CHANGES IN PEC 2017 PER CHAPTER
Chapter 1 – General
New definitions have been included, notably Office of the Building Official/EE (OBO/EE), National Electrical Engineering Law and Service Protective Device.
- The OBO/EE refers to the licensed electrical practitioner employed with the Office of the Building Official. He/she replace the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in the Code’s various provisions.
- The second new definition expounds references to Republic Act 7920 (RA 7920) which is the current national engineering law. This way, the nation engineering law remains relevant should Republic Act 7920 be superseded.
- Service Protective Device defines the new equipment addition to Code provisions related to service equipment.
Also, three important new sections have been added:
- (1) Section 1.0.1.10 Apprenticeship
- (2) Section 1.10.1.24 Available Fault Current (which require markings of such on the service equipment and would necessarily need short-circuit calculations complimenting Section 1.3.2.1(F)(4),
- (3) Section 1.10.1.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means. Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis has been added to the requirements under Section 1.3.2.1(F) Design Analysis a 1.3.2.1(F)(5).
Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection
Important revisions include:
- (1) Deletion of requirement for arc-fault circuit-interrupter due to non-availability for Philippine specifications,
- (2) In addition to Code requirements on multi-occupancy buildings, their application to site developments -where group(s) of single detached buildings are constructed – have been included,
- (3) Clarified and expanded provisions on Service Protective Device when installed ahead of Service Equipment, and
- (4) clarified provisions on grouping of Disconnecting Means.
Chapter 3 – Wiring Methods and Materials
Rationalized ampacity tables of conductors – copper and aluminum – for three conductors in raceway and in free air up to 2000 volts, Tables 3.10.2.6(B)(16) and 3.10.2.6(B)(17), respectively. Ampacities are based on current densities of the cross-sectional areas of the conductors.
- Article 3.10 has been expanded to two parts. Four new articles have also been added:
- (1) Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit: Type RTRC,
- (2) Cablebus,
- (3) Low-voltage Suspended Ceiling Power Distribution System,
- (4) Outdoor Overhead Conductors over 1,000 V.
Chapter 4 – Equipment for General Use
Previous editions of PEC1, at one time or another, permitted a specific number of overcurrent protective devices in a panel board enclosure. This limitation has been removed from PEC1 2017 and is required only (maximum of 48) if the panel board is protected on its supply side by two sets of circuit breakers or two sets of fuses.
Fixed Electric Space-heating Equipment has been expanded while Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process heating equipment has also been added.
Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies
Spray Application, Dipping, Coating and Printing Processes using Flammable or Combustible Materials has been expanded while adding Control Systems for Permanent Amusement Attractions.
Chapter 6 – Special Equipment
Electric Vehicle Charging System has been expanded with new sections on Electrified Truck Parking Spaces, Modular Data Centers, Large-Scale Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Power Production Facility, and Wind Electric Systems.
Chapter 7 – Special Conditions
Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources and Optical Fiber Cables have been expanded. Five new articles have been added:
- Energy Storage Systems,
- Critical Operations Power Systems,
- Stand-Alone Systems,
- Direct Current Microgrids, and
- Fire-Resistive Cable Systems.
Chapter 8 – Communication Systems
Added new Article 8.40 – Premises-Powered Broadband Communications-Systems has been added.
Chapter 9 – Tables
A new Table 10.1.1.10 has been added.
EFFECT ON ENFORCEMENT
The Office of the Building Official (OBO) are given the clear authority to implement all the provisions of the Code. Hence, OBO personnel are obliged to complete BOSH and COSH Training. They must be competent on the PEC Part 1. Stakeholders like MERALCO, VECO, CEPALCO, and Davao Light can assists in the capacity building of the OBO.
The interpretation of this Code shall be by licensed electrical practitioners. In case of conflicting interpretations, these may be referred to the PEC Part 1 Committee. Should disagreement remain, thereafter, the Committee’s interpretation shall be referred to the Board of Electrical Engineering who shall render final decision.
Electrical Plans and Specifications should include Design Analysis which shall show:
- Branch Circuits, sub-feeders, feeders, busways, and service entrance;
- Types, rating, and trip setting of overload protective devices;
- Calculation of voltage drops;
- Calculation of short circuit current for determining the interrupting capacity of overcurrent device for residential, commercial, and industrial establishment
- Protection Coordination of overcurrent protective devices;
- Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis to determine the required personal protective equipment in other than dwelling place.
OBO is mandated not accept electrical plans without Design Analysis. Hence, electrical practitioners must be well-versed in doing these calculations.
You may purchase the new edition of PEC from your IIEE Chapter or through their facebook page and official website.
References:
- “The Electrical Engineer”. Volume XLVII Double Issue 2018
- iiee.org.ph
- PEC 2017
