I.

Introduction
Purpose
This article is intended for PEE, REE, and RME who are starting to
prepare electrical plans and specifications. The following discussions
contain basic knowledge and requirements in the electrical design of
single storey and single occupancy residential building, and high-rise
residential/commercial condominium buildings.

Reminder
In accordance with the New Electrical Engineering Law
(RA#7920), Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE), Registered
Electrical Engineer (REE), and Registered Master Electrician (RME)
may prepare electrical plans, specifications and other related
documents but only a PEE can sign and seal these plans,
specifications, other related documents, and practice electrical
engineering in its full scope.

2
II. Review of Basic Design Requirements

2.1.0 Definition
The definitions in PEC1 2009 apply in this presentation and
only selected additional definitions which are applicable and
necessary in the design of high-rise residential/commercial
condominium building are presented.

2.1.1. Building
A roofed structure, which stands alone or that is cut-off from
adjoining structures by firewalls with all openings therein are
protected by approved fire doors and which is constructed with
columns, walls and flooring, and intended for the support, shelter
or enclosures of person, animal, chattel, or property of any kind.

3
2.1.2 Classification of Building

2.1.2.1 Based on Intended Use or Occupancy

A) Residential: A building consisting of one or more dwelling units, usually for

the use of the owner. A dwelling unit is composed of one or more rooms for
the use of one or more persons as their permanent housekeeping unit with
space for eating, living, sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking
and sanitation.

B) Commercial: A building consisting of one or more commercial units for the

use of the owner and/or others. A commercial unit is composed of one or
more rooms for the use of one or more persons, usually for profit making
enterprise.

C) Residential and/or Commercial Condominium: A condominium building

consisting of a combination of residential and commercial units, wherein
the units are designed and constructed for independent use or ownership
in accordance with the Condominium Law (RA#4726). Furthermore, the
unit owners have to form a corporation to handle mainly their common
interests.
4
 ILLUSTRATION #1A

Roof

Air space
separation or
Occupant A fire wall Occupant B

Building A Building B
(Elevation) (Elevation)

5
2.1.2.2 Based on the Number of Occupancies

A) Single Occupancy: A building with one (1) unit occupancy. In single

occupancy and residential building, the building has only one (1) dwelling
unit as shown in Illustration #1A.

B) Multiple Occupancy: A building with two (2) or more units of occupancies.

In multiple occupancy and residential building, the building has two (2) or
more dwelling units. In multiple occupancy and commercial building, the
building has two (2) or more commercial units. In multiple occupancy
building also, the building may consist of residential and commercial units.
When the units of a multiple occupancy building are owned by different
persons or entities, such as a condominium, a common administrator has
to be appointed by the owners.
Refer to Illustrations #1B, #1C, and #1D.

6
 ILLUSTRATION # 1B

Roofing

Wall partition

Air Air
space space
Occupant 1 Occupant 2 Occupant 3

Ground
level

Building C
(Elevation)
7
 ILLUSTRATION #1C

Firewall Firewall
.4m - 1.0m height
Roofing Roofing Roofing

Air Air
space space
Firewall

Occupant 1 Occupant 2 Occupant 3

Ground
Level

Building D
(Elevation)
8
2.1.2.3 Based on Height or Number of Storeys. National
Building Code (PD1096):

A) Low-rise: One(1) storey to five(5) storeys or three(3) meters to

fifteen meters above established grade. Generally not requiring
an elevator if the building is for residential use.

B) Medium-rise: Six(6) storeys to fifteen(15) storeys or

eighteen(18) meters to forty five(45) meters above established
grade. Electric power needed for elevators.

C) High-rise: Sixteen(16) storeys or more or forty eight(48) meters

or higher above established grade. Electric power is needed
for elevators, and warning lights. Lightning protection
system is also required.

9
Low Rise, Single Occupancy

10
 III. Electrical Design of a Single Storey, and Single Occupancy
Residential Building.

3.0 General
Although the electrical design of a low-rise residential
building is already a project design subject in most colleges, it is
discussed here because the design processes, criteria, methods,
requirements of the owners, architect, electric utility, and others
are almost similar to the electrical design of a high-rise
condominium building.

3.1 Design Processes

In most cases, the electrical design starts from an architectural
layout and other drawings, such as the drawing shown in Figure
3.1A.

11
 Not to Scale
b
Sab

SALA b. Location Plan

Not to Scale
a a a

To Marilao Municipal Hall Lias Road

16m
7m
N
DINING
Sc
9m
Residential

Rizal St.
W E
c 9m
Building
S S
18m

Service Equipment 4m 8m 4m

T&B
S LOT
c
BEDROOM

KITCHEN

8m
Figure 3.1A
Architectural Layout

12
3.1.1 Review of the Design Requirements
The design requirements are not just whims/caprices of electrical
designers, electrical utilities, municipal/city electrical engineers or
electricians, and others. The following are some requirements which may
enlighten the user of this handout:

3.1.1.1 Location Plan

The location plan will guide the electrical design engineers,
inspectors from the office of the local building official, inspectors from
the local electric utility, prospective bidders, and other persons who have
interests in the project. Pls. refer to Figure 3.1A & Figure 3.2B.

3.1.1.2 Electrical Layout

The electrical layout is similar to the architectural layout except that
the electrical layout contains the interconnection of the service
drop/lateral, service entrance, service equipment, feeder, subfeeder,
load center, panelboards, branch circuit, and nomenclature of
occupancies. Pls. refer to Figure 3.2A

For large projects, the electrical layout for the service drop/lateral,
service entrance, service equipment, feeder/subfeeders, load centers
and panelboards are separated from the branch circuit. For large and
complicated projects, further separation might be necessary. 13
3.1.1.3 Legend or Symbol
These help in understanding the electrical plan. The recommended
symbols are shown in Appendix A of the Philippine Electrical Code Part 1
2009. However, other symbols can be used, especially the local symbols
which are easily understood in the area.

3.1.1.4 General Notes and/or Specifications

These are general requirements and shall show the following:

A) Nature of electrical service, including number of

phases, number of wires, voltage and frequency.

B) Type of wiring
These include service entrance, feeders, subfeeders, and
branch circuit wires for lighting and power load.

C) Special equipment to be installed, including rating and

classification of services or duty cycle.

D) Methods of grounding
14
 E) Type and rating of main disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, and
branch circuit wiring.

F) Clearance and mounting height of service equipment, electric meter,

panelboard and devices.

3.1.1.5 Design Analysis

This is a computation or selection of the following:
A) Size/type/number of wires and size/type of conduits for
branch circuits, sub-feeders, feeders, busways and service
entrance.
B) Type, rating and trip setting of overload protective devices
C) Short circuit current and interrupting capacity of overcurrent
protection device.
D) Voltage Drop

3.1.1.6 Schedule of Loads.

This is a load tabulation which indicates the following:
a.) Branch circuit for each load or combination of loads.
b.) Rating of each load and the corresponding computations.
c.) Source of electric power and rating of service equipment
protective device and disconnect.
d.) Number of phases, type and the size of wiring.
e.) Service entrance, feeder, subfeeder, etc. 15
3.1.1.7 Single Line or Riser Diagram (Pls. refer to Figure 3.2C)

This shows a comprehensive interconnection, size, and rating of the

service drop/lateral, service entrance, service equipment, feeder,
subfeeders, load centers, and panelboard. This is necessary in the
computation of short circuit current and voltage drops.

3.1.1.8 Title Block

This is a standard strip of 40mm height at the bottom of the sheet and
contains the following:

A) Name and location of installation or project

B) Name, signature and address of owner/manager/operator
C) Name, signature and seal of Professional Electrical Engineer together
with his PRC license number and validity, Professional Tax
Receipt Number and Tax Identification Number.
D) Sheet contents
E) Scale
F) Drawing and sheet number.

3.1.1.9 Others
The complete requirements are shown in Article 1.3 of PEC 1 2009. 16
3.2 Detailed Design.

3.2.1 Preparations

With the architectural layout and other drawings, the development

of the initial electrical design starts. A preliminary arrangement of the
electrical plan requirements helps in the determination of the number
of drawing sets to be prepared to avoid overcrowding in the electrical
plan. Considering the size of this building, the entire electrical plan
requirements can be accommodated in two(2) sets of size 500mm x
760mm sheets, without overcrowding the electrical plan.

17
3.2.2 Electrical Calculation (Residential Units)

3.2.2.1 General lighting load.

A) Load = 72m² x 24 volt-amperes/m² = 1,728 volt-amperes

Where:
72m² is the floor area as shown in the architectural layout
Figure 3.1A and 24 volt-ampere is the unit load for dwelling units
as per Table 2.20.2.3.

I (Load) = 1,728 = 7.51 amperes

230

B) Provide one (1) 20A branch circuit. Although a 15AT circuit breaker is
adequate for the computed load, a 20AT circuit breaker is used to take
care of expected high usage of home appliances. Refer to section
2.40.1.6 for standard ampere trip ratings of circuit breakers.

C) Use 2 # 3.5mm², copper TW, branch circuit conductors. Pls. refer to Table
3.10.1.16 for ampacity.

D) Use 15mm dia. rigid PVC conduit. Refer to Table C10 for size of conduit
which can accommodate 2 #3.5 mm2 copper, TW.
18
3.2.2.2 Small appliance load

A.) Load = 20 A @ 1,500 volt-amperes = 1,500 volt-amperes

Where 1,500 volt-amperes is as per Section 2.20.3.13(a).

I (Load) = 1,500 = 6.52 amperes.

230

B.) Provide one(1) 20A small appliance branch circuit as per Section
2.10.1.11(c)(1) or Section 2.10.3.3(b)(1). Refer also to Section
2.40.1.6 for ampere trip ratings of circuit breakers.

C.) Use 2 # 3.5mm² copper, TW branch circuit conductors. Refer to

Table 3.10.1.16 for ampacity of the conductor.

D.) Use 15mm dia. Rigid PVC conduit. Refer to Table C10 for size of
conduit which can accommodate 2 #3.5 mm2 copper, TW.
19
3.2.2.3 Laundry load

A.) Load = 20A at 1,500 volt-amperes = 1,500 volt-amperes

Where 1,500 volt-amperes is as per section 2.20.3.13(b).

I (Load) = 1,500 VA = 6.52 amperes.

230 V

B.) Use one (1) 20A branch circuit as per section 2.10.1.11(c)(2).

C.) Use 2 # 3.5mm² copper, TW, branch circuit conductors. Refer to

Table 3.10.1.16 for ampacity of the conductors.

D.) Use 15mm dia. rigid PVC conduit. Refer to Table C10 for size of
conduit which can accommodate 2 #3.5mm2 copper, TW.

20
3.2.2.4 Sum of connected load for general lighting, small
appliance, and laundry.
Connected load = 1,728VA + 1,500VA + 1,500VA
= 4,728VA

3.2.2.5 Demand load for the three (3) loads above (3.2.2.4)
Demand load = First 3000VA at 100% plus remainder at 35%
= 3000VA x 100% + (4728-3000)VA x 35%
= 3000VA + (1,728VA)35%
= 3000VA + 604.8VA
= 3604.8VA
I (demand load) = 3,604.8VA = 15.7 A
230V
= 15.7A
Where the 100% & 35% demand factors are as per Table 2.20.3.3.

21
3.2.2.6 Other Loads

A.) One (1) 1.5 Hp room ACU, single phase 10A x 230V = 2,300 volt-
amperes
Where 10A is as per Table 4.30.14.2.

B.) Rating of branch circuit protective device = 250% x 10A = 25A

Where 250% is the maximum inverse time rating of the breaker
as per Table 4.30.4.2.
Provide one(1) 20A branch circuit for the room air-conditioner.
Please note that 25AT circuit breaker is not yet available, and hence, the
20AT available circuit breaker, which is the next lower rating, is used.
Refer to Section 2.40.1.6 for ampere trip ratings of circuit breakers.

C.) Use 2 #3.5 mm2 copper, TW branch circuit conductors. Refer to Table
3.10.1.16 for the ampacity of the conductor.

D.) Use 15 mm dia. rigid PVC conduit. Refer to Table C10 for size of conduit
which can accommodate 2 #3.5mm2 copper, TW.

E.) The room ACU is at 100% demand factor. Refer to Section 2.20.4.3(c)(1).
22
3.2.2.7 Total computed net continuous load
Load = 3,604.8 volt-amperes + 2,300 volt-amperes
= 5,904.8VA
I = 5,904.8VA = 25.7A
230V

The 5,904.8VA is considered continuous load because a demand factor is

already applied to all the loads.

3.2.2.8 Circuit Requirements

Provide four (4) - 2 wire branch circuits for:
A.) General lighting, 20AT, IP
B.) Small appliance, 20AT, IP
C.) Laundry, 20AT, IP
D.) Room aircon (ACU), 20AT, IP

23
3.2.2.9 Service Entrance Conductors

A.) I (Service entrance) = Continuous load x 125%

+ Non-Continuous load. Refer to Section 2.30.4.3(a)(1).
I (Continuous load) = 5,904.8VA = 25.7
230V
(Non-continuous load) = 0

I (Service Entrance) = 25.7A x 125% + 0

= 32.1A

B.) Use two(2) # 8mm² copper THW wires. Refer to Table 3.10.1.16
for conductor ampacity. THW insulation is used because the chances of
the service entrance encountering more heat is greater than the branch
circuit inside each unit.

C.) Use 20 mm. dia. PVC conduit except the supply side of service meter,
which shall be galvanized rigid steel conduit as per requirement of Meralco.
Refer to Table C10 for rigid PVC conduit and Table C8 for rigid steel conduit
size which can accommodate 2 #8mm2 copper, THW.

24
3.2.2.10 Service Equipment
A.) Maximum current rating of protective device. Refer to Section 4.30.5.2, Section
4.30.5.3(1), and Section 4.30.5.3(3).

Non-Time Delay Fuse

I = [15.7A + 300%(10A)] = 45.7A

Inverse-Time Circuit Breaker

I = [15.7A + 250%(10A)] = 40.1A

Where 15.7A is the I (demand load) excluding the full load current of the 1.5 Hp ACU,
300% and 250% are as per Table 4.30.4.2 and 10A is the full load current of the 1.5 H.p,
230V, room air conditioner as per Table 4.30.14.2.

B.) One(1) 40AT, 1-pole, 250V circuit breaker is already complying, but there is no need for
main circuit breaker for the service equipment, considering that there are four(4) branch
circuit breakers only. However, this panelboard shall be marked/approved as service
equipment.

C.) Circuit Breaker at Private Pole

The distance of the utility secondary line to the building is 16m, (Refer to Figure
3.1A, B. Location Plan),and hence, a private pole with circuit breaker has to be
provided in accordance with Meralco standards.
Provide one(1) 40AT, 1-pole, and 250V molded case circuit breaker which shall
serve as a disconnecting means and protection for the wires from the private pole to the
service equipment, when required.
25
3.2.1.11 Total Connected Load

Total Connected Load = General lighting & co plus small appliance plus laundry + other loads
= 1,728 VA + 1500VA +1,500VA + 2,300VA = 7,028VA

26
3.2.3 Electrical Plans

3.2.3.1 Electrical Wiring layout.

This is similar to the Architectural Layout in Figure 3.1A,

except that the lighting, convenience outlets are already
electrically interconnected as shown in Figure 3.2A

27
 Service Supply 230V, 2-wire, grounded
Service Supply 230V,
from distribution
2-wire, grounded transformer
rated 100kVA, 19.9kV-230V, grounded
M
Service Entrance 2 #8mm²
copper, THW in 20mm
galvanized rigid steelo conduit.

Sab

SALA
a a a

Service Entrance 2 #8mm²

copper, THW in 20mm Figure 3.2A
PVC conduit
Electrical Wiring Layout
Sc
DINING
Scale – 1:100
9m
c

S
1

T&B
3
S
b
2 BEDROOM

Service Equipment
3-20AT, 1P, 250V
1-30AT, 1p, 250V 4

8m 28
3.2.3.2 Location Plan
This is also the same as the location plan in Figure 3.1A
but it has to be incorporated in the electrical plans.

To Marilao Municipal Hall Lias Road

16m

Residential E
Rizal St.

W
Building 9m

S
18m

4m 8m 4m

LOT

Note: This can be included in the

electrical wiring layout sheet.

Figure 3.2B
Figure 3.2B
Location Plan 29
3.2.3.3 Legend
Note: This can be included in Electrical Wiring Layout Sheet

30
31
3.2.3.4 General Notes/Specifications

Note: This can be included in Electrical Wiring Layout Sheet

A) All electrical works shall be done in accordance with the Philippine Electrical
Code Part 1, latest edition, the requirements of the municipality of Marilao
and the Manila Electric Company.

B) The electrical works shall be done by a Registered Master Electrician

(RME) or Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) or Professional Electrical
Engineer (PEE) or skilled electrical practitioner but under the supervision of
RME, REE, PEE.

C) Materials, devices and equipment shall be new and shall be in conformance

with the Philippine Standards or listed by an organization which is acceptable
to the authority having jurisdiction.

D) The electrical service shall be 230V, line to ground, single phase.

32
E) The the service equipment and all other equipment shall be provided
with adequate and proper grounding.

F) Conductors and conduits shall be as indicated in the computation load

schedule, or single line diagram.

G) All wiring shall be in PVC conduit and shall be embedded when

running thru concrete except when otherwise noted.

H) Service entrance conduit, from the service head to the electric meter,
shall be exposed galvanized rigid steel conduit.

I) All wiring devices shall be flush mounted and grounding type.

J) Mounting height of convenience outlets shall be 30cm from the floor

level.

K) Layout dimension are approximate and intended as installation

guides only.

L) All inconsistencies shall be brought to the attention of the PEE who

signed and sealed the drawings, computations, load schedule,
specifications, and other documents. 33
34
 3.2.3.6 Single Line Diagram
Service Drop (Service Supply)
230V, 2-wire, grounded.

Service Entrance 2# 8mm²,

copper, THW in 20mm
Service galvanized rigid steel conduit
head

* * Meter and Circuit

M Meter breaker are intalled
at the private pole
*
Circuit breaker

Service Equipment Service Entrance 2# 8mm², copper,

3-20AT, 1p, 250V THW in 20mm PVC conduit
1-30AT, 1p, 250V

Farthest outlet

Grounding Electrode Branch conduit conductor 2#

Conductor, #8mm² THW 3.5mm², copper, TW, in
(THW is used because of 15mm dia. rigid PVC conduit.
availability in the project)

Grounding Electrode, 16mm²

diameter x 2.4m long Figure 3.2C
Single Line Diagram
35
36
3.2.3.8 Final Electrical Plan

Figure 3.2E
Location of Wiring and Other Requirements

To Marilao Municipal Hall Lias Road

Service Supply 230V,

2-wire, grounded 16m

N
M
Service Entrance 2 #8mm²
copper, THW in 20mm Residential E

Rizal St.
W
Building 9m
galvanized rigid steelo conduit.
S
18m
Sab
4m 8m 4m

LOT
SALA
Note: This can be included in the
electrical wiring layout sheet.
a a a

Figure 3.2B
Service Entrance 2 #8mm²
copper, THW in 20mm
PVC conduit
DINING
Location Plan
Sc
9m
c

S
1
Legend
T&B
3
S
b
2 BEDROOM

Service Equipment
3-20AT, 1P, 250V
1-30AT, 1p, 250V 4

8m

Electrical Wiring Layout

General/Notes
A) All electrical works shall be done in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code Part 1, latest edition, the requirements
of the municipality of Marilao and the Manila Electric Company.
B) The electrical works shall be done by a Registered Master Electrician (RME) or Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) or
Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE) or skilled electrical practitioner but under the supervision of RME, REE, PEE.
C) Materials, devices and equipment shall be new and shall be in conformance with the Philippine Standards or listed by an
organization which is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
D) The electrical service shall be 230V, line to ground, single phase.
E) The service equipment and all other equipment shall be provided with adequate and proper grounding.
F) Conductors and conduits shall be as indicated in the computation load schedule, or single line diagram.
G) All wiring shall be in PVC conduit and shall be embedded when running thru concrete except when otherwise noted.
H) Service entrance conduit, from the service head to the electric meter, shall be exposed galvanized rigid steel conduit.
I) All wiring devices shall be flush mounted and grounding type.
J) Mounting height of convenience outlets shall be 30cm from the floor level.
K) Layout dimension are approximate and intended as installation guides only.
L) All inconsistencies shall be brought to the attention of the PEE who signed and sealed the drawings, computations, load
schedule, specifications, and other documents.

Professional EE: Revision # Project Title: Sheet Contents: Project Owner: Dwg# E-1
Sht# 1 of 2
Scale:

37
3.2.3.9 Final Electrical Plan (Cont)

Figure 3.2F
Location of Load Schedule and Other Requirements

Panelboard Load Schedule Panelboard Schematic diagram & Grounding

Single Line Diagram

Professional EE: Revision # Project Title: Sheet Contents: Project Owner: Dwg# E-1
Sht# 2 of 2
Scale:

38
3.2.4 Size of Grounding (Pls. refer 3.2.3.7 Panelboard Schematic and
Grounding Diagram)
The size of grounding in a building is covered by the following
Sections and Tables

3.2.4.1 Grounded Service Conductor

Section 2.20.3.22 – The grounded service entrance conductor is the
same as the phase service entrance conductor. And hence, the grounded
service conductor is #8mm² THW copper which is the same as the phase
conductor.

3.2.4.2 Grounding Electrode

Use grounding rod, steel, 16mm diameter x 2.4m long in
accordance with Section 2.50.3.3(a)(5)

3.2.4.3 Grounding Electrode Conductor

Section 2.50.3.17 and Table 2.50.3.17 – This is based on the size of
the service entrance conductors which is # 8mm² THW, and hence, from
Table 2.50.3.17, the size of the grounding electrode conductor is #8mm²
THW.

39
3.2.4.4 Service Equipment Bonding Jumper
Section 2.50.2.9(d), 2.50.5.13(c) and Table 2.50.3.17 – this is based
on the size of the service entrance conductors. The size of the service
entrance conductors is # 8mm² THW or TW and hence, from Table
2.50.3.17, the size of service equipment bonding jumper is 8mm² THW
or TW.

3.2.4.5 Grounded branch circuit conductor

This is the same as the grounded conductor because this grounded
conductor is the return path.

3.2.4.6 Equipment grounding conductor

Table 2.50.6.13 is based on the rating or setting of automatic
overcurrent device ahead of equipment conduit, devices, etc.
For 20 AT branch circuit the equipment grounding conductor is
3.5mm² copper, TW.

3.2.4.7 Main Bonding jumper

Section 2.50.2.9(d) and Table 2.50.3.17

40