Philippine Electrical Code 2017 Part 1/Preface
This 2017 edition of the Philippine Electrical Code, Part I (PEC1 2017) is a major revision to the 2009 edition. The planning of the new Code started with a kickoff meeting chaired by Engr. Francis V. Mapile, Chairman of the Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE) of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). He provided the guidelines on the format of the new Code and its contents.
PEC1 2017 is now in letter page format consisting of two columns in a page. There is only one volume including Chapter 9 - Watercraft, which used to fom1 Volume 2 of the previous editions of the Code. Because of this, Chapter 9 - Tables before is now Chapter 10. The appendices complete the Code.
The preparation of PEC1 2017 started in 2016 and was completed in 2017, a more than one-year effort. It started with NEC 2014 as the basis, but in the end, adopted NEC 2017 which became available September 2016. As in the past, PEC1 2017 took into consideration the Philippine environment and practices, especially in Chapters 1 to 4, and particularly, in requirements concerning utility services. The major changes in edition 2017 of the Code are:
Chapter 1: New definitions have been included, notably Office of the Building Official/EE (OBO/EE), National Electrical Engineering Law and Service Protective Device. The OBO/EE refers to the licensed electrical practitioner employed with the Office of the Building Official. He/she replaced the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in the Code's various provisions. The second new definition expounds references to Republic Act 7920 (RA 7920) which is the current national electrical engineering law. This way, the national electrical engineering law remains relevant should Republic Act 7920 be superseded. Service Protective Device defines the new equipment addition to Code provisions related to service equipment.
Also, three important new sections have been added: (1) Section 1.0.1.10 Apprenticeship, (2) Section 1.10.1.24 Available Fault Current (which require markings of such on the service equipment and would necessarily need short circuit calculations complimenting Section 1.3.2.l(F)(4), and, (3) Section 1.10.1.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means. Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis has been added to the requirements under Section 1.3.2.1(F) Design Analysis as 1.3.2.1(F)(5).
Chapter 2: Important revisions include: (l) Deletion of requirements for arc-fault circuit-interrupter due to non availability for Philippine specifications, (2) In addition to Code requirements ou multi-occupancy buildings, their application to site developments - where group(s) of single-detached buildings are constructed - have been included, (3) Clarified and expanded provisions on Service Protective Device when installed ahead of Service Equipment and (4) clarified the provisions on the grouping of Disconnecting Means.
Chapter 3: Rationalized ampacity tables of conductors (i.e. slight modifications in amperes) - copper and aluminum - for three conductors in raceway and in free air up to 2000 volts, Tables 3.10.2.6(B)(l6) and 3.10.2.6(B)( 17), respectively. Ampacities are based on the current densities of the cross-sectional areas of the conductors. Article 3.10 has been expanded with two new Parts. Four new articles have also been added: (l) Article 3.55 - Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit: Type RTRC, (2) Article 3.70- Cablebus, (3) Article 3.93 - Low-Voltage Suspended Ceiling Power Distribution Systems, and (4) Article 3.99 - Outdoor Overhead Conductors over 1000 Volts.
Chapter 4: Previous editions of PEC1, at one time or another, permitted a specific number (i.e. 42 or 48) of overcurrent protective devices in a panelboard enclosure. This limitation has been removed from PEC1 2017 and is required only (maximum of 48) if the panelboard is protected on its supply-side by two sets of circuit breakers or two sets of fuses (Section 4.8.3.7 Exception No.2). Article 4.24 - Fixed Electric Space-Heating Equipment has been expanded while a new Article 4.25 - Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process Heating Equipment has also been added.
Chapter 5: Article 5.16 - Spray Application, Dipping, Coating and Printing Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Materials has been expanded while adding a new Article 5.22 - Control Systems for Permanent Amusement Attractions.
Chapter 6: Article 6.25 - Electric Vehicle Charging System has been expanded with new Parts and four new articles have been added: (1) Article 6.26 - Electrified Truck Parking Spaces, (2) Article 646 - Modular Data Centers, (3) Article 6.91 - Large-Scale Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Power Production Facility and (4) Article 6.94 - Wind Electric Systems.
Chapter 7: Article 7.5 - Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources and Article 7.70 - Optical Fiber Cables have been expanded while five new articles have been added: (1) Article 7.6 - Energy Storage Systems, (2) Article 7.8 - Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS), (3) Article 7.10 - Stand-Alone Systems, (4) Article 7.12 - Direct Current Microgrids and Article 7.28 - Fire-Resistive Cable Systems.
Chapter 8: Added a new Article 8.40 — Premises—Powered Broadband Communications Systems.
Chapter 10: A new Table 10.1.1.10 has been added.
Aside from the chapters discussed, the rest of the Code has minimal changes. Harmonizing the PEC1 with IEC and other recognized standards is an ever-continuing effort.
The 2017 Philippine Electrical Code Part 1 has been crafted in order to clarify ambiguities and to facilitate easy use and understanding so that the electrical practitioners will be properly guided.
This Code has been patterned after the National Electrical Code 2017 version as it was found to be most appropriate and applicable to Philippine Setting.
NEC 2017 and relevant IEC and other standards were used in one way or another as reference materials which are and could have been included in PEC1 2017; and for this reason, IIEE and the Committee wish to acknowledge their contributions in the preparation of PEC1 2017.
After coordination meetings and discussions with the Board of Electrical Engineering’s (BEE) Chairman, the Honorable Engr. Francis V. Mapile, the IIEE submitted the final draft of the PECl 2017 to the BEE for endorsement to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for its review and approval, which has since been received on November 10, 2017. PECl 2017 supersedes all previous editions of the Code dated 1962, 1969, 1973, 1980, 1985, 1992, 2000, and 2009.
Comments on PECl 2017 regarding omissions and errors, as well as, conflicts with accepted international standards are most welcome and will be highly appreciated. All suggestions will be studied and considered for inclusion in the Code’s next edition. Suggestions can be addressed to:
THE CHAIRMAN, PEC1 COMMITTEE
Institute of Integrated Electrica] Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.
IIEE Bldg, #41 Monte de Piedad Street
Cubao, Quezon City 1111, Metro Manila
