Building Utilities:

Electrical
1. GENERAL
1.1 DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY
• a form of energy generated by
friction, induction or chemical
change, having magnetic,
chemical
and radiant effect.
• the motion of free electrons
through
a solid conductor.
1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
STORAGE BATTERIES
• are used to supply emergency
lighting circuits for hallways,
stairways, exits and to energize
police and fire alarm systems
and certain types of signal
systems.
1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
GENERATORS  for generating electric current

• Alternating Current Generators or

Alternators – The bulk of electrical energy
utilized today is in the form of alternating
current, including energy for power and
lighting.

• Direct Current Generators – These

furnish electrical energy for elevators,
escalators, intercommunicating telephone
systems, control of signal systems, and
clock systems.
1.3 OTHER DYNAMO ELECTRIC
MACHINES

MOTORS – for converting

electrical energy to mechanical
energy.
TRANSFORMERS – for
converting one voltage to
another, from lower to higher
or from higher to lower
ROTARY CONVERTERS –
for changing alternating
current to direct current and
vice versa.
 1.4 TYPES OF CURRENT

ALTERNATING CURRENT – a DIRECT CURRENT – a current

current which is periodically which flows at a constant time rate
varying in time rate and in and in the same direction.
direction. It rises from zero to
maximum, falls to zero, reverses
its direction and again returns to
zero.
1.5 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY UNIT OF RESISTANCE
OHM – The resistance which will
UNIT OF QUANTITY allow one ampere of current to
COULOMB – a coulomb of electricity flow when one volt is impressed
comprises approximately 6.25 x 10 18 upon it.
electrons.
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POWER
AMPERE – An ampere of current WATT – the unit of electric
represents a rate of flow of one power or the rate of doing
coulomb or 6.25 x 10 18 electrical work.
electrons/second through a given
cross section.
UNIT OF ENERGY
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL WATT-HOURS – the unit of
energy or the capacity for
VOLT – is the electromotive force doing work.
or potential difference between
two points in an electric field
which will move a charge of one
coulomb between these points.
 1.6 OHM’S LAW
I (amp) = V (Volts) / R (Ohms)
The current, I, that will flow in a
d-c circuit is directly
proportional to the voltage ,V,
and inversely proportional to
the resistance , R, of the circuit.
1.7 ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL

– is the effective utilization of available

energy by reducing peak loads and
lowering demand charge.
LOAD SCHEDULING AND DUTY-CYCLE
CONTROL – the installation’s electric
loads are analyzed and scheduled to
restrict demand by shifting large loads
to off-peak hours and controlled to
avoid coincident operation.

DEMAND METERING ALARM – in

conjunction with a duty cycle
controller, demand is continuously
metered and an alarm is set on when
a predetermined demand level is
exceeded.
AUTOMATIC INSTANTANEOUS DEMAND
CONTROL – also called “rate control”, it is
an automated version of the demand
metering alarm system, where it
automatically disconnects or reconnects
loads as required.

IDEALCURVE CONTROL – This controller

operates by comparing the actual rate of
energy usage to the ideal rate, and
controls KW demand by controlling the
total energy used within a metering
interval.

FORECASTING SYSTEMS – are

computerized systems which
continuously forecast the amount of
energy remaining in the demand interval,
then examine the status and priority of
each of the connected loads and
decide on the proper course of action.
1.8 MEASURING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION
CURRENT

KWH METERS – To measure energy, the factor LEADS

of time is introduced, such that; energy = power x

time. A-C electric meters are basically small
LOAD
POWER
SOURCE
WM
motors, whose speed is proportional to the power
VOLTAGE
being used. The number of rotations is counted WATTMETER
LEADS

on the dials which are calibrated directly in

kilowatt-hours.
2. BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
2.1 BRANCH CIRCUITS

An electrical circuit may be defined as a complete conducting path carrying current

from a source of electricity to and through some electrical device or load and back to
the source. The two wire circuit, which is the most elementary of all wiring systems,
consists of a live wire carrying the current to the various power consuming devices in
the circuit and a neutral or grounded wire which is the return wire carrying the circuit
back to the source of supply.

SERIES CIRCUIT
PARALLEL CIRCUIT
 R1 R2
10 amp 10 amp

SERIES CIRCUIT – is one in which the

R3
components are connected in
ELEC
SOURCE tandem. All separate loads of the
circuit carry the same equal current
10 amp
R5 R4
10 amp and the total resistance, R, is the sum
CIRCUIT IN SERIES of the resistances around the circuit.
R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5

PARALLEL CIRCUIT (or Multiple Circuit)

– is one in which the components or
3 amp loads are so arranged that the
+
1 amp 1 amp 1 amp current divides between them. Each
ELECTRICAL R1 R2 R3
outlet has a live wire connected to
SOURCE the current carrying wire of the circuit
and also a neutral wire or grounded
CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL wire connected to the return wire of
1
the circuit. With this system, the total
R= current flowing through the circuit is
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
the sum of the current flowing through
each outlet.
 CLASSIFICATIONS OF BRANCH CIRCUITS

General Purpose Branch Circuit -

GENERALLY
15, 20A
LTG A supplies outlets for lighting and
appliances, including convenience
receptacles.

Appliance Branch Circuit - supplies

15, 20, 30,
A A
outlets intended for feeding
or 50A
appliances. Fixed lighting is not
supplied.

Individual Branch Circuit - is designed

SIZE REQUIRED
SINGLE ITEM
to supply a single specific item, such
FOR ITEM FED
as a motor load or a unit air-
conditioner.
 Branch Circuit
The portion of an electrical
system extending from the final
overcurrent device protecting a
circuit to the outlets served by
the circuit General Purpose Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in a number of outlets for
lighting and appliances

Appliance Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in one or more outlets
specifically intended for
appliances

Individual Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current only to a single piece of
electrical equipment
Distribution Panel
A panel for distributing
power to other panels or to
motors and other heavy
power-consuming loads.
Controls, distributes and
protects a number of similar
branch circuits in an Low-Voltage
electrical system Of or pertaining to a circuit in which alternating
current below 50 volts is supplied by a step-down
transformer form the normal line voltage used in
residential systems to control doorbells,
intercoms, heating and cooling systems and
remote lighting fixtures. Low-voltage circuits do
not require a protective raceway
 GENERAL CIRCUITING GUIDELINES

General: Branch circuits shall be

sufficient to supply a load of 30 watts
per square meter (3 watts per square
foot) in buildings excluding porches,
garages and basements.

In all but the smallest installations,

connect lighting, convenience
receptacles, and appliances in
separate circuits. The Code requires a
minimum of 2 - 20 amperes
appliance branch circuit to feed all
small appliance outlets in the kitchen,
pantry, dining and family room.
3. Convenience receptacles in an area
shall be wired to at least two
different circuits so that in case of
failure in any one of the circuits, the
entire area will not be deprived of
power.

4. General purpose branch circuits shall

be rated at 20 amperes wired with
No. 12 AWG minimum. Switch legs
may be No. 14 AWG if the lighting
load permits.

5. Limit the circuit load for lighting and

small appliances on 15 amp and 20
amp circuit loads and on 15 and 20
amp overcurrent devices respectively.
 2.2 SINGLE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For homes and small commercial buildings
A single phase electrical system can
either be 2-wire or 3-wire and
composes two hot legs and a
neutral wire.
SWITCH FUSE

Two-Wire Single Phase DC or AC

110 V
Three-Wire Single Phase DC
220 V (EDISON SYSTEM)

110 V Three-Wire Single Phase AC

 2.2 THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For industries and large commercial buildings
The Three Phase AC electricity is a Triple
Circuit. The lighting and outlet loads are
connected between any phase leg and a
A B C neutral line. While machineries and other
bigger loads are connected to the phase
leg only.
A
Three-Wire Three Phase AC
B A-B 220V A-C 220V
C B-C 220V

MOTOR

Four-Wire Three-Phase AC
A N B C

220V 220V 110V

220V 110V
110V
2.3 COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
 Service
The supplying of utilities required
or demanded by the public
Substation
An auxiliary power station
where electrical current is
converted or where voltage
is stepped up or down
Line Drop
The decrease in voltage between
two points on a power line,
usually caused by resistance or
leakage along the line

Service Entrance Conductor Service Drop

The portion of a service conductor extending The overhead portion of service
from a service drop or service lateral to the conductors extending from the
service equipment of a building nearest utility pole to a building
Service Lateral
Watt-Hour Meter
The underground portion of service
A meter for measuring and recording the
conductors extending from a main
quantity of electric power consumed with
power line or transformer to a
respect to time
building Feeder
Transformer Vault Switchgear Room Any of the conductors
A fire-rated room housing Contains the service extending from the
a transformer and equipment for a large service equipment to
auxiliary equipment for a building various distribution
large building points in a building
Service Equipment
Equipment necessary for
controlling, metering and
protecting the electric
Standby Generator
power supply to a builidng
For providing emergency power
during a power outage. Switchboard Unit Substation
One or a group of panels on A freestanding enclosure
Uninterruptible Power Supply which are mounted switches, housing a disconnect
An emergency system designed overcurrent devices, switch, a step-down
to provide pwer automatically and metering instruments and transformer and
instantaneously buses switchgear
Lightning Rod
Any of several conducting rods installed at the
top of a structure and grounded to divert
lightning away from the structure. Also called air
terminal

Lightning Arrester
A device for protecting electric equipment from
damage by lightning or other high-voltage
currents, using spark gaps to carry the current
to the ground without passing through the
device

Spark Gap
A space between two terminals or electrodes
across which a discharge of electricity may pass
at a prescribed voltage
 Service Conductors extend from a main power
line or transformer to the service equipment of a
building
Servcie Drop
The overhead portion of service conductors extending
from the nearest utility pole to a building
Servcie Lateral
The underground portion of service conductors extending
Direct burial cable may be used for from a main power line or transformer to a building
residential service connections Servcie Entrance Conductor
The portion of a service conductor extending from a service
drop or service lateral to the service equipment of a building
A transformer is used by medium-sized and large buildings to step
down from a high supply voltage to the service voltage. To
reduce costs, maintenance and noise and heat problems, a Watt-Hour Meter
transformer may be placed on an outdoor pad. If located within a Measures and records the quantity of electric power
building, oil-filled transformers require a well-ventilated, fire-rated consumed with respect to time. Supplied by the public utility,
vault with two exits and located on an exterior wall adjacent to the it is always placed ahead of the main disconnect switch so
switchgear room. Dry-type transformers used in small- and that it cannot be disconnected
medium-sized buildings may be replaced together with a
disconnect switch and switchgear in a unit substation For multiple-occupancy buildings, banks of meters are
installed so that each unit can be metered
independently
The service switch is the main
disconnect for the entire electrical
Grounding Rod or Electrode
system of a building, except for any
Is firmly embedded in the earth to establish a ground
emergency power systems.
connection
The service equipment includes a main To panelboards
disconnect switch and secondary
switches, fuses and circuit breakers for
controlling and protecting the electric
power supply to a building. It is located
in a switchgear room near the entrance
of the service conductors

The main switchboard is a panel on

which are mounted switches,
overcurrent devices, metering
instruments and busbars for controlling,
distributing and protecting a number of
electric circuits
SERVICE ENTRANCE– the point of
delivery of electricity to a building by
a public utility company.

MAIN SWITCHBOARD – The service

entrance conductors in the form of
bus bars terminates in the main
switchboard and connects to the
distribution panel boards by means of
feeder circuits protected by circuit
breakers. The main switchboard
serves for the control, protection and
metering of the main feeders.
FEEDER CIRCUITS – A feeder circuit is
a set of conductors which extends
from the main switchboard to a
distributing center (panel board) with
no other circuits connected to it
between the source and the
distributing center.
SUB-FEEDER CIRCUITS – are line
extensions of a feeder, fed through a
panel board or cut-out, or from one
distributing center to another and
having no other circuit connected to
it between the two distributing
centers. A sub-feeder serves to
distribute power from the main
feeders to smaller local panel boards,
called sub-panel boards.
BRANCH CIRCUITS – These are small
capacity conductors which deliver
energy to lamps, motors and other
loads within the circuit.

PANEL BOARDS AND SUB-PANEL

BOARDS (also called CUT-OUTS) – These
serve to control and protect the sub
feeders and branch circuits.

UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT – These are

the lighting, power and motor loads
and wiring devices which are directly
handled and utilized by users.
 Fuse
A device containing a strip or
wire of fusible metal that melts
under the heat produced by
Service Switch excess current thereby
The main disconnect for the entire interrupting the circuit
electrical system of a building
except for any emergency power
systems
Panel
A board on which are mounted
the switches, fuses and circuit
breakers for controlling and
protecting a number of similar
branch circuits installed in a
cabinet and accessible from
the front only. Also called a Circuit Breaker
panelboard. A switch that automatically interrupts an electric
circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
Bus apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. A
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a circuit breaker may be reclosed and reused without
solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying replacement of any components. Also called a
and distributing large electric currents. Also breaker.
called a busbar
Grounded Conductor
Any conductor of an electrical system
intentionally connected to a ground
connection

Grounding Electrode Ground Wire

A conductor, as a metal ground rod, A conductor connecting
ground plate or cold-water pipe, firmly electric equipment or a
embedded in the earth to establish a circuit to a ground
gorund connection connection. Also called a
grounding conductor
2.4 ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM

BLOCK DIAGRAM
A horizontal single line
diagram of the building’s
electrical system from the
incoming service to the
utilization items at the end
of the system where the
major electrical
components are shown as
blocks or rectangles.
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM
When electrical symbols are used in lieu of the
blocks, it is called a “one line” or a “single line
diagram”.

HIGH-VOLTAGE
PRIMARY FEEDERS
2,400, 4,160, 7,200
OR 13,200 VOLTS

MAIN DISTRIBUTION
SECONDARY SERVICE
FEEDERS PANELS
CONDUCTORS
MAIN RECEPTACLES
LIGHTING
TRANSFORMER SWITCH
MOTOR
VAULT 120/208 OR BOARD PANELS
120/240 OR
SWITCHES 227/480 VOLTS LARGE LIGHTING/
TRANSFORMER MOTOR APPLIANCE
FUSES PANELS SMALL
BRANCH MOTORS &
CIRCUIT CONTROL
 ELEVATORS
PP MACHINE
MR ROOF
ROOM
LP
RISER 5A 5B 5C
DIAGRAM
Is a vertical line 4A 4B 4C

diagram of the
LEFT
major electrical RISER
3A 3B 3C
CENTRAL RISER SHAFT
components of 2A 2B
the buildings 2C
RIGHT RISER
electrical system 1A LP 1B 1C
presented LOBBY
showing the
spatial relations SPARE M.C.C.
between MACHINE ROOM
components.
FIRE ALARM
FA
PANEL
LPSE
STAIR AND EXIT
PANEL
M METERING
 2.5 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY
SYSTEM

Emergency Systems – provide electric

power and illumination essentially for
life safety and protection of property
during an emergency, such as,
electricity for exit lighting, elevators,
fire alarm systems, fire pumps and the
like.

Standby Systems – provide power to

selected loads not directly involved
with life safety, such as, water and
sewage treatment plants and
industrial machines for manufacturing
processes.
 EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT

Battery Equipment – Central storage

batteries are mounted in individual
racks and always provided with
automatic charging equipment.

Engine-Generator Sets – are machines

intended to produce electricity and
composed of three components: the
machine and its housing (if any), fuel
storage tank and the exhaust facilities.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS USING
THE BATTERY

Small emergency appliance

connected direct to a storage
battery

Groups of emergency loads

connected to central storage
battery through automatic device

Emergency equipment loads are

entirely separate from normal loads
and are generally de-energized.
The contactor is activated when it
senses power loss.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS USING
THE GENERATOR

Emergency system handled by a

single transfer switch which
automatically turns on when it
senses power loss at its downstream
location.

Emergency system handled by

multiple switches

Emergency service totally separated

from normal through its own
emergency service entrance,
coming from different transformers
or feeders.

Same as above, but both service

entrances supply normal loads and
each act as standby for each
other.
3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
3.1 CONDUCTORS
– are materials which allow the free
flow of electrons through them.
Wires – are single insulated
conductors No. 8 AWG (American Wire
Gauge or smaller; for the English
System, it is the B & S Gauge or
Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No.
14.
Cables – are single insulated
conductors No. 6 AWG or larger; or
they may be several conductors of
any size assembled into a single unit.
Bus Bars – large conductors which are
not circular in cross section and
usually found only to supply the main
switch boards.
 CONDUCTOR SIZES –
AWG/MCM STANDARD

All conductor sizes from No. 16 to

No. 0000 (also designated 4/0) are expressed in AWG.
Beyond AWG No. 4/0, a different designation, MCM (or thousand
circular mil) is used. In this designation, the smallest MCM size is 250
MCM or ½”  and the biggest is 500 MCM.
A circular MIL is an artificial area measurement, representing the
square of the cable diameter (diam2) when the diameter is expressed
in mils (thousands of an inch). Thus a solid conductor ½ inch in
diameter is 500 mils in diameter, or 250,000 circular mils in area, (500)2
or 250 MCM; thus;
CM/1000 = diam2 = (500)2/1000 = 250,000/1000 = 250 MCM
In the metric system, conductor sizes are given simply as the diameter
in millimeters (mm).
CONDUCTOR AMPACITY

Conductor current carrying capacity or ampacity is the maximum

operating temperature that its insulation can stand continuously.
Heat is generated as a result of the current flowing and the
conductor resistance. When conductors are placed in an enclosed
conduit, the heat generated is not as easily dissipated as it would be
if the conductor were free in the air. Thus, the current rating of a
conductor in free air is much higher than that for the same were it in
a conduit.
TYPES OF CABLES
Armored Cable (Type AC) – a
fabricated assembly of insulated
conductors enclosed in flexible metal
sheath.
Metal Clad Cable (Type MC) – a
factory assembled cable of one or
more conductors each individually
insulated and enclosed in a metallic
sheath of interlocking tape of a
smooth or corrugated tube.
Mineral Insulated Cable (Type MI) – a
factory assembled conductor/s insulated
with a highly compressed refractory
mineral insulation enclosed in a liquid and
gas tight continuous copper sheath.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type
NM or NMC) – also known by the
trade name ROMEX, is a factory
assembly of two or more insulated
conductors having a moisture
resistant, flame retardant, and non-
metallic material outer sheath.
Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed
Cable (Type SNM) – a factory
assembly of two or more insulated
conductors in an extruded core of
moisture resistant and flame
retardant material covered within an
overlapping spiral metal tape.
Underground Feeder and Branch
Circuit Cable (Type UF) – a moisture
resistant cable used for underground
connections including direct burial in
the ground as feeder or branch circuit.
Service Entrance Cable (Type SE or
USE) – a single or multi-conductor
assembly provided with or without an
overall covering primarily used for
service wire.
Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC)
– a factory assembled two or more
insulated conductors with or without
associated bare or covered grounding
under a metallic sheath and is used for
installation in cable trays, raceways, or
where supported by wire.
Flat Cable Assemblies (Type FC) – an
assembly of parallel conductors
formed integrally with an insulating
material web designed specially for
field installation in square structural
channels.

Flat Conductor Cable (Type FCC) –

consists of three or more flat copper
conductors placed edge to edge
separated and enclosed within a
insulating assembly. This type of
cable is used for appliance or
individual branch circuits installed
inside floor surfaces.

Medium Voltage Cable (MV) – a

single or multi-conductor solid
dielectric insulated cable rated at
2,000 to 35,000 volts. Trade name is
Medium Voltage Solid Dielectric.
 3.2 INSULATORS

INSULATORS are materials which

prevent the flow of electrons
through them.
TYPES OF INSULATORS
General Wiring

Trade name Type Maximum Application

Letter Operating Provisions
Temperature
Moisture-& heat-resistant RHW 75O C Dry and wet
rubber 167O F Locations
Thermoplastic T 60O C Dry locations
140O F
Moisture-resistant TW 60O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 140O F Locations
Heat-resistant THHN 90O C Dry locations
thermoplastic 194O F
Moisture-& heat-resistant THW 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat-resistant THWN 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat resistant XHHW 90O C Dry locations
cross-linked 194O F Wet
thermosetting 75O C locations
polyethelene 167O C
Silicone-asbestos SA 90O C Dry locations
194O F
Asbestos and Varnished AVA 110O C Dry locations
Cambric 230O F only
 3.3 CONDUITS
CONDUITS are circular raceways
used to enclose wires and cables
and are of metal or plastic (PVC).
To protect the enclosed conductors
from mechanical injury and chemical
damage.
To protect people from shock
hazards by providing a grounded
enclosure.
To provide a system ground path.
To protect the surroundings against
fire hazard as a result of overheating
or short circuiting of the enclosed
conductors.
To support the conductors.
TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS
• Heavy-wall steel conduits called “Rigid Steel Conduits” or RSC with an
approximate thickness of 0.117 mm.

• “Intermediate Metal Conduit” or IMC with thickness of 0.071 mm.

• Thin-wall steel conduits named “Electric Metal Tubing” or EMT.

• RSCs and IMCs use the same fitting, called condulets, and are threaded alike at
the joints. EMTs are not threaded but use set screw and pressure fitting and are
not recommended for embedding in concrete nor permitted in hazardous areas.
IMCs yield a larger inside diameter (ID) for easier wire pulling and is lighter than the
RSC. Standard length of steel conduits is 3 M or 10 ft.
3.4 RACEWAYS – are channels or wiring accessories so designed for holding wires,
cables and bus bars that are either made of metal, plastic, or any insulating
medium.
3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES – An
outlet is a point in the wiring system
at which current is taken to supply
utilization equipment. It refers only to
the box. A receptacle is the wiring
device in which the utilization
equipment (appliance) cord is
plugged into.

•Convenience Outlet or
Attachment Cap - the complete
set-up which establishes
connection between the
conductor of the flexible cord and
the conductors connected
permanently to the receptacle.
•Lighting Outlet – is an outlet
intended for direct connection to a
lamp holder, lighting fixture, or
pendant cord terminating in a lamp
holder.

•Receptacle Outlet – is an outlet

where one or more receptacles are
installed.
3.6 SWITCHES – are devices for making,
breaking, or changing conditions in an
electrical circuit under the conditions
of load which they are rated.

TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO

VOLTAGE
Switches are rated as 250V, 600V,or
5KV as required.

TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING TO

INTENSITY OF USE

1. Normal Duty (ND) – intended for

normal use in light and power circuits
as in general-purpose switches.

2. Heavy Duty (HD) – intended for

frequent interrupting.

3. Light Duty (LD) –intended to connect

the loads occasionally, such as service
switches.
TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO 3. Wiring Switches – include all the
TYPE OF SERVICE relatively small switches that are
employed in interior wiring
1. Service Switch – intended to installations for the control of
disconnect all the electric service in branch circuits, individual lamps or
the building except emergency appliances.
equipment. This may comprise one to a) General–purpose switches – are
six properly rated switches that are single-pole or double-pole switches
assembled into a switchboard. for the general purpose use of
connecting or cutting-off circuits for
2. Power Switches – the control of lamps or other loads
from a single point.
a) General –purpose switches – are
intended for use in general b) Three-way switches – are used
distribution and branch circuits. where it is desired to control lamps
from two different points, as in a
b) Disconnecting or isolating switches – stairwell.
are intended for disconnecting or
isolating circuits; used for circuits c) Four-way switches – are used in
rated at more than 600 volts. conjunction with two 3-wire switches
where it is desired to control lamps
from three or more desired points.
 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
d) Electrolier or multi-circuit switches –
OPERATION MECHANISM
are used for the control of lights in
Wiring switches may also be classified
multi-lamp fixtures so that one
according to the operating mechanism
lamp or set of lamps may be turned
as:
on alone or in combination with
1. Rotary switch
other lamps.
2. Push-button switch
3. Toggle or tumbler switch
e) Momentary contact switches – are
used where it is desired to connect
TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
or cut-off a circuit for only a short
NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS
duration. The switch is provided
with a spring so that it will return to
1. Poles – that part of the switch which is
its original position as soon as the
used for making or breaking of a
handle or button is released.
connection and which is electrically
insulated from other contact making or
f) Dimmer switches – a rheostat[1] or
breaking parts.
similar device for regulating the
intensity of an electric light without
2. Throws - a single throw switch is one
appreciably affecting spatial
which will make a closed circuit only
distribution. Also called a dimmer.
when the switch is thrown in one
Wiring switches may either be the
position. A double throw switch will
flush type, surface type or the
make a closed circuit when thrown in
pendant type.
either of two positions.
SPECIAL SWITCHES

1. Time Controlled Switches – This 5. Float Switch – a switch controlled

device comprises a precision low by a conductor floating in a liquid.
speed miniature drive motor (timer)
to which some type of electric 6. Mercury Switch – an especially
contact-making device is connected. quiet switch that opens and closes
an electric circuit by shifting a
2. Remote Control (RC) Switches – A sealed glass tube of mercury so as
contactor[1], or more specifically, a to uncover or cover the contacts.
relay[2], that latches after being
operated wireless from a distance. 7. Key Switch – a switch operated
only by inserting a key or a card.
3.Air Switch – a switch in which the Also called a card switch.
interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
8. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) –
4. Knife Switch – a form of air switch in This device, an essential part of an
which a hinged copper blade emergency or standby service, is
is placed between two basically a double throw switch,
contact clips. generally 3-pole, so arranged that
on failure of normal power,
emergency service is automatically
supplied.
3.7 WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES -
These are coverings for switches and
wall outlets usually made of metal or
of phenollic compound (Bakelite).
3.8 OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT
PROTECTIVE DEVICES – are devices
whose sole purpose is to protect
insulation, wiring, switches and other
apparatus from overheating or
burning, due to overloads, to faults or
to short circuits, by automatically
cutting off the circuit.
FUSE – is a device consisting of an
alloy link of wire with a low melting
temperature which is inserted in the
circuit, in such a way, that all current
which passes through the circuit, must
also pass through this metal.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS– is an over-current
protective device designed to
function as a switch, or it can be
manually tripped and thus act as a
circuit switch. It breaks a circuit with
an automatic tripping device without
injury to itself.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS

(GFCI or GFI) – is an over current
protective device that will provide
ground fault protection as well as
function as an ordinary circuit
breaker.
PANELBOARDS – popularly known as
“panel” or “electrical panel”, it is
simply the box wherein the protective
devises are housed from which the
circuits and bus bars terminate.

SWITCHBOARDS – are free standing

assemblies of switches, fuses, and/or
circuit breakers whose function
normally is to provide switching and
feeder protection to a number of
circuits connected to a main source.

UNIT SUBSTATIONS – (Transfer Load

Centers) an assembly of primary
switch-fuse-breaker, step-down
transformer, meters, controls, bus bars
and secondary switchboard. It is used
to supply power from a primary voltage
line to any large facility.
 4. WIRING SYSTEMS

4.1 WIRING METHODS

KNOB AND TUBE WIRING – an
obsolete wiring system consisting of
single insulated conductors secured
to and supported on porcelain knobs
and tubes. When wires run through
walls, they are inserted into a
nonmetallic fire-resistant tubing
called a loom.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT WIRING – is
the best and most expensive among
the usual type of wiring. Its
advantages are:
1. it is fireproof;
2. moisture proof;
3. it is mechanically strong so that
nails cannot be driven through it and
it is not readily deformed by blows;
4. it resists the normal action of
cement when embedded in
concrete or masonry.
 FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT WIRING –
Its installation is much easier and
quicker than that of rigid metal
conduits. Unlike the rigid conduits
which come in short lengths of 10 ft.
(3 M), flexible metal conduit wiring
comes in length of 25 ft – 250 ft (8 M –
83 M) depending on the size of the
conduit.
ARMORED CABLE WIRING (BX
WIRING) – consists of rubber or
thermoplastic covered wire
protected from injury to a certain
extent from dampness by one or two
layers of flexible steel armor.
SURFACE METAL RACEWAY WIRING –
the wires are supported on a thin
sheet steel casing. The raceway is
installed exposed, being mounted on
the walls or ceiling. Metal raceways
must be continuous from outlet to
outlet or junction box, designed
especially for use with metal
raceways.
FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES – a field
installed rigidly mounted square
structural channel (1 – 5/8” standard)
designed to carry 2 to 4 conductors
(No. 10 AWG) and will act as light
duty (branch circuit) plug-in busways.

LIGHTING TRACK – a factory-

assembled channel with conductors
for one to four circuits permanently
installed in the track that will act as
light duty (branch circuit) plug-in
busways.

CABLE TRAY / OPEN RACEWAY – is

a continuous open support for
approved cables. When used as a
general wiring system, the cables
must be self-protected, jacketed
types, type TC.
FLOOR RACEWAYS – The NEC
recognizes three types of floor raceways:

1. Underfloor Ducts (UF) installed beneath

or flush with the floor. These underfloor
ducts usually requires a triple duct
system for power, telephone and
signal cabling.

2. Cellular Metal Floor Raceway – Found

usually in office landscaping, it is an
integrated structural/electrical system
in a cellular metal floor.

3. Precast Cellular Concrete – made of

concrete cells fed from header ducts,
which are normally installed in concrete
fill above the hollow core structural slab
or fed from the ceiling void below. The
cells can be used for air distribution and
for piping.
CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS – under-
the-ceiling raceways composed of
header ducts and distribution ducts
separate for power and telephone
cabling. They permit very rapid
changes in layouts at low cost and are
therefore particularly desirable in stores
where frequent display transformations
necessitate corresponding electrical
facility adjustments.

PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION

SYSTEMS – are ceiling raceways that are
pre-wired in the factory and plugged in
where required.
ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

FEEDER L LAMP HOLDER PUSH BUTTON

BRANCH CIRCUIT-CEILING/WALL
PS LAMP HOLDER WITH PULL SWITCH BELL
BRANCH CIRCUIT-FLOOR
C
CLOCK OUTLET
3&4 WIRES CIRCUIT NO. BUZZER
MARK INDICATES 2 WIRES D DROP CORD OUTLET
CH CHIME
CROSSING WIRES
F FAN OUTLET

CONNECTING WIRES ANNUNCIATOR

R RADIO OUTLET

LIGHTING OUTLET CEILING FLOOR OUTLET LIGHTING PANEL

POWER PANEL
DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET
RECESSED CEILING OUTLET FUSE
DASH INDICATES SHAPE OF
CONVENIENCE OUTLET SPLIT-WIRED
FIXTURE WH WATT-HOUR METER
WEATHER PROOF OUTLET
WP
T TRANSFORMER
LIGHTING OUTLET WALL OUTLET AND SWITCH
S
J JUNCTION BOX
RANGE OUTLET
R
FLUORESCENT LAMP SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET GROUND

REFRIGERATOR OUTLET
ref
GENERAL NOTES :
1. ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS TO BE DONE SHALL BE UNDER THE DIRECT
SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND /OR
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER.
2. ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS SHALL CONFORM WITH THE LATEST EDITION OF THE
ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, LOCAL AND NATIONAL CODES.
3. MINIMUM WIRE RATING SHALL BE 3.5 MM2 THHN.
4. ELECTRICAL METER ( kWh) SHALL BE CALIBRATED
5. MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER SHALL BE MOULDED CASE TYPE AT MINIMUM OF 10 KAIC.
6. CONDUITS SHALL BE RSC FOR EMBEDDED SERVICE ENTRANCE. PVC CONDUIT
MAY BE USE FOR OTHER AREAS.
7. ONLY THHN WIRES SHALL BE USE ( MINIMUM OF 3.5 MM. SQ. )
8. ALL MAIN FEEDERS AND POWER FEEDERS SHALL HAVE A GROUNDING SYSTEM.
9. ALL LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS SHALL BE PROTECTED BY MICA TUBE PRIOR TO
ITS INSERTION TO THE FLEXIBLE CONDUIT.
10. CIRCUIT BREAKERS SHALL BE ANY APPROVED EQUIVALENT.
RISER DIAGRAM AND LOAD COMPUTATION
LIGHTING LAYOUT PLAN
POWER LAYOUT PLAN
 ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
BY PD 1096

1. General Locational Requirements in Towns,

Subdivisions, Human Settlements, Industrial Estates
and the like.

Overhead transmission and/or distribution lines/systems

including transformers, poles, towers and the like shall
be located and installed following the latest standards
of design, construction and maintenance but so as not
to cause visual pollution and in the interest of public
safety, convenience, good viewing and aesthetics,
these may be located along alleys or back streets.
2. Location of Poles and Clearances of Power Lines along Public Roads.

2.1 All poles erected on public roads shall be covered by Approved Pole
Location (APL) plan from the Municipal Engineer.

2.2 Poles and transformer supports shall be located not more than
500mm inside from the road right-of-way or property line, and
shall not obstruct the sidewalk, pedestrian path and/or the road
drainage canal or structure, existing or proposed.

Pole

≤ 500 mm

Property line
2.3 Primary lines shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 10 m
from the crown of the pavement when crossing the highway
and 7.5 m from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk when installed
along the side of the highway or street in a highly urbanized area.

≥7.5 m
≥10 m

2.4 Secondary, neutral and service lines shall have a minimum vertical
clearance of 7.5 m from the crown of the road pavement when
crossing the highway and from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk
when installed along the side of the highway or street in highly
urbanized area.
2.5 Clearances of Supporting Structures such as Poles, Towers and
others and their guys and braces measured from the nearest
parts of the objects concerned:
A. From Fire Hydrants, not less than 5 m.
B. From the Street Corners, where hydrants are
located at street corners, poles and towers shall
not be set so far from the corners as to make
necessary the use of flying taps which are
inaccessible from the poles.
C. From Curbs, not less than 150 mm measured from
the curb away from the roadway.

≥5 m
≥150 mm
3. Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings

3.1 Attachments for support of power lines and cables, transformers and other
equipment and/or communications lines installed on buildings shall be
covered by an Approved Attachment Plan from the local Building Official.

3.2 Where buildings exceed 15 m in height, overhead lines shall be arranged

where practicable so that a clear space or zone at least 2 m wide will be
left, either adjacent to the building or beginning not over 2.5 m from the
building, to facilitate the raising of ladders where necessary for fire
fighting.

2 - 2.5 m

≥ 15 m Pole
4. Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings

Where the permanent attachment of open supply conductors of any class to buildings is
necessary for an entrance such conductors shall meet the following requirements:

4.1 Conductors of more than 300 volts to ground shall not be carried along or
near the surface of the buildings unless they are guarded or made
inaccessible.

4.2 To promote safety to the general public and to employees not authorized
to approach conductors and other current-carrying parts of electric supply
lines, such parts shall be arranged so as to provide adequate clearance
from the ground or other space generally accessible, or shall be provided
with guards so as to isolate them effectively from accidental contact by
such persons.

4.3 Undergrounded metal-sheathed service cables, service conduits, metal

fixtures and similar noncurrent-carrying parts, if located in urban districts
and where liable to become charged to more than 300 volts to ground,
shall be isolated or guarded so as not to be exposed to accidental contact
by unauthorized persons. As an alternative to isolation or guarding,
noncurrent-carrying parts shall be solidly or effectively grounded.
 4.4 Clearance of wires from building surface shall be not less
than
those required Table II.

Voltage of Supply Horizontal Vertical Clearance

Conductors Clearance in in Meters
Meters
300 to 8,700 volts 1.0 2.5

8,700 to 15,000 2.5 2.5

volts
15,000 to 50,000 3.0 3.0
volts
> 50,000 volts 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv
in excess in excess

4.5 Supports over buildings. Service-drop conductors passing over

a
roof shall be securely supported by substantial structures.
Where practicable, such supports shall be independent of the
building.
5. Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings

5.1 Minimum Clearances. Unguarded or accessible supply conductors

carrying voltages in excess of 300 volts may be run either beside
or over buildings. The vertical or horizontal clearance to any
building or its attachments (balconies, platforms, etc.) shall be as
listed below. The horizontal clearance governs above the roof
level to the point where the diagonal equals the vertical clearance
requirement. This rule should not be interpreted as restricting the
installation of a trolley contact conductor over the approximate
center line of the track it serves.

5.2 Guarding of Supply Conductors/Supply of Conductors of 300 volts

or more shall be properly guarded by grounded conduit, barriers,
or otherwise, under the following conditions:
1. Where the clearances set forth in Table II above cannot
be obtained.
2. Where such supply conductors are placed near enough to
windows, verandas, fire escapes, or other ordinarily
accessible places within the reach of persons.
 5.3 Where the required clearances cannot be obtained, supply
conductors shall be of Grounded Metallic Shield, Jacketed
Primary
Cables grouped or bundled and supported by grounded
messenger
wires.
V-

≥V
Clearance of line Communication LInes Supply LInes
conductors from -
In general On jointly used In general (0 to On jointly used Exceeding 8700
poles 8700 volts) poles (0 to 8700 volts, add for each
volts) 1000 volts of excess
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 6.25 mm
conductors of the
same circuit
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm
conductors of other
circuits
Span and guy wires 75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm
attached to same
pole: general
Span and guy wires 75 mm 150 mm 300 mm 300 mm 10 mm
attached to same
pole: when parallel
to line
Lightning protection 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of cross
arms
Lightning protection 75 mm 125 mm 75 mm 125 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of poles
6. Clearance of Service Drops

6.1 Service drop conductors shall not be readily accessible and when not in
excess of 600 volts, shall conform to the following:

a. Clearances over roof. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less

than 2.5m from the highest point of roofs over which they pass with
the following exceptions:
Service Drop Conductor
≥ 2.5 m < 600 volts
Highest point
Exception No. 1. Where the voltage between conductors does not
exceed 300 volts and the roof has a slope of not less than 100mm in
300mm, the clearance may not be less than 1m.

Service Drop Conductor

≥1 m ≤300 volts
Highest point

Slope ≥ 1:3
Exception No. 2. Service drop conductors of 300 volts or less which do not
pass over other than a maximum of 1.2m of the overhang portion of the
roof for the purpose of terminating at a through-the-roof service raceway
or approved support may be maintained at a minimum of 500mm from
any portion of the roof over which they pass.

≥500mm

Service Drop Conductor

≤ 1.2 m ≤ 300 volts
Highest point
6.2 Clearance from the Ground. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less
than 3m from the ground or from any platform or projection from which they
might be reached.
conduct
or
≥3m platform

6.3 Clearance from Building Openings. Conductors shall have a horizontal

clearance of not less than 1m from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or
similar locations and shall be run at least 500mm above the top level of a
window or opening.

≥ 500mm

window
≥1m
6.4 Service Drop of communication lines, when crossing a street, shall have a
clearance of not less than 5.5 m from the crown of the street or sidewalk
over which it passes.
Service drop of communication line

≥ 5.50 m ≥5.50 m

Service Drop of communication lines shall have a minimum clearance of 3m

above ground at its point of attachment to the building or pedestal.

≥3m protecto ≥3m

r
6.5 No parts of swimming and wading pools shall be placed under existing service
drop conductors or any other over-head wiring; nor shall such wiring be
installed above the following:

a. Swimming and wading pools and the area extending 3m

outward horizontally from the inside of the walls of the pool.
b. Diving Structures
c. Observation stands, towers or platforms
≥3m

Service
drop
conductor

Swimming
pool
7. Wiring Methods

Service entrance conductors extending along the exterior or entering buildings or other
structures shall be installed in rigid steel conduit or asbestos cement conduit or concrete
encased plastic conduit from point of service drop to meter socket and from meter socket to
the disconnecting equipment. However, where the service entrance conductors are
protected by approved fuses or breakers at their outer ends (immediately after the service
drop or lateral) they may be installed in any of the recognized wiring methods.

7.1 Abandoned Lines and/or portions of lines no longer required to provide

shall be removed.

7.2 Power or communication poles, lines, service drops and other line
equipment shall be free from any attachment for antennas, signs,
streamers and the like.

7.3 Metallic sheaths or jackets of overhead power or communication cables

shall be grounded at a point as close as possible to ground level
whenever such cables change from overhead to underground
installations.
8. Transformers

8.1 Oil-insulated Transformers Installed Outdoors. Combustible material,

combustible buildings and parts of buildings, fire escapes, door and
window openings shall be safeguarded from fires originating in oil-
insulated transformers installed on, attached to, or adjacent to a building
or combustible material. Space separations, fire-resistant barriers and
enclosures which confine the oil of a ruptured transformer tank are
recognized safeguards. One or more of these safeguards shall be applied
according to the degree of hazard involved in cases where the transformer
installation presents a fire hazard. Oil enclosures may consist of fire-
resistant dikes, curbed areas or basins, or trenches filled with coarse,
crushed stone. Oil enclosures shall be provided with trapped drains in
cases where the exposure and the quantity of oil involved are such that
removal of oil is important.
Exterior Oil-insulated
Transformer

Trench all
around
8.2 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors. Transformers rated 112-1/2 KVA
or less shall have separation of at least 300mm from combustible material
unless separated there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier or
unless of a rating not exceeding 600 volts and completely enclosed except for
ventilating openings.

Combustible Wall

Dry-type transformer
112-1/2 Kva or less

≥ 300mm
Transformers of more than 112-1/2 KVA rating shall be installed in a transformer room of fire-
resistant construction unless they are constructed with Class B (80ºC rise) or Class H (150ºC rise)
insulation, and are separated from combustible material not less than 1.85m horizontally and 3.7m
vertically or are separated there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier.

Transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.

vault
Combustible ceiling
Dry-type transformer Transformer more
Combustible 112-1/2 Kva or less ≥ 3.70 m
Wall than 35,000 volts

≥ 1.85 m

8.3 Askarel-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Askarel-insulated

transformers rated in excess of 25 KVA shall be furnished with a pressure
relief vent. Where installed in a poorly ventilated place they shall be
furnished with a means for absorbing any gases generated by arcing inside
the case, or the pressure relief vent shall be connected to a chimney or flue
which will carry such gases outside the building. Askarel-insulated
transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.
8.4 Oil-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Oil-insulated transformers shall
be installed in a vault constructed as specified in this Section except as follows:

1. NOT OVER 112-1/2KVA TOTAL CAPACITY. The provisions for transformer

vaults specified in Section 9.3 of this Rule apply except that the vault may
be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 100mm thick.

2. NOT OVER 600 VOLTS. A vault is not required provided suitable

arrangements are made where necessary to prevent a transformer oil fire
igniting other materials, and the total transformer capacity in one location
does not exceed 10 KVA in a section of the building classified as
combustible, or 75 KVA where the surrounding structures is classified as
fire-resistant construction.
> 100mm thick reinforced
concrete vault

oil insulated transformer

< 112-1/2 KVa
3. FURNACE TRANSFORMERS. Electric furnace transformers of a total rating
not exceeding 75 KVA may be installed without a vault in a building or room
of fire-resistant construction provided suitable arrangements are made to
prevent a transformer oil fire spreading to other combustible material.

4. DETACHED BUILDING. Transformers may be installed in a building which

does not conform with the provisions specified in this Code for transformer
vault, provided neither the building nor its contents present fire hazard to
any other building or property, and provided the building is used only in
supplying electric service and the interior is accessible only to qualified
persons.
8.5 Guarding. Transformers shall be guarded as follows:

1. MECHANICAL PROTECTION. Appropriate provisions shall be made

to minimize the possibility of damage to transformers from external
causes where the transformers are located exposed to physical
damage.
2. CASE OR ENCLOSURE. Dry-type transformers shall be provided with
a non-combustible moisture resistant case or enclosure which will
provide reasonable protection against accidental insertion of foreign
objects.
3. EXPOSED LIVE PARTS. The transformer installation shall conform
with the provisions for guarding of live parts in PEC Rule 1056.
4. VOLTAGE WARNING. The operating voltage of exposed live parts of
transformer installations shall be indicated by signs or visible
markings on the equipment or structures.
9. Provisions for Transformer Vaults

9.1 New Building. New buildings requiring an expected load demand of

200KVA or above shall be provided with a transformer vault, except that
transformers may be mounted on poles or structures within the property if
enough space is available, provided that all clearances required can be
obtained and no troublesome contamination on insulators, bushings, etc.
can cause hazards and malfunctioning of the equipment.

150 mm for R.C

200 mm for Brick
300 mm for Load bearing CHB
Wall: 200 Kva or more
20 mm thick plaster
2-1/2 hours fire rating

Floor:
100mm thick
2-1/2 hours fire rating
9.2 Location. Transformer and transformer vaults shall be readily accessible to
qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance. Vaults shall be located
where they can be ventilated to the outside air without using flues or ducts
wherever such an arrangement is practicable.

9.3 Walls, Roof and Floor. The walls and roofs of vaults shall consist of reinforced
concrete not less than 150mm thick, masonry or brick not less than 200mm
thick, or 300mm load bearing hollow concrete blocks. The inside wall and roof
surface of vaults constructed of hollow concrete blocks shall have a coating of
cement or gypsum plaster not less than 20mm thick. The vault shall have a
concrete floor not less than 100mm thick. Building walls and floor which meet
these requirements may serve for the floor, roof and one or more walls of the
vaults. Other forms of fire-resistive construction are also acceptable provided
they have adequate structural strength for the conditions and a minimum fire
resistance of two and one half hours according to the approved Fire Test
Standard. The quality of the material used in the construction of the vault shall
be of the grade approved by the Building Official having jurisdiction.
9.4 Doorways. Any doorway leading from the vault into the building shall be
protected as follows:

1. TYPE OF DOOR. Each doorway shall be provided with a tight-fitting

door of a type approved for openings in such locations by the authority
enforcing this Code.

2. SILLS. A door sill or curb of sufficient height to confine within the

vault, the oil from the largest transformer shall be provided and in no
case shall the height be less than 100mm.

3. LOCKS. Entrance doors shall be equipped with locks, and doors shall
be kept locked, access being allowed only to qualified persons. Locks
and latches shall be so arranged that the door may be readily and
quickly opened from the inside.

10. Ventilation. Ventilation shall be adequate to prevent a transformer temperature

in excess of the prescribed values.

1. LOCATION. Ventilation openings shall be located as far away as

possible from doors, windows, fire escapes and combustible material.
2. ARRANGEMENT. Vaults ventilated by natural circulation of air may have
roughly half of the total area of openings required or ventilation in one or more
openings near the floor and the remainder in one or more openings in the roof or in the
sidewalls near the roof; or all of the area required for ventilation may be provided in one or
more openings in or near the roof.

3. SIZE. In the case of vaults ventilated to an outdoor area without using ducts or flues the
combined net area of all ventilating openings after deducting the area occupied by screens,
grating, or louvers, shall be not less than 0.006 sqmm per KVA of transformer capacity in
service, except that the net area shall be not less than 0.1 sqm for any capacity under 50 KVA.

4. COVERING. Ventilation openings shall be covered with durable gratings, screens, or louvers,
according to the treatment requirement required in order to avoid unsafe conditions.

5. DAMPERS. Where automatic dampers are used in the ventilation openings of vaults containing
oil-insulated transformers, the actuating device should be made to function at a temperature
resulting from fire and not a temperature which might prevail as a result of an overheated
transformer or bank of transformers. Automatic dampers should be designed and constructed to
minimize the possibility of accidental closing.
6. DUCTS. Ventilating ducts shall be constructed of fire resistant material.

7. DRAINAGE. Where practicable, vaults containing more than 100KVA transformer capacity
shall be provided with a drain or other means which will carry off any accumulation of oil or
water in the vaults unless local conditions make this impracticable.

8. WATER PIPES AND ACCESSORIES. Any pipe or duct system foreign to the electrical
installation should not enter or pass through a transformer vault. Where the presence of such
foreign system cannot be avoided, appurtenances thereto which require maintenance at
regular intervals shall not be located inside the vault. Arrangements shall be made where
necessary to avoid possible trouble from compensation, leaks and breaks in such foreign
system. Piping or other facilities provided for fire protection or for water-cooled transformers
are not deemed to be foreign to the electrical installation.
11. Capacitors.

1. Application. This section applies to installation of capacitors on electric

circuits in or on buildings.
Exception No. 1. Capacitors that are components of other apparatus shall
conform to the requirements for such apparatus.
Exception No. 2. Capacitors in hazardous locations shall comply with
additional requirements in PEC Section 400-415.

2. Location. An installation of capacitors in which any single unit contains

more than three gallons of combustible liquid shall be in a vault conforming
to part C of PEC Section 319.

3. Mechanical Protection. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage

by location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.

4. Cases and Supports. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage by

location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.

5. Transformers Used with Capacitors. Transformers which are components of

capacitor installations and are used for the purpose of connecting the
capacitor to a power circuit shall be installed in accordance with PEC Section
319. The KVA rating shall not be less than 135 per cent of the capacitor
rating in Kva.
12. Emergency Systems

1. The provisions of this Section shall apply to the installation, operation and maintenance of
circuits, systems and equipment intended to supply illumination and power in the event of
failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system supplying
power and illumination essential for safety to life and proper where such systems or circuits
are required by the Fire Code, or by any government agency having jurisdiction.

Emergency systems are generally installed in places of assembly where artificial illumination
is required, such as buildings subject to occupancy by large numbers of persons, hotels,
theaters, sports arenas, hospitals and similar institutions. Emergency systems provide power
for such functions as refrigeration, operation of mechanical breathing apparatus, ventilation
essential to maintain life, illumination and power for hospital room, fire alarm systems, fire
pumps, industrial processes where current interruption would produce serious hazards,
public address systems and other similar functions.

2. All requirements of this Section shall apply to emergency systems.

3. All equipment for use on emergency systems shall be properly approved.

4. Tests and Maintenance

a. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test on the complete system
upon completion of installation, and periodically afterwards.

b. Systems shall be tested periodically in accordance with a schedule acceptable to the

authority having jurisdiction to assure that they are maintained in proper operating condition.

c. Where the battery systems or unit equipment are involved, including batteries used for
starting or ignition in auxiliary engines, the authority having jurisdiction shall require periodic
maintenance.

d. A written record shall be kept of such tests and maintenance.

5. Emergency systems shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operation of
all equipment connected to the system.
6. Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to or within the
building or group of buildings concerned, emergency lighting or emergency power, will be
immediately available. The supply system for emergency purposes may be composed one or
more of the types of systems covered in Section 12.7 to Section 12.10 of this Rule. Unit
equipment in accordance with Section 12.21 shall satisfy the applicable requirements of this
Section.

Consideration must be given to the type of service to be rendered; whether for short
duration, as for exit lights of a theater, or for long duration, as for supplying emergency
power and lighting during long periods of current failure from trouble either inside or outside
the buildings, as in the case of a hospital.

Assignment of degree of reliability of the recognized emergency supply system depends upon
the careful evaluation of the variables of each particular installation.

7. A storage battery of suitable rating and capacity shall supply, by means of a service
installed according to Section 200 of the PEC and maintained at not more than 90 per cent of
system voltage, the total load of the circuits supplying emergency lighting and emergency
power for a period of at least ½ hour.
8. A generator set driven by some form of prime mover, with sufficient capacity and proper
rating to supply circuits carrying emergency lighting or lighting and power, equipped with
suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover on failure of the normal service
shall be provided. For hospitals, the transition-time from instant of failure of the normal
power source to the emergency generator source shall not exceed ten seconds. (See
Section 12.4)

9. There shall be two services, each in accordance with Section 200 of the PEC, widely
separated electrically and physically to minimize the possibility of simultaneous interruption
of power supply arising from an occurrence within the building or group of buildings
served.

10. Connections on the line side of the main service shall be sufficiently separated from said
main service to prevent simultaneous interruption of supply through an occurrence within
the building or group of buildings served.

11. The requirements of Section 12.5 and Section 12.6 also apply to installations where the
entire electrical load on a service or sub-service is arranged to be supplied from a second
source. Current supply from a standby power plant shall satisfy the requirements of
availability in Section 12.6.
12. Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided, where practicable, for the following
purposes:

a. To give warning of dearrangement of the emergency or auxiliary source.

b. To indicate that the battery or generator set is carrying a load.

c. To indicate when a battery charger is properly functioning.

13. Only appliances and lamps specified as required for emergency use shall be supplied by
emergency lighting circuits.

14. Emergency illumination shall be provided for all required exit lights and all other lights
specified as necessary for sufficient illumination.
Emergency lighting systems should be so designed and installed that the failure of any
individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light bulb, shall not leave any area
in total darkness.
15. Branch circuits intended to supply emergency lighting shall be so installed as to provide
service immediately when the normal supply for lighting is interrupted. Such installations shall
provide either one of the following:

a. An emergency lighting supply, independent of the general lighting

system with provisions for automatically transferring to the emergency
lights by means of devices approved for the purpose upon the event of
failure of the general lighting system supply.

b. Two or more separate and complete systems with independent power

supply, each system providing sufficient current for emergency lighting
purposes. Unless both systems are used for regular lighting purposes
and are both lighted, means shall be provided for automatically
energizing either system upon failure of the other. Either or both
systems may be part of the general lighting system of the protected
occupancy if circuits supplying lights for emergency illumination are
installed in accordance with other Section of this Rule.

16. For branch circuits which supply equipment classed as emergency, there shall be an
emergency supply source to which the load will be transferred automatically and immediately
upon the failure of the normal supply.
17. Emergency circuit wiring shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment and
shall not enter the same raceway, box or cabinet with other wiring except:
a. In transfer switches, or
b. In exit or emergency lighting fixtures supplied from two (2) sources.

18. The switches installed in emergency lighting circuits shall be so arranged that only authorized
persons have control of emergency lighting, except:
a. Where two or more single throw switches are connected in parallel to
control a single circuit, at least one of those switches shall be accessible
only to authorized persons.
b. Additional switches which act only to put emergency lights into operation
but not to disconnect them may be permitted.

Switches connected in series and three- and four-way switches shall not be allowed.

19. All manual switches for controlling emergency circuits shall be located at the most accessible
place to authorized persons responsible for their actuation. In places of assembly, such as
theaters, a switch for controlling emergency lighting systems shall be located in the lobby or at a
place conveniently accessible there from.
In no case shall a control switch for emergency lighting in a theater for motion picture projection
be placed in the projection booth or on the stage. However, where multiple switches are
provided, one such switch may be installed in such locations and so arranged that it can energize
but not disconnect for the circuit.
20. Lights on the exterior of the building which are not required for illumination
when there is sufficient daylight may be controlled by an automatic light
actuated device approved for the purpose.

21. In hospital corridors, switching arrangements to transfer corridor lighting in

patient areas of hospitals from overhead fixtures to fixtures designed to provide
night lighting maybe permitted, provided that the switching system is so
designed that switches can only select between two sets of fixtures but cannot
extinguish both sets at the same time.

22. The branch circuits over current devices in emergency circuits shall be
accessible to authorized persons only.

23. Where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, in lieu of other methods specified
elsewhere in this Section, individual unit equipment for emergency illumination shall consist
of:

a. Battery
b. Battery charging means, when a storage battery is used
c. One or more lamps, and
d. A relaying device arranged to energize the lamps automatically upon
failure of the normal supply to the building
 The batteries shall be of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain, at not less than 90 per
cent of rated lamp voltage, the total lamp load associated with the unit for a period of at least ½
hour. Storage batteries, whether of the acid or alkali type, shall be designed and constructed to
meet the requirements of emergency service. Lead-acid type storage batteries shall have
transparent jars.

Unit equipment shall be permanently fixed in place and shall have all wiring to each unit installed in
accordance with the requirements of any of the wiring methods discussed in Chapter II of the PEC.
They shall not be connected by flexible cord. The supply circuit between the unit equipment and the
service, the feeders or the branch circuit wiring shall be installed as required by Section 12.17.
Emergency illumination fixtures which obtain power from a unit equipment which are not part of the
unit equipment shall be wired to the unit equipment as required by Rule 5257 of the PEC and in
accordance with the one of the wiring methods described in Chapter II of the PEC.

13. Effectivity

1. All primary and secondary supply lines already existing shall comply with the provisions of this
Rule within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
2. Transformers to be installed on, attached to, or in buildings shall comply with the requirements of
this Rule. Transformer installations already existing shall comply with the requirements within two
(2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
3. Non-compliance with the provisions of this Rule shall be subject to the penal provisions in Section
213 of PD 1096.
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