Philippine Electrical Code Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the acceptable methods for protecting service entrance conductors from physical damage?

By wooden casing

By IMC (correct)

By RMC (correct)

By non-metallic conduits

What is the maximum number of switches or circuit breakers allowed in a single enclosure for service disconnecting means?

Six (correct)

Ten

Eight

Four

Where should the service disconnecting means be installed?

In the basement only

Only outside the building

At a readily accessible location nearest the service entrance (correct)

In a locked cabinet

What is the minimum rating required for a service disconnecting means in a one-circuit installation?

15 amperes Signup and view all the answers

For a one-family dwelling, what rating is required for the service disconnecting means if the initial computed load is 10 kVA or more?

60 amperes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about circuit breakers is true?

They shall have an interrupting rating not less than the maximum available short-circuit current. Signup and view all the answers

What amount of amperage is required for the service disconnecting means in two circuit installations?

30 amperes Signup and view all the answers

In large installations, how is the feeder distribution typically arranged?

One feeder for each floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of overcurrent protection as outlined in the PEC?

To protect electrical circuits and equipment from damage due to overcurrent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Philippine Electrical Code?

Promotion of renewable energy use Signup and view all the answers

What are mandatory rules in the context of the PEC?

Rules that must be followed as they use the word 'SHALL' Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical feature of emergency systems as specified in the PEC?

They ensure functionality of critical facilities during power outages Signup and view all the answers

How does the PEC address special installations such as swimming pools?

It has specific regulations to ensure their safe operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of regular inspections and maintenance according to the PEC?

They ensure electrical systems remain in safe working condition over time Signup and view all the answers

What does strict compliance with the provisions of the PEC guarantee?

Safety in electrical installation and construction Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the updates made to the PEC?

Updates integrate new technologies and safety standards periodically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the schedule of motor loads?

Number of switches in each circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of grounding a circuit?

To permanently fix a zero voltage point Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the design computation required for illuminating designs?

Tabulated lighting levels in lux for critical areas Signup and view all the answers

What elements must be indicated for lighting and power loads in the schedule?

Voltage circuit Signup and view all the answers

Where should the panelboard be installed for accessibility?

In or against a wall accessible only from the front Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connection is suitable for establishing grounding according to the guidelines?

Connection to a rod or group of rods Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered in the sizing of branch circuit wires?

Designation number on plan Signup and view all the answers

Which of these ratings is crucial for determining the safety of circuit protective devices?

Fuse or trip rating Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Class I, Division 2 location?

Locations confining flammable liquids, vapors, or gases in closed systems with potential for accidental release. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best describes a Class II, Division 1 location?

An area where combustible dust is consistently in the air in hazardous quantities. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Class II, Division 2 location differ from a Division 1 location?

Dust accumulations are normally insufficient to interfere with electrical equipment operation. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typical for a Class I, Division 2 location regarding gas concentrations?

Positive mechanical ventilation typically prevents ignitible concentrations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk in Class II, Division 2 locations?

Electrical equipment that cannot safely dissipate heat. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the boundaries of a Class I, Division 2 location?

Proximity to Class I, Division 1 locations without adequate ventilation safeguards. Signup and view all the answers

What could cause a Class II, Division 1 location to produce ignitible mixtures?

Abnormal operations of machinery or equipment. Signup and view all the answers

In a Class I, Division 2 location, what is the main preventive measure against hazards?

Use of closed containers to hold flammable materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of installing the panelboard near the load center?

To reduce the length of home wiring runs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a branch circuit?

It refers to the conductors between the circuit protection device and the outlets Signup and view all the answers

What is considered overcurrent in an electrical circuit?

Current exceeding the rated current capacity of the load equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements highlights an advantage of circuit breakers over fuses?

Circuit breakers can be reset after tripping without replacement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of ampacity?

The current-carrying capacity of an electric conductor Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is NOT a cause of overcurrent?

A normal operating condition of the circuit Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes a fuse from a circuit breaker?

Fuses open the circuit with a fusible element during overcurrent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes one of the advantages of using a fuse?

Fuses can remain functional for long periods without maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philippine Electrical Code (PEC)

Establishes safety standards for electrical systems and equipment
Mandated by R.A. 7920 (formerly R.A. 184), the New Electrical Engineering Law
Covers electrical installations inside and outside buildings
Includes mandatory and advisory rules
Aims to ensure safe use of electricity and adequate electrical installations

Protection of Electrical Circuits

Overcurrent protection: protects circuits and equipment from overcurrent conditions
Wiring protection: protects wiring from physical damage, moisture, and environmental factors
Hazardous locations: provides guidelines for installing electrical systems in areas with flammable materials
Emergency systems: outlines requirements for emergency power systems and backup generators
Special installations: establishes specific regulations for pools, elevators, and renewable energy systems
Inspections and Maintenance: emphasizes the importance of periodic inspections and maintenance

Service Entrance Conductors

Protected from physical damage by:
- RMC (Rigid Metal Conduit)
- IMC (Intermediate Metal Conduit)
- RNMC (Reinforced Non-Metallic Conduit)
- EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing)
- Type MC cable
- Other approved means

Service Equipment - Disconnecting Means

General: Disconnects all conductors in a building from the service-entrance conductors.
Number of Disconnecting Means: Not more than six switches or six circuit breakers per set or subset of service entrance conductor.
Location: Readily accessible location, inside or outside the building, nearest the entrance of the service entrance conductor.
Rating: Not less than the load to be carried, with specific minimum ratings based on the number of circuits:
- One circuit: minimum of 15 amperes
- Two circuits: minimum of 30 amperes
- One family dwelling:
  - 60 amperes for initial computed loads of 10 kVA or more
  - 100 amperes for initial installations of six or more 2-wire branch circuits
- Other installations: minimum of 40 amperes

Feeders and Mains

Large installations: One feeder per floor
Schedule of Loads and Computations: Tabulated form indicating load details for:
- Motor loads: Motor number, type, HP/kW/kVA rating, voltage, current, frequency, and number of phases
- Lighting and Power Loads: Panel number, circuit designation, number of outlets, switches, convenience outlets, voltage circuit, and fuse/trip rating
- Other Loads: Load designation, description, service duty, rating (kVA or kW), phase loading, and voltage rating

Grounding Protection

Provides a zero voltage point in the system
Grounded line should not be broken or fused
Methods of grounding:
- Connection to a buried cold water main
- Connection to a rod or group of rods
- Connection to a buried ground plate

Panelboard

Single panel or group of units with buses, overcurrent protective devices, switches for control of light, heat, or power circuits
Installed in a cabinet or cutout box
Principles of installation:
- Accessible and convenient approach
- Centrally located to shorten wiring runs
- Installed near the load center (often near the kitchen and laundry)

Branch Circuit

Wiring between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlets
Common practice includes outlet receptacles and other wiring devices within the definition

Overcurrent Protection

Any current exceeding the rated capacity of equipment or conductors is called overcurrent
Causes:
- Overload in equipment conductors
- Short circuits or ground faults
Conductors must be protected against overcurrent based on ampacity

Circuit Breaker and Fuse

Circuit Breaker: Overcurrent protective device that also functions as a switch
Fuse: Overcurrent protective device with a fusible element that opens when there is an overcurrent
Advantages of circuit breaker over fuse:
- Acts as a switch
- Trips automatically and can be reset after correcting the fault
Advantages of fuse over circuit breaker:
- Reliable and stable
- Requires less maintenance

Hazardous Locations

Class I Locations: Hazardous due to flammable liquids, gases, or vapors
- Division 1: Ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors normally present
- Division 2: Ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors can be present due to accidental rupture or malfunctions
Class II Locations: Hazardous due to combustible dust
- Division 1: Combustible dust normally present in air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive mixtures
- Division 2: Combustible dust not normally present in air, but can be suspended due to malfunctions
Class III Locations: Hazardous due to combustible fibers or materials

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Description

This quiz covers the essentials of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), which establishes safety standards for electrical systems and installations. It addresses rules for overcurrent protection, wiring, hazardous locations, and emergency systems. This essential knowledge is vital for ensuring the safe use of electricity in various environments.