The 2017 edition of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), Part 1, closely aligns with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and provides specific provisions related to equipment grounding and bonding. These provisions ensure that all metal parts of electrical equipment are adequately bonded to prevent electrical shock and enhance overall safety. For detailed guidance, it is advisable to refer to the official PEC document or consult a licensed electrical practitioner.
One of the key sections addressing equipment bonding in PEC 2017 Part 1 is Article 2.50.6. This article specifies requirements for electrically connecting conductive parts to establish an effective ground-fault current path. It also outlines acceptable bonding methods, including the use of bonding jumpers, connectors, and clamps, ensuring reliable connections for safety compliance.
Section 2.50.6.1 - General Requirements for Bonding and Grounding.
Section 2.50.6.1 of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 outlines the General Requirements for Bonding and Grounding. This section emphasizes the importance of creating a low-impedance path to ground to ensure the safety and proper operation of electrical systems.
The primary goal is to prevent electrical shock and ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment by providing a reliable path for fault currents to flow to the ground. All metal parts of electrical equipment, including enclosures, raceways, and other conductive materials, must be bonded together to create a continuous electrical path. Grounding involves connecting the bonded metal parts to the earth to dissipate fault currents safely.
This section sets the foundation for the more specific bonding and grounding requirements detailed in subsequent sections of the code.
Section 2.50.6.2 - Bonding of Electrical Equipment.
Section 2.50.6.2 of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 focuses on the Bonding of Electrical Equipment. This section outlines the requirements for ensuring that all metal parts of electrical equipment are properly bonded to create a continuous electrical path. Here are the key points:
All metal parts of electrical equipment, including enclosures, raceways, and other conductive materials, must be bonded together to ensure electrical continuity and the ability to safely conduct fault currents. The acceptable methods for bonding, such as using bonding jumpers, bonding conductors, or straps. These methods ensure that all metal parts are electrically connected.
The bonding conductors must be of sufficient size to carry any fault current likely to be imposed on them. This ensures that the bonding system can handle the electrical load in the event of a fault. All connections for bonding must be made in a manner that ensures a permanent and effective bond. This includes using appropriate fittings, connectors, and methods to secure the bonding conductors.
These requirements help ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing electrical shock and ensuring proper operation.
Section 2.50.6.3 - Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Steel.
Section 2.50.6.3 of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 deals with the Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Steel. This section requires that all metal piping systems, such as water and gas pipes, be bonded to the electrical grounding system. This ensures that any fault currents that may energize the piping are safely conducted to the ground, reducing the risk of electrical shock. Any exposed structural steel that is likely to become energized must also be bonded to the grounding system. This includes steel frameworks and other metal structures within a building.\
The acceptable methods for bonding, such as using bonding jumpers or conductors are presented. These methods ensure that all metal parts are electrically connected and can safely conduct fault currents. The bonding conductors must be of sufficient size to carry any fault current likely to be imposed on them. This ensures the bonding system can handle the electrical load in the event of a fault.
These requirements help ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing electrical shock and ensuring proper operation.
Section 2.50.6.4 - Bonding of Other Metal Parts.
Section 2.50.6.4 of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 addresses the Bonding of Other Metal Parts. This section covers the bonding requirements for metal parts that are not specifically mentioned in other sections but are likely to become energized. This includes items like metal siding, metal roofs, and other conductive materials that could pose a risk if they become energized. Similar to other sections, this one specifies acceptable methods for bonding these metal parts. This can include using bonding jumpers, conductors, or straps to ensure electrical continuity.
The bonding conductors must be appropriately sized to handle any fault current that might be imposed on them. This ensures the bonding system can safely conduct fault currents. All connections for bonding must be made in a manner that ensures a permanent and effective bond. This includes using appropriate fittings, connectors, and methods to secure the bonding conductors.
These requirements help ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing electrical shock and ensuring proper operation.
Bonding methods
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 provides several methods for bonding electrical equipment to ensure safety and proper operation. Some of the key bonding methods mentioned are:
- Bonding Jumpers: These are conductors used to ensure electrical continuity between metal parts. They can be installed within or outside of raceways and enclosures.
Bonding Conductors or Straps: These are used to bond metal parts that are not otherwise connected by a grounding conductor. They must be of sufficient size to carry any fault current likely to be imposed on them. - Bonding of Metal Raceways and Enclosures: Metal raceways, cable trays, and enclosures must be bonded to ensure electrical continuity and the ability to safely conduct fault currents.
- Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Steel: Metal piping systems and exposed structural steel that are likely to become energized must be bonded to the electrical grounding system.
These methods help create a continuous electrical path, reducing the risk of electrical shock and ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems.