COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING UTILITIES 1
PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE (PEC) AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY
STANDARDS
I. INTRODUCTION
Electrical systems are an essential part of modern buildings and civil engineering projects.
Buildings require electrical systems for lighting, power supply, communication, fire
protection, equipment operation, and other services. Because electrical systems involve risks
such as electric shock, fire, equipment damage, and electrical accidents, their design and
installation must follow established safety standards.
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) provides minimum requirements for the safe
installation and use of electrical systems in the Philippines. It serves as an important
reference for engineers, contractors, electricians, building officials, and other professionals
involved in building construction and infrastructure projects.
For civil engineering students, understanding the basic provisions and purpose of the PEC is
important because electrical systems are closely integrated with building structures,
construction works, water systems, transportation facilities, and other infrastructure. Civil
engineers commonly coordinate with electrical engineers and electricians during the planning,
construction, inspection, and maintenance of projects.
This module introduces the Philippine Electrical Code, its objectives, scope, legal basis,
government authorities involved in its implementation, permit requirements, and basic
requirements for electrical services in buildings.
II. LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Define the Philippine Electrical Code and explain its purpose.
2. Identify the basic objectives of the Philippine Electrical Code.
3. Differentiate PEC Part 1 and PEC Part 2.
4. Identify the major laws and referral codes related to electrical installations.
5. Explain the scope and application of the Philippine Electrical Code.
6. Identify the government authorities responsible for implementing electrical regulations.
7. Explain the basic requirements for electrical permits and inspection.
8. Describe the basic requirements for electrical services in buildings.
III. LECTURE
1.1 What is the Philippine Electrical Code?
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) is a set of minimum electrical safety requirements used
in the design, installation, and construction of electrical systems in the Philippines.
The PEC establishes basic requirements for electrical materials and electrical work to
promote the safe use of electricity for lighting, heating, power, communications, signaling,
and other purposes.
The Philippine Electrical Code is intended to provide minimum standards for electrical safety.
Compliance with the Code helps ensure that electrical installations are safe; however,
compliance does not necessarily mean that an installation will be efficient, convenient, or
adequate for future expansion.
1.2 Basis of the Philippine Electrical Code
1) The Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, 2017 Edition, is based on the 2017 National
Electrical Code (NFPA 70).
2) The Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, 2009 Edition, was based on the 2005 National
Electrical Code.
3) The PEC is used as an important reference for electrical design and installation in the
Philippines.
1.3 Parts of the Philippine Electrical Code
The Philippine Electrical Code is divided into two major parts.
I. PEC Part 1 deals primarily with the installation of electrical systems inside buildings
and structures.
II. PEC Part 2 deals primarily with the installation of electrical systems outside buildings.
For civil engineering students, PEC Part 1 is particularly important because many civil
engineering projects involve buildings and structures where electrical systems must be
properly coordinated with architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and other building
systems.
1.4 Objectives of the Philippine Electrical Code
The primary objective of the PEC is the safe use of electricity.
The Code establishes basic standards for electrical materials and electrical work to promote
safety in installations used for:
Lighting
Heating
Power
Communications
Signaling
Other electrical purposes
The Code establishes minimum requirements that help protect people, buildings, equipment,
and property from electrical hazards.
1.5 Adequacy of Electrical Installations
Strict compliance with the PEC helps ensure safety in electrical installation and construction.
However, compliance with the Code does not necessarily guarantee that an electrical system
will be:
Efficient
Convenient
Adequate for good service
Adequate for future expansion
Therefore, proper engineering judgment and planning are still necessary when designing
electrical systems.
1.6 Legal Basis of the Philippine Electrical Code
The use of the Philippine Electrical Code is mandated by Republic Act No. 7920, formerly
associated with Republic Act No. 184, also known as the New Electrical Engineering Law.
Republic Act No. 7920 provides for the regulation, licensing, and registration of electrical
engineers and electricians.
Electrical installations may also be subject to other laws and referral codes.
1. Important related laws and codes include:
2. Presidential Decree No. 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines
3. Presidential Decree No. 1185 – Fire Code of the Philippines
4. Structural Code
These laws and codes work together in regulating the planning, design, construction, and
safety of buildings and other structures.
1.7 Government Authorities Implementing the PEC
The implementation and enforcement of electrical requirements involve various government
authorities.
i. Office of the Building Official
The Office of the Building Official is involved in the regulation and approval of building
construction and related permits.
ii. Office of the City Electrician or City Electrical Supervising Engineer
This office is involved in electrical inspection and supervision within the city.
iii. Office of the Municipal Electrician or Municipal Electrical Supervising Engineer
This office performs similar electrical regulatory and supervisory functions within the
municipality.
1.8 Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, 2017 Edition
The PEC Part 1, 2017 Edition, is intended to serve as a design specification and guide for
qualified persons involved in electrical installations.
Electrical designs and installations must comply with the requirements of the Code to
promote safety.
The Code focuses primarily on electrical safety. Energy management, maintenance, and
power quality issues are not within the main scope of the Code.
Consideration may be given to future expansion of electrical systems, although future
expansion is not necessarily a specific Code requirement.
1.9 Scope of the Philippine Electrical Code
The PEC covers electrical conductors, including optical fiber cables, installed within or on, to
or from various premises and facilities.
The scope includes:
a) Public and private buildings
b) Electrical generating plants
c) Temporary and permanent substations
d) Industrial plants
e) Transformer stations
f) Railway switchyards
g) Yards
h) Carnivals
i) Parking areas
j) Watercraft
k) Dockyards
l) Airfields
m) Quarries and mines
n) Mobile homes
o) Travel trailers
p) Recreational vehicles
q) Offshore facilities
r) Other premises requiring electrical installations
Certain electrical installations are outside the stated scope, including installations performed
in aircraft, motor vehicles, and railway rolling stock.
1.10 Electrical Permits and Inspection
A permit is generally required before undertaking an electrical installation.
After the installation has been completed, an inspection is required. Upon satisfactory
completion of the inspection, a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) may be
issued by the appropriate authority.
The purpose of the permit and inspection process is to ensure that electrical installations
comply with applicable safety requirements.
1.11 Exceptions to Electrical Permit Requirements
Based on the provided PEC material, a permit is not required for certain installations.
These include:
Installation of portable electrical equipment rated not more than 1,200 VA.
Reconnection of disconnected electrical service due to non-payment of an electric bill or
change of occupants for a period of one year.
These exceptions are subject to the applicable requirements of the Code and the authority
having jurisdiction.
1.12 Requirements for an Electrical Permit
An electrical permit application must contain the required documents and signatures.
The application form shall be accomplished, signed, and submitted by the appropriate
registered electrical professional.
For larger electrical installations, the application is prepared and signed by a duly registered
Professional Electrical Engineer.
For installations not exceeding 20 lighting and/or receptacle outlets or 4,000 volt-amperes at
230 volts, the application may be prepared, signed, and submitted by a duly registered
Registered Electrical Engineer or Master Electrician, subject to applicable requirements.
The application must also include the name, signature, and seal of the electrical practitioner
responsible for the installation, as well as the signature of the owner or authorized
representative.
Plans and specifications bearing the required signature and seal must also be submitted.
For smaller installations within the stated limits, sketches and a bill of materials may be
submitted instead, subject to the applicable requirements.
1.13 Electrical Plans and Specifications
Electrical plans and specifications are important documents used to communicate the
proposed electrical installation.
They generally indicate the location and arrangement of electrical equipment, circuits, outlets,
lighting fixtures, wiring, and other electrical components.
For civil engineering projects, electrical plans must be properly coordinated with architectural
and structural plans to prevent conflicts during construction.
For example, electrical conduits may need to pass through walls, floors, ceilings, or other
structural and architectural elements. Proper coordination helps prevent improper drilling,
cutting, or modification of structural components.
1.14 Electrical Circuits in Building Services
A building or other structure served by an electrical system is generally supplied by only one
service.
However, certain situations allow more than one electrical service.
Exceptions include situations involving:
1. Fire pumps requiring a separate service
2. Emergency electrical systems requiring a separate service
3. Multiple-occupancy buildings
4. Capacity requirements exceeding 2,000 amperes at a supply voltage of 600 volts or less
5. Single-phase installations where the load requirements exceed what the serving agency
normally supplies through one service
6. Buildings with large areas of 10,000 square meters or more of total area
7. Different voltage characteristics
8. Different frequencies or phases
9. Different uses or rate schedules
These requirements demonstrate the importance of determining the electrical load and
characteristics of a building before designing its electrical service.
1.15 Importance of the PEC to Civil Engineering
The Philippine Electrical Code is important to civil engineers because electrical systems are
integrated into many civil engineering projects.
In building construction, electrical systems must be coordinated with structural components,
architectural layouts, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and fire protection systems.
Civil engineers may encounter electrical requirements in projects involving:
1. Residential buildings
2. Commercial buildings
3. Industrial facilities
4. Roads and transportation facilities
5. Water supply systems
6. Pumping stations
7. Wastewater treatment facilities
8. Construction sites
9. Bridges and infrastructure facilities
10. Public buildings
Understanding basic PEC terminology and requirements allows civil engineers to
communicate effectively with electrical engineers and other professionals.
1.16 Role of Civil Engineers in Electrical Coordination
Civil engineers do not replace the professional functions of electrical engineers. However,
they must understand the basic requirements of electrical systems when coordinating
multidisciplinary projects.
Civil engineers may be involved in:
Coordinating electrical layouts with structural plans
Providing appropriate spaces for electrical equipment
Coordinating electrical conduits with structural elements
Providing equipment foundations and supports
Coordinating electrical rooms and utility spaces
Considering electrical requirements during building construction
Coordinating electrical works with other engineering disciplines
Ensuring that construction activities do not compromise electrical installations
IV. APPLICATION / ACTIVITY
Activity 1: Electrical Code Application in a Building Project
Imagine that you are a civil engineer involved in the construction of a three-story commercial
building.
Answer the following questions:
1. Why is compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code important in the construction of
the building?
2. What government authority may be involved in the approval and inspection of the
electrical installation?
3. Why should the electrical plans be coordinated with the structural and architectural plans?
4. Give three examples of electrical systems or facilities that may be found in the building.
5. Explain why an electrical permit and final electrical inspection are important before the
electrical system is placed into service.
V. REFERENCES
Philippine Electrical Code. (2017). Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, 2017 Edition.
Republic Act No. 7920. New Electrical Engineering Law.
Presidential Decree No. 1096. National Building Code of the Philippines.
Presidential Decree No. 1185. Fire Code of the Philippines.
National Fire Protection Association. (2017). NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.