or site plan with proposed
structures and owner’s land drawn to
appropriate metric scale shall show:
1. Bordering areas showing public or
well known streets.
2. Location of service drop, service
equipment and nearest pole of the
utility company furnishing electrical
energy.
3. Clearance of the path or run of
service drops and service structure
wires to adjacent existing or proposed
structures.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

D. RISER DIAGRAM
The riser diagram consists of the
schematic diagram of service entrance,
feeders and branch circuits. This
indicates:
1. The number of branch circuits, the
size of conductors, size of conduit and
protection for each branch circuit.
2. The sizes of feeders, its conduit and
feeder’s protection.
3. The type of service, size of service
entrance conductor, conduits and main
protective device.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

E. TITLE BLOCK:
Title block or nameplate of plans and drawings shall be a standard strip of 40 mm high at the bottom of
each sheet.

It shall contain the following:

1. Name and location of proposed installation, project, or watercraft;
2. Name, signature and address of owner/manager/operator;
3. Title of sheet and sheet number;
4. Scale used;
5. Name, signature and dry seal of professional electrical engineer together with registration number,
Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) and Tax Identification Number (TIN);
6. Initial of draftsman; and
7. Date drawn or revised.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

F. ELECTRICAL LIGHTING AND POWER
LAYOUT

Electrical layout for each floor of the building shall

indicate the location of:
1. Location of lighting outlets.
2. Location of convenience outlets.
3. Location of switches with their corresponding
symbols.
4. Location of outlets for air conditioning units.
5. Location of telephone, intercom and master
antenna television outlets.
6. Location of service equipment and/or
disconnecting means.
7. Location of service kiloWatthour meter.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

G. SCHEDULE OF LOADS AND COMPUTATIONS:

Schedule of loads in tabulated form shall indicate:

A. MOTOR LOADS:
1. Motor as numbered or identified in power layout.
2. Type of motor
3. HP/kW/kVA rating
4. Voltage rating
5. Full load current rating
6. Frequency rating
7. Number of phases

B. LIGHTING AND POWER LOADS:

1. Panel as numbered in the riser diagram.
2. Circuit designation number.
3. Number and lightning outlets in each circuits.
4. Number of switches in each circuit.
5. Number of convenience outlet
6. Voltage circuit
7. Fuse rating or trip rating of circuit protective device.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

C. OTHER LOADS
1. Designation number on plan
2. Description loads
3. Classification of service duty
4. Rating in kilovolt ampere (KVA) or kilowatt (KW)
5. Phase loading indicating full load line current
6. Voltage rating

DESIGN COMPUTATION
Or design analysis where necessary shall be included on the drawings or may be submitted on separate
sheets of uniform size paper, shall allow :

1. Illumination design computations and tabulated lighting levels in lux critical areas in institutional, Industrial
recreational & commercial building.
2. Feed lines and protective devices of motors, electrical equipment and appliances indicating types and
ratings.
3. Sizes of branch circuit wires, Feeders and busbars including protective devices.
4. Size and type of service entrance wires, race ways and equipment.
5. Setting / ratings of over current devices.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

GROUNDING PROTECTION
A ground is an electrical connection which may either be intentional or accidental between an electric circuit
or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. The purpose of
grounding a circuit is to fix permanently a zero voltage point in the system. The grounded line of a circuit
should not be broken nor fused to maintain a solid and uninterrupted connection to the ground.

Grounding could be accomplished in the following manner:

1. Connection to a buried cold water main.
2. Connection to a rod or group of rods.
3. Connection to a buried ground plate.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

THE PANELBOARD
A panelboard is a single panel or group of panel units
designed for assembly in the form of a single panel. This
includes buses, automatic overcurrent protective devices,
and with or without switches for the control of light, heat
or power circuit. It is designed to be placed in a cabinet or
cutout box placed in or against a wall or partition and
accessible only from the front.

Principles applied in installing panel board

1. The approach should be accessible and convenient.
2. The panelboard must be centrally located to shorten
the home wiring runs.
3. It must be installed near the load center. As in most
cases, panelboard is installed near the kitchen and the
laundry where heavy loads are expected.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

MAINS- is the feeder interior wiring extending from service switch, generator bus, or converter bus to
the main distribution.

BRANCH CIRCUIT- is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting
the circuit and the outlets. This means that the branch circuit is only the wiring between the circuit
overcurrent protection device such as fuses or circuit breaker and the outlets. However, it is a common
knowledge and practice that the branch circuit comprises the entire circuit including the outlet
receptacles and other wiring devices.

PROTECTION OF THE BRANCH CIRCUIT

Any current in excess of the rated current
capacity of the equipment or the rated
ampacity of the conductor is called
overcurrent.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

The causes of overcurrent are:
1. Overload in the equipment conductors.
2. Short circuit or ground fault

As per PEC requirement, conductors shall be

protected against overcurrent in accordance
with their ampacities (Art. 4.5.1.3)
Ampacity – is the current-carrying capacity of
an electric conductor.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

THE CIRCUIT BREAKER AND THE FUSE
A circuit breaker is an overcurrent protective device also designed to function as a switch. It is equipped with
an automatic tripping device to protect the branch circuit from overload and ground fault.

A fuse is also an overcurrent protective device with a circuit opening fusible element which opens when
there is an overcurrent in the circuit. It is considered as the simplest and the most common circuit protective
device used into the house wiring connection.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

Advantages of circuit breaker over a fuse
1. The circuit breaker acts as a switch aside from its being an overcurrent device.
2. When there is an overcurrent, the circuit breaker trips automatically and after correcting
the fault, it is ready to be switched on again, unlike the fuse which has to be discarded and
replaced after it is busted.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

Advantages of fuse over a circuit breaker
1. One of its major advantage is its reliability and stability. It can stay on its position for years and act when
called on to act as designed, unlike the circuit breaker which requires proper maintenance and periodic testing
to keep it into a tip-top condition.
2. The cost of a fuse is less than that of a circuit breaker.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

Standard Ampere Ratings of Fuses and Inverse time circuit breakers
15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700,
800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000

Note: Fuses, circuit breakers or combinations shall not be connected in parallel.

Exception:
Circuit breakers or fuses, factory assembled in parallel, and approved as a unit.
Position of Knife Switches
a) Single-throw Knife Switches. Single-throw knife switches shall be so placed that gravity will not tend to
close them. Single-throw knife switches, approved for use in the inverted position, shall be provided with a
locking device that will ensure that the blades remain in the open position when so set.
b) Double-throw Knife Switches. Double-throw knife switches shall be permitted to be mounted so that the
throw will be either vertical or horizontal. Where the throw is vertical, a locking device shall be provided to
hold the blades in the open position when so set.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

RECEPTACLES AND WIRING DEVICES

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

Electrical Conductors are substances that offer a very low resistance to current flow.
Insulators are substances that offer a very high resistance to current flow.
List of some good electrical List of some insulating materials
conductors 1. Rubber
1. Silver 2. Porcelain
2. Copper 3. Varnish
3. Aluminum 4. Slate
4. Nickel 5. Glass
5. Brass 6. Mica
6. Zinc 7. Latex
7. Platinum 8. Asbestos
8. Iron 9. Thermoplastics
9. Tin 10. Paper
10. Lead 11. Oils
12. Wax
13. Dry air

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

WIRES AND CABLES
Wires are those electrical conductors which are 8 mm2
(AWG no. 8) or smaller, while cables are those larger than
the wires. They are either solid or stranded.

Stranded wire – consists of a group of wires twisted to form

metallic string. The total circular-mil area of a stranded wire
is found by multiplying the circular mil area of each strand
by the total number of strand.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CABLES
1. Armored Cable. This type of cable, the
type AC is a fabricated assembly of
insulated conductors enclosed in flexible
metal sheath. Armored cable is used in
both exposed and concealed work.

2. Metal Clad Cable. Cable of the type

MC is a factory assembled cable of one
or more conductors, each individually
insulated and enclosed in a metallic
sheath of interlocking tape, or a smooth
or corrugated tube. This type is used
specifically for services, feeders, branch
circuits, either exposed or concealed and
for indoor or outdoor work.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

3. Mineral Insulated Cable. This type of cable,
type MI, is a factory assembly of one or more
conductors insulated with a highly compressed
refractory mineral insulation and enclosed in
liquid-tight and gas-tight continuous copper
sheath. The type MI is used in dry, wet or
continuously moist location as service, feeders
or branch circuit.

4. Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable. Types NM

and NMC are factory assembled two or more
insulated conductors having a moisture-
resistant outer sheath, flame-retardant and
non-metallic material. These types are used
specifically for one or two dwelling not
exceeding 3 storey buildings.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

5. Shielded Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable. This type
of cable, the type SNM, is a factory assembly of
two or more insulated conductors in an extruded
core or moisture-resistant and flame-retardant
material, covered with an overlapping spiral metal
tape. This type is used in hazardous locations and
in cable trays or in raceways.

6. Service Entrance Cable. This is a single

conductor or multiconductor assembly provided
with or without an over-all covering, primarily used
for services and of the types SE and USE.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

7. Underground Feeder and Brach Circuit Cables.
This type of cable, the type UF cable is a
moisture-resistant cable used for underground,
including direct burial in the ground, as feeder or
branch circuit.

8. Power and Control Tray Cable. Type TC cable

is a factory assembly of two or more insulated
conductors with or without associated bare or
covered grounding under a metallic sheath. This
is used for installation in cable trays, raceways or
where supported by a messenger wire.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

9. Flat Cable Assemblies. This is an assembly of parallel
conductors formed integrally with an insulating material
web designed specifically for field installation in metal
surface raceway. Cables of this type are the types FC.

10. Flat Conductor Cable. This type of cable, type FCC

consists of three or more flat conductors placed edge to
edge, separated and enclosed within an insulating
assembly. This used for general purpose, appliance
branch circuits and for individual branch circuits
specifically on hard, smooth, continuous floor surfaces,
etc.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

12.Medium Voltage Cables. MV cable is a single or multiconductor solid dielectric insulated cable rated
2,001 volts or higher and is used for power systems up to 35,000 volts. The MV cables are of different
types and characteristics.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

RACEWAYS
Raceways are channels designed for holding wires, cables or bus-bars, which are either made of metal or
insulating materials. The common types of raceways in household wiring are the a) conduits, b) connectors, and
c) others.

a) Conduits
Conduits, pipes or tubings are the
most common electrical raceway.
According to the type of materials
used, conduit maybe classified as
either metallic such as steel pipes
or nonmetallic such as PVC, and
the like. According to its make,
conduits maybe classified as:
rigid metal, flexible metal, rigid
nonmetal and flexible nonmetal.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

b) Connectors
A connector is a metal sleeve usually made of copper that is slipped over and secured to the butted ends of
conductors in making joint. A connector is also called a splicing sleeve.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

c) Other Raceways
Aside from the conduits and connectors there are still numerous types and kinds of raceways, among these are
the a) conduit couplings, elbows and other fittings; b) conduit supports, such as clamps, hangers,etc; c) cable
trays, cablebus; d) metal raceways;e) nonmetal raceways.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

OUTLETS, RECEPTACLES and other WIRING DEVICES OUTLETS.
An outlet is a point in the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment. The kinds of outlets are: convenience outlet or attachment cap, lighting outlet, and receptacle
outlet.

A convenience outlet or attachment cap is a device which

by insertion in a receptacle, establishes connection
between the conductor of the flexible cord and the
conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.

A lighting outlet is an outlet intended for direct connection

of a lampholder, a lighting fixture, or a pendant cord
terminating in a lampholder. A receptacle outlet is an outlet
where one or more receptacles are installed.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

TYPES OF WIRES

A. TYPES T, TW, THW

The most ordinary type of plastic insulated wire is the “type T”. It may be used only in dry locations. Some
manufactures no longer make the ordinary Type T, instead produce Type TW, which is identical in
appearance, but may be used in wet or dry locations. Also available is Type THW, is similar to Type TW but
withstand a greater degree of heat, and consequently has a higher ampacity rating in the larger sizes.

Type T Type TW Type THW

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

B. TYPES THHN, THWN
These are comparatively new types of wire, consisting of the basic Type THH and THW but with less
thermoplastic insulation, and with a final extruded jacket of nylon. Nylon has exceptional insulating qualities
and great mechanical strength, all of which results in a wire which is smaller in diameter than ordinary Types
T, TW, TW of corresponding size.

THHN THWN

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

C. TYPE XHHW
In appearance, it resembles Types T, TW, THW but because of somewhat thinner layer of insulation, the
over-all diameter is smaller. The insulation is “cross-linked synthetic polymer,” which has an extraordinary
properties as to insulating value, heat resistance, and moisture resistance. It may be used in dry or wet
locations. While at present, it is an expensive wire, it would be no surprise if in due course of time, this one
single type will replace all the many types and subtypes of Type T or R now recognized by the Code.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

D. RUBBER-COVERED WIRE
It consists of copper conductor, tinned to make it easier to remove the insulation, and for easy
soldering. Over the copper is a layer of rubber, the thickness of which depends on the size of the wire.
Then follows an outer fabric braid which is saturated with moisture-and-fire-resistant compounds; if it is
set on fire with a blowtorch, the flame dies out when the torch is removed.

E. OTHER TYPES
Other types such as the basic Type R, which is suitable for only in dry locations, is no longer being made.

The most ordinary kind is Type RHW, which may be used for dry or wet locations. Types RH and RHH have
insulation which withstands more heat and therefore have a higher ampacity in the larger size. They may be
used only in dry locations.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

KINDS OF LOCATIONS

DAMP LOCATION
Partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior
locations subjected to moderate degree of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-
storage warehouses.

DRY LOCATION
A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily
subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.

WET LOCATION
Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth, and location subject
to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas, and locations exposed to weather and
unprotected.

HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS

Locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids,
combustible dust, or ignitible fibers or flyings.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS
Locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids,
combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.

1. Class I Locations. Class I locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in
the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.

a) Class I, Division 1. A Class I, Division 1 location is a location: I) in which ignitable concentrations of

flammable gases or vapors can exist under normal operating conditions; or ii) in which ignitable
concentrations of such gas vapors may exist frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or
because of leakage; or iii) in which breakdown or faulty operation of equipment or processes might release
ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, and might also cause simultaneous failure of electric
equipment.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

b) Class I, Division 2. A Class I, Division 2 location is a location: I) in which volatile flammable liquids or
flammable gases are handled, processes, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be
confines within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental
rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in case of abnormal operation of equipment; or ii) in
which ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation,
and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment; iii)
that is adjacent to Class I, Division 1 location, and to which ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors might
occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive ventilation from
a source of clean air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

2. Class II Locations. Class II locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible
dust.

a) Class II, Division 1. A class II, Division 1 location is a location: I) in which combustible dust is in the air
normal operating conditions in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures; or ii) where
mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such explosive or ignitible
mixtures to be produced, and might also provide a source of ignition through simultaneous failure of electric
equipment, operation devices, or from other causes; or iii) in which combustible dusts of an electrically
conductive nature may be present in hazardous quantities.

b) Class II, Division 2. A Class II, Division 2 location is a location where combustible dust is not normally in the
air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitible mixtures, and dust accumulations are normally
insufficient to interfere with the normal operation of electrical equipment or other apparatus, but combustible
dust may be in suspension in the air as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of handling or processing
equipment and where combustible dust accumulations on, in, or in the vicinity of the electrical equipment may
be sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipation of heat from electrical equipment or may be ignitible by
abnormal operation or failure of electrical equipment.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA

3. Class III Locations. Class III locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of easily
combustible fibers or flyings, but in which such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in
quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.

a) Class III, Division 1. A Class III, Divisions 1 location is a location in which easily ignitable fibers or materials
producing combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or used.

b) Class III, Division 2. A Class III, Division 2 location is a location in which easily ignitable fibers are stored or
handled.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE BY - ALVIN JOHN D. BRECIA