Introduction
The safe, reliable, and ethical execution of electrical work is vital to the integrity of public infrastructure, industry, and national development. In the Philippines, this responsibility is safeguarded by Republic Act No. 7920, also known as the “New Electrical Engineering Law.” Enacted in 1995, this law modernized and expanded the regulatory framework governing electrical engineers and electricians, replacing the outdated Republic Act No. 184.
This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of the legal scope of practice for electrical engineers in the Philippines, as defined by Section 31 of R.A. 7920, with professional insights into how these responsibilities apply in real-world engineering environments.
Legal Foundation - Republic Act No. 7920
Republic Act No. 7920 is “An Act Providing for a More Responsive and Comprehensive Regulation for the Practice, Licensing, and Registration of Electrical Engineers and Electricians.” It ensures that only licensed and competent professionals may perform or supervise electrical works involving planning, design, installation, operation, and maintenance.
The law also delineates seven key areas that constitute the professional practice of electrical engineering. These areas are outlined in Section 31, which explicitly defines what activities require a licensed electrical engineer.
Section 31 - Official Scope of Practice
A person is deemed to be in the practice of electrical engineering when he renders or offers to render professional electrical engineering service in the form of:
- Consultation, investigation, valuation and management of services requiring electrical engineering knowledge;
- Design and preparation of plans, specifications and estimates for electric power systems, power plants, power distribution systems including power transformers, transmission lines and network protection, switchgear, building wiring, electrical machines, equipment and others;
- Supervision of erection, installation, testing and commissioning of power plants, substations, transmission lines, industrial plants and others;
- Supervision of operation and maintenance of electrical equipment in power plants, industrial plants, watercrafts, electric locomotives and others;
- Supervision on the manufacture and repair of electrical equipment including switchboards, transformers, generators, motors, apparatus and others;
- Teaching of electrical engineering professional subjects; and
- Taking charge of the sale and distribution of electrical equipment and systems requiring engineering calculations or application of engineering data.
Professional Interpretation of Each Practice Area
1. Consultation, Investigation, Valuation, and Management
Electrical engineers offer specialized technical advisory services that include:
- Feasibility studies and energy audits,
- Failure or accident investigations related to electrical systems,
- Valuation of assets for insurance, financial reporting, or regulatory compliance,
- Project or operations management of electrical engineering works.
These roles are essential in ensuring technical integrity, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in engineering projects.
2. Design and Preparation of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates
Design is a core function of electrical engineering, requiring:
- Load flow analysis, fault studies, and voltage drop calculations,
- Creation of plans and detailed drawings for power systems and building wiring,
- Specification of materials, protection devices, and control systems,
- Cost estimation for procurement, bidding, and budgeting.
Only licensed Professional Electrical Engineers (PEE) are authorized to sign and seal these designs for regulatory compliance.
3. Supervision of Erection, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning
This refers to the oversight of physical works, including:
- Installation of switchgear, transformers, and power systems,
- Testing of circuits, protection relays, grounding systems, and interlocks,
- Commissioning, which verifies readiness for service.
The engineer ensures all installations comply with approved drawings, the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), and international standards.
4. Supervision of Operation and Maintenance
Electrical engineers are responsible for the continuous safe operation of facilities such as:
- Power generation and distribution plants,
- Factories and manufacturing plants,
- Ships, locomotives, and large commercial buildings.
They develop maintenance schedules, analyze system performance, and address operational anomalies to avoid failures and accidents.
5. Supervision in Manufacture and Repair of Electrical Equipment
Electrical engineers supervise the:
- Fabrication and quality testing of electrical devices and assemblies,
- Repair or refurbishment of motors, switchboards, and transformers.
This ensures that all products comply with standards (e.g., DTI, IEC, ANSI) and that repairs restore full functionality without compromising safety.
6. Teaching of Electrical Engineering Professional Subjects
Licensed engineers are qualified to teach subjects that are:
- Prescribed in the PRC licensure examination syllabi, such as power systems, electrical machines, and control systems.
- Delivered in accredited universities or technical institutions.
They play a vital role in shaping future engineers and maintaining professional competence within the industry.
7. Taking Charge of Sale and Distribution of Electrical Equipment
Sales activities that involve:
- Engineering judgment (e.g., transformer or breaker sizing),
- Application of standards or electrical computations, and
- Selection or recommendation of system components
must be carried out by a licensed engineer. This ensures that buyers receive technically sound advice aligned with safety codes.
Ethical and Legal Implications
The practice of electrical engineering without a valid license, or allowing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed functions, is a criminal offense under R.A. 7920. This law also promotes accountability, public safety, and professional integrity. Electrical plans, technical reports, and compliance certifications must bear the signature and seal of a licensed electrical engineer.
Role of Regulatory Bodies
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): The government body that enforces the provisions of R.A. 7920 through licensure, disciplinary actions, and continuing professional development.
- Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE): The technical arm of the PRC that defines examination scope, approves curricula, and issues guidelines for professional practice.
These institutions work together to regulate, protect, and advance the profession.
Conclusion
Republic Act No. 7920 establishes a clear, comprehensive, and legally binding framework for electrical engineering practice in the Philippines. It empowers licensed engineers to take on critical roles in design, construction, operations, and education—while ensuring public safety and technical competence.
As electrical systems grow more complex with the integration of renewables, automation, and digital control, the importance of qualified and accountable professionals is greater than ever.
Compliance with R.A. 7920 is not just a legal requirement—it is a professional obligation to serve the public interest.
Key Takeaways
- Electrical engineering practice in the Philippines is defined by law.
- Only licensed individuals may perform, sign, or supervise professional services.
- Violations are subject to criminal and administrative penalties.
- Professional competence ensures safety, reliability, and ethical conduct.