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1. GENERAL

1.1 DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY

a form of energy generated by

friction, induction or chemical
change, having magnetic, chemical
and radiant effect.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
the motion of free electrons through
a solid conductor.

1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY

STORAGE BATTERIES

GENERATORS

STORAGE BATTERIES
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.

are used to supply emergency

lighting circuits for hallways, Direct Current Generators These
stairways, exits and to energize furnish electrical energy for elevators,
police and fire alarm systems escalators, intercommunicating telephone
and certain types of signal systems, control of signal systems, and
systems. clock systems.

1.4 TYPES OF CURRENT

1.3 OTHER DYNAMO ELECTRIC
MACHINES
ALTERNATING CURRENT a DIRECT CURRENT a current
current which is periodically which flows at a constant time rate
varying in time rate and in and in the same direction.
direction. It rises from zero to
maximum, falls to zero, reverses
its direction and again returns to
zero.

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.

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1.5 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY UNIT OF RESISTANCE

UNIT OF QUANTITY
OHM The resistance which will
COULOMB a coulomb of electricity allow one ampere of current to flow
comprises approximately 6.25 x 10 18 when one volt is impressed upon it.
electrons.

AMPERE An ampere of current UNIT OF ELECTRIC POWER

represents a rate of flow of one
coulomb or 6.25 x 10 18 WATT the unit of electric
electrons/second through a given power or the rate of doing
cross section. electrical work.

UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

UNIT OF ENERGY

VOLT is the electromotive force

or potential difference between two WATT-HOURS the unit of
points in an electric field which will energy or the capacity for doing
move a charge of one coulomb work.
between these points.

1.7 ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL

1.6 OHMS LAW is the effective utilization of available
energy by reducing peak loads and
lowering demand charge. The control
I (amp) = V (Volts) / R (Ohms) devices and systems are referred to as
load shedding control, peak demand
control, peak load regulation, and power
use control.
LOAD SCHEDULING AND DUTY-
The current, I, that will flow in a CYCLE CONTROL the installations
d-c circuit is directly proportional to electric loads are analyzed and scheduled
the voltage ,V, and inversely to restrict demand by shifting large loads
proportional to the resistance , R, to off-peak hours and controlled to avoid
coincident operation.
of the circuit.

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 1.8 MEASURING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION

DEMAND CONTROL also called rate
control, it is an automated version of the
CURRENT
LEADS

demand metering alarm system, where it

automatically disconnects or reconnects loads KWH METERS To
LOAD
POWER

as required.
SOURCE

measure energy, the

WM

factor of time is
VOLTAGE
LEADS

introduced, such that;

WATTMETER

IDEALCURVE CONTROL This controller energy = power x

operates by comparing the actual rate of time. A-C electric
energy usage to the ideal rate, and controls meters are basically
KW demand by controlling the total energy small motors, whose
used within a metering interval. speed is proportional
to the power being
used. The number of
rotations is counted on
FORECASTING SYSTEMS are the dials which are
computerized systems which continuously calibrated directly in
forecast the amount of energy remaining in kilowatt-hours.
the demand interval, then examine the status
and priority of each of the connected loads
and decide on the proper course of action.

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2. BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

R1 R2
10 amp 10 amp

2.1 BRANCH CIRCUITS SERIES CIRCUIT is one in which the

components are connected in tandem. All
An electrical circuit may be defined as a
separate loads of the circuit carry the
R3
ELEC
complete conducting path carrying current SOURCE

from a source of electricity to and through same equal current and the total
some electrical device or load and back to the 10 amp
10 amp
resistance, R, is the sum of the
resistances around the circuit.
R5 R4

source. The two wire circuit, which is the CIRCUIT IN SERIES

most elementary of all wiring systems, R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5

consists of a live wire carrying the current to

the various power consuming devices in the PARALLEL CIRCUIT (or Multiple
circuit and a neutral or grounded wire which Circuit) is one in which the
is the return wire carrying the circuit back to
3 amp

components or loads are so arranged

the source of supply.
1 amp 1 amp 1 amp

that the current divides between them.

+

Each outlet has a live wire connected to

ELECTRICAL R1 R2 R3
SOURCE

the current carrying wire of the circuit

SERIES CIRCUIT and also a neutral wire or grounded wire
connected to the return wire of the
CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL

1
PARALLEL CIRCUIT
R= circuit. With this system, the total current
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
flowing through the circuit is the sum of
the current flowing through each outlet.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF BRANCH CIRCUITS Branch Circuit

The portion of an electrical
system extending from the final

General Purpose Branch Circuit -

overcurrent device protecting a
circuit to the outlets served by
GENERALLY LTG A supplies outlets for lighting and the circuit General Purpose Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
appliances, including convenience
15, 20A
current in a number of outlets for
receptacles. lighting and appliances

Appliance Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in one or more outlets
specifically intended for
appliances

Appliance Branch Circuit - supplies Individual Circuit

outlets intended for feeding appliances.
15, 20, 30, A A A branch circuit that supplies
or 50A

Fixed lighting is not supplied.

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
Individual Branch Circuit - is protects a number of similar
Low-Voltage
designed to supply a single specific item,
branch circuits in an
SIZE RE QUIRED electrical system Of or pertaining to a circuit in which alternating
SINGLE ITEM

such as a motor load or a unit air-

FOR ITEM FED current below 50 volts is supplied by a step-down
transformer form the normal line voltage used in
conditioner. 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

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
1. General: Branch circuits shall be
sufficient to supply a load of 30 entire area will not be deprived of
power.
watts per square meter (3 watts per
square foot) in buildings excluding
porches, garages and basements.
4. General purpose branch circuits shall
be rated at 20 amperes wired with
No. 12 AWG minimum. Switch legs
20 amp
C3

C3

C3

may be No. 14 AWG if the lighting

2. In all but the smallest installations, load permits.
connect lighting, convenience
receptacles, and appliances in
DINE

separate circuits. The Code requires a

KIT

20 amp

minimum of 2 - 20 amperes 5. Limit the circuit load for lighting and

C1
Range Ref

appliance branch circuit to feed all small appliances on 15 amp and 20

C4

C2

small appliance outlets in the kitchen, amp circuit loads and on 15 and 20
pantry, dining and family room. amp overcurrent devices respectively.

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2.2 SINGLE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For homes and small commercial buildings
A single phase electrical system can
either be 2-wire or 3-wire and
composes two hot legs and a neutral
wire.
SWITCH FUSE
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
A B C
neutral line. While machineries and other
bigger loads are connected to the phase leg
A
only.
B
Three-Wire Three Phase AC
A-B 220V A-C 220V

Two-Wire Single Phase DC or AC

C
B-C 220V

MOTOR

110 V

Three-Wire Single Phase DC

(EDISON SYSTEM) Four-Wire Three-Phase AC
F
220 V
A N B C

110 V Three-Wire Single Phase AC

220V 220V 110V

220V 11
0V
110V

Service
The supplying of utilities required

2.3 COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 Service Drop

The portion of a service conductor extending The overhead portion of service
from a service drop or service lateral to the conductors extending from the
service equipment of a building nearest utility pole to a building
Service Lateral
Watt-Hour Meter
The underground portion of service
A meter for measuring and recording the
conductors extending from a main
quantity of electric power consumed with
power line or transformer to a
respect to time
building Feeder
Transformer Vault Switchgear Room Any of the conductors
A fire-rated room housing Contains the service extending from the
a transformer and equipment for a large service equipment to
auxiliary equipment for a building various distribution
large building points in a building
Service Equipment
Equipment necessary for
controlling, metering and
protecting the electric
Standby Generator
power supply to a builidng
For providing emergency power
during a power outage. Switchboard Unit Substation
One or a group of panels on A freestanding enclosure
Uninterruptible Power Supply which are mounted switches, housing a disconnect
An emergency system designed overcurrent devices, switch, a step-down
to provide pwer automatically and metering instruments and transformer and
instantaneously buses switchgear

Service Conductors extend from a main power

line or transformer to the service equipment of a
building
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
Direct burial cable may be used for from a main power line or transformer to a building
residential service connections Servcie Entrance Conductor
Lightning Rod The portion of a service conductor extending from a service
drop or service lateral to the service equipment of a building
Any of several conducting rods installed at the A transformer is used by medium-sized and large buildings to step
top of a structure and grounded to divert down from a high supply voltage to the service voltage. To reduce
costs, maintenance and noise and heat problems, a transformer
lightning away from the structure. Also called air Watt-Hour Meter
may be placed on an outdoor pad. If located within a building, oil-
terminal filled transformers require a well-ventilated, fire-rated vault with
Measures and records the quantity of electric power
consumed with respect to time. Supplied by the public utility,
two exits and located on an exterior wall adjacent to the it is always placed ahead of the main disconnect switch so
Lightning Arrester switchgear room. Dry-type transformers used in small- and that it cannot be disconnected
A device for protecting electric equipment from medium-sized buildings may be replaced together with a
disconnect switch and switchgear in a unit substation For multiple-occupancy buildings, banks of meters are
damage by lightning or other high-voltage installed so that each unit can be metered
currents, using spark gaps to carry the current independently
to the ground without passing through the The service switch is the main
disconnect for the entire electrical
device Grounding Rod or Electrode
system of a building, except for any
Is firmly embedded in the earth to establish a ground
emergency power systems.
Spark Gap connection
A space between two terminals or electrodes The service equipment includes a main To panelboards
across which a discharge of electricity may pass disconnect switch and secondary
at a prescribed voltage 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

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FEEDER CIRCUITS A feeder circuit

SERVICE ENTRANCE the point of is a set of conductors which extends
delivery of electricity to a building by a from the main switchboard to a
public utility company. distributing center (panel board) with no
other circuits connected to it between
the source and the distributing center.

SUB-FEEDER CIRCUITS are line

MAIN SWITCHBOARD The service extensions of a feeder, fed through a
entrance conductors in the form of bus panel board or cut-out, or from one
bars terminates in the main switchboard distributing center to another and having
and connects to the distribution panel no other circuit connected to it between
boards by means of feeder circuits the two distributing centers. A sub-feeder
protected by circuit breakers. The main serves to distribute power from the main
switchboard serves for the control, feeders to smaller local panel boards,
protection and metering of the main called sub-panel boards.
feeders.

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

BRANCH CIRCUITS These are

The main disconnect for the entire interrupting the circuit
electrical system of a building
small capacity conductors which deliver except for any emergency power

energy to lamps, motors and other loads

systems

within the circuit.

Panel
A board on which are mounted
the switches, fuses and circuit
breakers for controlling and
protecting a number of similar

PANEL BOARDS AND SUB-PANEL

BOARDS (also called CUT-OUTS) These
serve to control and protect the sub
feeders and branch circuits.
branch circuits installed in a
cabinet and accessible from
the front only. Also called a Circuit Breaker
panelboard. A switch that automatically interrupts an electric
circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
Bus apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. A
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a circuit breaker may be reclosed and reused without
solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying replacement of any components. Also called a
and distributing large electric currents. Also breaker.
called a busbar

UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT These

Grounded Conductor
Any conductor of an electrical system
are the lighting, power and motor loads intentionally connected to a ground

and wiring devices which are directly

connection

handled and utilized by users. Grounding Electrode

A conductor, as a metal ground rod,
Ground Wire
A conductor connecting
ground plate or cold-water pipe, firmly
electric equipment or a
embedded in the earth to establish a circuit to a ground
gorund connection
connection. Also called a
grounding conductor

2.4 ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HIGH-VOLTAGE SINGLE LINE

DIAGRAM When
PRIMARY FEEDERS
2,400, 4,160, 7,200

electrical symbols
OR 13,200 VOLTS

BLOCK DIAGRAM
are used
A horizontal single line MAIN DISTRIBUTION
in lieu of the
SECONDARY SERVICE

diagram of the buildings

FEEDERS PANELS
CONDUCTORS
blocks, it is called
MAIN RECEPTACLES
LIGHTING
electrical system from the TRANSFORMER SWIT
SWITCH

a one line or a
120/208 OR BOARD MOTOR
VAULT
incoming service to the
PANELS

single line
120/240 OR
SWITCHES 227/480 VOLTS
utilization items at the end
LARGE
LIGHTING/

diagram.
TRANSFORMER APPLIANCE
MOTOR
of the system where the
FUSES PANELS SMALL

major electrical
BRANCH MOTORS &
CIRCUIT CONTROL

components are shown as

blocks or rectangles.

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2.5 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY

SYSTEM
ELEVATORS
PP MACHINE
MR ROOM ROO
ROOF

LP
5A 5B
5C

RISER Emergency Systems provide electric

DIAGRAM power and illumination essentially for life
4A 4B
4C

LEFT Is a vertical line safety and protection of property during

diagram of the an emergency, such as, electricity for exit
3A 3B 3C
RISER CENTRAL RISER SHAFT
2A 2B major electrical lighting, elevators, fire alarm systems,
fire pumps and the like.
2C
RIGHT RISER components of
the buildings
1A LP 1B
1C

electrical system
LOBBY

presented
showing the
SPARE M.C.C.

spatial relations
MACHINE ROOM

FIRE ALARM
between Standby Systems provide power to
FA PANEL components. selected loads not directly involved with
STAIR AND EXIT
life safety, such as, water and sewage
LPSE
PANEL
M METERING treatment plants and industrial machines
for manufacturing processes.

EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS

USING THE BATTERY

Small emergency appliance connected

Battery Equipment Central storage direct to a storage battery
batteries are mounted in individual racks
and always provided with automatic
charging equipment.
Groups of emergency loads
connected to central storage battery
through automatic device

Engine-Generator Sets are machines Emergency equipment loads are

intended to produce electricity and entirely separate from normal loads
composed of three components: the and are generally de-energized. The
machine and its housing (if any), fuel contactor is activated when it senses
storage tank and the exhaust facilities. power loss.

EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS 3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

USING THE GENERATOR
3.1 CONDUCTORS
are materials which allow the free
Emergency system handled by a flow of electrons through them.
single transfer switch which
automatically turns on when it senses Wires are single insulated
power loss at its downstream location. conductors No. 8 AWG (American Wire
Gauge or smaller; for the English
Emergency system handled by System, it is the B & S Gauge or
multiple switches Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No.
14.
Emergency service totally separated
Cables are single insulated
from normal through its own emergency
conductors No. 6 AWG or larger; or
service entrance, coming from different they may be several conductors of
transformers or feeders.
any size assembled into a single unit.

Bus Bars large conductors which

Same as above, but both service are not circular in cross section and
entrances supply normal loads and usually found only to supply the main
each act as standby for each other. switch boards.

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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).
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.
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.
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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.
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.
3.2 INSULATORS
INSULATORS are materials which
prevent the flow of electrons through
them.
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TYPES OF INSULATORS 3.3 CONDUITS

General Wiring
CONDUITS are circular raceways used
to enclose wires and cables and are of
metal or plastic (PVC).
Trade name Type Maximum Application
Letter Operating Provisions
Temperatur
e
To protect the enclosed conductors
Moisture-& heat-resistant RHW 75O C Dry and wet
from mechanical injury and chemical
damage.
rubber 167O F Locations
Thermoplastic T 60OC Dry locations
140O F
Moisture-resistant TW 60O C Dry and wet
To protect people from shock hazards
by providing a grounded enclosure.
thermoplastic 140O F Locations
Heat-resistant THHN 90O C Dry locations
thermoplastic 194O F

To provide a system ground path.

Moisture-& heat-resistant THW 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat-resistant THW N 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat resistant XHHW 90O C Dry locations To protect the surroundings against fire
hazard as a result of overheating or short
cross-linked 194O F Wet
thermosetting 75O C locations
polyethelene 167O C circuiting of the enclosed conductors.
Silicone-asbestos SA 90O C Dry locations

To support the conductors.

194O F
Asbestos and Varnished AVA 110O C Dry locations
Cambric 230O F only

TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS 3.4 RACEWAYS are channels or

wiring accessories so designed for
Heavy-wall steel conduits called Rigid holding wires, cables and bus bars that
Steel Conduits or RSC with an are either made of metal, plastic, or any
approximate thickness of 0.117 mm. insulating medium.

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.

Lighting Outlet is an outlet intended

3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES for direct connection to a lamp holder,
An outlet is a point in the wiring system lighting fixture, or pendant cord
at which current is taken to supply terminating in a lamp holder.
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 Receptacle Outlet is an outlet where
establishes connection between the one or more receptacles are installed.
conductor of the flexible cord and the
conductors connected permanently to
the receptacle.

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3. Wiring Switches include all the

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.
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.

TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO

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.
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 3.8 OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT
outlets usually made of metal or of PROTECTIVE DEVICES are devices
phenollic compound (Bakelite). 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.

9

CIRCUIT BREAKERS is an over-
current 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.
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 fire-
resistant 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.
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 factory-
assembled 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.
8/11/2016
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 switch-
fuse-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.
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.
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.
10
 8/11/2016

ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS
under-the-ceiling raceways composed of
FEEDER L LAMP HOLDER PUSH BUTTON

header ducts and distribution ducts BRANCH CIRCUIT-CEILING/WALL

separate for power and telephone cabling.
PS LAMP HOLDER WITH PULL SWITCH BELL

They permit very rapid changes in layouts

BRANCH CIRCUIT-FLOOR
C
CLOCK OUTLET
at low cost and are therefore particularly 3&4 WIRES CIRCUIT NO. BUZZER
MARK INDICATES 2 WIRES
desirable in stores where frequent display
D DROP CORD OUTLET
CH CHIME
transformations necessitate corresponding CROSSING WIRES
F FAN OUTLET
electrical facility adjustments. ANNUNCIATOR
CONNECTING WIRES
R RADIO OUTLET

LIGHTING OUTLET CEILING FLOOR OUTLET LIGHTING PANEL

POWER PANEL
PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION RECESSED CEILING OUTLET
DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET
FUSE
SYSTEMS are ceiling raceways that are DASH INDICATES SHAPE OF
CONVENIENCE OUTLET SPLIT-WIRED
pre-wired in the factory and plugged in FIXTURE
WEATHER PROOF OUTLET
WH WATT-HOUR METER

where required. WP
T TRANSFORMER
LIGHTING OUTLET WALL OUTLET AND SWITCH
S
J JUNCTION BOX
RANGE OUTLET
R
FLUORESCENT LAMP SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET
GROUND

REFRIGERATOR OUTLET
ref

LIGHTING LAYOUT PLAN POWER LAYOUT PLAN

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

ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
BY PD 1096
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
1. General Locational Requirements in Towns, shall not obstruct the sidewalk, pedestrian path and/or the road
Subdivisions, Human Settlements, Industrial Estates drainage canal or structure, existing or proposed.
and the like.

Overhead transmission and/or distribution

lines/systems including transformers, poles, towers and Pole
the like shall be located and installed following the
latest standards of design, construction and 500 mm
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
Property line
alleys or back streets.

11
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2.5 Clearances of Supporting Structures such as Poles, Towers and

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.
7.5 m
10 m
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

2.4 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.

4. Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings

3. Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings
Where the permanent attachment of open supply conductors of any class to
3.1 Attachments for support of power lines and cables, transformers and other
buildings is necessary for an entrance such conductors shall meet the following
equipment and/or communications lines installed on buildings shall be
requirements:
covered by an Approved Attachment Plan from the local Building Official.
4.1 Conductors of more than 300 volts to ground shall not be carried along or
3.2 Where buildings exceed 15 m in height, overhead lines shall be arranged
near the surface of the buildings unless they are guarded or made
where practicable so that a clear space or zone at least 2 m wide will be
inaccessible.
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
4.2 To promote safety to the general public and to employees not authorized
fighting.
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
2 - 2.5 m
with guards so as to isolate them effectively from accidental contact by
such persons.
15 m Pole
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. 5. Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings

5.1 Minimum Clearances. Unguarded or accessible supply conductors

Voltage of Supply Horizontal Vertical Clearance carrying voltages in excess of 300 volts may be run either beside
Conductors Clearance in in Meters or over buildings. The vertical or horizontal clearance to any
Meters building or its attachments (balconies, platforms, etc.) shall be as
300 to 8,700 volts 1.0 2.5 listed below. The horizontal clearance governs above the roof
level to the point where the diagonal equals the vertical clearance
8,700 to 15,000 2.5 2.5 requirement. This rule should not be interpreted as restricting the
volts installation of a trolley contact conductor over the approximate
15,000 to 50,000 3.0 3.0 center line of the track it serves.
volts
5.2 Guarding of Supply Conductors/Supply of Conductors of 300 volts
> 50,000 volts 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv
or more shall be properly guarded by grounded conduit, barriers,
in excess in excess or otherwise, under the following conditions:
1. Where the clearances set forth in Table II above cannot
be obtained.
4.5 Supports over buildings. Service-drop conductors passing over a 2. Where such supply conductors are placed near enough to
roof shall be securely supported by substantial structures. windows, verandas, fire escapes, or other ordinarily
Where practicable, such supports shall be independent of the accessible places within the reach of persons.
building.

12
 8/11/2016

5.3 Where the required clearances cannot be obtained, supply

conductors shall be of Grounded Metallic Shield, Jacketed Primary Clearance of line Communication LInes Supply LInes

Cables grouped or bundled and supported by grounded messenger

conductors from -
In general On jointly used In general (0 to On jointly used Exceeding 8700
wires. poles 8700 volts) poles (0 to 8700 volts, add for each
volts) 1000 volts of excess
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 6.25 mm
V- conductors of the
same circuit
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm
conductors of other
circuits

V
Span and guy wires 75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm
attached to same
pole: general
Span and guy wires 75 mm 150 mm 300 mm 300 mm 10 mm
attached to same
pole: when parallel
to line
Lightning protection 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of cross
arms
Lightning protection 75 mm 125 mm 75 mm 125 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of poles

6. Clearance of Service Drops

Exception No. 1. Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300
6.1 Service drop conductors shall not be readily accessible and when not in volts and the roof has a slope of not less than 100mm in 300mm, the
excess of 600 volts, shall conform to the following: clearance may not be less than 1m.

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 Service Drop Conductor
the following exceptions: 1 m 300 volts
Service Drop Conductor
Highest point
2.5 m < 600 volts
Highest point
Slope 1:3

Exception No. 2. Service drop conductors of 300 volts or less which do not pass 6.2 Clearance from the Ground. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less
over other than a maximum of 1.2m of the overhang portion of the roof for the than 3m from the ground or from any platform or projection from which they
purpose of terminating at a through-the-roof service raceway or approved might be reached.
conductor
support may be maintained at a minimum of 500mm from any portion of the
roof over which they pass. 3m platform

500mm
6.3 Clearance from Building Openings. Conductors shall have a horizontal
Service Drop Conductor clearance of not less than 1m from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or
300 volts similar locations and shall be run at least 500mm above the top level of a
1.2 m
window or opening.
Highest point

500mm

wi
window
1m

13

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
over which it passes. Service drop of communication line
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 3m
protector
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.
8.2 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
8/11/2016
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
S
Service
drop
conductor
co
Swimming pool
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 oil-
insulated 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 fire-
resistant 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
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 ceiling
Dry-type transformer Tra
Transformer more
Combustible 112-1/2 Kva or less 3.70 m
than
tha 35,000 volts
Wall
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.
14

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
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: 200 Kva or more
20 mm thick plaster
2-1/2 hours fire rating
Floor:
100mm thick
2-1/2 hours fire rating
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.
8/11/2016
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.
9.2 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.
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.
15

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.
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.
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.
8/11/2016
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.
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.
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 transition-
time 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.
16
 8/11/2016

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

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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

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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.

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