PROVISIONS-FOR-ELECTRICAL-SYSTEM-DESIGN

Provisions for Electrical System Design

  • Subject: EE 412 Electrical Systems and Illumination Design Based on Philippine Electrical Code 2017

Chapter 1: General Provisions

Article 1.0: Introduction

1.0.1.1 Purpose

  • (A) Practical Safeguarding:

    • Aim of the Code is to protect persons and property from electrical hazards.

1.0.1.1 Purpose

  • (B) Adequacy:

    • Establishes minimum safety requirements.

    • Proper compliance and maintenance lead to a hazard-free installation, though may not ensure efficiency or convenience.

1.0.1.1 Purpose

  • (C) Intention:

    • Exclusively intended for licensed electrical practitioners (PEE, REE, RME).

    • Not for non-licensed practitioners unless supervised by a licensed one.

Intended Users of the Code

  • Qualified Engineers: Design, install, or maintain electrical equipment.

  • Inspection Authorities: Oversee legal compliance in installations.

  • Insurance Inspectors: Evaluate electrical safety and adherence to standards.

  • Licensed Electrical Practitioners: Implement and supervise electrical work.

  • Instructors: Teach electrical principles and practices to students.

Article 1.0: Scope

1.0.1.2 Scope

  • (A) Covered Installations:

    • Covers installation of electrical conductors, equipment, raceways, signaling, communication systems, and optical fiber cables.

Types of Buildings and Facilities Covered

  • Public and private buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)

  • Electric generating plants, industrial plants, transformer stations, and substations.

  • Various infrastructures, including airfields and railways.

  • Watercraft, dockyards, trailers, and offshore facilities.

Article 1.0: Authority and Enforcement

1.0.1.3 Authority

  • Approved by the Board of Electrical Engineering, Professional Regulation Commission.

    • Requires strict adherence to the Code.

1.0.1.4 Enforcement

  • Mandatory application by the Office of the Building Official/EE for electrical installations.

  • Responsibility lies with the Office for implementation.

  • New products or materials not present during code adoption may be permitted if compliant with previous standards.

Article 1.0: Code Rules

1.0.1.5 Types of Rules

  • (A) Mandatory Rules:

    • Actions that are specifically required or prohibited.

  • (B) Permissive Rules:

    • Actions that identify options without requirements.

  • (C) Explanatory Material:

    • Informational notes included, not enforceable as Code requirements.

  • (D) Appendices:

    • Provide additional context or information for specific Code provisions.

1.0.1.8 Wiring Planning

  • Ensures ample space in raceways for future electrical needs and safety.

  • Limits the number of circuits in a single enclosure to reduce risks from faults.

1.0.1.9 Units of Measurement

  • Employ metric units according to the International System of Units (SI).

  • Use trade sizes rather than actual dimensions for materials.

Article 1.1: Definitions

Key Definitions

  • Ampacity: Current that a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating.

  • Appliance: Equipment built in standardized sizes or types, performing specific functions.

  • Attachment Plug: Device ensuring connection between flexible cord and receptacle conductors.

  • Bonded (Bonding): Connected to establish electrical continuity and conductivity.

  • Circuit Breaker: Device that opens/closes a circuit and protects against overload.

Additional Definitions

  • Continuous Load: Load expected to continue for 3 hours or more.

  • Disconnecting Means: Device or group allowing disconnection of a circuit from supply.

  • Ground Fault: Unintentional electrical path to ground.

Article 1.10: Requirements for Electrical Installation

General Requirements

  • Covers examination, approval, and maintenance of electrical conductors and equipment.

Approval Requirement

  • Conductors and equipment must be pre-approved for compliance with the Code.

Chapter Learning Summary

  • Electrical permits are mandatory pre-construction.

  • Required signatures: Owner, PEE, electrical plans must be sealed.

  • Short circuit analysis required (not for dwelling units).

  • The code emphasizes the importance of safety and prevention mechanisms for the electrical system.