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
POTENTIAL

ELECTRIC

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
RESISTANCE

OF

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 CONSUMPTIO

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 kilowatthours.

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

10 amp

R2

10 amp

R3

ELEC
SOURCE

10 amp

10 amp

R4

R5

CIRCUIT IN SERIES

R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 +
R5

3 amp
1 amp

+
ELECTRICA
L SOURCE

R1

1 amp

R2

R3

CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL

1
R=
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

1 amp

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.
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 CIRCUIT

GENERALLY
15, 20A

15, 20, 30,

or 50A

SIZE REQUIRED
FOR ITEM FED

LTG

SINGLE ITEM

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.

Individual Branch Circuit is

designed to supply a single specific
item, such as a motor load or a unit
air-conditioner.

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

2.

Range
Ref

C1
C2

20 amp

KIT

DINE
C4

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 SYSTEM

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 Phase DC

(EDISON SYSTEM)

220 V

110 V

Three-Wire Single Phase AC

2.2 THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

A 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, oilfilled 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 MAIN
FEEDERS
CONDUCTORS
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
Small
emergency
connected direct to
battery

SYSTEMS

appliance
a storage

Groups of emergency loads

connected to central storage
battery through automatic device

Emergency equipment loads are

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

EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS

USING THE GENERATOR
Emergency system handled by a
single
transfer
switch
which
automatically turns on when it
senses
power
loss
at
its
downstream location.
Emergency system handled by
multiple switches
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

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 nonmetallic 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

Underground
Feeder
andtape.
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

Moisture-&
resistant
rubber

Type
Letter

heat-

Thermoplastic
Moisture-resistant
thermoplastic
Heat-resistant
thermoplastic

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

THHN

90O C
194O F

Dry locations

Moisture-&
resistant
thermoplastic

heat-

THW

75O C
167O F

Dry and wet

Locations

Moisture-&
resistant
thermoplastic

heat-

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

SA

90O C
194O F

Dry locations

Silicone-asbestos

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

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.

a) General purpose switches are

intended for use in general
distribution and branch circuits.

b) Three-way switches are used

where it is desired to control
lamps from two different points,
as in a stairwell.

b) Disconnecting or isolating
switches are intended for
disconnecting or isolating
circuits; used for circuits rated
at more than 600 volts.

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.

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

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
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.

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.

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 selfprotected, jacketed types, type
TC.

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

LIGHTING OUTLET WALL

DUPLEX CONVENIENCE OUTLET

FUSE

CONVENIENCE OUTLET SPLIT-WIRED WH

WEATHER PROOF OUTLET
WP
T
OUTLET AND SWITCH
S

FLUORESCENT LAMP

RANGE OUTLET
SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTLET

ref

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.

2.1 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
10 m

Primary lines shall have a minimum vertical clearance of

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

7.5 m

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

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

3.1 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
2 - 2.5 m
fighting.
15 m

Pole

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,

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.

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

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
Service Drop Conductor
the following exceptions:
2.5 m < 600 volts
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
conduct
which they
or
might be reached.
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
1
m

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
Service drop of communication line
sidewalk
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

protecto
r

3m

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.

3
b. Diving Structures
mplatforms
c. Observation stands, towers or
Service
drop
conductor

Swimming
pool

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

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,
Exterior Oil-insulated
crushed stone. Oil enclosures shall be provided with trapped
Transformer
drains in
cases where the exposure and the quantity of oil involved Trench
are
all
such that
around
removal of oil is important.

8.2 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors. Transformers rated 1121/2 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 fireresistant 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. Askarelinsulated

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

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
> 100mm thick
reinforced is
combustible, or 75 KVA where the surrounding
structures
concrete vault
classified as
fire-resistant construction.
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
withbe
the
provisions
specified in this Code for
8.5 Guarding.
Transformers
shall
guarded
as follows:
transformer
provided
neither the building
nor its
contents shall
present
fire
1. vault,
MECHANICAL
PROTECTION.
Appropriate
provisions
be made
hazard
to
to minimize
the possibility of damage to transformers from external
any other
building
or property,are
andlocated
provided
the building
is used
causes
where
the transformers
exposed
to physical
only
in
damage.
electric service
and thetransformers
interior is accessible
only to with
2. supplying
CASE OR ENCLOSURE.
Dry-type
shall be provided
qualified
a non-combustible moisture resistant case or enclosure which will
persons.
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

1. TYPE OF DOOR. Each doorway shall be provided with a tightfitting

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 Ventilation shall be adequate to prevent a transformer
10.Ventilation.
and latches shall be so arranged that the door may be readily
temperature
and
in excess of the prescribed values.
quickly opened from the inside.
1. LOCATION. Ventilation openings shall be located as far away
as
possible from doors, windows, fire escapes and combustible
material.

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

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 watercooled transformers are not deemed to be foreign to the electrical
installation.

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

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 approve

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 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 subservice 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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