An Electrical Permit is required before starting any installation work, alteration, repair or extension on any electrical system. The owners, lessors, operators, occupants, or licensed electrical practitioners shall obtain an Electrical Permit for buildings, trailers, mobile homes, or other premises from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), and for watercraft from the authority for maritime concerns. In securing the electrical permit, the services of a licensed electrical practitioner are required under the Republic Act 7920 or national electrical engineering law. It is explicitly stated in this clause in the Philippine Electrical Code that the services of a Licensed Electrical Practitioner are required.
Requirement for Electrical Permit
The Electrical Permit shall include the following minimum information:
- Applicant.
- The Professional Electrical Engineer who signed and sealed electrical plans and specifications, with a photocopy of valid Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) and valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) License.
- Licensed Electrical Practitioner who is in-charge of electrical works, with a photocopy of valid PTR and valid PRC License.
- Building Owner.
- Lot Owner.
- Building Official
Electrical Permit to Be Issued Immediately
The Electrical Permit application, upon receipt of the local Office of Building Official (OBO), shall be checked immediately by the electrical engineer of the local building official or his representatives for compliance with the requirements. If the Electrical Permits application complies with the requirements, and payment of the corresponding electrical fees, the Electrical Permit shall be issued immediately.
For large projects which requires extensive checking, the issuance of the Electrical Permit need not be issued immediately. The delay shall not be longer than five (5) working days after which time application together with the accompanying plans shall be considered as complying with all the requirements and the electrical permit shall be issued immediately thereafter.
Posting of Electrical Permit.
A copy of the Electrical Permit shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the job site and shall not be removed until final inspection and approval of the work shall have been made.
Licensed Electrical Practitioner in-charge of the design, and the licensed electrical practitioner in-charge of the installation shall post a copy of their respective Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification card together with the electrical permit at all times.
