The purpose of the Philippine Electrical Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This code contains provisions that are considered minimum requirements necessary for safety. This code is intended as a design specification or an instruction manual to qualified persons. – PEC 2017
This 2017 edition of Philippine Electrical Code, Part 1 (PEC1 2017) is a major revision to the 2009 edition. The planning of the new Code started with a kickoff meeting chaired by Engr. Francis V. Mapile, Chairman of the Electrical Engineering (BEE) of the PRC. He provided the guidelines on the format of the new Code and its contents.
PEC1 2017 is now in letter page format consisting of two columns in a page. There is only one volume including a Chapter 9 – Watercraft, which used to form Volume 2 of the previous editions of the Code. Because of this, Chapter 9 – Tables before is now Chapter 10. The appendices complete the Code.
The preparation of the PEC1 2017 started in 2016 and completed in 2017, a more than one-year effort. It started with NEC 2014 as the basis, but in the end, adopted NEC 2017 which became available September 2016. As in the past PEC1 2017 took into consideration the Philippine environment and practices, specially in Chapters 1 to 4, and particularly, in requirements concerning utility services.
ACCESS PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE PART 1 2017 HERE
The major changes per Chapter:
New definitions have been included, notably Office of the Building Official/EE (OBO/EE), National Electrical Engineering Law and Service Protective Device.
Revisions:
- 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 This way, the nation engineering law remains relevant should Republic Act 7920 be superseded.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).
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
Revisions:
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.
Revisions:
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.
Revisions:
Spray Application, Dipping, Coating and Printing Processes using Flammable or Combustible Materials has been expanded while adding Control Systems for Permanent Amusement Attractions.
Revisions:
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.
Revisions:
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.
Revisions:
Added new Article 8.40 – Premises-Powered Broadband Communications-Systems has been added.
Watercraft have been integrated into Part 1.
Revisions:
A new Table 10.1.1.10 has been added.
Other Revisions:
Aside from the chapters discussed, the rest of the Code has minimal changes. Harmonizing the PEC1 with IEC and other recognized standards in an ever-continuing effort.
The 2017 Philippine Electrical Code Part 1 has been crafted in order to clarify ambiguities and to facilitate easy use and understanding so that the electrical practitioners will be properly guided.
This Code has been patterned after the National Electrical Code 2017 version as it was found to be most appropriate and applicable to Philippine Setting.
NEC 2017 and relevant IEC and other standards were used in one way or another as reference materials which are and could have been included in PEC1 2017.
DISCLAIMER:
This is not an official copy of the Philippine Electrical Code 2017.
While the authors have used good faith and efforts to ensure that the information and instructions contained in this work are accurate, the authors disclaim all responsibility for errors or omissions, including without limitation responsibility for damages resulting from the use of or reliance on this work. Use of the information and instructions contained in this work is at your own risk.
