ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

1. GENERAL
1.1 DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY
a form of energy generated by
friction, induction or chemical
change, having magnetic, chemical
and radiant effect.
the motion of free electrons through
a solid conductor.

1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY

STORAGE BATTERIES

GENERATORS

STORAGE BATTERIES

are used to supply emergency

lighting circuits for hallways,
stairways, exits and to energize
police and fire alarm systems
and certain types of signal
systems.

GENERATORS

for generating electric current

Alternating Current Generators or
Alternators The bulk of electrical energy
utilized today is in the form of alternating
current, including energy for power and
lighting.
Direct Current Generators These
furnish electrical energy for elevators,
escalators, intercommunicating telephone
systems, control of signal systems, and
clock systems.

1.3 OTHER DYNAMO ELECTRIC

MACHINES

MOTORS for converting

electrical energy to mechanical
energy.

TRANSFORMERS for
converting one voltage to
another, from lower to higher
or from higher to lower
ROTARY CONVERTERS
for changing alternating
current to direct current and
vice versa.

1.4 TYPES OF CURRENT

ALTERNATING CURRENT a
current which is periodically
varying in time rate and in
direction. It rises from zero to
maximum, falls to zero, reverses
its direction and again returns to
zero.

DIRECT CURRENT a current

which flows at a constant time rate
and in the same direction.

1.5 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY

UNIT OF QUANTITY
COULOMB a coulomb of electricity
comprises approximately 6.25 x 10 18
electrons.
AMPERE An ampere of current
represents a rate of flow of one
coulomb
or
6.25
x
10
18
electrons/second through a given
cross section.
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
VOLT is the electromotive force
or potential difference between two
points in an electric field which will
move a charge of one coulomb
between these points.

UNIT OF RESISTANCE
OHM The resistance which will
allow one ampere of current to flow
when one volt is impressed upon it.

UNIT OF ELECTRIC POWER

WATT the unit of electric
power or the rate of doing
electrical work.
UNIT OF ENERGY
WATT-HOURS the unit of
energy or the capacity for doing
work.

1.6 OHMS LAW

I (amp) = V (Volts) / R (Ohms)

The current, I, that will flow in a

d-c circuit is directly proportional to
the voltage ,V, and inversely
proportional to the resistance , R,
of the circuit.

1.7 ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL

is the effective utilization of available
energy by reducing peak loads and
lowering demand charge. The control
devices and systems are referred to as
load shedding control, peak demand
control, peak load regulation, and power
use control.
LOAD SCHEDULING AND DUTYCYCLE CONTROL the installations
electric loads are analyzed and scheduled
to restrict demand by shifting large loads
to off-peak hours and controlled to avoid
coincident operation.
DEMAND METERING ALARM in
conjunction with a duty cycle controller,
demand is continuously metered and an
alarm is set on when a predetermined
demand level is exceeded.

AUTOMATIC
INSTANTANEOUS
DEMAND CONTROL also called rate
control, it is an automated version of the
demand metering alarm system, where it
automatically disconnects or reconnects loads
as required.

IDEALCURVE CONTROL This controller

operates by comparing the actual rate of
energy usage to the ideal rate, and controls
KW demand by controlling the total energy
used within a metering interval.

FORECASTING
SYSTEMS

are
computerized systems which continuously
forecast the amount of energy remaining in
the demand interval, then examine the status
and priority of each of the connected loads
and decide on the proper course of action.

1.8 MEASURING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION

CURRENT
LEADS

POWER
SOURCE

WATTMETER

LOAD
WM
VOLTAGE
LEADS

KWH METERS To
measure energy, the
factor of time is
introduced, such that;
energy = power x
time. A-C electric
meters are basically
small motors, whose
speed is proportional
to the power being
used. The number of
rotations is counted on
the dials which are
calibrated directly in
kilowatt-hours.

2. BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

2.1 BRANCH CIRCUITS
An electrical circuit may be defined as a
complete conducting path carrying current
from a source of electricity to and through
some electrical device or load and back to the
source. The two wire circuit, which is the
most elementary of all wiring systems,
consists of a live wire carrying the current to
the various power consuming devices in the
circuit and a neutral or grounded wire which
is the return wire carrying the circuit back to
the source of supply.
SERIES CIRCUIT
PARALLEL CIRCUIT

R1

R2

10 amp

10 amp

R3

ELEC
SOURCE

10 amp

10 amp

R4

R5

CIRCUIT IN SERIES

SERIES CIRCUIT is one in which the

components are connected in tandem. All
separate loads of the circuit carry the
same equal current and the total
resistance, R, is the sum of the
resistances around the circuit.

R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5

3 amp
1 amp

+
ELECTRICAL
SOURCE

R1

1 amp

1 amp

R2

R3

CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL

R=

1
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

PARALLEL CIRCUIT (or Multiple

Circuit) is one in which the
components or loads are so arranged
that the current divides between them.
Each outlet has a live wire connected to
the current carrying wire of the circuit
and also a neutral wire or grounded wire
connected to the return wire of the
circuit. With this system, the total current
flowing through the circuit is the sum of
the current flowing through each outlet.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF BRANCH CIRCUITS

GENERALLY
15, 20A

15, 20, 30,

or 50A

SIZE REQUIRED
FOR ITEM FED

LTG

General Purpose Branch Circuit supplies

outlets
for
lighting
and
appliances,
including
convenience
receptacles.

Appliance Branch Circuit - supplies

outlets intended for feeding appliances.
Fixed lighting is not supplied.

SINGLE ITEM

Individual Branch Circuit is

designed to supply a single specific item,
such as a motor load or a unit airconditioner.

Branch Circuit
The portion of an electrical
system extending from the final
overcurrent device protecting a
circuit to the outlets served by
the circuit

General Purpose Circuit

A branch circuit that supplies
current in a number of outlets for
lighting and appliances
Appliance Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in one or more outlets
specifically intended for
appliances
Individual Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current only to a single piece of
electrical equipment

Distribution Panel
A panel for distributing
power to other panels or to
motors and other heavy
power-consuming loads.
Controls, distributes and
protects a number of similar
branch circuits in an
electrical system

Low-Voltage
Of or pertaining to a circuit in which alternating
current below 50 volts is supplied by a step-down
transformer form the normal line voltage used in
residential systems to control doorbells,
intercoms, heating and cooling systems and
remote lighting fixtures. Low-voltage circuits do
not require a protective raceway

GENERAL CIRCUITING GUIDELINES

1. General: Branch circuits shall be

sufficient to supply a load of 30
watts per square meter (3 watts per
square foot) in buildings excluding
porches, garages and basements.
C3

C3

C3

20 amp

C2

Range

C1

20 amp

KIT

DINE
C4

Ref

2. In all but the smallest installations,

connect
lighting,
convenience
receptacles, and appliances in
separate circuits. The Code requires a
minimum of 2 - 20 amperes
appliance branch circuit to feed all
small appliance outlets in the kitchen,
pantry, dining and family room.

3. Convenience receptacles in an area

shall be wired to at least two
different circuits so that in case of
failure in any one of the circuits, the
entire area will not be deprived of
power.

4. General purpose branch circuits shall

be rated at 20 amperes wired with
No. 12 AWG minimum. Switch legs
may be No. 14 AWG if the lighting
load permits.

5. Limit the circuit load for lighting and

small appliances on 15 amp and 20
amp circuit loads and on 15 and 20
amp overcurrent devices respectively.

2.2 SINGLE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

For homes and small commercial buildings

SWITCH

A single phase electrical system can

either be 2-wire or 3-wire and
composes two hot legs and a neutral
wire.
FUSE

Two-Wire Single Phase DC or AC

110 V

Three-Wire Single
(EDISON SYSTEM)

220 V

110 V

Phase

Three-Wire Single Phase AC

DC

2.2 THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

For industries and large commercial buildings

The Three Phase AC electricity is a Triple

Circuit. The lighting and outlet loads are
connected between any phase leg and a
neutral line. While machineries and other
bigger loads are connected to the phase leg
only.

B C

A
B
C

Three-Wire Three Phase AC

A-B 220V

A-C 220V

B-C 220V

MOTOR

Four-Wire Three-Phase AC
A N

B C

220V

220V

110V

220V

110V
110V

2.3 COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service
The supplying of utilities required
or demanded by the public
Substation
An auxiliary power station
where electrical current is
converted or where voltage
is stepped up or down
Line Drop
The decrease in voltage between
two points on a power line,
usually caused by resistance or
leakage along the line
Service Entrance Conductor
The portion of a service conductor extending
from a service drop or service lateral to the
service equipment of a building

Service Drop
The overhead portion of service
conductors extending from the
nearest utility pole to a building
Service Lateral
The underground portion of service
conductors extending from a main
power line or transformer to a
building
Feeder

Watt-Hour Meter
A meter for measuring and recording the
quantity of electric power consumed with
respect to time
Transformer Vault
A fire-rated room housing
a transformer and
auxiliary equipment for a
large building

Standby Generator
For providing emergency power
during a power outage.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
An emergency system designed
to provide pwer automatically and
instantaneously

Switchgear Room
Contains the service
equipment for a large
building

Any of the conductors

extending from the
service equipment to
various distribution
points in a building

Service Equipment
Equipment necessary for
controlling, metering and
protecting the electric
power supply to a builidng
Switchboard
One or a group of panels on
which are mounted switches,
overcurrent devices,
metering instruments and
buses

Unit Substation
A freestanding enclosure
housing a disconnect
switch, a step-down
transformer and
switchgear

Lightning Rod
Any of several conducting rods installed at the
top of a structure and grounded to divert
lightning away from the structure. Also called air
terminal
Lightning Arrester
A device for protecting electric equipment from
damage by lightning or other high-voltage
currents, using spark gaps to carry the current
to the ground without passing through the
device
Spark Gap
A space between two terminals or electrodes
across which a discharge of electricity may pass
at a prescribed voltage

Service Conductors extend from a main power

line or transformer to the service equipment of a
building

Direct burial cable may be used for

residential service connections

A transformer is used by medium-sized and large buildings to step

down from a high supply voltage to the service voltage. To
reduce costs, maintenance and noise and heat problems, a
transformer may be placed on an outdoor pad. If located within a
building, oil-filled transformers require a well-ventilated, fire-rated
vault with two exits and located on an exterior wall adjacent to the
switchgear room. Dry-type transformers used in small- and
medium-sized buildings may be replaced together with a
disconnect switch and switchgear in a unit substation
The service switch is the main
disconnect for the entire electrical
system of a building, except for any
emergency power systems.
The service equipment includes a main
disconnect switch and secondary
switches, fuses and circuit breakers for
controlling and protecting the electric
power supply to a building. It is located
in a switchgear room near the entrance
of the service conductors
The main switchboard is a panel on
which are mounted switches,
overcurrent devices, metering
instruments and busbars for controlling,
distributing and protecting a number of
electric circuits

Servcie Drop
The overhead portion of service conductors extending
from the nearest utility pole to a building
Servcie Lateral
The underground portion of service conductors extending
from a main power line or transformer to a building
Servcie Entrance Conductor
The portion of a service conductor extending from a service
drop or service lateral to the service equipment of a building
Watt-Hour Meter
Measures and records the quantity of electric power
consumed with respect to time. Supplied by the public utility,
it is always placed ahead of the main disconnect switch so
that it cannot be disconnected
For multiple-occupancy buildings, banks of meters are
installed so that each unit can be metered
independently
Grounding Rod or Electrode
Is firmly embedded in the earth to establish a ground
connection
To panelboards

SERVICE ENTRANCE the point of

delivery of electricity to a building by a
public utility company.

MAIN SWITCHBOARD The service

entrance conductors in the form of bus
bars terminates in the main switchboard
and connects to the distribution panel
boards by means of feeder circuits
protected by circuit breakers. The main
switchboard serves for the control,
protection and metering of the main
feeders.

FEEDER CIRCUITS A feeder circuit

is a set of conductors which extends
from the main switchboard to a
distributing center (panel board) with no
other circuits connected to it between
the source and the distributing center.

SUB-FEEDER CIRCUITS are line

extensions of a feeder, fed through a
panel board or cut-out, or from one
distributing center to another and having
no other circuit connected to it between
the two distributing centers. A sub-feeder
serves to distribute power from the main
feeders to smaller local panel boards,
called sub-panel boards.

BRANCH CIRCUITS These are

small capacity conductors which deliver
energy to lamps, motors and other loads
within the circuit.

PANEL BOARDS AND SUB-PANEL

BOARDS (also called CUT-OUTS) These
serve to control and protect the sub
feeders and branch circuits.

UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT These

are the lighting, power and motor loads
and wiring devices which are directly
handled and utilized by users.

Service Switch
The main disconnect for the entire
electrical system of a building
except for any emergency power
systems
Panel
A board on which are mounted
the switches, fuses and circuit
breakers for controlling and
protecting a number of similar
branch circuits installed in a
cabinet and accessible from
the front only. Also called a
panelboard.
Bus
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a
solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying
and distributing large electric currents. Also
called a busbar
Grounded Conductor
Any conductor of an electrical system
intentionally connected to a ground
connection
Grounding Electrode
A conductor, as a metal ground rod,
ground plate or cold-water pipe, firmly
embedded in the earth to establish a
gorund connection

Fuse
A device containing a strip or
wire of fusible metal that melts
under the heat produced by
excess current thereby
interrupting the circuit

Circuit Breaker
A switch that automatically interrupts an electric
circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. A
circuit breaker may be reclosed and reused without
replacement of any components. Also called a
breaker.

Ground Wire
A conductor connecting
electric equipment or a
circuit to a ground
connection. Also called a
grounding conductor

2.4 ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BLOCK DIAGRAM
A horizontal single line
diagram of the buildings
electrical system from the
incoming service to the
utilization items at the end
of the system where the
major electrical
components are shown as
blocks or rectangles.

HIGH-VOLTAGE
PRIMARY FEEDERS
2,400, 4,160, 7,200
OR 13,200 VOLTS
SECONDARY SERVICE
CONDUCTORS

MAIN
FEEDERS

MAIN
TRANSFORMER
SWITCH
VAULT
120/208 OR BOARD
120/240 OR
SWITCHES
227/480 VOLTS
TRANSFORMER
FUSES

DISTRIBUTION
PANELS
RECEPTACLES

LIGHTING

MOTOR
PANELS

LARGE
MOTOR

LIGHTING/
APPLIANCE
PANELS
BRANCH
CIRCUIT

SMALL
MOTORS &
CONTROL

SINGLE LINE
DIAGRAM
When electrical
symbols are used
in lieu of the
blocks, it is called
a one line or a
single line
diagram.

ELEVATORS
PP
MR

MACHINE
ROOM

ROOF

LP

LEFT
RISER

5A

5B

5C

4A

4B

4C

3A

3B

3C

CENTRAL RISER SHAFT

2A

2B

2C

RIGHT RISER
1A

LP

1B

1C

LOBBY
SPARE

M.C.C.

MACHINE ROOM
FIRE ALARM
PANEL
STAIR
AND EXIT
LPSE
PANEL
M METERING
FA

RISER
DIAGRAM
Is a vertical line
diagram of the
major electrical
components of
the buildings
electrical system
presented
showing the
spatial relations
between
components.

2.5 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY

SYSTEM
Emergency Systems provide electric
power and illumination essentially for life
safety and protection of property during
an emergency, such as, electricity for exit
lighting, elevators, fire alarm systems,
fire pumps and the like.

Standby Systems provide power to

selected loads not directly involved with
life safety, such as, water and sewage
treatment plants and industrial machines
for manufacturing processes.

EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT

Battery Equipment Central storage

batteries are mounted in individual racks
and always provided with automatic
charging equipment.

Engine-Generator Sets are machines

intended to produce electricity and
composed of three components: the
machine and its housing (if any), fuel
storage tank and the exhaust facilities.

EMERGENCY
WIRING
USING THE BATTERY

SYSTEMS

Small emergency appliance connected

direct to a storage battery

Groups
of
emergency
loads
connected to central storage battery
through automatic device

Emergency equipment loads are

entirely separate from normal loads
and are generally de-energized. The
contactor is activated when it senses
power loss.

EMERGENCY
WIRING
USING THE GENERATOR

SYSTEMS

Emergency system handled by a

single
transfer
switch
which
automatically turns on when it senses
power loss at its downstream location.
Emergency system
multiple switches

handled

by

Emergency service totally separated

from normal through its own emergency
service entrance, coming from different
transformers or feeders.

Same as above, but both service

entrances supply normal loads and
each act as standby for each other.

3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

3.1 CONDUCTORS
are materials which allow the free
flow of electrons through them.
Wires are single insulated
conductors No. 8 AWG (American Wire
Gauge or smaller; for the English
System, it is the B & S Gauge or
Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No.
14.
Cables are single insulated
conductors No. 6 AWG or larger; or
they may be several conductors of
any size assembled into a single unit.
Bus Bars large conductors which
are not circular in cross section and
usually found only to supply the main
switch boards.

CONDUCTOR
SIZES
AWG/MCM STANDARD

All conductor sizes from No. 16 to

No. 0000 (also designated 4/0) are
expressed in AWG.
Beyond AWG No. 4/0, a different
designation, MCM (or thousand circular mil)
is used. In this designation, the smallest
MCM size is 250 MCM or and the
biggest is 500 MCM.
A circular MIL is an artificial area
measurement, representing the square of
the cable diameter (diam2) when the
diameter is expressed in mils (thousands of
an inch). Thus a solid conductor inch in
diameter is 500 mils in diameter, or
250,000 circular mils in area, (500)2 or
250 MCM; thus;
CM/1000 = diam2 = (500)2/1000 =
250,000/1000 = 250 MCM
In the metric system, conductor sizes are
given simply as the diameter in millimeters
(mm).

CONDUCTOR AMPACITY

Conductor current carrying capacity or

ampacity is the maximum operating
temperature that its insulation can stand
continuously. Heat is generated as a
result of the current flowing and the
conductor resistance. When conductors
are placed in an enclosed conduit, the
heat generated is not as easily
dissipated as it would be if the conductor
were free in the air. Thus, the current
rating of a conductor in free air is much
higher than that for the same were it in
a conduit.

TYPES OF CABLES
Armored Cable (Type AC) a fabricated
assembly
of
insulated
conductors
enclosed in flexible metal sheath.
Metal Clad Cable (Type MC) a factory
assembled cable of one or more
conductors each individually insulated
and enclosed in a metallic sheath of
interlocking tape of a smooth or
corrugated tube.
Mineral Insulated Cable (Type MI) a
factory assembled conductor/s insulated
with a highly compressed refractory
mineral insulation enclosed in a liquid and
gas tight continuous copper sheath.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type NM
or NMC) also known by the trade
name ROMEX, is a factory assembly of
two or more insulated conductors having
a moisture resistant, flame retardant,
and non-metallic material outer sheath.

Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable

(Type SNM) a factory assembly of two
or more insulated conductors in an
extruded core of moisture resistant and
flame retardant material covered within
an overlapping spiral metal tape.
Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit
Cable (Type UF) a moisture resistant
cable used for underground connections
including direct burial in the ground as
feeder or branch circuit.
Service Entrance Cable (Type SE or
USE) a single or multi-conductor
assembly provided with or without an
overall covering primarily used for service
wire.
Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) a
factory assembled two or more insulated
conductors with or without associated bare
or covered grounding under a metallic sheath
and is used for installation in cable trays,
raceways, or where supported by wire.

Flat Cable Assemblies (Type FC) an

assembly of parallel conductors formed
integrally with an insulating material web
designed specially for field installation in
square structural channels.
Flat Conductor Cable (Type FCC)
consists of three or more flat copper
conductors placed edge to edge
separated and enclosed within a
insulating assembly. This type of cable
is used for appliance or individual
branch circuits installed inside floor
surfaces.

Medium Voltage Cable (MV) a

single or multi-conductor solid dielectric
insulated cable rated at 2,000 to
35,000 volts. Trade name is Medium
Voltage Solid Dielectric.

3.2 INSULATORS
INSULATORS are materials which
prevent the flow of electrons through
them.

TYPES OF INSULATORS
General Wiring
Trade name

Maximum
Operating
Temperatur
e

Application
Provisions

RHW

75O C
167O F

Dry and wet

Locations

60O C
140O F

Dry locations

TW

60O C
140O F

Dry and wet

Locations

Heat-resistant
thermoplastic

THHN

90O C
194O F

Dry locations

Moisture-& heat-resistant
thermoplastic

THW

75O C
167O F

Dry and wet

Locations

Moisture-& heat-resistant
thermoplastic

THWN

75O C
167O F

Dry and wet

Locations

Moisture-& heat resistant

cross-linked
thermosetting
polyethelene

XHHW

90O C
194O F
75O C
167O C

Dry locations
Wet
locations

Silicone-asbestos

SA

90O C
194O F

Dry locations

Asbestos and Varnished

Cambric

AVA

110O C
230O F

Dry locations
only

Moisture-& heat-resistant
rubber

Thermoplastic
Moisture-resistant
thermoplastic

Type
Letter

3.3 CONDUITS
CONDUITS are circular raceways used
to enclose wires and cables and are of
metal or plastic (PVC).
To protect the enclosed conductors
from mechanical injury and chemical
damage.
To protect people from shock hazards
by providing a grounded enclosure.

To provide a system ground path.

To protect the surroundings against fire
hazard as a result of overheating or short
circuiting of the enclosed conductors.
To support the conductors.

TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS

Heavy-wall steel conduits called Rigid
Steel Conduits or RSC with an
approximate thickness of 0.117 mm.
Intermediate Metal Conduit or IMC with
thickness of 0.071 mm.
Thin-wall steel conduits named Electric
Metal Tubing or EMT.
RSCs and IMCs use the same fitting, called
condulets, and are threaded alike at the
joints. EMTs are not threaded but use set
screw and pressure fitting and are not
recommended for embedding in concrete
nor permitted in hazardous areas. IMCs
yield a larger inside diameter (ID) for
easier wire pulling and is lighter than the
RSC.
Standard length of steel conduits is 3 M or
10 ft.

3.4 RACEWAYS are channels or

wiring accessories so designed for
holding wires, cables and bus bars that
are either made of metal, plastic, or any
insulating medium.

3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES

An outlet is a point in the wiring system
at which current is taken to supply
utilization equipment. It refers only to
the box. A receptacle is the wiring
device in which the utilization
equipment (appliance) cord is plugged
into.

Convenience Outlet or Attachment

Cap - the complete set-up which
establishes connection between the
conductor of the flexible cord and the
conductors connected permanently to
the receptacle.

Lighting Outlet is an outlet intended

for direct connection to a lamp holder,
lighting fixture, or pendant cord
terminating in a lamp holder.

Receptacle Outlet is an outlet where

one or more receptacles are installed.

3.6 SWITCHES are devices for making,

breaking, or changing conditions in an
electrical circuit under the conditions of
load which they are rated.
TYPE OF SWITCH ACCORDING
TO VOLTAGE
Switches are rated as 250V, 600V,or 5KV
as required.
TYPE OF SWITCH ACCORDING
TO INTENSITY OF USE
1. Normal Duty (ND) intended for
normal use in light and power circuits
as in general-purpose switches.
2. Heavy Duty (HD) intended for
frequent interrupting.
3. Light Duty (LD) intended to connect
the loads occasionally, such as service
switches.

 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING

TO TYPE OF SERVICE
1. Service Switch intended to
disconnect all the electric service in
the building except emergency
equipment. This may comprise one to
six properly rated switches that are
assembled into a switchboard.
2. Power Switches

a) General purpose switches are

intended for use in general
distribution and branch circuits.
b) Disconnecting or isolating switches
are intended for disconnecting or
isolating circuits; used for circuits
rated at more than 600 volts.

3. Wiring Switches include all the

relatively small switches that are
employed in interior wiring
installations for the control of
branch circuits, individual lamps or
appliances.
a) Generalpurpose switches are
single-pole or double-pole switches
for the general purpose use of
connecting or cutting-off circuits for
the control of lamps or other loads
from a single point.
b) Three-way switches are used
where it is desired to control lamps
from two different points, as in a
stairwell.
c) Four-way switches are used in
conjunction with two 3-wire switches
where it is desired to control lamps
from three or more desired points.

d) Electrolier or multi-circuit switches

are used for the control of lights in
multi-lamp fixtures so that one
lamp or set of lamps may be turned
on alone or in combination with
other lamps.
e) Momentary contact switches are
used where it is desired to connect
or cut-off a circuit for only a short
duration. The switch is provided
with a spring so that it will return to
its original position as soon as the
handle or button is released.
f) Dimmer switches a rheostat[1] or
similar device for regulating the
intensity of an electric light without
appreciably affecting spatial
distribution. Also called a dimmer.
Wiring switches may either be the
flush type, surface type or the
pendant type.

TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO

OPERATION MECHANISM
Wiring switches may also be classified
according to the operating mechanism
as:
1. Rotary switch
2. Push-button switch
3. Toggle or tumbler switch
TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS
1. Poles that part of the switch which is
used for making or breaking of a
connection and which is electrically
insulated from other contact making or
breaking parts.
2. Throws - a single throw switch is one
which will make a closed circuit only
when the switch is thrown in one
position. A double throw switch will
make a closed circuit when thrown in
either of two positions.

SPECIAL SWITCHES
1. Time Controlled Switches This
device comprises a precision low
speed miniature drive motor (timer)
to which some type of electric
contact-making device is connected.
2. Remote Control (RC) Switches A
contactor[1], or more specifically, a
relay[2], that latches after being
operated wireless from a distance.
3.Air Switch a switch in which the
interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
4. Knife Switch a form of air switch in
which a hinged copper blade
is placed between two
contact clips.

5. Float Switch a switch controlled by

a conductor floating in a liquid.
6. Mercury Switch an especially quiet
switch that opens and closes an electric
circuit by shifting a sealed glass tube of
mercury so as to uncover or cover the
contacts.
7. Key Switch a switch operated only
by inserting a key or a card. Also called
a card switch.
8. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
This device, an essential part of an
emergency or standby service, is
basically a double throw switch,
generally 3-pole, so arranged that on
failure of normal power, emergency
service is automatically supplied.

3.7 WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES These are coverings for switches and wall
outlets usually made of metal or of
phenollic compound (Bakelite).

3.8
OVER-CURRENT
CIRCUIT
PROTECTIVE DEVICES are devices
whose sole purpose is to protect
insulation, wiring, switches and other
apparatus from overheating or burning,
due to overloads, to faults or to short
circuits, by automatically cutting off the
circuit.

FUSE is a device consisting of an

alloy link of wire with a low melting
temperature which is inserted in the
circuit, in such a way, that all current
which passes through the circuit, must
also pass through this metal.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS is an overcurrent protective device designed to

function as a switch, or it can be
manually tripped and thus act as a
circuit switch. It breaks a circuit with an
automatic tripping device without injury
to itself.

GROUND
FAULT
CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTERS (GFCI or GFI) is
an over current protective device that
will provide ground fault protection as
well as function as an ordinary circuit
breaker.

PANELBOARDS popularly known as

panel or electrical panel, it is simply
the box wherein the protective devises are
housed from which the circuits and bus
bars terminate.

SWITCHBOARDS are free standing

assemblies of switches, fuses, and/or
circuit breakers whose function normally
is to provide switching and feeder
protection to a number of circuits
connected to a main source.

UNIT SUBSTATIONS (Transfer Load

Centers) an assembly of primary switchfuse-breaker,
step-down
transformer,
meters, controls, bus bars and secondary
switchboard. It is used to supply power
from a primary voltage line to any large
facility.

4. WIRING SYSTEMS
4.1 WIRING METHODS
KNOB AND TUBE WIRING an
obsolete wiring system consisting of
single insulated conductors secured to
and supported on porcelain knobs and
tubes. When wires run through walls,
they are inserted into a nonmetallic fireresistant tubing called a loom.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT WIRING
is the best and most expensive among
the usual type of wiring. Its advantages
are:
1. it is fireproof;
2. moisture proof;
3. it is mechanically strong so that nails
cannot be driven through it and it is not
readily deformed by blows;
4. it resists the normal action of cement
when embedded in concrete or masonry.

FLEXIBLE
METAL
CONDUIT
WIRING Its installation is much
easier and quicker than that of rigid
metal conduits. Unlike the rigid conduits
which come in short lengths of 10 ft. (3
M), flexible metal conduit wiring comes
in length of 25 ft 250 ft (8 M 83 M)
depending on the size of the conduit.
ARMORED CABLE WIRING (BX
WIRING) consists of rubber or
thermoplastic covered wire protected
from injury to a certain extent from
dampness by one or two layers of flexible
steel armor.

SURFACE
METAL
RACEWAY
WIRING the wires are supported on a
thin sheet steel casing. The raceway is
installed exposed, being mounted on the
walls or ceiling. Metal raceways must be
continuous from outlet to outlet or
junction box, designed especially for use
with metal raceways.

FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES a field

installed rigidly mounted square
structural channel (1 5/8 standard)
designed to carry 2 to 4 conductors (No.
10 AWG) and will act as light duty
(branch circuit) plug-in busways.
LIGHTING TRACK a factoryassembled channel with conductors for
one to four circuits permanently
installed in the track that will act as
light duty (branch circuit) plug-in
busways.

CABLE TRAY / OPEN RACEWAY

is a continuous open support for
approved cables. When used as a
general wiring system, the cables
must be self-protected, jacketed
types, type TC.

 FLOOR RACEWAYS The NEC

recognizes three types of floor
raceways:
1. Underfloor Ducts (UF) installed beneath
or flush with the floor. These underfloor
ducts usually requires a triple duct
system for power, telephone and
signal cabling.
2. Cellular Metal Floor Raceway Found
usually in office landscaping, it is an
integrated structural/electrical system
in a cellular metal floor.
3. Precast Cellular Concrete made of
concrete cells fed from header ducts,
which are normally installed in concrete
fill above the hollow core structural slab
or fed from the ceiling void below. The
cells can be used for air distribution and
for piping.

CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS

under-the-ceiling raceways composed of
header ducts and distribution ducts
separate for power and telephone cabling.
They permit very rapid changes in layouts
at low cost and are therefore particularly
desirable in stores where frequent display
transformations necessitate corresponding
electrical facility adjustments.

PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION

SYSTEMS are ceiling raceways that are
pre-wired in the factory and plugged in
where required.

ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
FEEDER
BRANCH CIRCUIT-CEILING/WALL
BRANCH CIRCUIT-FLOOR
3&4 WIRES CIRCUIT NO.
MARK INDICATES 2 WIRES
CROSSING WIRES

LAMP HOLDER

PUSH BUTTON

LAMP HOLDER WITH PULL SWITCH

PS
C

BELL

CLOCK OUTLET
DROP CORD OUTLET

BUZZER
CH

CHIME

FAN OUTLET

ANNUNCIATOR

CONNECTING WIRES

RADIO OUTLET

LIGHTING PANEL

FLOOR OUTLET

LIGHTING OUTLET CEILING

POWER PANEL
RECESSED CEILING OUTLET
DASH INDICATES SHAPE OF
FIXTURE

DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET

CONVENIENCE OUTLET SPLIT-WIRED
WP

LIGHTING OUTLET WALL

S
R

FLUORESCENT LAMP

WH

WEATHER PROOF OUTLET

OUTLET AND SWITCH
RANGE OUTLET
SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET

ref

FUSE

REFRIGERATOR OUTLET

WATT-HOUR METER

TRANSFORMER

JUNCTION BOX
GROUND

LIGHTING LAYOUT PLAN

POWER LAYOUT PLAN

ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
BY PD 1096

1. General Locational Requirements in Towns,

Subdivisions, Human Settlements, Industrial Estates
and the like.
Overhead transmission and/or distribution
lines/systems including transformers, poles, towers and
the like shall be located and installed following the
latest standards of design, construction and
maintenance but so as not to cause visual pollution and
in the interest of public safety, convenience, good
viewing and aesthetics, these may be located along
alleys or back streets.

2. Location of Poles and Clearances of Power Lines along Public Roads.

2.1 All poles erected on public roads shall be covered by Approved Pole
Location (APL) plan from the Municipal Engineer.
2.2 Poles and transformer supports shall be located not more than
500mm inside from the road right-of-way or property line, and
shall not obstruct the sidewalk, pedestrian path and/or the road
drainage canal or structure, existing or proposed.

Pole
500 mm

Property line

2.3

Primary lines shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 10 m

from the crown of the pavement when crossing the highway
and 7.5 m from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk when installed
along the side of the highway or street in a highly urbanized area.

10 m

2.4

7.5 m

Secondary, neutral and service lines shall have a minimum vertical

clearance of 7.5 m from the crown of the road pavement when
crossing the highway and from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk
when installed along the side of the highway or street in highly
urbanized area.

2.5 Clearances of Supporting Structures such as Poles, Towers and

others and their guys and braces measured from the nearest
parts of the objects concerned:
A. From Fire Hydrants, not less than 5 m.
B. From the Street Corners, where hydrants are
located at street corners, poles and towers shall
not be set so far from the corners as to make
necessary the use of flying taps which are
inaccessible from the poles.
C. From Curbs, not less than 150 mm measured from
the curb away from the roadway.

5 m

150 mm

3. Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings

3.1 Attachments for support of power lines and cables, transformers and other
equipment and/or communications lines installed on buildings shall be
covered by an Approved Attachment Plan from the local Building Official.
3.2 Where buildings exceed 15 m in height, overhead lines shall be arranged
where practicable so that a clear space or zone at least 2 m wide will be
left, either adjacent to the building or beginning not over 2.5 m from the
building, to facilitate the raising of ladders where necessary for fire
fighting.

2 - 2.5 m
15 m

Pole

4. Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings

Where the permanent attachment of open supply conductors of any class to
buildings is necessary for an entrance such conductors shall meet the following
requirements:
4.1 Conductors of more than 300 volts to ground shall not be carried along or
near the surface of the buildings unless they are guarded or made
inaccessible.
4.2 To promote safety to the general public and to employees not authorized
to approach conductors and other current-carrying parts of electric supply
lines, such parts shall be arranged so as to provide adequate clearance
from the ground or other space generally accessible, or shall be provided
with guards so as to isolate them effectively from accidental contact by
such persons.
4.3 Undergrounded metal-sheathed service cables, service conduits, metal
fixtures and similar noncurrent-carrying parts, if located in urban districts
and where liable to become charged to more than 300 volts to ground,
shall be isolated or guarded so as not to be exposed to accidental contact
by unauthorized persons. As an alternative to isolation or guarding,
noncurrent-carrying parts shall be solidly or effectively grounded.

4.4 Clearance of wires from building surface shall be not less than
those required Table II.

Voltage of Supply
Conductors

Horizontal
Clearance in
Meters

Vertical Clearance
in Meters

300 to 8,700 volts

1.0

2.5

8,700 to 15,000
volts

2.5

2.5

15,000 to 50,000
volts

3.0

3.0

> 50,000 volts

3.0 + 10 mm per Kv 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv

in excess
in excess

4.5 Supports over buildings. Service-drop conductors passing over a

roof shall be securely supported by substantial structures.
Where practicable, such supports shall be independent of the
building.

5. Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings

5.1 Minimum Clearances. Unguarded or accessible supply conductors
carrying voltages in excess of 300 volts may be run either beside
or over buildings. The vertical or horizontal clearance to any
building or its attachments (balconies, platforms, etc.) shall be as
listed below. The horizontal clearance governs above the roof
level to the point where the diagonal equals the vertical clearance
requirement. This rule should not be interpreted as restricting the
installation of a trolley contact conductor over the approximate
center line of the track it serves.

5.2 Guarding of Supply Conductors/Supply of Conductors of 300 volts

or more shall be properly guarded by grounded conduit, barriers,
or otherwise, under the following conditions:
1. Where the clearances set forth in Table II above cannot
be obtained.
2. Where such supply conductors are placed near enough to
windows, verandas, fire escapes, or other ordinarily
accessible places within the reach of persons.

5.3 Where the required clearances cannot be obtained, supply

conductors shall be of Grounded Metallic Shield, Jacketed Primary
Cables grouped or bundled and supported by grounded messenger
wires.
V-

Clearance of line
conductors from -

Communication LInes

Supply LInes

In general

On jointly used
poles

In general (0 to
8700 volts)

On jointly used
poles (0 to 8700
volts)

Exceeding 8700
volts, add for each
1000 volts of excess

Vertical and lateral

conductors of the
same circuit

75 mm

75 mm

75 mm

75 mm

6.25 mm

Vertical and lateral

conductors of other
circuits

75 mm

75 mm

150 mm

150 mm

10 mm

Span and guy wires

attached to same
pole: general

75 mm

150 mm

150 mm

150 mm

10 mm

Span and guy wires

attached to same
pole: when parallel
to line

75 mm

150 mm

300 mm

300 mm

10 mm

Lightning protection
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of cross
arms

75 mm

75 mm

75 mm

75 mm

5 mm

Lightning protection
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of poles

75 mm

125 mm

75 mm

125 mm

5 mm

6. Clearance of Service Drops

6.1 Service drop conductors shall not be readily accessible and when not in
excess of 600 volts, shall conform to the following:
a. Clearances over roof. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less
than 2.5m from the highest point of roofs over which they pass with
the following exceptions:
Service Drop Conductor
< 600 volts
2.5 m
Highest point

Exception No. 1. Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300
volts and the roof has a slope of not less than 100mm in 300mm, the
clearance may not be less than 1m.

1 m

Service Drop Conductor

300 volts
Highest point
Slope 1:3

Exception No. 2. Service drop conductors of 300 volts or less which do not pass
over other than a maximum of 1.2m of the overhang portion of the roof for the
purpose of terminating at a through-the-roof service raceway or approved
support may be maintained at a minimum of 500mm from any portion of the
roof over which they pass.

500mm

Service Drop Conductor

1.2 m 300 volts
Highest point

6.2 Clearance from the Ground. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less
than 3m from the ground or from any platform or projection from which they
might be reached.
conductor
3m

platform

6.3 Clearance from Building Openings. Conductors shall have a horizontal

clearance of not less than 1m from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or
similar locations and shall be run at least 500mm above the top level of a
window or opening.
500mm
window
1m

6.4 Service Drop of communication lines, when crossing a street, shall have a
clearance of not less than 5.5 m from the crown of the street or sidewalk
Service drop of communication line
over which it passes.

5.50 m

5.50 m

Service Drop of communication lines shall have a minimum clearance of 3m

above ground at its point of attachment to the building or pedestal.

3m

protector

3m

6.5 No parts of swimming and wading pools shall be placed under existing service
drop conductors or any other over-head wiring; nor shall such wiring be
installed above the following:
a. Swimming and wading pools and the area extending 3m
outward horizontally from the inside of the walls of the pool.
b. Diving Structures
c. Observation stands, towers or platforms

3m

Service
drop
conductor

Swimming pool

7. Wiring Methods
Service entrance conductors extending along the exterior or entering
buildings or other structures shall be installed in rigid steel conduit or
asbestos cement conduit or concrete encased plastic conduit from point of
service drop to meter socket and from meter socket to the disconnecting
equipment. However, where the service entrance conductors are protected
by approved fuses or breakers at their outer ends (immediately after the
service drop or lateral) they may be installed in any of the recognized wiring
methods.
7.1 Abandoned Lines and/or portions of lines no longer required to provide
shall be removed.
7.2 Power or communication poles, lines, service drops and other line
equipment shall be free from any attachment for antennas, signs,
streamers and the like.

7.3 Metallic sheaths or jackets of overhead power or communication cables

shall be grounded at a point as close as possible to ground level
whenever such cables change from overhead to underground
installations.

8. Transformers
8.1 Oil-insulated Transformers Installed Outdoors. Combustible material,
combustible buildings and parts of buildings, fire escapes, door and
window openings shall be safeguarded from fires originating in oilinsulated transformers installed on, attached to, or adjacent to a building
or combustible material. Space separations, fire-resistant barriers and
enclosures which confine the oil of a ruptured transformer tank are
recognized safeguards. One or more of these safeguards shall be applied
according to the degree of hazard involved in cases where the transformer
installation presents a fire hazard. Oil enclosures may consist of fireresistant dikes, curbed areas or basins, or trenches filled with coarse,
crushed stone. Oil enclosures shall be provided with trapped drains in
cases where the exposure and the quantity of oil involved are such that
removal of oil is important.
Exterior Oil-insulated
Transformer
Trench all
around

8.2 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors. Transformers rated 112-1/2 KVA

or less shall have separation of at least 300mm from combustible material
unless separated there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier or
unless of a rating not exceeding 600 volts and completely enclosed except for
ventilating openings.
Combustible Wall
Dry-type transformer
112-1/2 Kva or less

300mm

Transformers of more than 112-1/2 KVA rating shall be installed in a transformer

room of fire-resistant construction unless they are constructed with Class B (80C
rise) or Class H (150C rise) insulation, and are separated from combustible
material not less than 1.85m horizontally and 3.7m vertically or are separated
there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier.

Transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.

vault
Combustible
Wall

Combustible ceiling
Dry-type transformer
112-1/2 Kva or less

3.70 m

Transformer more
than 35,000 volts

1.85 m

8.3 Askarel-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Askarel-insulated

transformers rated in excess of 25 KVA shall be furnished with a pressure
relief vent. Where installed in a poorly ventilated place they shall be
furnished with a means for absorbing any gases generated by arcing inside
the case, or the pressure relief vent shall be connected to a chimney or flue
which will carry such gases outside the building. Askarel-insulated
transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.

8.4 Oil-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Oil-insulated transformers shall

be installed in a vault constructed as specified in this Section except as follows:
1. NOT OVER 112-1/2KVA TOTAL CAPACITY. The provisions for transformer
vaults specified in Section 9.3 of this Rule apply except that the vault may
be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 100mm thick.
2. NOT OVER 600 VOLTS. A vault is not required provided suitable
arrangements are made where necessary to prevent a transformer oil fire
igniting other materials, and the total transformer capacity in one location
does not exceed 10 KVA in a section of the building classified as
combustible, or 75 KVA where the surrounding structures is classified as
fire-resistant construction.
> 100mm thick reinforced
concrete vault
oil insulated transformer
< 112-1/2 KVa

3. FURNACE TRANSFORMERS. Electric furnace transformers of a total rating

not exceeding 75 KVA may be installed without a vault in a building or room
of fire-resistant construction provided suitable arrangements are made to
prevent a transformer oil fire spreading to other combustible material.
4. DETACHED BUILDING. Transformers may be installed in a building which
does not conform with the provisions specified in this Code for transformer
vault, provided neither the building nor its contents present fire hazard to
any other building or property, and provided the building is used only in
supplying electric service and the interior is accessible only to qualified
persons.
8.5 Guarding. Transformers shall be guarded as follows:
1. MECHANICAL PROTECTION. Appropriate provisions shall be made
to minimize the possibility of damage to transformers from external
causes where the transformers are located exposed to physical
damage.
2. CASE OR ENCLOSURE. Dry-type transformers shall be provided with
a non-combustible moisture resistant case or enclosure which will
provide reasonable protection against accidental insertion of foreign
objects.
3. EXPOSED LIVE PARTS. The transformer installation shall conform
with the provisions for guarding of live parts in PEC Rule 1056.
4. VOLTAGE WARNING. The operating voltage of exposed live parts of
transformer installations shall be indicated by signs or visible
markings on the equipment or structures.

9. Provisions for Transformer Vaults

9.1 New Building. New buildings requiring an expected load demand of
200KVA or above shall be provided with a transformer vault, except that
transformers may be mounted on poles or structures within the property if
enough space is available, provided that all clearances required can be
obtained and no troublesome contamination on insulators, bushings, etc.
can cause hazards and malfunctioning of the equipment.
150 mm for R.C
200 mm for Brick
300 mm for Load bearing CHB
Wall:
20 mm thick plaster
2-1/2 hours fire rating

Floor:
100mm thick
2-1/2 hours fire rating

200 Kva or more

9.2 Location. Transformer and transformer vaults shall be readily accessible to

qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance. Vaults shall be located
where they can be ventilated to the outside air without using flues or ducts
wherever such an arrangement is practicable.

9.3 Walls, Roof and Floor. The walls and roofs of vaults shall consist of reinforced
concrete not less than 150mm thick, masonry or brick not less than 200mm
thick, or 300mm load bearing hollow concrete blocks. The inside wall and roof
surface of vaults constructed of hollow concrete blocks shall have a coating of
cement or gypsum plaster not less than 20mm thick. The vault shall have a
concrete floor not less than 100mm thick. Building walls and floor which meet
these requirements may serve for the floor, roof and one or more walls of the
vaults. Other forms of fire-resistive construction are also acceptable provided
they have adequate structural strength for the conditions and a minimum fire
resistance of two and one half hours according to the approved Fire Test
Standard. The quality of the material used in the construction of the vault shall
be of the grade approved by the Building Official having jurisdiction.

9.4 Doorways. Any doorway leading from the vault into the building shall be
protected as follows:
1. TYPE OF DOOR. Each doorway shall be provided with a tight-fitting
door of a type approved for openings in such locations by the authority
enforcing this Code.
2. SILLS. A door sill or curb of sufficient height to confine within the
vault, the oil from the largest transformer shall be provided and in no
case shall the height be less than 100mm.
3. LOCKS. Entrance doors shall be equipped with locks, and doors shall
be kept locked, access being allowed only to qualified persons. Locks
and latches shall be so arranged that the door may be readily and
quickly opened from the inside.
10. Ventilation. Ventilation shall be adequate to prevent a transformer temperature
in excess of the prescribed values.

1. LOCATION. Ventilation openings shall be located as far away as

possible from doors, windows, fire escapes and combustible material.

2. ARRANGEMENT. Vaults ventilated by natural circulation of air may have

roughly half of the total area of openings required or ventilation in one or more
openings near the floor and the remainder in one or more openings in the roof
or in the sidewalls near the roof; or all of the area required for ventilation may
be provided in one or more openings in or near the roof.
3. SIZE. In the case of vaults ventilated to an outdoor area without using ducts or
flues the combined net area of all ventilating openings after deducting the area
occupied by screens, grating, or louvers, shall be not less than 0.006 sqmm per
KVA of transformer capacity in service, except that the net area shall be not
less than 0.1 sqm for any capacity under 50 KVA.
4. COVERING. Ventilation openings shall be covered with durable gratings,
screens, or louvers, according to the treatment requirement required in order to
avoid unsafe conditions.
5. DAMPERS. Where automatic dampers are used in the ventilation openings of
vaults containing oil-insulated transformers, the actuating device should be
made to function at a temperature resulting from fire and not a temperature
which might prevail as a result of an overheated transformer or bank of
transformers. Automatic dampers should be designed and constructed to
minimize the possibility of accidental closing.

6. DUCTS. Ventilating ducts shall be constructed of fire resistant material.

7. DRAINAGE. Where practicable, vaults containing more than 100KVA
transformer capacity shall be provided with a drain or other means which will
carry off any accumulation of oil or water in the vaults unless local conditions
make this impracticable.
8. WATER PIPES AND ACCESSORIES. Any pipe or duct system foreign to the
electrical installation should not enter or pass through a transformer vault.
Where the presence of such foreign system cannot be avoided, appurtenances
thereto which require maintenance at regular intervals shall not be located
inside the vault. Arrangements shall be made where necessary to avoid
possible trouble from compensation, leaks and breaks in such foreign system.
Piping or other facilities provided for fire protection or for water-cooled
transformers are not deemed to be foreign to the electrical installation.

11. Capacitors.
1. Application. This section applies to installation of capacitors on electric
circuits in or on buildings.
Exception No. 1. Capacitors that are components of other apparatus shall
conform to the requirements for such apparatus.
Exception No. 2. Capacitors in hazardous locations shall comply with
additional requirements in PEC Section 400-415.

2. Location. An installation of capacitors in which any single unit contains

more than three gallons of combustible liquid shall be in a vault conforming
to part C of PEC Section 319.
3. Mechanical Protection. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage
by location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.
4. Cases and Supports. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage by
location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.
5. Transformers Used with Capacitors. Transformers which are components of
capacitor installations and are used for the purpose of connecting the
capacitor to a power circuit shall be installed in accordance with PEC Section
319. The KVA rating shall not be less than 135 per cent of the capacitor
rating in Kva.

12. Emergency Systems

1. The provisions of this Section shall apply to the installation, operation and
maintenance of circuits, systems and equipment intended to supply
illumination and power in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the
event of accident to elements of a system supplying power and illumination
essential for safety to life and proper where such systems or circuits are
required by the Fire Code, or by any government agency having jurisdiction.
Emergency systems are generally installed in places of assembly where
artificial illumination is required, such as buildings subject to occupancy by
large numbers of persons, hotels, theaters, sports arenas, hospitals and similar
institutions. Emergency systems provide power for such functions as
refrigeration, operation of mechanical breathing apparatus, ventilation
essential to maintain life, illumination and power for hospital room, fire alarm
systems, fire pumps, industrial processes where current interruption would
produce serious hazards, public address systems and other similar functions.
2. All requirements of this Section shall apply to emergency systems.
3. All equipment for use on emergency systems shall be properly approved.

4. Tests and Maintenance

a. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test on the
complete system upon completion of installation, and periodically afterwards.
b. Systems shall be tested periodically in accordance with a schedule acceptable
to the authority having jurisdiction to assure that they are maintained in proper
operating condition.
c. Where the battery systems or unit equipment are involved, including
batteries used for starting or ignition in auxiliary engines, the authority having
jurisdiction shall require periodic maintenance.
d. A written record shall be kept of such tests and maintenance.
5. Emergency systems shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency
operation of all equipment connected to the system.

6. Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to
or within the building or group of buildings concerned, emergency lighting or
emergency power, will be immediately available. The supply system for
emergency purposes may be composed one or more of the types of systems
covered in Section 12.7 to Section 12.10 of this Rule. Unit equipment in
accordance with Section 12.21 shall satisfy the applicable requirements of this
Section.
Consideration must be given to the type of service to be rendered; whether for
short duration, as for exit lights of a theater, or for long duration, as for
supplying emergency power and lighting during long periods of current failure
from trouble either inside or outside the buildings, as in the case of a hospital.
Assignment of degree of reliability of the recognized emergency supply system
depends upon the careful evaluation of the variables of each particular
installation.
7. A storage battery of suitable rating and capacity shall supply, by means of a
service installed according to Section 200 of the PEC and maintained at not
more than 90 per cent of system voltage, the total load of the circuits supplying
emergency lighting and emergency power for a period of at least hour.

8. A generator set driven by some form of prime mover, with sufficient capacity
and proper rating to supply circuits carrying emergency lighting or lighting and
power, equipped with suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover
on failure of the normal service shall be provided. For hospitals, the transitiontime from instant of failure of the normal power source to the emergency
generator source shall not exceed ten seconds. (See Section 12.4)

9. There shall be two services, each in accordance with Section 200 of the PEC,
widely separated electrically and physically to minimize the possibility of
simultaneous interruption of power supply arising from an occurrence within
the building or group of buildings served.
10. Connections on the line side of the main service shall be sufficiently separated
from said main service to prevent simultaneous interruption of supply through
an occurrence within the building or group of buildings served.
11. The requirements of Section 12.5 and Section 12.6 also apply to installations
where the entire electrical load on a service or sub-service is arranged to be
supplied from a second source. Current supply from a standby power plant
shall satisfy the requirements of availability in Section 12.6.

12. Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided, where practicable, for the
following purposes:
a. To give warning of dearrangement of the emergency or auxiliary source.
b. To indicate that the battery or generator set is carrying a load.
c. To indicate when a battery charger is properly functioning.

13. Only appliances and lamps specified as required for emergency use shall be
supplied by emergency lighting circuits.
14. Emergency illumination shall be provided for all required exit lights and all
other lights specified as necessary for sufficient illumination.
Emergency lighting systems should be so designed and installed that the
failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light
bulb, shall not leave any area in total darkness.

15. Branch circuits intended to supply emergency lighting shall be so installed as to

provide service immediately when the normal supply for lighting is interrupted.
Such installations shall provide either one of the following:

a. An emergency lighting supply, independent of the general lighting

system with provisions for automatically transferring to the emergency
lights by means of devices approved for the purpose upon the event of
failure of the general lighting system supply.
b. Two or more separate and complete systems with independent power
supply, each system providing sufficient current for emergency lighting
purposes. Unless both systems are used for regular lighting purposes
and are both lighted, means shall be provided for automatically
energizing either system upon failure of the other. Either or both
systems may be part of the general lighting system of the protected
occupancy if circuits supplying lights for emergency illumination are
installed in accordance with other Section of this Rule.
16. For branch circuits which supply equipment classed as emergency, there shall
be an emergency supply source to which the load will be transferred
automatically and immediately upon the failure of the normal supply.

17. Emergency circuit wiring shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and
equipment and shall not enter the same raceway, box or cabinet with other wiring
except:
a. In transfer switches, or
b. In exit or emergency lighting fixtures supplied from two (2) sources.
18. The switches installed in emergency lighting circuits shall be so arranged that only
authorized persons have control of emergency lighting, except:
a. Where two or more single throw switches are connected in parallel to
control a single circuit, at least one of those switches shall be accessible
only to authorized persons.
b. Additional switches which act only to put emergency lights into operation
but not to disconnect them may be permitted.
Switches connected in series and three- and four-way switches shall not be
allowed.
19. All manual switches for controlling emergency circuits shall be located at the most
accessible place to authorized persons responsible for their actuation. In places of
assembly, such as theaters, a switch for controlling emergency lighting systems
shall be located in the lobby or at a place conveniently accessible there from.
In no case shall a control switch for emergency lighting in a theater for motion
picture projection be placed in the projection booth or on the stage. However,
where multiple switches are provided, one such switch may be installed in such
locations and so arranged that it can energize but not disconnect for the circuit.

20. Lights on the exterior of the building which are not required for illumination
when there is sufficient daylight may be controlled by an automatic light
actuated device approved for the purpose.
21. In hospital corridors, switching arrangements to transfer corridor lighting in
patient areas of hospitals from overhead fixtures to fixtures designed to provide
night lighting maybe permitted, provided that the switching system is so
designed that switches can only select between two sets of fixtures but cannot
extinguish both sets at the same time.
22. The branch circuits over current devices in emergency circuits shall be
accessible to authorized persons only.
23. Where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, in lieu of other methods
specified elsewhere in this Section, individual unit equipment for emergency
illumination shall consist of:
a. Battery
b. Battery charging means, when a storage battery is used
c. One or more lamps, and
d. A relaying device arranged to energize the lamps automatically upon
failure of the normal supply to the building

The batteries shall be of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain, at not
less than 90 per cent of rated lamp voltage, the total lamp load associated with the
unit for a period of at least hour. Storage batteries, whether of the acid or alkali
type, shall be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of emergency
service. Lead-acid type storage batteries shall have transparent jars.
Unit equipment shall be permanently fixed in place and shall have all wiring to each
unit installed in accordance with the requirements of any of the wiring methods
discussed in Chapter II of the PEC. They shall not be connected by flexible cord. The
supply circuit between the unit equipment and the service, the feeders or the branch
circuit wiring shall be installed as required by Section 12.17. Emergency illumination
fixtures which obtain power from a unit equipment which are not part of the unit
equipment shall be wired to the unit equipment as required by Rule 5257 of the PEC
and in accordance with the one of the wiring methods described in Chapter II of the
PEC.

13. Effectivity
1. All primary and secondary supply lines already existing shall comply with the
provisions of this Rule within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
2. Transformers to be installed on, attached to, or in buildings shall comply with the
requirements of this Rule. Transformer installations already existing shall comply with
the requirements within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
3. Non-compliance with the provisions of this Rule shall be subject to the penal
provisions in Section 213 of PD 1096.

THANK YOU