BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

5Inm BASIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN

In this chapter we will be discussing how to design an electrical system. The chapter will focus
only on the basic electrical system design of a dwelling unit and the basis for this chapter is the
Philippine Electrical Code.
Before the discussion of how to design an electrical system, let us first define some of the important
terms needed in this chapter. All the definitions are based and taken from the PEC 2000 and 2009
Volume 1.
Scope. This article contains only those definitions essential to the proper application of tis Code.
It is not intended to include commonly defined general terms or commonly defined technical terms
from related codes and standards. In general, only those terms that are used in two or more articles
are defined in Article 100. Other definitions are included in the article in which they are used but
may be referenced to Article 1.1.
Part 1.1.1 of this article contains definitions intended to apply wherever the terms are used
throughout this Code. Part 1.1.2 contains definitions applicable only to the parts of articles
specifically installations and equipment operating at over 600 volts, nominal.

1. Ampacity. The current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the
conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.

2. Appliance. Utilization equipment, generally other industrial, normally built in

standardized sizes or types that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more
functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.

3. Attachment Plug (Plug Cap) (Plug). A device that, by insertion in a receptacle,

establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and the
conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.

4. Auxiliary Gutter. A sheet metal enclosure for conductors, cables and bus bars at
switchboard, meter centers, distribution centers and similar points.

5. Bonding (Bonded). The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically

conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely
any current likely to be imposed.

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6. Branch Circuit. The circuit conductors between the final over current device protecting
the circuit and the outlet(s).

7. Branch Circuit, Appliance. A branch circuit that supplies energy to one or more outlets
to which appliances are to be connected, and that has no permanently connected lighting
fixtures that are not part of an appliance.

8. Branch Circuit, General Purpose. A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization
equipment.

9. Building. A structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire
walls with all opening therein protected by approved fire doors.

10. Circuit Breaker. A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means
and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to
itself when properly applied within its rating.

11. Concealed. Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in
concealed raceways are considered concealed, even though they may become accessible
by withdrawing them.

12. Conductor.

12.1 Bare. A conductor having no covering or electrical insulation whatsoever.

12.2 Covered. A conductor encased within material of composition or thickness that is

not recognized by this code as electrical insulation.

12.3 Insulated. A conductor encased within material of composition and thickness that is
recognized by this code as electrical insulation.

13. Conduit Body. A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access
through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more
sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or
larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.

14. Connector, Pressure (Solderless). A device that establishes a connection between two
or more conductors or between one or more conductors and a terminal by means of
mechanical pressure and without the use of solder.

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15. Continuous Load. A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3
hours or more.

16. Demand Factor. The ratio of the maximum demand of a system, or part of a system, to
the total connected load of a system or the part of the system under consideration.

17. Device. A unit of an electrical system that is intended to carry but not utilize electric
energy.

18. Distribution Center. A point at which energy is divided among feeders or branch
circuits or combination of both, and where overcurrent devices are usually located.

19. Dwelling.

19.1 Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms for the use of one or more persons as
housekeeping. Unit with space for eating, living, and sleeping, and

19.2 Multifamily Dwelling. A building that contain three or more dwelling units.

19.3 One-Family Dwelling. A building that contain solely of one dwelling unit.

19.4 Two-Family Dwelling. A building that contain solely of two dwelling units.

20. Electric Motor. A machine which transform electric power into mechanical power.

21. Elevator. A hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car or platform which
moves in guides in a substantially vertical direction.

22. Emergency Light. All lights, in a theater, or any other building used for public
assembly, which are kept, lighted continuously while the theater or building is being used
to provide safe exit and entry.

23. Emergency Service. An additional service intended only for use under emergency
conditions, that is when the normal source of power fails.

24. Extension Cord. An assembly of a flexible cord with an attachment plug on one end and
a cord connector on the other.

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25. Feeder. All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately
derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent
device.

26. Flammable. This term is applied to readily combustible or ignitable materials such as
straw, hay, wood shaving, light draperies, celluloid oils, gasoline, etc.

27. Flexible Conduit. Non-rigid metal conduit into which conductors may be drawn.

28. Ground. A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an

electrical circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body that serves in
place of the earth.

29. Grounded. Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the
earth.

30. Grounded Circuit. A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.

31. Grounding Conductor. A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit
of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.

32. Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. A system intended to provide protection of

equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault currents by operating to cause a
disconnecting means to open all ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit. This
protection is provided at current levels less than those required to protect conductors from
damage through the operation of a supply circuit overcurrent device.

33. Insulated. Separated from other conducting surfaces by a dielectric permanently

offering a high resistance to the passage of current and to disruptive discharge.

34. Insulating. A term applied to non-conducting substance capable of bringing about the
condition defined in insulated.

35. Interrupting Rating. The highest current at rated voltage that a device is intended to
interrupt under standard test conditions.

36. Junction Box. A box with a blank cover which serves the purpose of joining different
runs of raceway or cable, and provided with sufficient space for connection and
branching of the enclosed conductors.

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37. Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the connection of lamp holder, a lighting fixture,
or a pendant cord terminating in a lamp holder.

38. Line Conductor. A wire or cable carrying electric current, supported by poles, tower or
other structures, but not including vertical or lateral connecting wires.

39. Location.

39.1 Damp Location. Partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed
open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees
of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage
warehouses.

39.2 Dry Location. A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location
classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case
of a building under construction.

39.3 Wet Location. Installation underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct

contact with the earth, and locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids,
such as vehicle washing area, and locations exposed to weather and unprotected.

40. Main (in interior wiring). A feeder extending from the service switch, generator bus, or
converter bus to the main distribution center.

41. Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization
equipment.

42. Outline Lighting. An arrangement of incandescent lamps or electric-discharge lighting

to outline or call attention to certain features such as the shape of a building or the
decoration of a window.

43. Overcurrent. Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of
a conductor. It may result from overload, short circuit, or ground fault.

44. Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating or of a conductor

in excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would
cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault, such as circuit or ground faults, is not
an overload.

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45. Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of
a single panel; including buses, automatic overcurrent devices, and equipment with or
without switches for control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a
cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall or partition and accessible only from the
front.

46. Power Outlet. An enclosed assembly that may include receptacles, circuit breakers, fuse
holders, fused switches, buses, and watt-hour meter mounting means; intended to supply
and control power to mobile homes, recreational vehicles, park trailers, or boats; or to
serve as a means for distributing power required to operate mobile or temporarily
installed equipment.

47. Rated Voltage (of equipment). The rated voltage of equipment is the voltage to which
operating and performance characteristics are referred.

48. Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of
an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact with no other contact device on
the same yoke. A multiple receptacles are two or more contact devices on the same yoke.

49. Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.

50. Service. The conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from the serving
utility to the wiring system of the premises served.

51. Service Cable. Service conductors made up in the form of a cable.

52. Service Conductors. The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting
to the service to the service-entrance conductors at the building walls, where joined by
tap or splice to the service drop.

53. Setting (of circuit breaker). The value of the current at which it is set to trip.

54. Switches.

54.1 Bypass Isolation Switch. A manually operated device used in conjunction with a
transfer switch to provide a means of directly connecting load conductors to a power
source, and of disconnecting the transfer switch.

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54.2 General-Use Snap Switch. A form of general-use switch constructed so that it can
be installed in device boxes or on box cover, or otherwise used in conjunction
wiring system recognized the Philippine Electrical Code.

54.3 Isolating Switch. A switch intended for isolating an electric circuit from the source
of power. It has no interrupting rating, and it is intended to be operated only after the
circuit has been opened by some other means.

54.4 Motor-Circuit Switch. A switch rated in horsepower that is capable of interrupting

the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower rating
as the switch at the rated voltage.

54.5 Transfer Switch. An automatic or non-automatic device for transferring one or more
load conductor connections from one power source to another.

55. System, Electrical. An electrical system is one where conductors and equipment are
interconnected to sources of potential difference for distribution and/or utilization of
electrical energy.

56. Voltage (of a circuit). The highest nominal voltage between any two conductors of the
circuit concerned.

57. Voltage Drop. The difference between the magnitudes of sending end voltage and the
receiving end voltage.

58. Voltage, Nominal. A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of
conveniently designating its voltage class (e.g. 230, 230/115, 460, 460/265, 400/230,
21/125 volts).
The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can carry form the nominal within a range
that permits satisfactory operation of equipment.

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Preparing for an Electrical Design

Why is there a need to prepare a correct Electrical System Design?
A correct electrical system design and electrical wiring diagrams can save time. A certain project
can avoid delay if a proper electrical design or wiring diagrams are presented. The diagrams
contain key areas of the structure that professionals can anticipate as causing potential problems
before they even get there. Also, electrical wiring system design saves money. With the help of
electrical system design, the people who will construct the design will be able to buy the correct
wires, equipment and other things necessary for the plan. Lastly, electrical system design prevents
injury. Electrical wiring diagrams can help technicians anticipate areas of the building/construction
that might have the potential for injury.

How to prepare an electrical system design?

Every electrical design work or project should begin with careful planning based on four
essential requirements stated below:
1. The electrical system design must conform to the applicable codes and standards.
2. Before starting the design, examine first and establish the electrical needs of the building.
3. Determine the characteristics of the power supply to the overall system.
4. Lastly, scale the details of the overall electrical system to meet the limitations of the
budgeted funds.

An electrical system design of any building or area is being prepared basically to provide proper
and systematic arrangement of conductors and equipment to a safe place and effectively transfer
of electrical energy from a source of power to lights, motors, and other functional devices which
operate on electricity. This simple task is readily reduced to three basic steps which set the outline
for the detailed design of any electrical system:

1. Select basic wiring concepts and configurations which will supply electric power of the
required characteristics at each point of utilization.
2. Implement the electrical circuiting concepts with actual conductors, apparatus, and
hardware, selecting types, sizes, models, characteristics, appearance, ratings, and other
specifics of the required equipment.
3. Account for the installation of the overall electrical system, as determined in the first two
steps, within the physical dimensions and structural makeup of a building, showing, as
clearly as possible, the locations and details of equipment mountings, raceway runs,
connections to main power supply lines, and other elements that require special attention.

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From PEC 2000 Article 1.3

ELECTRICAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 General
1.3.1.1 Sheet Size. Electrical plans and drawing shall be drawn on sheets of the following
standard sizes:
760 mm x 1000 mm
600 mm x 900 mm
500 mm x 760 mm

1.3.1.2 Drawing Scale. Appropriate metric drawing scales shall be used.

1.3.2 Plans and Specifications

1.3.2.1. Plan Requirements.

(a.) Location and Site Plans. Location and site plans, with proposed structure(s) and site
drawn to appropriate metric scale shall show:

1. Bordering areas showing public or well-known streets, landmarks and/or

structures which need not be drawn to scale unless they extend into the area
concerned;

2. Location of service drop, service equipment and nearest pole of the utility
company furnishing electrical energy; location of the meter as well as sizes of
service entrance wires, conduits and service equipment; and

3. Clearance of path or run of service drops and entrance wires to adjacent existing
and/or proposed structures.

(b.) Legends or Symbols. Refer to Appendix – Electrical Symbols

(c.) General Notes and/or Specifications. General Notes and/or Specifications, written
on the plans or submitted on separate standard size sheets shall show:

1. Nature of electrical service, including number of phases, number of wires, voltage

and frequency;

2. Type of Wiring;
a. Service entrance,
b. Feeders, sub-feeder and branch circuit wires for lighting and/or power load,
c. Fire alarm system, if required by law,
d. Signaling and communication.

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3. Special equipment to be installed, indicating ratings and classification of service

or duty cycle of;
a. Rectifiers,
b. Heaters,
c. X-ray apparatus,
d. Electric welding equipment,
e. Others

4. System or method of grounding;

5. Type and rating of main disconnecting means, overcurrent protection (OCP) and
branch circuit wiring;

6. Clearances of service drop, burial depth for service lateral, mounting height and
clearance for service equipment, mounting height and clearance for kWh meter.

(d.) Electrical Layout. Floor plan showing location of equipment and devices, and their
interconnection wiring.
(1.) Plan for Power. Layout and wiring plans for power on the floor plans drawn to
scale, shall show:
a. Sizes and location of service entrance conductors, raceways, metering
equipment, main switchboard, layout of feeders and distribution panels or
switches and their sizes, types and ratings;
b. Complete circuit of motors and other electrical equipment, their controlling
devices, their locations and ratings;
c. Complete wiring of emergency power system, if any;
d. Nature of processes /activities carried out in each room or area.

(2.) Plan for Lighting and Receptacle Outlets. Layout and wiring plans for general
lighting and convenience outlets on floor plans drawn to scale, shall show;
a. Location, type and rating of lighting fixtures, indicating illumination in lux in
each room or area. In residences, hotels, apartment houses, and churches, the
illumination level in each room or area need not be shown nor computed;
b. Location of switches for each fixtures of group of fixtures;
c. Location of receptacle outlets and appliances to be served and their ratings;
d. Complete circuits of the lighting and convenience outlets;
e. Complete wiring of emergency lighting system; if any;
f. A separate drawing showing layout of receptacle outlets may be made at the
discretion of the design engineer.

(3.) Plan for Fire Detection and Alarm Circuits. Layout and wiring plans of fire
alarm manual stations, fire alarm bells, fire alarm control panels, and other fire
alarm devices shall show:
a. Location of outlets, equipment and/or apparatus and controls;
b. Complete circuit showing number and size of raceway and wire.

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(e.) Schedule of Loads. Schedule of load in tabulated form shall indicate:

(1.) Motor Loads;

a. Motors as numbered or identified in power layout,
b. Type of motor,
c. Horsepower/kilowatt/kilovolt ampere rating,
d. Voltage rating
e. Full-load current rating,
f. Frequency rating other than 60 hertz,
g. Number of phases,
h. Type and size of wiring,
i. Protective device rating.

(2.) Lighting and Convenience Receptacle Loads;

a. Panel as numbered in the feeder diagram,
b. Circuit designation number,
c. Number of lighting outlets in each circuit,
d. Number of switches in each circuit,
e. Number of receptacles (convenience outlets)
f. Voltage of circuit,
g. Type and size of wiring,
h. Protective device rating.

(3.) Other Loads;

a. Designation number on plan;
b. Description of load,
c. Classification of service duty, if required,
d. Rating of kilovolt-ampere of kilowatt,
e. Phase loading indicating full load line current,
f. Voltage rating,
g. Type and size of wiring,
h. Protective device rating.

(f.) Design Analysis. Design analysis shall be included on the drawings or shall be
submitted on separate sheets of standard size, and shall show:

1. Branch circuits, sub-feeders, feeders, busways, and service entrance;

2. Types, ratings, and trip settings of overload protective devices;
3. Calculation of short circuit current for determining the interrupting capacity of
overcurrent protection device;

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(g.) One Line Diagram. One line diagram shall indicate:

(1.) Lighting and Receptacle Outlet Loads;

a. Single line or schematic diagram of lighting and receptacles panelboards
showing main and branch circuit ratings;
b. Size of conductors for feeders.

(2.) Motor Loads;

a. Rating in kilowatt/horsepower/kilovolt ampere,
b. Full load current,
c. Locked rotor current,
d. Phase connection for 1-phase motor on a 3-phase system,
e. Rated voltage,
f. Type and size of wiring, including load in amperes,
g. Electric motors shall be numbered consecutively to correspond to their
numbers in layout.

(3.) Feeders and Sub-feeders;

a. Identification and/or labeling of feeders and sub-feeders,
b. Size and type of wires and raceway,
c. Protective devices and controls,
d. The allowable ampacity of the conductor over the designed load current in
amperes expressed as a ratio and indicated alongside the conductor.

(4.) Load Center

a. Identification and/or labeling of load center showing type and rating of
transformer, switches, circuit breaker and other related devices,
b. Incoming and outgoing feeders, type, size and voltage,
c. Equipment grounding.

1.3.2.2 Title Block. Title Block or nameplate of plans and drawing shall be s standard strip of 40
mm high at the bottom of the sheet. It shall contain the following:

(a.) Name and location of installation or project;

(b.) Name, Signature and address of owner/manager/operator;
(c.) Title of Sheet;
(d.) Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together with
Professional Regulation Commission professional license number and validity, Professional tax
Receipt Number, and tax Identification Number;
(e.) Scale used, date drawn; and
(f.) Sheet Number

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Here are the important tables to be used in the preparation of an Electrical System Design.

From PEC 2009; Table 2.20.2.3 GENERAL LIGHTING LOADS BY OCCUPANCY

Unit Load
Type of Occupancy
(Volt-Amperes per Square Meter)
Armories and auditoriums 11
Banks 39
Barber Shops and Beauty Parlors 33
Churches 11
Clubs 22
Court Rooms 22
Dwelling Units* 33
Garage-Commercial (storage) 6
Hospitals 22
Hotels and motels, including apartment houses without
22
provision for cooking by tenants*
Industrial Commercial (loft) building 22
Lodge Rooms 17
Office Buildings 39
Restaurants 22
Schools 33
Stores 33
Warehouses (storage) 3
In any of the above occupancies except one-family
dwelling and individual dwelling units of two-family
and multi-family dwelling:
Assembly halls and auditoriums 11
Halls, corridors, closets, stairways 6
Storage spaces 3

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