1. Introduction
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) 2017 Part 1 provides minimum safety standards for the installation of electrical systems, including those associated with fire detection, fire protection, and fire alarm systems. While the PEC does not define performance or detection thresholds, it governs the electrical wiring, protection, and interconnection of these critical life safety systems.
This technical note summarizes the relevant PEC scope, clauses, integration with other codes, and compliance requirements.
2. Scope of PEC on Fire Safety Systems
The PEC focuses on ensuring that the electrical components of fire alarm and fire protection systems are installed safely and reliably. It does not cover design specifics (e.g., detector spacing, response times), which fall under RA 9514 (Fire Code of the Philippines) and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code).
3. Annotated PEC Excerpts
3.1. Article 760 – Fire Alarm Systems
| Clause | Provision | Annotation |
| 760.1 | Scope | Covers wiring and equipment for fire alarm systems. |
| 760.21 | Mechanical execution | Requires neat and secure installation. |
| 760.24 | Mechanical protection | Requires secure support at ≤ 1.4 m spacing. |
| 760.25 | Abandoned cables | Prohibits abandoned fire alarm cables. |
| 760.41 | Circuit identification | Prevents unintentional mixing with other systems. |
| 760.121 | Power sources | Requires a dedicated branch circuit. |
| 760.176(B) | Pathway survivability | Requires 2-hour rating in critical areas. |
| 760.179 | Cable types | FPL, FPLR, and FPLP for general, riser, and plenum areas. |
3.2 Article 695 – Fire Pumps
| Clause | Provision | Annotation |
| 695.3 | Power source | Must have a reliable, dedicated power source, not subject to shutdown by fire alarm or load-shedding systems. |
3.3 Article 700 – Emergency Systems
| Clause | Provision | Annotation |
| 700.12 | Emergency power | Fire alarm and life safety systems must be supplied by emergency power, separate from normal loads. |
4. Related Codes and Standards
| Code | Relevance |
| RA 9514 – Fire Code of the Philippines | Governs fire safety requirements, including where fire alarm and detection systems are required. |
| NFPA 72 | Defines design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems. |
| National Building Code (PD 1096) | Establishes building occupancies and architectural fire protection needs; requires compliance with PEC for all electrical installations. |
5. PEC Compliance Checklist (Electrical Scope)
| Requirements | Reference |
| Fire alarm system circuits are dedicated | Sec. 760.121 |
| Fire alarm circuits identified and segregated | Sec. 760.41 |
| Fire alarm cables are type FPL/FPLR/FPLP | Sec. 760.179 |
| Pathway survivability (2-hour rating if required) | Sec. 760.176(B) |
| Mechanical protection and support verified | Sec. 760.24 |
| Abandoned fire alarm cables removed | Sec. 760.25 |
| Fire pumps powered by a dedicated reliable source | Sec. 695.3 |
| Emergency power provided for alarms, egress | Sec. 700.12 |
6. Summary
The PEC ensures that the electrical infrastructure supporting fire alarm and protection systems is safe, reliable, and code-compliant. However, complete system design requires integration with:
- RA 9514 for statutory compliance
- NFPA 72 for performance and functional requirements
- NBCP for building occupancy and architectural considerations
Electrical engineers must ensure proper coordination across all codes and provide clear labeling, dedicated circuits, physical protection, and emergency power supply for all fire-related systems.
7. References
- Philippine Electrical Code 2017 Part 1, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), https://iiee.org.ph
- Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), https://bfp.gov.ph
- NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, National Fire Protection Association, https://www.nfpa.org
- National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), Department of Public Works and Highways, https://dpwh.gov.ph
8. Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Definition |
| PEC | Philippine Electrical Code |
| RA | Republic Act |
| NFPA | National Fire Protection Association |
| NBCP | National Building Code of the Philippines |
| BFP | Bureau of Fire Protection |
| FPL | Fire Power-Limited Cable |
| FPLR | Fire Power-Limited Riser Cable |
| FPLP | Fire Power-Limited Plenum Cable |
| AHJ | Authority Having Jurisdiction |
| PD | Presidential Decree |
| LV | Low Voltage |
| AC | Alternating Current |