PHILIPPINE

ELECTRICAL CODE:
CHAPTER 4
EQUIPMENT FOR
GENERAL USE
Topics:
◻ Flexible Cord / Cable (Article 4.0)
◻ Fixture (Luminaire) Wires(article 4.2)
◻ Switches (Article 4.4)
◻ Receptacles(Article 4.6)
◻ Switchboards and Panelboards (Article 4.8)
◻ Industrial Control panel( ARTICLE 4.9)
◻ Luminaires (Lighting Fixtures), Lampholders &
Lamps (Article 4.10)
◻ Appliances (Article 4.22)
◻ Storage Batteries(Article 4.80)
I. FLEXIBLE CORD / CABLE
◻ Flexible cords and cables are used to connect electrical
equipment to a power source.

◻ Flexible cords may have an electrical plug that connects

to a power source or they may be permanently wired into
a power source.
Examples:
◻ 1. Lamp cord
◻ 2. Elevator cable
◻ 3. Portable power cable
◻ 4. Heater cord
◻ 5. Flexible stage and lighting power cable
◻ EXAMPLE
S:
Uses Permitted:
◻ 1. Wiring of Luminaires
◻ 2. Connection of portable lamps, portable and mobile signs, or
appliances
◻ 3. Elevator cables
◻ 4. Connecting appliances that can be easily moved for
maintenance and repair.
USES NOT
PERMITTED:

◻ 1. As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.

◻ 2. Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
◻ 3. Where run through
doorways, windows, or
similar openings.

◻ 4. Where attached to
building surfaces.
◻ Splices – Flexible cord shall used only in
continuous
be lengths without splice or tap.

◻ Flexible cords and cables shall be protected by bushings

or fittings where passing through holes in covers, outlet boxes,
or similar enclosures.
◻ Pull at Joints and Terminals – Flexible cords and cables shall
be connected to devices and to fittings so that tension is not
transmitted to joints or terminals.
II. FIXTURE (LUMINAIRE)
WIRES
Article 4.2 of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC)
2017 covers the requirements for fixture wires. Fixture
wires are the conductors that connect luminaires
(lighting fixtures) to the branch circuit wiring.
II. FIXTURE (LUMINAIRE) WIRES

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS OF

ARTICLE 4.2:
-FIXTURE WIRES MUST BE INSULATED WITH HEAT-
RESISTANT AND MOISTURE-RESISTANT INSULATION.
II. FIXTURE (LUMINAIRE) WIRES

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS OF

ARTICLE 4.2:
-FIXTURE WIRES MUST BE SIZED TO CARRY THE
MAXIMUM CURRENT THAT WILL BE DRAWN BY THE
LUMINAIRE.
“the wires connecting a light fixture (luminaire) should be able
to handle the highest amount of electrical current that the
fixture may require during operation. Proper sizing ensures
that the wires don't overheat or become a safety hazard due to
excessive current. It's essential to match the wire size to the
fixture's power needs to maintain safety and efficient electrical
performance.”
II. FIXTURE (LUMINAIRE) WIRES

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS

OF ARTICLE 4.2:
-FIXTURE WIRES MUST BE SUPPORTED AT LEAST
EVERY 12 INCHES ALONG THEIR LENGTH.
II. FIXTURE (LUMINAIRE) WIRES

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY REQUIREMENTS OF

ARTICLE 4.2:

❏ FIXTURE WIRES MUST NOT BE SPLICED EXCEPT WITHIN

A JUNCTION BOX OR CANOPY.
❏ FIXTURE WIRES MUST NOT BE EXPOSED TO
MECHANICAL DAMAGE.
4.2.1.5 ALLOWABLE AMPACITIES FOR FIXTURE
WIRES
◻ Ampacity – the current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously
under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
MINIMUM SIZE
◻ Minimum Size - the fixture (luminaire) wires shall not be
smaller than 0.75 mm2 (1.2 mm dia.)

GROUNDED CONDUCTOR
IDENTIFICATION
◻ Fixture wires that are intended to be used as grounded conductors
shall be identified by one or more continuous white stripes on
other than green insulation.
4.2.1.9 MARKING

❏ Marking - The thermoplastic insulated fixture

(luminaire) wire shall be durably marked on
the surface at intervals not exceeding 610 mm.
Uses Permitted:
◻ Fixture wires shall be permitted
◻ (1) for installation in luminaires and in similar equipment where enclosed or
protected and not subject to bending or twisting in use,
◻ or (2) for connecting luminaires to the branch-circuit conductors supplying
the luminaires.
Uses Not Permitted:
◻ Fixtures wires shall not be used as branch circuit conductors.
III. SWITCHES
A. General-Use Snap Switches
◻ Faceplates - for snap switches mounted in boxes and other
enclosures shall be installed so as to completely cover the
opening and, where the switch is flush mounted, seat
against the finished surface.
◻ Box Mounted Snap
Switch
◻ Flush Mounted Switch
Mounting of Snap Switches:
◻ 1. Surface-Type - Snap switches used with open wiring on
insulators shall be mounted on insulating materials that
separates the conductors at least 13 mm from the surface
wired over.
◻ 2. Box Mounted - Flush-type snap switches shall be mounted
in boxes installed so that extension plaster ears are seated
against the surface.
◻ Box Mounted Snap
Switch
Use of Snap Switches:
◻ 1. Alternating-Current General Use
◻ 2. Alternating-Current/Direct-Current General Use
◻ 3. Dimmer Switches
B. Knife Switches
◻ A knife switch is a type of switch used to control the flow of
electricity in a circuit. It is composed of a hinge which allows
a metal lever, or knife, to be lifted from or inserted into a slot
or jaw.
◻ Knife switch
◻ Single-Throw Knife Switches - shall be placed so that gravity
will not tend to close them.
◻ 1. Single Pole Single Throw (SPST)
◻ 2. Double Pole Single Throw switch (DPST)
◻ 1. Single Pole Single Throw switch - connects or
disconnects one terminal either to or from another. It is the
simplest switch.
◻ Single Pole Single
Throw switch
◻ 1. Double Pole Single Throw switch - Both load
terminals can be energized at the same time. They are
independent of each other and could be of different voltages.
◻ 1. Double Pole Single
Throw switch
◻ Double-Throw Knife Switches - shall be permitted to be
mounted so that the throw is either vertical or horizontal.
◻ 1. Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)
◻ 2. Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT)
◻ 1. Single Pole Double Throw switch - connects a
common terminal to one or the other of two terminals. It is
always connected to one or the other.
◻ Single Pole Double Throw switch
◻ 2. Double Pole Double Throw switch - acts exactly like two
separate SPDT switches connected to the same switch bat.

◻ It has two separate common terminals and each of those

is connected to one or the other of the other two terminals on
the same side of the switch.
◻ Double Pole Double Throw switch
◻ Double Pole Double
Throw switch
◻ Double Pole Double Throw switch
Use of Snap Switches:
◻ 1. Isolating Switches – Knife switches rated at over 1200
amperes at 250 volts or less, and at over 600 amperes at 251
to 600 volts, shall be used only as isolating switches and
shall not be opened under load.
◻ 2. To Interrupt Currents – To interrupt currents over 1200
amperes at 250 volts, nominal, or less, or over 600 amperes at
251 to 600 volts, nominal, a circuit breaker or a switch of
special design listed for such purpose shall be used.
◻ 3. General-Use Switches – Knife switches of ratings less
than specified in 1 and 2 shall be considered general-use
switches.
◻ 4. Motor-Circuit Switches – Motor-circuit switches shall be
permitted to be of the knife-switch type.
C. Switch / Circuit Breaker Location:
◻ The grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit
breaker is not more than 1980 mm (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor
or working platform.

◻ Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted

at greater heights.
◻ SWITCH
ES
IV. RECEPTACLES
◻ A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the
connection of an attachment plug.

◻ A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact

device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more
contact devices on the same yoke.
◻ RECEPTACL
ES:
◻ Rating - receptacles and cord connectors shall be rated
not less than 15A, 125V, or 15A, 250V, and shall be of a type
not suitable for use as lampholders.

◻ Receptacles for Aluminum Conductors - shall be rated 20A or

less and designed for direct connection of aluminum
conductors and shall be marked with CO/ALR.
Receptacle Mounting:
◻ 1. Boxes That Are Set Back
◻ 2. Boxes That Are Flush
◻ 3. Receptacles Mounted on Covers - Held
rigidly by one or more screws, or be a device assembly.
◻ 4. Receptacles in Countertops - Shall not be installed in a
face-up position.
◻ 5. Exposed Terminals - Enclosed so
that live wiring terminals are not exposed to
contact.
RECEPTACLES
MOUNTED ON
COVERS & BOXES
THAT ARE FLUSH
 VII. SWITCHBOARDS AND
◻PANELBOARDS
Switchboard - a large single panel, frame, or assembly of
panels on which are mounted on the face, back, or both,
switches, overcurrent & other protective devices, buses, and
usually instruments.
Switchboards:
◻ a) Clearance - The clearance from the ceiling shall not be less
than 900 mm to the top of the switchboard.
◻ b) Location of Switchboards - Switchboards shall be located
in permanently dry locations and then where competent
supervision and accessible to only licensed electrical
practitioner.
◻ Panelboard - a single panel or group of panel units designed
for assembly in the form of a single panel, including buses
and automatic overcurrent devices, and equipped with or
without switches for the control of light, heat, or power
circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box
placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support; &
accessible only from the front.
◻ A panelboard with main
circuit breaker disconnect
Classification of Panelboards:
◻ a. Lighting and Appliance Branch-Circuit Panelboard - Shall
have more than 10% of its overcurrent devices protect lighting
and appliance branch circuits.
◻ b. Power Panelboard - Shall have 10% or fewer
overcurrent devices protect lighting and appliance branch
circuits.
Number of Overcurrent Devices in One Panelboard:
◻ Shall have not more than 42 overcurrent devices of lighting
and appliance branch-circuit panelboard shall be installed in
any one cabinet.
◻ 2-pole circuit breakers (21 overcurrent devices in the
panel)
◻ 3-pole circuit breakers (14 overcurrent devices in the panel)
 VIII. INDUSTRIAL
◻CONTROL PANEL
An assembly of a systematic & standard arrangement of two
or more components such as motor controllers, overload
relays, fused disconnect switches, and circuit breakers and
related control devices such as pushbutton stations,
selector switches, timers, switches, control relays, and the
like with associated wiring, terminal blocks, pilot lights,
and similar components. The industrial control panel does
not include the controlled equipment.
◻ Industrial Control panel
V. LUMINAIRES (LIGHTING
FIXTURES), LAMPHOLDERS
Luminaire (Fixtures) in Specific Locations:
& LAMPS
◻ 1. Wet and Damp Locations - Shall be made so that water
cannot enter. It shall be marked “Suitable for Wet Locations”
or “Suitable for Damp Locations”
◻ 2. Corrosive Locations - Shall be a type suitable for
such locations.
◻ 3. In Ducts or Hoods - The temperature limits in the area shall
not be exceeded. Material shall be excluded from vapors,
grease, oil, or cooking vapors, and shall be corrosion resistant.
Receptacle Faceplates (Cover Plates):
◻ Thickness of Metal Faceplates - Ferrous
Metal (0.75 mm thick); Nonferrous Metal (1.00 mm
thick)
◻ Grounding - Metal faceplates shall be grounded.
◻ Faceplates of Insulating Material - Shall be
noncombustible not less than 0.25 mm thick;
permitted to be less than 0.25 mm thick if formed or
reinforced to provide adequate mechanical strength.
◻ 4. Bathtub and Shower Areas - No lighting fixtures (cord-
suspended luminaries), light tracks, pendants, or ceiling
suspended fans within 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and
2400 mm (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or
shower stall threshold.
◻ 5. Luminaires (Fixtures) Near or Over Combustible
Materials - Shall not be subject to temperature in excess
of 90°C. And, shall be located at least 2400 mm above the
floor.
◻ 900 mm (3 ft)
horizontally
and 2400
mm (8 ft)
vertically
LUMINAIRES (FIXTURES) IN CLOTHES
CLOSETS
◻ 1. Luminaire (Fixture) Types Permitted
🞑 Surface-mounted or Recessed Incandescent Luminaire
🞑 Surface-mounted or Recessed Fluorescent Luminaire
◻ Recessed and Surface Mounted
◻ 2. Luminaire (Fixture) Types Not Permitted
🞑 Incandescent Luminaires (Fixtures) with open or partially enclosed
lamps.
🞑 Pendant Luminaires (Fixtures)

🞑 Lampholders
◻ Pendant Luminaires
◻ LAMPHOLD
ERS
◻ 3. Clearances Permitted for Different Luminaire Fixture
(From the Nearest Storage Space)
🞑 Surface-mounted incandescent luminaire - 300 mm
🞑 Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaire - 150

🞑 Recessed incandescent luminaire - 150 mm

🞑 Recessed fluorescent luminaire - 150 mm

◻ Branch circuit conductors shall be within 75 mm from the
ballasts with temperature rating not lower than 90°C.
VI. APPLIANCES
Provisions for appliances (In General):
◻ The branch-circuit rating shall not be less than 125% of the marked
rating for motor-operated appliances.
◻ The branch-circuit rating shall not be less than 100% of the marked
rating rated at continuous loading.

◻ Branch Circuit. The circuit conductors between the final

overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
HEATING
EQUIPMENT:
◻ Marking Required Each unit of fixed electric space
Heating Equipment - shall be provided with a nameplate
giving the identifying name and the normal rating in volts and
watts or in volts and amperes.
◻ Marking of Heating Cables (Rating)
🞑 120 volt, nominal — yellow
🞑 208 volt, nominal — blue

🞑 240 volt, nominal — red

🞑 277 volt, nominal — brown

🞑 480 volt, nominal — orange

IX. STORAGE
◻ Nominal Battery Voltage
BATTERIES
🞑 Lead-Acid Type - 2V/cell for the lead-acid type
🞑 Alkali Type - 1.2V/cell

◻ Sealed Cell or Battery - is one that has no provision for the

addition of water or electrolyte or for external
measurement of electrolyte specific gravity.

◻ Storage Battery - A battery comprised of one or more

rechargeable cells of the lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other
rechargeable electrochemical types.
◻ Lead-Acid Type