PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE

PART 1 & PART 2
EE411 ELECTRICAL STANDARDS & PRACTICES

SUBMITTED BY:
Capua, Jomari
Durian, Steffi Mae
Fernandez, KingJohn
Ramirez, Zerimar
GROUP NO. 1

SUBMITTED TO:
Engr. Harry Errasquin
(EE 411 Instructor)

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

I. Introduction
❖ Understand the importance of adhering to electrical standards for safety and efficiency
in electrical installations.
❖ Recognize the "Philippine Electrical Code" as the national standard for electrical
installations in the Philippines.

II. Overview of the "Philippine Electrical Code"

❖ Appreciate the significance of the "Philippine Electrical Code" in ensuring standardized
electrical installations.
❖ Realize its role in safeguarding lives, property, and promoting efficient energy use.

III. Part 1: Electrical Installation Inside Buildings (PEC I)

❖ Understand the primary focus of PEC I, covering electrical systems and equipment
within buildings.
❖ Define the scope and objectives of PEC I.
❖ Identify the essential sections covered, including definitions, safe wiring practices,
protection against electrical hazards, and considerations for specific building types.

IV. Part 2: Electrical Installation Outside Buildings (PEC II)

❖ Comprehend the key aspects covered in PEC II, which address electrical systems and
equipment in outdoor environments.
❖ Define the scope and objectives of PEC II.
❖ Emphasize the critical areas addressed, including outdoor electrical systems,
protection against weather and environmental factors, and grounding and bonding for
safety.

V. Comparing PEC I and PEC II:

• Differentiate between PEC I and PEC II, understanding their areas of coverage,
application contexts (inside vs. outside buildings), and specific safety measures and
requirements.

VI. 2 Case Studies with Practical Applications

• Witness real-world case studies illustrating how compliance with PEC I and PEC II leads
to improved safety and operational efficiency.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

I. INTRODUCTION
In the field of Electrical Standards and Practices, the strict adherence to established
norms and regulations is of utmost importance. These standards are designed to serve a
multitude of crucial purposes, with the overarching goal of enhancing safety and creating a
consistent framework for electrical installations.
With a specific focus on the "Philippine Electrical Code" (PEC), which exemplifies the
fact that compliance to these electrical standards is far more than a mere formality; it is a
foundational practice that underpins the safety and efficiency of a broad spectrum of electrical
applications.
At its core, the significance of adhering to electrical standards, particularly the PEC,
cannot be overstated. Wherein, a closer look at the PEC reveals that it is not merely a
collection of rules but a comprehensive blueprint for electrical safety and efficacy. Its detailed
regulations and requirements cover every aspect of electrical installations, from the selection
of materials to the configuration of wiring systems. In doing so, the PEC leaves no room for
ambiguity, ensuring that electrical work is conducted with precision and care.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRICAL CODE

The Philippine Electrical Code in the Philippines

The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) stands as a comprehensive set of regulations,
serving as the authoritative manual for the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance
of electrical systems. Acknowledged and enforced by the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) and respected by industry bodies, the PEC plays a pivotal role in ensuring
that electrical installations adhere to internationally recognized safety and performance
standards.

Two Parts:
The PEC consists of two main segments:
➢ PEC I - Focusing on electrical installations within buildings.
➢ PEC II - Addressing electrical installations external to buildings.

Two Types of PEC Regulations:

The PEC regulations fall into two categories:
➢ Mandatory Regulations - These rules are marked by the use of the term "SHALL" and
are obligatory.
➢ Advisory Regulations - These rules are designated by the term "SHOULD" and are
presented as recommendations, offering guidance but not mandatory.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

Aims and Objectives:
The PEC seeks to achieve two core objectives:
a) Secure Use of Electricity - It lays down standards for the quality of materials and
electrical work to ensure the safe utilization of electricity for purposes such as lighting,
heating, power, communications, signaling, and other applications.
b) Adequacy - While strict adherence to the PEC provisions assures safety in electrical
installations and construction, it does not necessarily guarantee efficiency,
convenience, or adequacy for optimal service or future expansion of electrical usage.

The PEC's use is mandated by R.A. 7920, previously known as R.A. 184, also referred to
as the New Electrical Engineering Law. Similarly, there are referral codes prescribed by
corresponding laws for specific applications.

Pec Significance Framework

The "Philippine Electrical Code" (PEC) serves as a unified framework for achieving
multiple vital objectives in the realm of electrical installations. When we consider PEC 1 and
PEC 2 together, they encompass the following interconnected dimensions:

1. Safeguarding Lives & Property. The PEC, through both its parts, is primarily concerned
with ensuring the safety of individuals and property. It establishes clear rules and safety
measures to prevent electrical accidents, such as shocks and fires, whether inside
buildings (PEC 1) or outside (PEC 2). These codes, collectively, help create secure
environments where people and property are protected from potential electrical hazards

2. Ensuring Standardized Electrical Installations. PEC 1 and PEC 2 set standardized

practices for electrical installations across diverse settings. They provide consistent
guidelines for wiring, grounding, protection, and other crucial elements. This
standardization ensures that electrical systems within and outside buildings meet
recognized and uniform standards, simplifying work for electricians and enhancing the
quality and safety of installations.

3. Promoting Efficient Energy Use. Both PEC 1 and PEC 2 contribute to the promotion of
energy efficiency. PEC 1 encourages efficient energy use within buildings by providing
guidelines for equipment selection and installation, reducing energy waste. PEC 2 extends
this focus to outdoor electrical installations, emphasizing responsible energy use, which is
essential for cost savings and environmental sustainability.

4. Supporting Reliable Electrical Systems. PEC 1 and PEC 2 jointly support the reliability
of electrical systems. By following their guidelines, electricians and professionals create
installations that are less prone to malfunctions and failures, both indoors and outdoors.
This reliability is critical for maintaining uninterrupted operations in a wide range of
electrical applications.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

5. Legal and Professional Responsibility. PEC 1 and PEC 2 underscore the legal and
professional responsibilities of electricians and practitioners in the electrical field. They
establish clear legal obligations for ensuring the safety of electrical installations. Complying
with these standards is not only considered a best practice but also a legal requirement,
highlighting the significance of adhering to these codes.

6. Educational Impact and Continuous Improvement. PEC 1 and PEC 2 have a significant
educational impact. They serve as valuable learning resources for professionals in the
electrical field, ensuring they stay informed about safety and industry standards. Moreover,
these codes support continuous improvement by evolving with technological
advancements and safety practices, promoting ongoing education and development within
the electrical industry.

III. PART 1: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION INSIDE BUILDINGS (PEC I)

The Philippine Electrical Code Part I (PEC I) serves as the

foundation for electrical standards and safety practices in the
Philippines. It draws inspiration from the U.S. National Electrical
Code while incorporating specific modifications and additions
tailored to the local context. PEC I addresses a wide range of topics,
encompassing electrical equipment, installation procedures,
protection measures, grounding practices, and more. The most
recent edition was published in 2017, an update from the 2009
version, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the electrical
industry and the importance of maintaining safety standards.

Main Focus of PEC I

• To ensure the safety of people and property from electrical hazards.

• To provide uniform and consistent guidelines for electrical design, installation, and
maintenance.
• To promote efficiency and economy in the use of electrical energy.
• To facilitate coordination and cooperation among stakeholders in the electrical industry
Safety is the top priority of PEC I. It aims to protect people and property from electrical
hazards. By providing uniform and consistent guidelines, it promotes safety and minimizes
risks. Additionally, the focus on efficiency and cooperation helps in the responsible and
sustainable use of electrical energy.

Safety Measures, Wiring Methods, Grounding, and Protection

1. Safety measures include proper selection, installation, and maintenance of electrical
equipment and devices.
2. Wiring methods include rules for conductors, cables, raceways, boxes, fittings,
switches, receptacle outlets, and lamps.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

 3. Grounding includes rules for connecting electrical systems and equipment to earth or
other conductive bodies to prevent electric shock, electrocution, or fire.
4. Protection includes rules for overcurrent devices, surge arresters, fuses, circuit
breakers, relays, and grounding electrodes.

Scope and Objectives of PEC I

The scope of PEC I applies to all electrical installations and utilization equipment within
or on any building or structure or on any premises or location in the Philippines.
The objectives of PEC I are to:

• Provide minimum requirements for safety to persons and property from fire and electric
shock.
• Provide minimum requirements for good engineering practice in electrical design and
installation.
• Provide minimum requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection.
Objectives of the code can be summarized as ensuring the safety of people and property,
promoting best engineering practices, and encouraging energy conservation and
environmental protection. These objectives reflect a holistic approach to electrical systems.

Definitions and Terminology

PEC I provides definitions and terminology for clarity and consistency in the
interpretation and application of its rules and standards provided in Article 1.1.
Some examples of definitions and terminologies are:
Ampacity: The current in amperes that a conductor can carry continuously under the
conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
Branch Circuit: The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the
circuit and the outlet(s).
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): A device intended for the protection of personnel
that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time
when a current to ground exceeds some predetermined value that is less than that required
to operate the overcurrent protective device of the supply circuit.

Sections covered in PEC I

Some of the essential sections covered in the code are:
❖ Article 100 - Definitions: Provides the definitions of important terms used throughout
the code.
❖ Article 110 - Requirements for Electrical Installations: Establishes the general
requirements for the installation and use of electrical equipment and materials.
❖ Article 210 - Branch Circuits: Specifies the requirements for the design and installation
of branch circuits.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

 ❖ Article 220 - Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations: Provides the
methods and procedures for calculating the load on branch circuits, feeders, and
services.
❖ Article 230 - Services: Covers the requirements for the installation and connection of
service conductors and equipment.
❖ Article 240 - Overcurrent Protection: Covers the requirements for the provision and
installation of overcurrent protective devices.
❖ Article 250 - Grounding and Bonding: Covers the requirements for grounding and
bonding electrical systems and equipment.
❖ Article 300 - Wiring Methods: Covers the general requirements for wiring methods used
for electrical installations.
❖ Article 310 - Conductors for General Wiring: Covers the general requirements for
conductors used for general wiring purposes.
❖ Article 400 - Flexible Cords and Flexible Cables: Covers the requirements for flexible
cords and flexible cables used for connecting portable appliances or equipment to a
power source.

Guidelines for Safe Wiring Practices

PEC I provides guidelines for safe wiring practices to prevent electrical hazards such
as electric shock, fire, arc flash, or electrocution.
Some examples of guidelines for safe wiring practices are:
✓ Use only approved wiring materials and methods that are suitable for the intended
purpose and environment.
✓ Install wiring in a neat and workmanlike manner that avoids physical damage or
excessive stress.
✓ Provide adequate clearance and accessibility for wiring devices and equipment.
✓ Identify wiring conductors by color coding or marking to indicate their function and
polarity.

Protection Measures against Electrical Hazards

PEC I provides protection measures against electrical hazards to minimize the risk of
injury or damage from electricity.
Some examples of protection measures against electrical hazards are:
✓ Use overcurrent devices to limit the current in a circuit to a safe level in case of a short
circuit or overload.
✓ Use grounding systems to provide a low impedance path for fault currents to return to
the source or earth.
✓ Use GFCIs to interrupt the power supply when a ground fault occurs in a circuit that
may be in contact with water or human body parts.
✓ Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, helmets, boots,
etc. when working on or near live electrical equipment.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

Special Considerations for Specific Building Types
PEC I provides special considerations for specific building types that have different
electrical requirements or characteristics than typical buildings.
Some examples of specific building types are:

• Healthcare Facilities: Buildings or portions thereof used for medical, dental,

psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, surgical purposes or other services involving
examination, diagnosis, treatment, recovery or rehabilitation of human beings. They
require special wiring methods, equipment, outlets, circuits, grounding systems,
emergency power sources, etc. to ensure reliability and safety of electrical services.

• Hazardous Locations: Locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to
flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dusts, fibers or flyings. They require special wiring
methods, equipment, enclosures, seals, etc. to prevent ignition sources or propagation
of flames.

• Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Systems that use solar cells to convert sunlight into
electricity. They require special wiring methods, equipment, disconnects, overcurrent
protection, grounding systems, etc. to ensure safe and efficient operation and
connection to the utility grid or other power sources.

IV. PART 2: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OUTSIDE BUILDINGS

(PEC II)

Compared to Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, Part 1 of the

Philippine Electrical Code primarily deals with electrical installation
standards for buildings and structures. It includes guidelines and
regulations related to the design, installation, and maintenance of
electrical systems within residential, commercial, and industrial
structures. This part of the code provides requirements for safety,
efficiency, and compliance with national electrical standards.
Part 2 of the Philippine Electrical Code is focused on electrical
standards for outdoor electrical installations. It includes regulations
for overhead electrical lines, underground electrical systems, and
other outdoor installations. Part 2 addresses the specific requirements for electrical systems
in areas like substations, outdoor lighting, overhead conductors, and more.
Some examples to be considered for the appropriate guidelines of which part of the
Philippine Electrical Code applied in street lighting and huge establishments. Since Part 1 of
the Philippine Electrical Code deals with electrical standards and design of buildings and
structures, street lighting that is connected within the service point will be handled by the rules
and guidelines of Philippine Electrical Code Part 1. Beyond the service point however, street
lighting connected to utility poles will be handled by the rules and guidelines of pec part 2.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

Are huge establishments covered by PEC 2?
Depending on the electrical design of the
establishment, those that need fairly large loads such
as megamalls require the proper guidelines of the
Philippine Electrical Code Part 2.

What is the scope of PEC II?

Below is the scope of the Philippine Electrical Code Part 2 as of the 2020 edition:
1. Supply and communication facilities (including metering) and associated work
practices employed by a public or private electric supply, communications, railway,
trolley, street and area lighting, traffic signal (or other signal), irrigation district or other
community owned utility, or a similar utility in the exercise of its function as a utility.
2. The generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, lumens, communication
signals, and communication data through public and private utility systems that are
installed and maintained under the exclusive control of utilities or their authorized
representatives.
3. Utility facilities and functions of utilities that (a) either generate energy or signals or
accept energy or signals from another entity and (b) provide that energy or signals
through a delivery point to another entity.
4. Street and area lights that provide a supply of lumens where these facilities are
supplied by underground or overhead conductors installed and/or maintained under
the exclusive control of utilities (including their authorized contractors or other qualified
persons).
5. Utility facilities and functions on the line side of the service point located on public or
private property in accordance with legally established easements or rights-of-way,
contracts, other agreements (written or by conditions or service), or as authorized by
a regulating or controlling body.
6. Wiring within a supply station or in an underground facility that is (a) installed in
accordance with Chapter 1 or Chapter 3 of this CODE and maintained under the
exclusive control of utilities and(b)necessary for the operation of the supply station or
underground facility.
7. Utility facilities installed, maintained and controlled by utilities on surface or
underground mine sites, including overhead or underground distribution systems
providing service up to buildings or outdoor equipment locations on the line side of the
service point.
8. Similar systems to those listed above that are under the exclusive control of qualified
persons and authorized by a regulating or controlling body, including those associated
with an industrial complex or utility interactive system.
Some areas that are not covered by the Philippine Electrical Code Part 2 is beyond areas that
are not covered by service utilities such as electrical wiring in Cars, Planes, Water Vehicles
and etc.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

Purpose of the Philippine Electrical Code Part 2?
According to 1.1.1 of the Philippine Electrical Code Part 2,
➢ The purpose of the PEC2 is the practical safeguarding of persons, utility facilities, and
affected property during the installation, operation and maintenance of electric supply
and communication facilities, under specified conditions.

➢ PEC2 rules contain the basic provisions, under specified conditions, that are
considered necessary for the safeguarding of:
a) The public
b) Utility workers (employees and contractors),
c) Utility facilities
d) Electric supply and communication equipment connected to utility facilities, and
e) Other facilities or premises adjacent to or containing utility facilities.

➢ PEC2 rules are intended to provide a standard of safe practices for electric cooperatives,
public and private utilities, utility commissions, or other boards or bodies having control
over safe practices employed in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of
electric supply, communication, street and area lighting, signal, or railroad utility facilities.
In conclusion, Electrical Safety and Practices are heavily implemented in different areas of
Electrical Engineering professions because of the hazardous nature of electricity.

Why should we follow PEC II?

The primary reason for adhering to electrical codes is safety. Electrical systems, when
not properly installed or maintained, can pose significant hazards, including electrical fires,
shocks, and electrocution. Occupational health and safety are heavily implemented among
workspaces to ensure worker safety.
Proper adherence to electrical codes ensures that electrical installations are of a high
quality and reliability. This is crucial for homeowners, businesses, and industries, as electrical
failures can result in significant downtime, loss of productivity, and costly repairs. One example
is the power factor of establishments. Low power factors increase the costs of electricity due
to huge amount of useless loads are consumed.
Electrical codes provide a standardized set of rules and regulations from tables of
conductor sizes to workspace width that ensure a level of uniformity and consistency in
electrical systems. This is particularly important for professionals in the electrical industry, as
it ensures that best practices are followed across the board.

V. COMPARING PEC I AND PEC II

The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) is a set of regulations that govern the design,
installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in the Philippines. The PEC is updated
periodically to reflect changes in technology and industry practices. The two most recent
versions of the PEC are PEC 1 and PEC 2.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

 PEC 1 provides guidelines for residential
wiring, including the use of proper wire sizes,
grounding, and installation methods. These
guidelines ensure that electrical installations in
homes are safe and reliable. Through these rules,
PEC 1 promotes safety and security in homes with
electricity. This is to prevent accidents and
possible fires caused by incorrect electrical
connections. These guidelines provide protection not only to the residents, but also to the
property and the community as a whole. So, it is important to follow the provisions of PEC 1
to maintain the safety and quality of residential electrical installations.
PEC 2 provides guidelines for designing and
installing industrial electrical systems, including power
distribution, grounding, and protection. These
guidelines ensure that electrical installations in
industrial settings are safe, efficient, and reliable. In
this case, PEC 2 will insure that the industrial
equipment that will be used is safe, not only for the
workers but also for the safety of operations. In addition to PEC 2, it also paves the way for
proper planning and implementation of electrical systems in factories and other industrial
facilities.

PEC 1 PEC 2
• PEC 1 requires a minimum conductor • PEC 2 requires a minimum size of 2.5
size of 2.0 mm2 for branch circuits. mm2.
• PEC 1 requires that all conductors be • PEC 2 allows the use of tape or other
color-coded. means of identification.
• PEC 1 applies to low voltage • PEC 2 applies to high voltage
installations installations.
• PEC 1 covers single-phase systems. • PEC 2 covers three-phase systems.
• PEC 1 has provisions for grounding and • PEC 2 has more detailed requirements
bonding. for grounding and bonding of electrical
systems.

VI. 2 CASE STUDIES WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

(1) Anti-Pilferage Campaign in Zamboanga City

Illustrates the problem of electricity theft or pilferage in Zamboanga City, which is one
of the causes of high system losses and poor service quality for the electric cooperative. It
narrates how the new Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) conducted a
massive disconnection campaign to cut illegal connections and file charges against violators
of the anti-pilferage law. It also explains how the PEC (Philippine Electrical Code) serves as a
legal basis for prosecuting electricity thieves and imposing penalties for tampering with
electrical installations and equipment. The case study demonstrates how enforcing the PEC
can help reduce system losses, improve service quality, and protect public safety.

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices

(2) Renewable Energy Integration in the Distribution Grid
It explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating renewable energy sources
into the distribution grid in the Philippines. It presents a pilot project of installing a 1.5 MW
solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Balintawak, Quezon City, which is connected to a 34.5
kV feeder of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). It describes the technical aspects of
the project, such as the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the solar PV
system and its interconnection to the grid. It also discusses the regulatory and policy issues
related to renewable energy integration, such as permits, tariffs, net metering, and grid codes.
Also, emphasizes the role of the PEC in ensuring the safety and reliability of renewable energy
systems and their interconnection to the grid.

Questions:
1. Is the Philippine Electrical Code Part I primarily based on the U.S. National Electrical
Code (NEC)? Yes
2. What is the core focus of the Philippine Electrical Code? Safety
3. What is the purpose of grounding as outlined in the code? To prevent electric shock
and fire
4. Does the code mandate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working
on or near live electrical equipment? Yes
5. Is one of the primary objectives of PEC I to promote energy consumption without any
consideration for environmental protection? No
6. Are Street lighting within the service point covered by PEC 2? No
7. Are Street Lighting connected to utility poles covered by PEC 2? Yes
8. What is the major difference of PEC1 and PEC2? PEC1: Inside Buildings, PEC 2:
Outside Buildings
9. Is the use of extension cords allowed by PEC? Yes
10. What makes an extension cord unallowable by PEC? Octopus Connection

REFERENCES:
National Electrical Code
National Fire Protection Association
Philippine Electrical Code Part 1 & 2
Philippine Electrical Code Part I: 2017 Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of
the Philippines, Incorporated (IIEE)
Links:
Filipino Engineer, (2022, March 01) Philippine Electrical Code – Scope
Retrieved from: https://filipinoengineer.com/blog/2017/04/philippine-electrical-code-scope.html

Santiago, Z. (2020, November 19) Zambo electric coop files raps vs. 310 pilferers
Retrieved from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1122345

Savet, F.J., (2017, November 17) Renewable Energy Integration: Driving the distribution grid
modernization. Network Planning & project Management
Retrieved from: https://iiee.org.ph:89/uploads/files/824.pdf

PEC 1 & 2 Electrical Standards & Practices