The school buildings' electrical system calls the duty of Electrical

maintenance and repair practitioner.

Chapter 1
One of the practices of a licensed electrical practitioner is the maintenance and
repair of electrical systems. It can be also done by a non-licensed electrical practitioner but
with the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner. The practice covers all aspects
of testing and checking or inspection, repairing or fixing, making surveys and analysis,
identifying malfunctioning parts and components, and replacing elements of an
electrical system. Their function in a building or infrastructures with the conformity of the
codes will result in a safeguard to person and property from hazards arising from the use of
electricity. In addition, poor and improper building maintenance will cause more damages
and costly repair works if left unattended. (A. Suffian, 2013)
A building that lacks or has poor electrical maintenance and repair will have an impact on
its facilities and especially on the users and pedestrians. This responsibility calls the duty of
the maintenance manager to have a safe environment for both users and the building.
Violations and non-compliance to the codes or standards will usually result in a hazard to
users and damage to property that directly affects both money and life.
These could not just happen in infrastructures, power distribution lines, and plants but
also in a building where maintenance and repair on electrical systems are likely needed
especially in school buildings which are so much populated and developing. Wherein an
effective school facility is responsive to the changing programs of educational delivery, and
at a minimum should provide a physical environment that is comfortable, safe, secure,
accessible, well illuminated, well ventilated, and aesthetically pleasing. The school facility
consists of not only the furnishings, materials and supplies, equipment, and information
technology, as well as various aspects of the building grounds, namely, athletic fields,
playgrounds, areas for outdoor learning, and vehicular access and parking. The building also
includes physical structure and a variety of building systems, such as mechanical, plumbing,
electrical and power, telecommunications, security, and fire suppression systems. (J.
Lackney)
 

Statement of the problem

At PHINMA COC in the main campus located at Max Suniel St, Carmen, Cagayan de
Oro City, Philippines, the researcher of this study conducts a direct visual inspection of the
electrical system of the school building to collect cases that don't conform to the PEC
standards. With the scholastic intention to apply the practice of electrical maintenance and
repair through a direct visual inspection and investigation to gather codes and standards from
the collected cases of the researcher that the building may not adapt. Hence, this study seeks
to identify electrical system issues on the building subject that are not conforming to the
NBC of the Philippines and PEC standards from which calls the duty of electrical
maintenance and repair practitioner. The study also seeks to investigate and understand
each of the collected cases to consolidate corrective measures that will be recommended
after. 

Presentation of the problems

Many problems arise on a school building or infrastructure that has inadequate
maintenance and repair on its electrical system. Such cases like having poor electrical
maintenance that affects productivity, increases destructions to the operation, and some
other workplace problems that put the students, educators, and community members at risk.
Improper or lack of maintenance on a wiring system can also result to fire, electrocution,
serious injury, or even death. These circumstances mostly occur due to non-compliance to
the requirements of PEC provisions.

Below is a set of cases that calls the duty of a licensed electrical practitioner or a non-
licensed electrical practitioner but with the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner for
their practice of maintenance and repair to the electrical system of the said building subject.
Where cases are proficiently examined by the researchers to determine if the electrical
system of the said building conforms to the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code, as
mandated by Section 1301 of the National Building code of the Philippines. Where each
 presented case is analyzed based on its current situation with the precise or logical relevance
to the matter at hand.
 
Case 1: unused raceway opening

Repair works and

customizations leave some measures
that need to fix. Such as in case 1 that
shows a facility of the PHINMA COC
on the room CL5 in the MS side
building main campus. The room at that
instant was used as an ID printing
facility while serving as a stock room
for computer parts at the same time.
After some customization before on the
room space to fit the working
arrangement, the electrical PVC pipes
consisting of livewires are left lying
on the floor. This unsafe condition of
an electrical system contributes hazard
to the facility and the person in it. Taping the tip of the wires is not enough to avoid electrocution
since it is still open and accessible to the person around. The PVC pipe was fractured because
many passers had been stumbled on it since it was not noticeable as it was lying on the floor.
Current situation analysis and pertinent of case 1.
In this situation, the condition of the facility is unsafe for everyone inside and even for
the room itself. The fact that the electrical conduit was left lying on the floor consisting of a live
wire inside. The room is unmaintained in a safe working condition which does not comply
with one of the general requirements of a building on chapter1 section 104(c) of the NBC. The
wires are unconcealed, and the raceway opening is unused while the conduit body is left
lying. The damaged conduit body allows the wire unhidden and exposed to the pedestrians and
adversely affects their safe operation.

The case had violated the standards and provisions set by the Philippine Electrical Codes
and also to the NBCP. Below is a list of codes with their provisions pertinent to the issue.

● NBCP: chapter1 section 104(c) Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all
facilities found therein shall be maintained in safe, sanitary, and good working condition.
● PEC: chapter2, article 2.30, section 2.30.1.8 Raceway Seal.Where a service raceway
enters a building or structure from an underground distribution system, it shall be sealed
in accordance with Section 3.0.1.5(g). Spare or unused raceways shall also be sealed.
Sealants shall be identified for use with the cable insulation, shield, or other components.
● PEC: chapter 1, article 1.10, section 1.10.1.7 Insulation Integrity. Completed wiring installations
shall be free from short circuits and from grounds other than as required or permitted in Article
2.50 ( grounding and bonding).
● PEC: chapter 1, article 1.10, section 1.10.1.12 (a) Unused Openings. Unused cable or
raceway openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout boxes, meter
socket enclosures, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford
protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Where metallic plugs or
plates are used with nonmetallic enclosures, they shall be recessed at least 6 mm from the
outer surface of the enclosure.

This situation calls the attention of the maintenance and repair personnel of the building to
maintain the workplace safe to use. Many procedures that the assigned personnel can do to address the
problem. The unused cable or raceway openings shall be effectively closed to afford protection. One
alternative solution they can make is by concealing the wires or making the raceway sealed as mandated
by the PEC in article 2.30 section 2.30.1.8. Sealants shall be identified for use with the cable insulation,
shield, or other components. If this conductor is made for ready access to possible power outlets, it must
be properly racked with insulation integrity to provide safe and ready access.
Case 2: Unsecured equipment and deterioration

The second case presented in the

picture is a service system, where is
composed of a service raceway that
enters the building for the distribution of
energy. It is located at the side of the
MS PHINMA COC building where the
system is exposed directly to the
weather.
The term service system used by the
researcher in this study pertains to an
electrical distribution system from the
service entrance to the main switch
overcurrent protection. From which,
starting from the service entrance and to
the service meter then to the main
switch with the service raceway for
service conductor enclosure.

Current situation analysis and pertinent

of case 2.

There are three key issues that will

be highlighted in this case. First is an
unsecured or not firmly fastened
EMT conduit to insulating bushings
on the circular meterbase. According to
IEEE/ANSI Std. an electrical bushing is defined as “an insulating structure, including through a
conductor or providing a central passage for such a conductor, with provision for mounting a
barrier, conducting or otherwise, for the purpose of insulating the conductor from the barrier and
conducting current from one side of the barrier to the other.” This means that the insulating
bushings are mainly used to protect conductors concealed by a conduit as it enters a box or
enclosure. This will allow the conductors to enter the junctions smoothly without damage to wire
insulation. Its purpose and function breached by this case. From the picture above in case 2, it
was observed that the EMT a rigid metallic conduit is not properly connected to its
insulation bushing for it to be securely attached to the circular meterbase. This will affect the
service conductor for the reason that it is not protected from the abrasion of the metallic
conduit. This also allows the foreign particles or such rain to deteriorate internal parts of
the service meter due to its uncovered openings.
Case 2 also shows in the upper portion a deteriorated metallic elbow, it will be the next
issue for the analysis. In this situation, the deteriorated EMT elbow is used as part of the
raceway for the conductors that are distributed to the rooftop of the building. It can be observed,
that at the top of the conduit is a blue pipe. It is a type of PVC pipe used for ping water lines, but
at that moment it was used to carry the condensed water drops from an Air Conditioning unit.
The water drops continuously damps the metallic conduit pipe that causing the equipment
to deteriorate. The fact that the condensed water from the Air Conditioning coil has a PH level
between 2.9 and 4 which is considered acidic will obviously cause corrosion to the metallic
materials. (R. Welter, 2005)
The last key issue of case 2 is to be analyzed, and it is about the unconcealed service
conductor. The issue is pertinent to the analysis that was done on case 1, from which the
conductors are unhidden or unconcealed and are exposed to direct physical damage to its
insulation. In this situation, the service conductors from the service meter terminal to the main
switch overcurrent protection do not have enough insulation to provide protection against
moisture and abrasion.
 Below are the identified PEC provisions that where case 2 had violated. Provided that the
provisions that were already defined above will be cited with their article title to provide the
paper with clean and free from repeated phrases.
● PEC: chapter 1: General
○ article 1.10, section 1.10.1.11 Deteriorating Agents.
Unless identified for use in the operating environment, no conductors or equipment
shall be located in damp or wet locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors,
liquids, or other agents that have a deteriorating effect on the conductors or
equipment; or where exposed to excessive temperatures.
○ Article 1.10, Section 1.10.1.12 (c) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and
Connections.
Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators,
and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as
paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged
parts that may adversely affect the safe operation or mechanical strength of the
equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion,
chemical action, or overheating.
● PEC: chapter 3: Wiring methods and materials,
○ Article 3.0, section 3.0.1.6 Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration.
Raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets,
elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the
environment in which they are to be installed.
(a) Ferrous Metal Equipment.
Ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable
sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware
shall be suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside (except threads at joints) by a
coating of listed corrosion-resistant material. Where corrosion protection is necessary and the
conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically
conductive, corrosion-resistant compound.
Exception: Stainless steel shall not be required to have protective coatings.
○ Article 3.14, Section 3.14.2.3 Conductors Entering Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or
Fittings.
Conductors entering boxes, conduit bodies, or fittings shall be protected from
abrasion and shall comply with 3.14.2.3(a) through (d).
(a) Openings to Be Closed. Openings through which conductors enter shall be
adequately closed.
○ article 3.0, section 3.0.1.5 (g) Raceway Seals. Conduits or raceways through
which moisture may contact live parts shall be sealed or plugged at either or both
ends.
● NBCP: chapter1 section 104(c)
● PEC: chapter 1, article 1.10, section 1.10.1.7 Insulation Integrety

With the duty of a licensed electrical practitioner or non-licensed electrical practitioner

under the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner, the issues of this case will be correct
under the provisions required by the PEC above. That is to avoid installing equipment especially
a metallic one to the locations where it is exposed to an environment with deteriorating agents.
From which, protection against deterioration must be applied if installing such type of material is
required. Additionally, the finished installation is required to be with integrity to the electrical
system parts of the building safe and in good working condition.
Case 3: Installation error of current-limiting overcurrent device

Case 3 is the last case to be

analyzed in this study. The situation
is also part of the MS side of the
PHINMA COC main campus
building. In that situation, the
building fence was renovated with
concrete walls. At the top of the
renovated fence, is a circuit breaker
that is placed with wooded
enclosures. At that time, the circuit
breaker was at off state. It is currently
unused but both its line terminal and
its line conductor are live parts. The
load side of the circuit breaker with
the load conductor enclosed with a
flexible hose is distributed over the
fence to provide energy for the load
that will be used for the construction
of the fence as shown in the lower
part of the case 3 picture.

Current situation analysis and pertinent

of case3.
In case 3, the main issue here is the installation of the circuit breaker. Its location,
integrity of wiring, wiring methods, enclosures, and accessibility is also part of the issues of this
case. It is expedient to use the word overcurrent protection device here to mean the circuit
breaker since it is the term where the Philippine Electrical Code had used. Since circuit breaker
is also meant to protect against the potentially dangerous effects of overcurrents such as short-
circuiting current that creates a fault current. (K. Keller, 2010)

Below are the identified PEC provisions that were where case 3 had violated. Provided
that the provisions that were already defined above will be cited with their article title to provide
the paper with clean and free from repeated phrases.
● PEC: Chapter 2, Article 2.40 - Overcurrent protection
○ section 2.40.2.5 Location in or on Premises.
(a) Accessibility. Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible and shall be
installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or
circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.)
above the floor or working platform unless one of the following applies:
(1) For busways, as provided in 3.68.2.3.
(2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described in 2.40.1.10.
(3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 2.25.2.11 and 2.30.7.3.
(4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they supply, access
shall be permitted to be by portable means.
(b) Occupancy. Each occupant shall have ready access to all overcurrent devices
protecting the conductors supplying that occupancy.
'Exception No. 1: Where electric service and electrical maintenance are provided by the
building management and where these are under continuous building management
supervision, the service overcurrent devices and feeder overcurrent devices supplying
more than one occupancy shall be permitted to be accessible to only authorized
management personnel in the following:
"(1) Multiple-occupancy buildings
"(2) Guest rooms or guest suites of hotels and motels that are intended for transient
occupancy
Exception No. 2: Where electric service and electrical maintenance are provided by the
building management and where these are under continuous building management
supervision, the branch circuit overcurrent devices supplying any guest rooms or guest
suites shall be permitted to be accessible to only authorized management personnel for
guest rooms of hotels and motels that are intended for transient occupancy.
(c) Not Exposed to Physical Damage. Overcurrent devices shall be located where they will not
be exposed to physical damage.
 FPN: See 1.10.1.11, Deteriorating Agents.
○ Section 2.40.3.1(a) Protection from Physical Damage.
Overcurrent devices shall be protected from physical damage by one of the following:
(1) Installation in enclosures, cabinets, cutout boxes, or equipment assemblies
(2) Mounting on open-type switchboards, panelboards, or control boards that are in
rooms or enclosures free from dampness and easily ignitible material and are
accessible only to qualified personnel
○ Section 2.40.3.4 Vertical Position.
Enclosures for overcurrent devices shall be mounted in a vertical position unless that is shown
to be impracticable. Circuit breaker enclosures shall be permitted to be installed horizontally
where the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 2.40.7.2. Listed busway plug-in units
shall be permitted to be mounted in orientations corresponding to the busway mounting
position.
○ Section 2.40.7.2 Indicating. Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the
open “off” or closed “on” position. Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically
rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up” position of the handle shall be the “on”
position.
● NBCP: chapter1 section 104(c)
● PEC: chapter 1, article 1.10, section 1.10.1.7 Insulation Integrety

As what is required above from the PEC provisions, the issue of installing errors of circuit
breakers and other Overcurrent protection devices will not happen if following those provisions are
followed. The practice of electrical maintenance and repair is really the need of this issue to be addressed.
To maintain the facility safe by securing the electrical parts of the school building under the PEC
provisions from which mandated by the NBC of the Philippines.

Significance of the study

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following:
To the school building maintenance manager. The study will provide them the interest to
further supports their maintenance management on their building, especially to the electrical
system. They will realize the importance of the duty of electrical maintenance and repair
practices to safeguard their infrastructure, students, educators, and community members at risk
from possible electric hazards.
To the students, educators, and community members of the school building. The study will
provide an idea and information to the students, educators, and community members of the
school building regarding the importance of abiding by the provisions required by the PEC and
NBCP. And how it provides safety against hazards arising from the use of electricity. The study
will make them also aware and concerned about the electrical system issues so that if they can
encounter this related situation or problem they will have their initiative steps.
To the Electrical Practitioners. To the electrical practitioners, both licensed and non-licensed
who wishes to be part of the field of maintenance and repair. The result of the study will provide
learning regarding the importance of complying with the electrical standards and building codes.
The study also provides an idea regarding the importance of the practice to exercise on abiding
by the provisions set by the electrical laws and building codes upon making their duty.

Chapter 2

Background of the study including a synopsis of the relevant information

The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) and the National Building Code of the Philippines
(NBCP or NBC) are the areas of knowledge of this study. Where the researcher referred upon for
the analysis of each case that they are examined. The researcher conducts a direct visual
inspection of the electrical system of the PHINMA COC MS building to collect cases that don't
conform to the PEC standards. The inspection is done personally by the researcher at Max Suniel
St, Carmen, Cagayande Oro City, Philippines where the school building is located. Each of the
electrical issues that the researcher found is taken a picture to have an illustration of the actual
issue. The action that is done by the researcher is with the provision of the security personnel of
the building, where the building at that time was closed and the researcher was able to
investigate only at the outside premises of the building.
The issues in each case of this study that the researcher had examined from the building
were consolidated and analyzed to determine the specific or relevant provisions that each case
had violated. Most of the issues that the researcher had found are directly related to the
provisions of the PEC. From which the key issues are concerning installation error, insulation
integrity, poor maintenance, and unrepaired electrical systems equipment issues. Where all of
these issues don’t conform to the NBCP chapter1 section 104(c) which mandated that buildings
or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall be maintained in
safe, sanitary, and good working condition. Additionally, the NBCP also mandates in section
708(j) that all electrical installations shall conform to the requirements of the Philippine
Electrical Code. This means that buildings really need the duty of the electrical maintenance and
repair practitioner to ensure the safe and good working conditions of the electrical system parts
of the building under the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code.

As from The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) led Jim Pauley the President
and Chief Executive Officer - Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements. An international
nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to
fire, electrical and related hazards. The committee states that an electrical system must be
properly designed, properly installed, and properly maintained to be considered safe to operate or
to maintain. In Chapter 2 (scope no. 3)of NFPA 70E, it defines maintenance as preserving or
restoring the condition of electrical equipment and installations, or parts of either, for the safety
of employees who work and are exposed to electrical hazards. It suggests that repair or
replacement of individual portions or parts of equipment shall be permitted but without requiring
modification or replacement of other portions or parts that are in a safe condition. Where the
practice must be done by a qualified person as suggested in its article 2005.1 they shall be trained
in, and familiar with, the specific maintenance procedures and tests required. In its chapter 1, a
qualified person shall be trained and knowledgeable in the construction and operation of
equipment or a specific work method and be trained to identify and avoid the electrical hazards
that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method. Such persons shall also be
familiar with the proper use of the special precautionary techniques, applicable electrical policies
and procedures, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment.
A person can be considered qualified with respect to certain equipment and methods but still be
unqualified for others.

Decision criteria
This section covers the decision criteria and the definition of terms.

In any electrical system issues in a building that may be faced. The following decision
criteria will be used to ensure that the practice of electrical maintenance and repair will have the
best solution to the problem being faced. (The criteria are listed in order of importance including
the weighting of each criterion):
● All the electrical system equipment and installation must come after with the PEC and
other related electrical laws and even the NBC mandatory and permissive rules (60%);
● All the electrical system equipment and installation must be safe at all times and provide
safety to all (30%); and
● All the electrical system equipment and installation that is done must provide good
working performance (10%).

The following is the definition of the terms that are used in the decision criteria.

Mandatory Rules. Mandatory rules are those that identify actions that are specifically required
or prohibited and are characterized usually by the use of the terms shall or shall not

Permissive Rules. Permissive rules are those that identify actions that are allowed but not
required, are normally used to describe options or alternative methods, and are usually
characterized by the use of the terms shall be permitted or shall not be required.

Good working performance. This is characterized by accuracy, neatness, attention to detail,

consistency, thoroughness, high standards, and follows procedures.
Assumptions
The researcher assumes that a building that has poor electrical maintenance and repair to
its electrical system calls the duty of a licensed electrical practitioner or a non-licensed electrical
practitioner but with the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner. Where the building
manager will be having the responsibility to all unmanaged systems in the building.
The researcher also assumed that all the identified issues in this study are preventable and
can be addressed by the practice of electrical maintenance and repair licensed electrical
practitioner or a non-licensed electrical practitioner but with the supervision of a licensed
electrical practitioner. Provided that following the provisions of the standards of the code.

Presentation of data and analysis

The data presented in this section will be based on the Philippine Electrical Code and the
National Building code of the Philippines. From which the issues in this study had involved. And
the identified provisions will be analyzed carefully.

Philippine Electrical Code (2009)

Part (1) Volume (1)

Chapter 1. General
ARTICLE 110 — REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
Part 1.10.1 General

Section 1.10.1.7 Insulation Integrity.

Completed wiring installations shall be free from short circuits and from grounds other than as
required or permitted in Article 2.50.

Section 1.10.1.11 Deteriorating Agents.

Unless identified for use in the operating environment, no conductors or equipment shall be
located in damp or wet locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or other agents that
have a deteriorating effect on the conductors or equipment; or where exposed to excessive
temperatures.
FPN No. 1: See 3.0.1.6 for protection against corrosion.
FPN No. 2: Some cleaning and lubricating compounds can cause severe deterioration of many plastic materials used
for insulating and structural applications in equipment.

Equipment identified only as “dry locations,” “Type 1,” or “indoor use only” shall be protected
against permanent damage from the weather during building construction.

Section 1.10.1.12 Mechanical Execution of Work.

Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.
FPN: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA 1-2000, Standard Practices for Good Workmanship in Electrical Contracting, and other
ANSIapproved installation standards.
(a) Unused Openings.
Unused cable or raceway openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout
boxes, meter socket enclosures, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to
afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Where metallic plugs or
plates are used with nonmetallic enclosures, they shall be recessed at least 6 mm from the outer
surface of the enclosure.
c) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections.
Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other
surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster,
cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely
affect the safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken;
bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.

Chapter 2. Wiring and Protection

Article 2.30: Services

Section 2.30.1.8 Raceway Seal
Where a service raceway enters a building or structure from an underground distribution
system, it shall be sealed in accordance with Section 3.0.1.5(g). Spare or unused raceways shall also be
sealed. Sealants shall be identified for use with the cable insulation, shield, or other components.
Article 3.40 Overcurrent Protection

Part 2.40.2 Location

Section 2.40.2.5 Location in or on Premises.
(a) Accessibility.
Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible and shall be installed so that the center of the
grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not
more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform unless one of the following
applies:
 (1) For busways, as provided in 3.68.2.3.

(2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described in 2.40.1.10.

(3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 2.25.2.11 and 2.30.7.3.

(4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they supply, access
shall be permitted to be by portable means.

(b) Occupancy.
Each occupant shall have ready access to all overcurrent devices protecting the conductors
supplying that occupancy.
'Exception No. 1: Where electric service and electrical maintenance are provided by the
building management and where these are under continuous building management
supervision, the service overcurrent devices and feeder overcurrent devices supplying more
than one occupancy shall be permitted to be accessible to only authorized management
personnel in the following:

"(1) Multiple-occupancy buildings

"(2) Guest rooms or guest suites of hotels and motels that are intended for transient occupancy

Exception No. 2: Where electric service and electrical maintenance are provided by the
building management and where these are under continuous building management
supervision, the branch circuit overcurrent devices supplying any guest rooms or guest suites
shall be permitted to be accessible to only authorized management personnel for guest rooms
of hotels and motels that are intended for transient occupancy.

(c) Not Exposed to Physical Damage.

Overcurrent devices shall be located where they will not be exposed to physical damage.
FPN: See 1.10.1.11, Deteriorating Agents.

Part 2.40.3 Enclosures

Section 2.40.3.1 General.
(a) Protection from Physical Damage.
Overcurrent devices shall be protected from physical damage by one of the following:
(1) Installation in enclosures, cabinets, cutout boxes, or equipment assemblies
(2) Mounting on open-type switchboards, panelboards, or control boards that are in
rooms or enclosures free from dampness and easily ignitible material and are
accessible only to qualified personnel.

Section 2.40.3.4 Vertical Position

Enclosures for overcurrent devices shall be mounted in a vertical position unless that is shown
to be impracticable. Circuit breaker enclosures shall be permitted to be installed horizontally where the
circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 2.40.7.2. Listed busway plug-in units shall be permitted
to be mounted in orientations corresponding to the busway mounting position.

Part 2.40.7 Circuit Breakers

Section 2.40.7.2 Indicating
Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open “off” or closed “on”
position.
Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up”
position of the handle shall be the “on” position.

Chapter 3: Wiring Methods and materials

Article 3.0 Wiring Methods

Part 3.0.1 General Requirements
Section 3.0.1.6 Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration.
Raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets,
elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the
environment in which they are to be installed.

(a) Ferrous Metal Equipment.

Ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable
sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware
shall be suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside (except threads at joints) by a
coating of listed corrosion- resistant material. Where corrosion protection is necessary and the
conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically
conductive, corrosion-resistant compound.

Exception: Stainless steel shall not be required to have protective coatings.

(1) Protected from Corrosion Solely by Enamel

Where protected from corrosion solely by enamel, ferrous metal raceways, cable trays,
cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows,
couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall not be used outdoors or
in wet locations as described in 3.0.1.6(d).

(2) Organic Coatings on Boxes or Cabinets.

Where boxes or cabinets have an approved system of organic coatings and are marked
“Raintight,” “Rainproof,” or “Outdoor Type,” they shall be permitted outdoors.
(3) In Concrete or in Direct Contact with the Earth.

Ferrous metal raceways, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows,
couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be permitted to be
installed in concrete or in direct contact with the earth, or in areas subject to severe
corrosive influences where made of material approved for the condition, or where
provided with corrosion protection approved for the condition.

b) Non-Ferrous Metal Equipment.

Non-ferrous raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable
sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware
embedded or encased in concrete or in direct contact with the earth shall be provided with
supplementary corrosion protection.

(c) Nonmetallic Equipment.

Nonmetallic raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, boxes, cables with a nonmetallic
outer jacket and internal metal armor or jacket, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings,
nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be made of material approved for the
condition and shall comply with (c)(1) and (c)(2) as applicable to the specific installation.
(1) Exposed to Sunlight.

Where exposed to sunlight, the materials shall be listed as sunlight resistant or shall be
 identified as sunlight resistant.
(2) Chemical Exposure.

Where subject to exposure to chemical solvents, vapors, splashing, or immersion,

materials or coatings shall either be inherently resistant to chemicals based on its listing
or be identified for the specific chemical reagent.

(d) Indoor Wet Locations.

In portions of dairy processing facilities, laundries, canneries, and other indoor wet locations,
and in locations where walls are frequently washed or where there are surfaces of absorbent
materials, such as damp paper or wood, the entire wiring system, where installed exposed,
including all boxes, fittings, raceways, and cable used therewith, shall be mounted so that there
is at least a 6 mm airspace between it and the wall or supporting surface.
Exception: Nonmetallic raceways, boxes, and fittings shall be permitted to be installed without
the airspace on a concrete, masonry, tile, or similar surface.

FPN: In general, areas, where acids and alkali chemicals are handled and stored, may present such corrosive
conditions, particularly when wet or damp. Severe corrosive conditions may also be present in portions of
meatpacking plants, tanneries, glue houses, and some stables; in installations immediately adjacent to a seashore
and swimming pool areas; in areas where chemical deicers are used; and in storage cellars or rooms for hides,
casings, fertilizer, salt, and bulk chemicals.

Section 3.0.1.5 Underground Installations.

(g) Raceway seals
Conduits or raceways through which moisture may contact live parts shall be sealed or plugged
at either or both ends.
FPN: Presence of hazardous gases or vapors may also necessitate sealing of underground
conduits or raceways entering buildings

The table for minimum cover requirements will be provided at the Apendecies past of this paper.

Article 3.14 - Outlet, Device, Pull, And Junction Boxes; Conduit Bodies; Fittings; And Handhole
Enclosures
Part 3.14.2 Installation
Section 3.14.2.3 Conductors Entering Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings.
Conductors entering boxes, conduit bodies, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion and shall
comply with 3.14.2.3(a) through (d).
(a) Openings to Be Closed. Openings through which conductors enter shall be adequately
closed.
(b) Metal Boxes and Conduit Bodies. Where metal boxes or conduit bodies are installed with
messenger supported wiring, open wiring on insulators, or concealed knob-and-tube wiring,
conductors shall enter through insulating bushings or, in dry locations, through flexible tubing
extending from the last insulating support to not less than 6 mm inside the box and beyond any
cable clamps. Except as provided in 3.0.1.15(c), the wiring shall be firmly secured to the box or
conduit body. Where raceway or cable is installed with metal boxes or conduit bodies, the
raceway or cable shall be secured to such boxes and conduit bodies.
(c) Nonmetallic Boxes and Conduit Bodies. Nonmetallic boxes and conduit bodies shall be
suitable for the lowest temperature-rated conductor entering the box. Where nonmetallic boxes
and conduit bodies are used with messenger supported wiring, open wiring on insulators, or
concealed knob-and-tube wiring, the conductors shall enter the box through individual holes.
Where flexible tubing is used to enclose the conductors, the tubing shall extend from the last
insulating support to not less than 6 mm inside the box and beyond any cable clamp. Where
nonmetallic-sheathed cable or multiconductor Type UF cable is used, the sheath shall extend
not less than 6 mm inside the box and beyond any cable clamp. In all instances, all permitted
wiring methods shall be secured to the boxes.
Exception: Where nonmetallic-sheathed cable or multiconductor Type UF cable is used with single gang
boxes not larger than a nominal size 57 mm × 100 mm mounted in walls or ceilings, and where the cable is
fastened within 200 mm of the box measured along the sheath and where the sheath extends through a cable
knockout not less than 6 mm, securing the cable to the box shall not be required. Multiple cable entries shall
be permitted in a single cable knockout opening.
(d) Conductors 22 mm2 or Larger. Installation shall comply with 3.0.1.4(f)
FPN: See 1.10.1.12(a) for requirements on closing unused cable and raceway knockout openings.
 Chapter 1 covers the general requirements for all electrical installations. Where it
provides provisions that the issues in this study had not to conform with. It also provides
information and direct recommendations to the exact installations of electrical equipment.
In chapter 2 of PEC provisions discuss wiring protection procedures. It mandates the
proper and recommended sealing of the raceway from which are not followed by some of the key
issues in the cases examined by the researcher. Chapter 2 also provides permissive rules for the
location, position, and enclosures for installing overcurrent protection devices. Which highlights
the accessibility, indicating, occupancy, and should not expose to physical damage.
In chapter 3, it provides the provisions for wiring methods and materials, It contains
provisions for protection against corrosion and deterioration for both metallic and non-metallic
electrical system equipment. It also provides information on proper installations of raceways on
underground locations and protection against abrasion.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE (P.D.) NO. 1096

ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (NBCP)
THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE
(R.A. No. 6541)

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 101. Title.
This Decree shall be known as the "National Building Code of the Philippines" and shall
hereinafter be referred to as the "Code".
Section 104. General Building Requirements.
(a) All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all
respects to the principles of the safe construction and must be suited to the purpose for which
they are designed.
(b) Buildings or structures intended to be used for the manufacture and/or production of any
kind of article or product shall observe adequate environmental safeguards.
(c) Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein shall be
maintained in safe, sanitary, and good working conditions.

Section 101. Title. Provides the title for the decree which hereinafter referred to as a Code.
Section 104. States the general building requirements, from which mandates at the letter c in the
subsection that “ Buildings or structures and all parts thereof as well as all facilities found therein
shall be maintained in safe, sanitary, and good working conditions.” This provision is what
generally had violated by the issues in each case examined in this study.

Argument
In this section, the argument on the data presented above will be discussed to support the claim of the
researcher on the issues found in the electrical system of the said school building. This will provide a
thorough understanding of the importance of following the standards set by the electrical laws that
conform to the mandated provisions on NBC section 104(c).

Philippine Electrical Code in 2009 volume 1 Article 110 of chapter1 with the title "
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS". In section 1.10.1.7, the general provision
of the PEC to the completed wiring installations mandates to provide insulation integrity. That is to have
the wirings free from the short circuits and from grounds unless it is required to have a grounding system
for the protection of the equipment. This mandatory rule applies to all wiring issues especially those not
having insulation integrity. In section 1.10.1.11 provides a mandatory environment location on
installations of equipment. It specifies that the location of the equipment to be installed must be free from
deteriorating agents. Or alternatively, the equipment to be installed must be designed for that working
environment. It also identifies the deteriorating agents as gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, and other agents
that have the deteriorating effect that deteriorates the material of equipment. In case 2, the researcher
claims that this provision is what the issue also not conformed. The FPN or fine print note of this section
directs for section 3.0.1.6 that provides provision for the protection against corrosion. It is important to
note here that FPN no. 2 suggests that some cleaning and lubricating compounds can cause severe
deterioration of many plastic materials used for insulating and structural applications in equipment. In
section 1.10.1.12 of the same article, it mandates for mechanical execution of work. That all electrical
equipment shall be installed in a workmanlike manner. This means to standardize the practice for having
good workmanship in doing any duty especially in the practice of maintenance and repair. Case 1 directly
breaches this provision as it contains the issue of not effectively closing the unused raceway opening.

Chapter 2 on PEC provides the provision for Wiring and Protection. Article 2.30 section
2.30.1.8, mandates protection on underground wiring by sealing the raceway. Which also mandates
sealing the unused raceway. This section along with section 1.10.1.12 in chapter 1 applies to the issue of
case 1. Where case 2 also breaches the provision of this section. In article 3.40 of the same chapter, Part 2
provides the sections for the location for installation of overcurrent protection devices or known as
OCPD. Where in its section 2.40.2.5 mandates for the location of OCPD in or on-premises. It highlights
the accessibility, occupancy, and location that doesn’t provide physical damage to the device. In part
2.40.3 in the same chapter of PEC discusses the provisions for the enclosure of OCPD. Where in section
2.40.3.1 provides general protection from physical damage. It mandates that Overcurrent devices shall be
protected from physical damage by one from its given methods. In section 2.40.3.4 of the same part, it
mandates for the vertical positioning of the OCPDs such as a circuit breaker that must be mounted with
enclosures and the proper indication of operation ( off or on the state) as what section 2.40.7.2 had
mandated also. Further mandatory of section 2.40.7.2 mandates that the circuit breaker handles must be
operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up” position of the handle shall be the
“on” position. This section along with section Section 2.40.2.5, and Section 2.40.3.1. is what case 3 had
violated

In chapter 3 article 3,0 part 3.0.1, covers the general requirements for wiring methods and
materials. In section 3.0.1.6, provides information and mandates that any electrical system equipment
materials that are being installed must be suitable for the environment in which they are to be installed
from which cases 2 and case 3 had violated also and supports the claims of the researcher. In part 3.14.2
section 3.14.2.3 in the same chapter, it mandates that the wiring methods and installations of conductors
entering the boxes, conduit bodies, and or fittings must be protected from abrasions. That is by closing the
openings, using insulation bushings or flexible tubing if necessary, securing boxes and conduit bodies,
and like. These methods and provisions is what case 1,2, and 3 had violated also.

All of the violations that are stated above regarding the electrical system of the building is what makes the
building parts unsafe and thus needs the duty of an electrical practitioner licensed or non-licensed but
with supervisions of the licensed one as what section 1.0.1.1(c ) had mandated. The building is considered
unsafe due to the poor maintenance and repair of its electrical system and thus violated section 104 of the
general building requirements of NBCP.

Evidence
The argument and claims of the researcher that is presented in this study are based on the
electrical system issues of the building that don’t conform to the Philippine Electrical Code and
National Building Code of the Philippines. Where the Philippine Electrical Code is intended for
the exclusive use of licensed electrical practitioners (PEE, REE, and RME). This Code is not
intended as a design specification nor an instruction manual for a non-licensed electrical
practitioner, unless under the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner as what is mandated
in section 1.0.1.1(c) of this code. Violation of these Codes directly affects the professional
practitioners as it can result in the loss of professional certification due to some consequences
and penalties obtained. Knowing that this Code is directly related to the republic act of 184. To
the building, it will increase the risk of electrical fires, electrical shocks, and other electrical
hazards.
The collected data used in this study is directly from the said Codes that which sets as a
piece of direct evidence for providing the arguments, justifications, and analysis towards the
electrical issue of the building that is presented by the researcher. Where pictures in each case
are a piece of actual evidence that illustrates the issues being analyzed. The illustrative evidence
is captured through an actual visit and inspection of the researcher to the said school building.

Key issues and goals

The electrical system of the said building has maintenance and repair issues where cases
examined by the researcher show major issues for having violations to the provisions set by the
PEC and NBCP. Some key issues found are regarding electrical system equipment installations,
protection, and wiring methods. Hence, the study identifies electrical system issues on the
building that are not conforming to the NBC of the Philippines and PEC standards from which
calls the duty of electrical maintenance and repair practices. And will investigate and understand
each of the collected cases to consolidate corrective measures that will be recommended after.
Hence, further, the study will become recommendable to support the actions that will be made
for the said school building upon addressing its electrical system issues.

Chapter 3

Recommendations
 This study will be recommended to all of the buildings that use electricity and especially
and specifically to the building subject of this study. The consolidated cases that were collected
and analyzed by the researcher from the building subject will be set as a basis for all buildings.
Where it is highly recommended by the researchers that all buildings that have an electrical
system must have their electrical system conforming to the electrical and building provisions that
were set as standards. And a building must have proper maintenance and repairs to all of its
parts, especially to the electrical system. To the licensed electrical practitioners, based on the
analysis of this study, it is recommended for them to use the codes and make this part of their
practice as they are doing their duty. This recommendation also includes the non-licensed
electrical practitioner but with the supervision of the licensed electrical practitioner. Also, this
study is recommendable to support the actions that will be made for the said school building
upon addressing its electrical system issues.

● all buildings and especially and specifically to the building subject of this study
that have an electrical system must have their electrical system conforming the
electrical and building provisions that were set as standards
● It is also recommended that buildings must have their maintenance programs
that pertains to investigate and understands the building problems to provide the
bect corrective measures
● To the licensed electrical practitioners, based on the analysis of this study, it is
recommended for them to use the codes and make this part of their practice as
they are doing their duty.

Concluding Statement

In conclusion, the study attains to finding the key issues that are pertinent to the PEC and
NBCP provisions from which it was violated. The researchers also managed to show the
importance of these code provisions to the practitioner and to the building to maintain safety and
provide free from electrical hazards. Furthermore, the study had proved that the said building
subject really needs the duty of an electrical practitioner of both licensed and non-licensed
electrical practitioner but with the supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner to secure,
maintain, and repair its electrical system. However, it is important to have a maintenance
program for a building that is driven by a well-trained worker.

● The study attains to identify the electrical system issues on the building subject that are not
conforming to the NBC of the Philippines and PEC standards from which calls the duty of
electrical maintenance and repair practitioner
● The study had managed to investigate and understand each of the collected cases and
consolidates corrective measures that they used for recommendation.
● The researchers also managed to show the importance of these code provisions to the
practitioner and to the building to maintain safety and provide free from electrical hazards.
● the study had proved that the said building subject really needs the duty of an electrical
practitioner of both licensed and non-licensed electrical practitioner but with the supervision
of a licensed electrical practitioner to secure, maintain, and repair its electrical system.
● it is important to have a maintenance program for a building that is driven by a well-trained
worker.

References

Ahmad, S.Some Common Maintenance Problems and Building Defects: Our Experiences,
Procedia Engineering, Volume 54, 2013, Pages 101-108
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705813003639?via%3Dihub

Keller, K.(2010) Chapter 5 - Electrical System Grounding and Bonding, Pages 91-122
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781856176545000054)
Moore, M. (2010, May 1) Electrical Maintenance Practices that Impact Safety
https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21907082/electrical-maintenance-practices-that-impact-
safety

Lackney, A., & Picus, L.(n.d.) School Facilities: OVERVIEW, MAINTENANCE AND
MODERNIZATION
https://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/2394/School-Facilities.html

Welter, R.(2015, March 3) Do you need a Condensate Neutralizer?

https://welterheating.com/condensate-neutralizer/

Philippine Electrical Code 2009 (PHI)(PH)

https://iiee.org.ph:89/uploads/files/1021.pdf

National Building Code of the Philippines 1977 (PHI)(PH)

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1977/02/19/presidential-decree-no-1096-s-1977/

Platinumelectricians.(n.d.). 4 Ways Poor Electrical Maintenance Can Cost Your Business.

https://www.platinumelectricians.com.au/blog/4-ways-poor-electrical-maintenance-can-cost-
your-business/

nfpa.(n.d.). National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

https://www.nfpa.org/About-NFPA/NFPA-leadership

studyelectrical. (n.d.) Electrical Bushings – Types, Purpose and Construction with Diagrams.
https://studyelectrical.com/2015/09/electrical-bushings-types-and-purpose-classification-
construction.html

Appendices

Table 3.0.1.5 Minimum Cover Requirements, 0 to 600 Volts, Nominal, Burial in Millimeters