10/20/18
1. GENERAL
1.1 DEFINITION OF ELECTRICITY
• a form of energy generated by
friction, induction or chemical
change, having magnetic, chemical
and radiant effect.
• the motion of free electrons through
a solid conductor.
1.2 SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
STORAGE BATTERIES
GENERATORS
GENERATORS
 for generating electric current
• Alternating Current Generators or
Alternators – The bulk of electrical energy
utilized today is in the form of alternating
current, including energy for power and
lighting.
• Direct Current Generators – These
furnish electrical energy for elevators,
escalators, intercommunicating telephone
systems, control of signal systems, and
clock systems.
STORAGE BATTERIES
• are used to supply emergency
lighting circuits for hallways,
stairways, exits and to energize
police and fire alarm systems
and certain types of signal
systems.
1.3 OTHER DYNAMO ELECTRIC
MACHINES
MOTORS – for converting
electrical energy to mechanical
energy.
TRANSFORMERS – for
converting one voltage to
another, from lower to higher
or from higher to lower
ROTARY CONVERTERS –
for changing alternating
current to direct current and
vice versa.
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1.4 TYPES OF CURRENT
ALTERNATING CURRENT – a DIRECT CURRENT – a current
which flows at a constant time rate
current which is periodically
varying in time rate and in and in the same direction.
direction. It rises from zero to
maximum, falls to zero, reverses
its direction and again returns to
zero.
UNIT OF RESISTANCE
OHM – The resistance which will
allow one ampere of current to flow
when one volt is impressed upon it.
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POWER
WATT – the unit of electric
power or the rate of doing
electrical work.
UNIT OF ENERGY
WATT-HOURS – the unit of
energy or the capacity for doing
work.
10/20/18
1.5 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY
UNIT OF QUANTITY
COULOMB – a coulomb of electricity
comprises approximately 6.25 x 10 18
electrons.
AMPERE – An ampere of current
represents a rate of flow of one
coulomb or 6.25 x 10 18
electrons/second through a given
cross section.
UNIT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
VOLT – is the electromotive force
or potential difference between two
points in an electric field which will
move a charge of one coulomb
between these points.
1.7 ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL
– is the effective utilization of available
energy by reducing peak loads and
lowering demand charge. The control
devices and systems are referred to as
load shedding control, peak demand
control, peak load regulation, and power
use control.
LOAD SCHEDULING AND DUTY-
CYCLE CONTROL – the installation’s
electric loads are analyzed and scheduled
to restrict demand by shifting large loads
to off-peak hours and controlled to avoid
coincident operation.
DEMAND METERING ALARM – in
conjunction with a duty cycle controller,
demand is continuously metered and an
alarm is set on when a predetermined
demand level is exceeded.
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AUTOMATIC INSTANTANEOUS 1.8 MEASURING ELECTRIC CONSUMPTION

DEMAND CONTROL – also called “rate
CURRENT
control”, it is an automated version of the LEADS

demand metering alarm system, where it

automatically disconnects or reconnects loads POWER
SOURCE
LOAD
KWH METERS – To
as required. WM
measure energy, the
VOLTAGE
WATTMETER
LEADS factor of time is
introduced, such that;
energy = power x
IDEALCURVE CONTROL – This controller
time. A-C electric
operates by comparing the actual rate of
meters are basically
energy usage to the ideal rate, and controls
small motors, whose
KW demand by controlling the total energy
speed is proportional
used within a metering interval.
to the power being
used. The number of
rotations is counted on
FORECASTING SYSTEMS – are the dials which are
computerized systems which continuously calibrated directly in
forecast the amount of energy remaining in kilowatt-hours.
the demand interval, then examine the status
and priority of each of the connected loads
and decide on the proper course of action.

2. BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

R1 R2
10 amp 10 amp

2.1 BRANCH CIRCUITS SERIES CIRCUIT – is one in which the

An electrical circuit may be defined as a R3
components are connected in tandem. All
ELEC
complete conducting path carrying current SOURCE separate loads of the circuit carry the
from a source of electricity to and through same equal current and the total
some electrical device or load and back to the 10 amp
R5 R4
10 amp resistance, R, is the sum of the
source. The two wire circuit, which is the CIRCUIT IN SERIES resistances around the circuit.
most elementary of all wiring systems, R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5
consists of a live wire carrying the current to
the various power consuming devices in the PARALLEL CIRCUIT (or Multiple
circuit and a neutral or grounded wire which 3 amp Circuit) – is one in which the
is the return wire carrying the circuit back to 1 amp 1 amp 1 amp components or loads are so arranged
+
the source of supply. that the current divides between them.
ELECTRICAL R1 R2 R3
SOURCE Each outlet has a live wire connected to
the current carrying wire of the circuit
SERIES CIRCUIT and also a neutral wire or grounded wire
CIRCUIT IN PARALLEL
connected to the return wire of the
1
PARALLEL CIRCUIT R= circuit. With this system, the total current
1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 flowing through the circuit is the sum of
the current flowing through each outlet.

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CLASSIFICATIONS OF BRANCH CIRCUITS Branch Circuit

The portion of an electrical
system extending from the final
overcurrent device protecting a
General Purpose Branch Circuit - circuit to the outlets served by
GENERALLY
15, 20A
LTG A supplies outlets for lighting and the circuit General Purpose Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
appliances, including convenience current in a number of outlets for
receptacles. lighting and appliances

Appliance Circuit
A branch circuit that supplies
current in one or more outlets
specifically intended for
appliances

Appliance Branch Circuit - supplies Individual Circuit

15, 20, 30,
or 50A A A outlets intended for feeding appliances. A branch circuit that supplies
current only to a single piece of
Fixed lighting is not supplied. electrical equipment
Distribution Panel
A panel for distributing
power to other panels or to
motors and other heavy
power-consuming loads.
Controls, distributes and
Individual Branch Circuit - is protects a number of similar
branch circuits in an Low-Voltage
SIZE REQUIRED
SINGLE ITEM
designed to supply a single specific item, electrical system Of or pertaining to a circuit in which alternating
FOR ITEM FED current below 50 volts is supplied by a step-down
such as a motor load or a unit air- transformer form the normal line voltage used in
conditioner. residential systems to control doorbells,
intercoms, heating and cooling systems and
remote lighting fixtures. Low-voltage circuits do
not require a protective raceway

GENERAL CIRCUITING GUIDELINES

3. Convenience receptacles in an area
shall be wired to at least two
different circuits so that in case of
1. General: Branch circuits shall be failure in any one of the circuits, the
sufficient to supply a load of 30 entire area will not be deprived of
watts per square meter (3 watts per power.
square foot) in buildings excluding
porches, garages and basements.
4. General purpose branch circuits shall
be rated at 20 amperes wired with
20 amp
C3

C3

C3

No. 12 AWG minimum. Switch legs

may be No. 14 AWG if the lighting
2. In all but the smallest installations, load permits.
connect lighting, convenience
receptacles, and appliances in
DINE

KIT

20 amp

separate circuits. The Code requires a

C1

minimum of 2 - 20 amperes
Range

5. Limit the circuit load for lighting and

C4

C2

appliance branch circuit to feed all small appliances on 15 amp and 20

Ref

small appliance outlets in the kitchen, amp circuit loads and on 15 and 20
pantry, dining and family room. amp overcurrent devices respectively.

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2.2 SINGLE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 2.2 THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
For homes and small commercial buildings For industries and large commercial buildings
The Three Phase AC electricity is a Triple
A single phase electrical system can Circuit. The lighting and outlet loads are
either be 2-wire or 3-wire and connected between any phase leg and a
B C
composes two hot legs and a neutral A neutral line. While machineries and other
wire. bigger loads are connected to the phase leg
SWITCH FUSE
A
only.
Three-Wire Three Phase AC
B A-B 220V A-C 220V

Two-Wire Single Phase DC or AC C B-C 220V

MOTOR

110 V
Three-Wire Single Phase DC
(EDISON SYSTEM) Four-Wire Three-Phase AC
220 V
A N B C

110 V Three-Wire Single Phase AC

220V 220V 110V

220V 110V
110V

Service
The supplying of utilities required
or demanded by the public
Line Drop
The decrease in voltage between
two points on a power line,
usually caused by resistance or
leakage along the line
Service Entrance Conductor
The portion of a service conductor extending
from a service drop or service lateral to the
service equipment of a building
Watt-Hour Meter
A meter for measuring and recording the
quantity of electric power consumed with
respect to time
Transformer Vault
A fire-rated room housing
a transformer and
auxiliary equipment for a
large building
Standby Generator
For providing emergency power
during a power outage.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
An emergency system designed
to provide pwer automatically and
instantaneously
Substation
An auxiliary power station
where electrical current is
converted or where voltage
is stepped up or down
Lightning Rod
Any of several conducting rods installed at the
top of a structure and grounded to divert
Service Drop
lightning away from the structure. Also called air
The overhead portion of service terminal
conductors extending from the
nearest utility pole to a building Lightning Arrester
Service Lateral A device for protecting electric equipment from
The underground portion of service damage by lightning or other high-voltage
conductors extending from a main
currents, using spark gaps to carry the current
power line or transformer to a
to the ground without passing through the
building Feeder
Any of the conductors
device
Switchgear Room
Contains the service extending from the
equipment for a large service equipment to Spark Gap
building various distribution A space between two terminals or electrodes
points in a building across which a discharge of electricity may pass
Service Equipment at a prescribed voltage
Equipment necessary for
controlling, metering and
protecting the electric
power supply to a builidng
Switchboard Unit Substation
One or a group of panels on A freestanding enclosure
which are mounted switches, housing a disconnect
overcurrent devices, switch, a step-down
metering instruments and transformer and
buses switchgear

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Service Conductors extend from a main power

line or transformer to the service equipment of a
building
Servcie Drop
The overhead portion of service conductors extending
from the nearest utility pole to a building
Servcie Lateral
The underground portion of service conductors extending
Direct burial cable may be used for
residential service connections
from a main power line or transformer to a building
Servcie Entrance Conductor
SERVICE ENTRANCE– the point of
The portion of a service conductor extending from a service delivery of electricity to a building by a
drop or service lateral to the service equipment of a building
A transformer is used by medium-sized and large buildings to step
down from a high supply voltage to the service voltage. To
public utility company.
reduce costs, maintenance and noise and heat problems, a Watt-Hour Meter
transformer may be placed on an outdoor pad. If located within a Measures and records the quantity of electric power
building, oil-filled transformers require a well-ventilated, fire-rated consumed with respect to time. Supplied by the public utility,
vault with two exits and located on an exterior wall adjacent to the it is always placed ahead of the main disconnect switch so
switchgear room. Dry-type transformers used in small- and that it cannot be disconnected
medium-sized buildings may be replaced together with a
disconnect switch and switchgear in a unit substation For multiple-occupancy buildings, banks of meters are
installed so that each unit can be metered
independently
The service switch is the main
disconnect for the entire electrical
system of a building, except for any
Grounding Rod or Electrode
Is firmly embedded in the earth to establish a ground
MAIN SWITCHBOARD – The service
entrance conductors in the form of bus
emergency power systems.
connection
The service equipment includes a main
disconnect switch and secondary
To panelboards
bars terminates in the main switchboard
switches, fuses and circuit breakers for and connects to the distribution panel
controlling and protecting the electric
power supply to a building. It is located boards by means of feeder circuits
protected by circuit breakers. The main
in a switchgear room near the entrance
of the service conductors

The main switchboard is a panel on

switchboard serves for the control,
which are mounted switches,
overcurrent devices, metering
protection and metering of the main
instruments and busbars for controlling, feeders.
distributing and protecting a number of
electric circuits

BRANCH CIRCUITS – These are

FEEDER CIRCUITS – A feeder circuit
small capacity conductors which deliver
is a set of conductors which extends
energy to lamps, motors and other loads
from the main switchboard to a
within the circuit.
distributing center (panel board) with no
other circuits connected to it between
the source and the distributing center.
PANEL BOARDS AND SUB-PANEL
BOARDS (also called CUT-OUTS) – These
serve to control and protect the sub
SUB-FEEDER CIRCUITS – are line feeders and branch circuits.
extensions of a feeder, fed through a
panel board or cut-out, or from one
distributing center to another and having
no other circuit connected to it between UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT – These
the two distributing centers. A sub-feeder are the lighting, power and motor loads
serves to distribute power from the main and wiring devices which are directly
feeders to smaller local panel boards, handled and utilized by users.
called sub-panel boards.

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Fuse

2.4 ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING

A device containing a strip or
wire of fusible metal that melts

Service Switch
under the heat produced by
excess current thereby
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The main disconnect for the entire interrupting the circuit
electrical system of a building
except for any emergency power
systems
Panel
A board on which are mounted
the switches, fuses and circuit BLOCK DIAGRAM
breakers for controlling and
protecting a number of similar A horizontal single line
branch circuits installed in a diagram of the building’s
cabinet and accessible from
the front only. Also called a Circuit Breaker
electrical system from the
panelboard. A switch that automatically interrupts an electric incoming service to the
Bus
circuit to prevent excess current from damaging
apparatus in the circuit or from causing a fire. A
utilization items at the end
A heavy conductor, usually in the form of a circuit breaker may be reclosed and reused without of the system where the
solid copper bar, used for collecting, carrying
and distributing large electric currents. Also
replacement of any components. Also called a
breaker.
major electrical
called a busbar components are shown as
Grounded Conductor blocks or rectangles.
Any conductor of an electrical system
intentionally connected to a ground
connection

Grounding Electrode Ground Wire

A conductor, as a metal ground rod, A conductor connecting
ground plate or cold-water pipe, firmly electric equipment or a
embedded in the earth to establish a circuit to a ground
ground connection connection. Also called a
grounding conductor

ELEVATORS
PP MACHINE
MR ROOM ROOF

LP

HIGH-VOLTAGE SINGLE LINE 5A 5B 5C

PRIMARY FEEDERS
2,400, 4,160, 7,200 DIAGRAM RISER
4A 4B
OR 13,200 VOLTS
When electrical
4C
DIAGRAM
SECONDARY SERVICE MAIN DISTRIBUTION symbols are used LEFT 3A 3B 3C
Is a vertical line
PANELS
CONDUCTORS FEEDERS
in lieu of the RISER CENTRAL RISER SHAFT diagram of the
RECEPTACLES
TRANSFORMER
MAIN
SWITCH
LIGHTING
blocks, it is called 2A 2B
2C
major electrical
MOTOR
VAULT 120/208 OR BOARD PANELS a “one line” or a RIGHT RISER components of
120/240 OR
SWITCHES 227/480 VOLTS LARGE LIGHTING/ “single line 1A LP 1B 1C the buildings
TRANSFORMER LOBBY
FUSES
MOTOR APPLIANCE
PANELS SMALL
diagram”. electrical system
BRANCH MOTORS & presented
CONTROL
CIRCUIT SPARE M.C.C. showing the
MACHINE ROOM
spatial relations
between
FIRE ALARM
FA
PANEL components.
LPSE
STAIR AND EXIT
PANEL
M METERING

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2.5 EMERGENCY ELECTRIC SUPPLY
SYSTEM
Emergency Systems – provide electric
power and illumination essentially for life
safety and protection of property during
an emergency, such as, electricity for exit
lighting, elevators, fire alarm systems,
fire pumps and the like.
Standby Systems – provide power to
selected loads not directly involved with
life safety, such as, water and sewage
treatment plants and industrial machines
for manufacturing processes.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS
USING THE BATTERY
Small emergency appliance connected
direct to a storage battery
Groups of emergency loads
connected to central storage battery
through automatic device
Emergency equipment loads are
entirely separate from normal loads
and are generally de-energized. The
contactor is activated when it senses
power loss.
10/20/18
EMERGENCY POWER EQUIPMENT
Battery Equipment – Central storage
batteries are mounted in individual racks
and always provided with automatic
charging equipment.
Engine-Generator Sets – are machines
intended to produce electricity and
composed of three components: the
machine and its housing (if any), fuel
storage tank and the exhaust facilities.
EMERGENCY WIRING SYSTEMS
USING THE GENERATOR
Emergency system handled by a
single transfer switch which
automatically turns on when it senses
power loss at its downstream location.
Emergency system handled by
multiple switches
Emergency service totally separated
from normal through its own emergency
service entrance, coming from different
transformers or feeders.
Same as above, but both service
entrances supply normal loads and
each act as standby for each other.
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3. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
3.1 CONDUCTORS
– are materials which allow the free
flow of electrons through them.
Wires – are single insulated
conductors No. 8 AWG (American Wire
Gauge or smaller; for the English
System, it is the B & S Gauge or
Browne and Sharpe Gauge. The
smallest size of wire permitted is No.
14.
Cables – are single insulated
conductors No. 6 AWG or larger; or
they may be several conductors of
any size assembled into a single unit.
Bus Bars – large conductors which
are not circular in cross section and
usually found only to supply the main
switch boards.
CONDUCTOR AMPACITY
Conductor current carrying capacity or
ampacity is the maximum operating
temperature that its insulation can stand
continuously. Heat is generated as a
result of the current flowing and the
conductor resistance. When conductors
are placed in an enclosed conduit, the
heat generated is not as easily
dissipated as it would be if the conductor
were free in the air. Thus, the current
rating of a conductor in free air is much
higher than that for the same were it in
a conduit.
10/20/18
CONDUCTOR SIZES –
AWG/MCM STANDARD
All conductor sizes from No. 16 to
No. 0000 (also designated 4/0) are
expressed in AWG.
Beyond AWG No. 4/0, a different
designation, MCM (or thousand circular mil)
is used. In this designation, the smallest
MCM size is 250 MCM or ½”  and the
biggest is 500 MCM.
A circular MIL is an artificial area
measurement, representing the square of
the cable diameter (diam2) when the
diameter is expressed in mils (thousands of
an inch). Thus a solid conductor ½ inch in
diameter is 500 mils in diameter, or
250,000 circular mils in area, (500)2 or
250 MCM; thus;
CM/1000 = diam2 = (500)2/1000 =
250,000/1000 = 250 MCM
In the metric system, conductor sizes are
given simply as the diameter in millimeters
(mm).
TYPES OF CABLES
Armored Cable (Type AC) – a fabricated
assembly of insulated conductors
enclosed in flexible metal sheath.
Metal Clad Cable (Type MC) – a factory
assembled cable of one or more
conductors each individually insulated
and enclosed in a metallic sheath of
interlocking tape of a smooth or
corrugated tube.
Mineral Insulated Cable (Type MI) – a
factory assembled conductor/s insulated
with a highly compressed refractory
mineral insulation enclosed in a liquid and
gas tight continuous copper sheath.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Type NM
or NMC) – also known by the trade
name ROMEX, is a factory assembly of
two or more insulated conductors having
a moisture resistant, flame retardant,
and non-metallic material outer sheath.
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Shielded Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable Flat Cable Assemblies (Type FC) – an

(Type SNM) – a factory assembly of two
or more insulated conductors in an
extruded core of moisture resistant and
flame retardant material covered within
an overlapping spiral metal tape.
Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit
Cable (Type UF) – a moisture resistant
cable used for underground connections
including direct burial in the ground as
feeder or branch circuit.
Service Entrance Cable (Type SE or
USE) – a single or multi-conductor
assembly provided with or without an
overall covering primarily used for service
wire.
Power and Control Tray Cable (Type TC) – a
factory assembled two or more insulated
conductors with or without associated bare
or covered grounding under a metallic sheath
and is used for installation in cable trays,
raceways, or where supported by wire.
assembly of parallel conductors formed
integrally with an insulating material web
designed specially for field installation in
square structural channels.
Flat Conductor Cable (Type FCC) –
consists of three or more flat copper
conductors placed edge to edge
separated and enclosed within a
insulating assembly. This type of cable
is used for appliance or individual
branch circuits installed inside floor
surfaces.
Medium Voltage Cable (MV) – a
single or multi-conductor solid dielectric
insulated cable rated at 2,000 to
35,000 volts. Trade name is Medium
Voltage Solid Dielectric.

3.2 INSULATORS TYPES OF INSULATORS

INSULATORS are materials which General Wiring

prevent the flow of electrons through

them. Trade name Type Maximum Application
Letter Operating Provisions
Temperatur
e
Moisture-& heat-resistant RHW 75O C Dry and wet
rubber 167O F Locations
Thermoplastic T 60O C Dry locations
140O F
Moisture-resistant TW 60O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 140O F Locations
Heat-resistant THHN 90OC Dry locations
thermoplastic 194O F
Moisture-& heat-resistant THW 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat-resistant THWN 75O C Dry and wet
thermoplastic 167O F Locations
Moisture-& heat resistant XHHW 90O C Dry locations
cross-linked 194O F Wet
thermosetting 75O C locations
polyethelene 167O C
Silicone-asbestos SA 90O C Dry locations
194O F
Asbestos and Varnished AVA 110O C Dry locations
Cambric 230O F only

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3.3 CONDUITS
CONDUITS are circular raceways used
to enclose wires and cables and are of
metal or plastic (PVC).
To protect the enclosed conductors
from mechanical injury and chemical
damage.
To protect people from shock hazards
by providing a grounded enclosure.
To provide a system ground path.
To protect the surroundings against fire
hazard as a result of overheating or short
circuiting of the enclosed conductors.
To support the conductors.
3.4 RACEWAYS – are channels or
wiring accessories so designed for
holding wires, cables and bus bars that
are either made of metal, plastic, or any
insulating medium.
10/20/18
TYPES OF STEEL CONDUITS
Heavy-wall steel conduits called “Rigid
Steel Conduits” or RSC with an
approximate thickness of 0.117 mm.
“Intermediate Metal Conduit” or IMC with
thickness of 0.071 mm.
Thin-wall steel conduits named “Electric
Metal Tubing” or EMT.
RSCs and IMCs use the same fitting, called
condulets, and are threaded alike at the
joints. EMTs are not threaded but use set
screw and pressure fitting and are not
recommended for embedding in concrete
nor permitted in hazardous areas. IMCs
yield a larger inside diameter (ID) for
easier wire pulling and is lighter than the
RSC.
Standard length of steel conduits is 3 M or
10 ft.
3.5 OUTLETS and RECEPTACLES –
An outlet is a point in the wiring system
at which current is taken to supply
utilization equipment. It refers only to
the box. A receptacle is the wiring
device in which the utilization
equipment (appliance) cord is plugged
into.
•Convenience Outlet or Attachment
Cap - the complete set-up which
establishes connection between the
conductor of the flexible cord and the
conductors connected permanently to
the receptacle.
11

•Lighting Outlet – is an outlet intended
for direct connection to a lamp holder,
lighting fixture, or pendant cord
terminating in a lamp holder.
•Receptacle Outlet – is an outlet where
one or more receptacles are installed.
3. Wiring Switches – include all the
relatively small switches that are
 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING
employed in interior wiring
TO TYPE OF SERVICE
installations for the control of
branch circuits, individual lamps or
1. Service Switch – intended to
appliances.
disconnect all the electric service in
the building except emergency a) General–purpose switches – are
single-pole or double-pole switches
equipment. This may comprise one to
six properly rated switches that are for the general purpose use of
connecting or cutting-off circuits for
assembled into a switchboard.
the control of lamps or other loads
from a single point.
2. Power Switches –
b) Three-way switches – are used
a) General –purpose switches – are
intended for use in general where it is desired to control lamps
from two different points, as in a
distribution and branch circuits.
stairwell.
b) Disconnecting or isolating switches –
c) Four-way switches – are used in
are intended for disconnecting or
conjunction with two 3-wire switches
isolating circuits; used for circuits
where it is desired to control lamps
rated at more than 600 volts.
from three or more desired points.
10/20/18
3.6 SWITCHES – are devices for making,
breaking, or changing conditions in an
electrical circuit under the conditions of
load which they are rated.
TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING
TO VOLTAGE
Switches are rated as 250V, 600V,or 5KV
as required.
 TYPE OF SWITCH – ACCORDING
TO INTENSITY OF USE
1. Normal Duty (ND) – intended for
normal use in light and power circuits
as in general-purpose switches.
2. Heavy Duty (HD) – intended for
frequent interrupting.
3. Light Duty (LD) –intended to connect
the loads occasionally, such as service
switches.
 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
d) Electrolier or multi-circuit switches –
OPERATION MECHANISM
are used for the control of lights in
Wiring switches may also be classified
multi-lamp fixtures so that one
according to the operating mechanism
lamp or set of lamps may be turned
as:
on alone or in combination with
1. Rotary switch
other lamps.
2. Push-button switch
3. Toggle or tumbler switch
e) Momentary contact switches – are
used where it is desired to connect
 TYPE OF SWITCH - ACCORDING TO
or cut-off a circuit for only a short
NUMBER OF POLES AND THROWS
duration. The switch is provided
with a spring so that it will return to
1. Poles – that part of the switch which is
its original position as soon as the
used for making or breaking of a
handle or button is released.
connection and which is electrically
insulated from other contact making or
f) Dimmer switches – a rheostat[1] or
breaking parts.
similar device for regulating the
intensity of an electric light without
2. Throws - a single throw switch is one
appreciably affecting spatial
which will make a closed circuit only
distribution. Also called a dimmer.
when the switch is thrown in one
Wiring switches may either be the
position. A double throw switch will
flush type, surface type or the
make a closed circuit when thrown in
pendant type.
either of two positions.
12
 10/20/18

SPECIAL SWITCHES 3.7 WALL PLATES OR FACEPLATES -

1. Time Controlled Switches – This
device comprises a precision low
speed miniature drive motor (timer)
to which some type of electric
contact-making device is connected.
2. Remote Control (RC) Switches – A
contactor[1], or more specifically, a
relay[2], that latches after being
operated wireless from a distance.
3.Air Switch – a switch in which the
interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
4. Knife Switch – a form of air switch in
which a hinged copper blade
is placed between two
contact clips.
These are coverings for switches and wall
5. Float Switch – a switch controlled by outlets usually made of metal or of
a conductor floating in a liquid. phenollic compound (Bakelite).
6. Mercury Switch – an especially quiet
switch that opens and closes an electric
circuit by shifting a sealed glass tube of
mercury so as to uncover or cover the
contacts.
7. Key Switch – a switch operated only
by inserting a key or a card. Also called
a card switch.
8. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) –
This device, an essential part of an
emergency or standby service, is
basically a double throw switch,
generally 3-pole, so arranged that on
failure of normal power, emergency
service is automatically supplied.

3.8 OVER-CURRENT CIRCUIT

PROTECTIVE DEVICES – are devices
whose sole purpose is to protect
insulation, wiring, switches and other
apparatus from overheating or burning,
due to overloads, to faults or to short
circuits, by automatically cutting off the
circuit.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS– is an over-
current protective device designed to
function as a switch, or it can be
manually tripped and thus act as a
circuit switch. It breaks a circuit with an
automatic tripping device without injury
to itself.

FUSE – is a device consisting of an

alloy link of wire with a low melting
temperature which is inserted in the
circuit, in such a way, that all current
which passes through the circuit, must GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
also pass through this metal. INTERRUPTERS (GFCI or GFI) – is
an over current protective device that
will provide ground fault protection as
well as function as an ordinary circuit
breaker.

13

PANELBOARDS – popularly known as
“panel” or “electrical panel”, it is simply
the box wherein the protective devises are
housed from which the circuits and bus
bars terminate.
SWITCHBOARDS – are free standing
assemblies of switches, fuses, and/or
circuit breakers whose function normally
is to provide switching and feeder
protection to a number of circuits
connected to a main source.
UNIT SUBSTATIONS – (Transfer Load
Centers) an assembly of primary switch-
fuse-breaker, step-down transformer,
meters, controls, bus bars and secondary
switchboard. It is used to supply power
from a primary voltage line to any large
facility.
FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT
WIRING – Its installation is much
easier and quicker than that of rigid
metal conduits. Unlike the rigid conduits
which come in short lengths of 10 ft. (3
M), flexible metal conduit wiring comes
in length of 25 ft – 250 ft (8 M – 83 M)
depending on the size of the conduit.
ARMORED CABLE WIRING (BX
WIRING) – consists of rubber or
thermoplastic covered wire protected
from injury to a certain extent from
dampness by one or two layers of flexible
steel armor.
SURFACE METAL RACEWAY
WIRING – the wires are supported on a
thin sheet steel casing. The raceway is
installed exposed, being mounted on the
walls or ceiling. Metal raceways must be
continuous from outlet to outlet or
junction box, designed especially for use
with metal raceways.
10/20/18
4. WIRING SYSTEMS
4.1 WIRING METHODS
KNOB AND TUBE WIRING – an
obsolete wiring system consisting of
single insulated conductors secured to
and supported on porcelain knobs and
tubes. When wires run through walls,
they are inserted into a nonmetallic fire-
resistant tubing called a loom.
RIGID METAL CONDUIT WIRING –
is the best and most expensive among
the usual type of wiring. Its advantages
are:
1. it is fireproof;
2. moisture proof;
3. it is mechanically strong so that nails
cannot be driven through it and it is not
readily deformed by blows;
4. it resists the normal action of cement
when embedded in concrete or masonry.
FLAT CABLE ASSEMBLIES – a field
installed rigidly mounted square
structural channel (1 – 5/8” standard)
designed to carry 2 to 4 conductors (No.
10 AWG) and will act as light duty
(branch circuit) plug-in busways.
LIGHTING TRACK – a factory-
assembled channel with conductors for
one to four circuits permanently
installed in the track that will act as
light duty (branch circuit) plug-in
busways.
CABLE TRAY / OPEN RACEWAY
– is a continuous open support for
approved cables. When used as a
general wiring system, the cables
must be self-protected, jacketed
types, type TC.
14
 10/20/18

 FLOOR RACEWAYS – The NEC

recognizes three types of floor CEILING RACEWAY SYSTEMS –
raceways: under-the-ceiling raceways composed of
header ducts and distribution ducts
1. Underfloor Ducts (UF) installed beneath separate for power and telephone cabling.
or flush with the floor. These underfloor They permit very rapid changes in layouts
ducts usually requires a triple duct at low cost and are therefore particularly
system for power, telephone and desirable in stores where frequent display
signal cabling. transformations necessitate corresponding
electrical facility adjustments.
2. Cellular Metal Floor Raceway – Found
usually in office landscaping, it is an
integrated structural/electrical system
in a cellular metal floor.
PRE-WIRED CEILING DISTRIBUTION
3. Precast Cellular Concrete – made of SYSTEMS – are ceiling raceways that are
concrete cells fed from header ducts, pre-wired in the factory and plugged in
which are normally installed in concrete where required.
fill above the hollow core structural slab
or fed from the ceiling void below. The
cells can be used for air distribution and
for piping.

2. Location of Poles and Clearances of Power Lines along Public Roads.

ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
BY PD 1096
2.1 All poles erected on public roads shall be covered by Approved Pole
Location (APL) plan from the Municipal Engineer.

2.2 Poles and transformer supports shall be located not more than
500mm inside from the road right-of-way or property line, and
1. General Locational Requirements in Towns, shall not obstruct the sidewalk, pedestrian path and/or the road
Subdivisions, Human Settlements, Industrial Estates drainage canal or structure, existing or proposed.
and the like.

Overhead transmission and/or distribution

lines/systems including transformers, poles, towers and Pole
the like shall be located and installed following the
latest standards of design, construction and ≤ 500 mm
maintenance but so as not to cause visual pollution and
in the interest of public safety, convenience, good
viewing and aesthetics, these may be located along
alleys or back streets. Property line

15
 10/20/18

2.5 Clearances of Supporting Structures such as Poles, Towers and

2.3 Primary lines shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 10 m
from the crown of the pavement when crossing the highway
and 7.5 m from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk when installed
along the side of the highway or street in a highly urbanized area.
≥7.5 m
≥10 m
others and their guys and braces measured from the nearest
parts of the objects concerned:
A. From Fire Hydrants, not less than 5 m.
B. From the Street Corners, where hydrants are
located at street corners, poles and towers shall
not be set so far from the corners as to make
necessary the use of flying taps which are
inaccessible from the poles.
C. From Curbs, not less than 150 mm measured from
the curb away from the roadway.

≥5 m
≥150 mm

2.4 Secondary, neutral and service lines shall have a minimum vertical
clearance of 7.5 m from the crown of the road pavement when
crossing the highway and from the top of the shoulder or sidewalk
when installed along the side of the highway or street in highly
urbanized area.

4. Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings

3. Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings
Where the permanent attachment of open supply conductors of any class to
3.1 Attachments for support of power lines and cables, transformers and other
buildings is necessary for an entrance such conductors shall meet the following
equipment and/or communications lines installed on buildings shall be
requirements:
covered by an Approved Attachment Plan from the local Building Official.
4.1 Conductors of more than 300 volts to ground shall not be carried along or
3.2 Where buildings exceed 15 m in height, overhead lines shall be arranged
near the surface of the buildings unless they are guarded or made
where practicable so that a clear space or zone at least 2 m wide will be
inaccessible.
left, either adjacent to the building or beginning not over 2.5 m from the
building, to facilitate the raising of ladders where necessary for fire
4.2 To promote safety to the general public and to employees not authorized
fighting.
to approach conductors and other current-carrying parts of electric supply
lines, such parts shall be arranged so as to provide adequate clearance
from the ground or other space generally accessible, or shall be provided
2 - 2.5 m with guards so as to isolate them effectively from accidental contact by
such persons.
≥ 15 m Pole
4.3 Undergrounded metal-sheathed service cables, service conduits, metal
fixtures and similar noncurrent-carrying parts, if located in urban districts
and where liable to become charged to more than 300 volts to ground,
shall be isolated or guarded so as not to be exposed to accidental contact
by unauthorized persons. As an alternative to isolation or guarding,
noncurrent-carrying parts shall be solidly or effectively grounded.

16
 10/20/18

4.4 Clearance of wires from building surface shall be not less than
those required Table II. 5. Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings

5.1 Minimum Clearances. Unguarded or accessible supply conductors

Voltage of Supply Horizontal Vertical Clearance carrying voltages in excess of 300 volts may be run either beside
Conductors Clearance in in Meters or over buildings. The vertical or horizontal clearance to any
Meters building or its attachments (balconies, platforms, etc.) shall be as
300 to 8,700 volts 1.0 2.5 listed below. The horizontal clearance governs above the roof
level to the point where the diagonal equals the vertical clearance
8,700 to 15,000 2.5 2.5 requirement. This rule should not be interpreted as restricting the
volts installation of a trolley contact conductor over the approximate
15,000 to 50,000 3.0 3.0 center line of the track it serves.
volts
5.2 Guarding of Supply Conductors/Supply of Conductors of 300 volts
> 50,000 volts 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv 3.0 + 10 mm per Kv or more shall be properly guarded by grounded conduit, barriers,
in excess in excess or otherwise, under the following conditions:
1. Where the clearances set forth in Table II above cannot
be obtained.
4.5 Supports over buildings. Service-drop conductors passing over a 2. Where such supply conductors are placed near enough to
roof shall be securely supported by substantial structures. windows, verandas, fire escapes, or other ordinarily
Where practicable, such supports shall be independent of the accessible places within the reach of persons.
building.

5.3 Where the required clearances cannot be obtained, supply

conductors shall be of Grounded Metallic Shield, Jacketed Primary Clearance of line Communication LInes Supply LInes
conductors from -
Cables grouped or bundled and supported by grounded messenger In general On jointly used In general (0 to On jointly used Exceeding 8700
wires. poles 8700 volts) poles (0 to 8700 volts, add for each
volts) 1000 volts of excess
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 6.25 mm
V- conductors of the
same circuit
Vertical and lateral 75 mm 75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm
conductors of other
circuits

≥V Span and guy wires

attached to same
75 mm 150 mm 150 mm 150 mm 10 mm

pole: general
Span and guy wires 75 mm 150 mm 300 mm 300 mm 10 mm
attached to same
pole: when parallel
to line
Lightning protection 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 75 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of cross
arms
Lightning protection 75 mm 125 mm 75 mm 125 mm 5 mm
wires parallel to line:
surfaces of poles

17
 10/20/18

6. Clearance of Service Drops

Exception No. 1. Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300
6.1 Service drop conductors shall not be readily accessible and when not in volts and the roof has a slope of not less than 100mm in 300mm, the
excess of 600 volts, shall conform to the following: clearance may not be less than 1m.

a. Clearances over roof. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less

than 2.5m from the highest point of roofs over which they pass with Service Drop Conductor
the following exceptions: ≥1 m ≤300 volts
Service Drop Conductor
< 600 volts Highest point
≥ 2.5 m
Highest point
Slope ≥ 1:3

Exception No. 2. Service drop conductors of 300 volts or less which do not pass 6.2 Clearance from the Ground. Conductors shall have a clearance of not less
over other than a maximum of 1.2m of the overhang portion of the roof for the than 3m from the ground or from any platform or projection from which they
purpose of terminating at a through-the-roof service raceway or approved might be reached.
conductor
support may be maintained at a minimum of 500mm from any portion of the
roof over which they pass. ≥3m platform

≥500mm
6.3 Clearance from Building Openings. Conductors shall have a horizontal
Service Drop Conductor clearance of not less than 1m from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or
similar locations and shall be run at least 500mm above the top level of a
≤ 1.2 m ≤ 300 volts
window or opening.
Highest point

≥ 500mm

window
≥1m

18
 10/20/18

6.5 No parts of swimming and wading pools shall be placed under existing service
6.4 Service Drop of communication lines, when crossing a street, shall have a drop conductors or any other over-head wiring; nor shall such wiring be
clearance of not less than 5.5 m from the crown of the street or sidewalk installed above the following:
over which it passes. Service drop of communication line
a. Swimming and wading pools and the area extending 3m
outward horizontally from the inside of the walls of the pool.
≥ 5.50 m ≥5.50 m b. Diving Structures
c. Observation stands, towers or platforms
≥3m

Service Drop of communication lines shall have a minimum clearance of 3m

Service
above ground at its point of attachment to the building or pedestal.
drop
conductor

≥3m ≥3m Swimming pool

protector

8. Transformers
7. Wiring Methods
8.1 Oil-insulated Transformers Installed Outdoors. Combustible material,
Service entrance conductors extending along the exterior or entering combustible buildings and parts of buildings, fire escapes, door and
buildings or other structures shall be installed in rigid steel conduit or window openings shall be safeguarded from fires originating in oil-
asbestos cement conduit or concrete encased plastic conduit from point of insulated transformers installed on, attached to, or adjacent to a building
service drop to meter socket and from meter socket to the disconnecting or combustible material. Space separations, fire-resistant barriers and
equipment. However, where the service entrance conductors are protected enclosures which confine the oil of a ruptured transformer tank are
by approved fuses or breakers at their outer ends (immediately after the recognized safeguards. One or more of these safeguards shall be applied
service drop or lateral) they may be installed in any of the recognized wiring according to the degree of hazard involved in cases where the transformer
methods. installation presents a fire hazard. Oil enclosures may consist of fire-
resistant dikes, curbed areas or basins, or trenches filled with coarse,
7.1 Abandoned Lines and/or portions of lines no longer required to provide crushed stone. Oil enclosures shall be provided with trapped drains in
shall be removed. cases where the exposure and the quantity of oil involved are such that
removal of oil is important.
7.2 Power or communication poles, lines, service drops and other line
equipment shall be free from any attachment for antennas, signs, Exterior Oil-insulated
streamers and the like. Transformer

Trench all
7.3 Metallic sheaths or jackets of overhead power or communication cables around
shall be grounded at a point as close as possible to ground level
whenever such cables change from overhead to underground
installations.

19

8.2 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors. Transformers rated 112-1/2 KVA
or less shall have separation of at least 300mm from combustible material
unless separated there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier or
unless of a rating not exceeding 600 volts and completely enclosed except for
ventilating openings.
Combustible Wall
Dry-type transformer
112-1/2 Kva or less
≥ 300mm
8.4 Oil-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Oil-insulated transformers shall
be installed in a vault constructed as specified in this Section except as follows:
1. NOT OVER 112-1/2KVA TOTAL CAPACITY. The provisions for transformer
vaults specified in Section 9.3 of this Rule apply except that the vault may
be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 100mm thick.
2. NOT OVER 600 VOLTS. A vault is not required provided suitable
arrangements are made where necessary to prevent a transformer oil fire
igniting other materials, and the total transformer capacity in one location
does not exceed 10 KVA in a section of the building classified as
combustible, or 75 KVA where the surrounding structures is classified as
fire-resistant construction.
> 100mm thick reinforced
concrete vault
oil insulated transformer
< 112-1/2 KVa
10/20/18
Transformers of more than 112-1/2 KVA rating shall be installed in a transformer
room of fire-resistant construction unless they are constructed with Class B (80ºC
rise) or Class H (150ºC rise) insulation, and are separated from combustible
material not less than 1.85m horizontally and 3.7m vertically or are separated
there from by a fire-resistant heat-insulating barrier.
Transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.
vault
Combustible ceiling
Dry-type transformer Transformer more
Combustible 112-1/2 Kva or less ≥ 3.70 m
Wall than 35,000 volts
≥ 1.85 m
8.3 Askarel-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors. Askarel-insulated
transformers rated in excess of 25 KVA shall be furnished with a pressure
relief vent. Where installed in a poorly ventilated place they shall be
furnished with a means for absorbing any gases generated by arcing inside
the case, or the pressure relief vent shall be connected to a chimney or flue
which will carry such gases outside the building. Askarel-insulated
transformers rated more than 35,000 volts shall be installed in a vault.
3. FURNACE TRANSFORMERS. Electric furnace transformers of a total rating
not exceeding 75 KVA may be installed without a vault in a building or room
of fire-resistant construction provided suitable arrangements are made to
prevent a transformer oil fire spreading to other combustible material.
4. DETACHED BUILDING. Transformers may be installed in a building which
does not conform with the provisions specified in this Code for transformer
vault, provided neither the building nor its contents present fire hazard to
any other building or property, and provided the building is used only in
supplying electric service and the interior is accessible only to qualified
persons.
8.5 Guarding. Transformers shall be guarded as follows:
1. MECHANICAL PROTECTION. Appropriate provisions shall be made
to minimize the possibility of damage to transformers from external
causes where the transformers are located exposed to physical
damage.
2. CASE OR ENCLOSURE. Dry-type transformers shall be provided with
a non-combustible moisture resistant case or enclosure which will
provide reasonable protection against accidental insertion of foreign
objects.
3. EXPOSED LIVE PARTS. The transformer installation shall conform
with the provisions for guarding of live parts in PEC Rule 1056.
4. VOLTAGE WARNING. The operating voltage of exposed live parts of
transformer installations shall be indicated by signs or visible
markings on the equipment or structures.
20

9. Provisions for Transformer Vaults
9.1 New Building. New buildings requiring an expected load demand of
200KVA or above shall be provided with a transformer vault, except that
transformers may be mounted on poles or structures within the property if
enough space is available, provided that all clearances required can be
obtained and no troublesome contamination on insulators, bushings, etc.
can cause hazards and malfunctioning of the equipment.
150 mm for R.C
200 mm for Brick
300 mm for Load bearing CHB
Wall: 200 Kva or more
20 mm thick plaster
2-1/2 hours fire rating
Floor:
100mm thick
2-1/2 hours fire rating
9.4 Doorways. Any doorway leading from the vault into the building shall be
protected as follows:
1. TYPE OF DOOR. Each doorway shall be provided with a tight-fitting
door of a type approved for openings in such locations by the authority
enforcing this Code.
2. SILLS. A door sill or curb of sufficient height to confine within the
vault, the oil from the largest transformer shall be provided and in no
case shall the height be less than 100mm.
3. LOCKS. Entrance doors shall be equipped with locks, and doors shall
be kept locked, access being allowed only to qualified persons. Locks
and latches shall be so arranged that the door may be readily and
quickly opened from the inside.
10.Ventilation. Ventilation shall be adequate to prevent a transformer temperature
in excess of the prescribed values.
1. LOCATION. Ventilation openings shall be located as far away as
possible from doors, windows, fire escapes and combustible material.
10/20/18
9.2 Location. Transformer and transformer vaults shall be readily accessible to
qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance. Vaults shall be located
where they can be ventilated to the outside air without using flues or ducts
wherever such an arrangement is practicable.
9.3 Walls, Roof and Floor. The walls and roofs of vaults shall consist of reinforced
concrete not less than 150mm thick, masonry or brick not less than 200mm
thick, or 300mm load bearing hollow concrete blocks. The inside wall and roof
surface of vaults constructed of hollow concrete blocks shall have a coating of
cement or gypsum plaster not less than 20mm thick. The vault shall have a
concrete floor not less than 100mm thick. Building walls and floor which meet
these requirements may serve for the floor, roof and one or more walls of the
vaults. Other forms of fire-resistive construction are also acceptable provided
they have adequate structural strength for the conditions and a minimum fire
resistance of two and one half hours according to the approved Fire Test
Standard. The quality of the material used in the construction of the vault shall
be of the grade approved by the Building Official having jurisdiction.
2. ARRANGEMENT. Vaults ventilated by natural circulation of air may have
roughly half of the total area of openings required or ventilation in one or more
openings near the floor and the remainder in one or more openings in the roof
or in the sidewalls near the roof; or all of the area required for ventilation may
be provided in one or more openings in or near the roof.
3. SIZE. In the case of vaults ventilated to an outdoor area without using ducts or
flues the combined net area of all ventilating openings after deducting the area
occupied by screens, grating, or louvers, shall be not less than 0.006 sqmm per
KVA of transformer capacity in service, except that the net area shall be not
less than 0.1 sqm for any capacity under 50 KVA.
4. COVERING. Ventilation openings shall be covered with durable gratings,
screens, or louvers, according to the treatment requirement required in order to
avoid unsafe conditions.
5. DAMPERS. Where automatic dampers are used in the ventilation openings of
vaults containing oil-insulated transformers, the actuating device should be
made to function at a temperature resulting from fire and not a temperature
which might prevail as a result of an overheated transformer or bank of
transformers. Automatic dampers should be designed and constructed to
minimize the possibility of accidental closing.
21

6. DUCTS. Ventilating ducts shall be constructed of fire resistant material.
7. DRAINAGE. Where practicable, vaults containing more than 100KVA
transformer capacity shall be provided with a drain or other means which will
carry off any accumulation of oil or water in the vaults unless local conditions
make this impracticable.
8. WATER PIPES AND ACCESSORIES. Any pipe or duct system foreign to the
electrical installation should not enter or pass through a transformer vault.
Where the presence of such foreign system cannot be avoided, appurtenances
thereto which require maintenance at regular intervals shall not be located
inside the vault. Arrangements shall be made where necessary to avoid
possible trouble from compensation, leaks and breaks in such foreign system.
Piping or other facilities provided for fire protection or for water-cooled
transformers are not deemed to be foreign to the electrical installation.
12.Emergency Systems
1. The provisions of this Section shall apply to the installation, operation and
maintenance of circuits, systems and equipment intended to supply
illumination and power in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the
event of accident to elements of a system supplying power and illumination
essential for safety to life and proper where such systems or circuits are
required by the Fire Code, or by any government agency having jurisdiction.
Emergency systems are generally installed in places of assembly where
artificial illumination is required, such as buildings subject to occupancy by
large numbers of persons, hotels, theaters, sports arenas, hospitals and similar
institutions. Emergency systems provide power for such functions as
refrigeration, operation of mechanical breathing apparatus, ventilation
essential to maintain life, illumination and power for hospital room, fire alarm
systems, fire pumps, industrial processes where current interruption would
produce serious hazards, public address systems and other similar functions.
2. All requirements of this Section shall apply to emergency systems.
3. All equipment for use on emergency systems shall be properly approved.
10/20/18
11.Capacitors.
1. Application. This section applies to installation of capacitors on electric
circuits in or on buildings.
Exception No. 1. Capacitors that are components of other apparatus shall
conform to the requirements for such apparatus.
Exception No. 2. Capacitors in hazardous locations shall comply with
additional requirements in PEC Section 400-415.
2. Location. An installation of capacitors in which any single unit contains
more than three gallons of combustible liquid shall be in a vault conforming
to part C of PEC Section 319.
3. Mechanical Protection. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage
by location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.
4. Cases and Supports. Capacitors shall be protected from physical damage by
location or by suitable fences, barriers or other enclosures.
5. Transformers Used with Capacitors. Transformers which are components of
capacitor installations and are used for the purpose of connecting the
capacitor to a power circuit shall be installed in accordance with PEC Section
319. The KVA rating shall not be less than 135 per cent of the capacitor
rating in Kva.
4. Tests and Maintenance
a. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test on the
complete system upon completion of installation, and periodically afterwards.
b. Systems shall be tested periodically in accordance with a schedule acceptable
to the authority having jurisdiction to assure that they are maintained in proper
operating condition.
c. Where the battery systems or unit equipment are involved, including
batteries used for starting or ignition in auxiliary engines, the authority having
jurisdiction shall require periodic maintenance.
d. A written record shall be kept of such tests and maintenance.
5. Emergency systems shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency
operation of all equipment connected to the system.
22

6. Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to
or within the building or group of buildings concerned, emergency lighting or
emergency power, will be immediately available. The supply system for
emergency purposes may be composed one or more of the types of systems
covered in Section 12.7 to Section 12.10 of this Rule. Unit equipment in
accordance with Section 12.21 shall satisfy the applicable requirements of this
Section.
Consideration must be given to the type of service to be rendered; whether for
short duration, as for exit lights of a theater, or for long duration, as for
supplying emergency power and lighting during long periods of current failure
from trouble either inside or outside the buildings, as in the case of a hospital.
Assignment of degree of reliability of the recognized emergency supply system
depends upon the careful evaluation of the variables of each particular
installation.
7. A storage battery of suitable rating and capacity shall supply, by means of a
service installed according to Section 200 of the PEC and maintained at not
more than 90 per cent of system voltage, the total load of the circuits supplying
emergency lighting and emergency power for a period of at least ½ hour.
12.Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided, where practicable, for the
following purposes:
a. To give warning of dearrangement of the emergency or auxiliary source.
b. To indicate that the battery or generator set is carrying a load.
c. To indicate when a battery charger is properly functioning.
13. Only appliances and lamps specified as required for emergency use shall be
supplied by emergency lighting circuits.
14. Emergency illumination shall be provided for all required exit lights and all
other lights specified as necessary for sufficient illumination.
Emergency lighting systems should be so designed and installed that the
failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light
bulb, shall not leave any area in total darkness.
10/20/18
8. A generator set driven by some form of prime mover, with sufficient capacity
and proper rating to supply circuits carrying emergency lighting or lighting and
power, equipped with suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover
on failure of the normal service shall be provided. For hospitals, the transition-
time from instant of failure of the normal power source to the emergency
generator source shall not exceed ten seconds. (See Section 12.4)
9. There shall be two services, each in accordance with Section 200 of the PEC,
widely separated electrically and physically to minimize the possibility of
simultaneous interruption of power supply arising from an occurrence within
the building or group of buildings served.
10.Connections on the line side of the main service shall be sufficiently separated
from said main service to prevent simultaneous interruption of supply through
an occurrence within the building or group of buildings served.
11. The requirements of Section 12.5 and Section 12.6 also apply to installations
where the entire electrical load on a service or sub-service is arranged to be
supplied from a second source. Current supply from a standby power plant
shall satisfy the requirements of availability in Section 12.6.
15.Branch circuits intended to supply emergency lighting shall be so installed as to
provide service immediately when the normal supply for lighting is interrupted.
Such installations shall provide either one of the following:
a. An emergency lighting supply, independent of the general lighting
system with provisions for automatically transferring to the emergency
lights by means of devices approved for the purpose upon the event of
failure of the general lighting system supply.
b. Two or more separate and complete systems with independent power
supply, each system providing sufficient current for emergency lighting
purposes. Unless both systems are used for regular lighting purposes
and are both lighted, means shall be provided for automatically
energizing either system upon failure of the other. Either or both
systems may be part of the general lighting system of the protected
occupancy if circuits supplying lights for emergency illumination are
installed in accordance with other Section of this Rule.
16. For branch circuits which supply equipment classed as emergency, there shall
be an emergency supply source to which the load will be transferred
automatically and immediately upon the failure of the normal supply.
23
 10/20/18

17. Emergency circuit wiring shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and
equipment and shall not enter the same raceway, box or cabinet with other wiring
except:
a. In transfer switches, or
b. In exit or emergency lighting fixtures supplied from two (2) sources.
18. The switches installed in emergency lighting circuits shall be so arranged that only
authorized persons have control of emergency lighting, except:
a. Where two or more single throw switches are connected in parallel to
control a single circuit, at least one of those switches shall be accessible
only to authorized persons.
b. Additional switches which act only to put emergency lights into operation
but not to disconnect them may be permitted.
Switches connected in series and three- and four-way switches shall not be
allowed.
19. All manual switches for controlling emergency circuits shall be located at the most
accessible place to authorized persons responsible for their actuation. In places of
assembly, such as theaters, a switch for controlling emergency lighting systems
shall be located in the lobby or at a place conveniently accessible there from.
In no case shall a control switch for emergency lighting in a theater for motion
picture projection be placed in the projection booth or on the stage. However,
where multiple switches are provided, one such switch may be installed in such
locations and so arranged that it can energize but not disconnect for the circuit.
20. Lights on the exterior of the building which are not required for illumination
when there is sufficient daylight may be controlled by an automatic light
actuated device approved for the purpose.
21. In hospital corridors, switching arrangements to transfer corridor lighting in
patient areas of hospitals from overhead fixtures to fixtures designed to provide
night lighting maybe permitted, provided that the switching system is so
designed that switches can only select between two sets of fixtures but cannot
extinguish both sets at the same time.
22.The branch circuits over current devices in emergency circuits shall be
accessible to authorized persons only.
23. Where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, in lieu of other methods
specified elsewhere in this Section, individual unit equipment for emergency
illumination shall consist of:
a. Battery
b. Battery charging means, when a storage battery is used
c. One or more lamps, and
d. A relaying device arranged to energize the lamps automatically upon
failure of the normal supply to the building

The batteries shall be of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain, at not
less than 90 per cent of rated lamp voltage, the total lamp load associated with the
unit for a period of at least ½ hour. Storage batteries, whether of the acid or alkali
type, shall be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of emergency
service. Lead-acid type storage batteries shall have transparent jars.

Unit equipment shall be permanently fixed in place and shall have all wiring to each
unit installed in accordance with the requirements of any of the wiring methods
discussed in Chapter II of the PEC. They shall not be connected by flexible cord. The
supply circuit between the unit equipment and the service, the feeders or the branch
circuit wiring shall be installed as required by Section 12.17. Emergency illumination
fixtures which obtain power from a unit equipment which are not part of the unit
equipment shall be wired to the unit equipment as required by Rule 5257 of the PEC
and in accordance with the one of the wiring methods described in Chapter II of the
PEC.

13. Effectivity

1. All primary and secondary supply lines already existing shall comply with the
provisions of this Rule within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
2. Transformers to be installed on, attached to, or in buildings shall comply with the
requirements of this Rule. Transformer installations already existing shall comply with
the requirements within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Rule.
3. Non-compliance with the provisions of this Rule shall be subject to the penal
provisions in Section 213 of PD 1096.

24
 10/20/18

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.1 General 3. Time Equipment 1.2 Fire Alarm System b) Coded Manual Stations
clock and program equipment Each manual station is coded and
this code is received at the control
1.1 General 1.1.1 Types of 1.1 General 1.2.1 Types of Fire Alarm
panel, processed and transmitted
1.2 Fire Alarm
Communication & Signal 1.1.2 Parts of the 1.2 Fire Alarm
Systems audibly on the system gongs. The
System Systems Communication & Signal System code usually comprises of 3 to 4
1. Automatic System digits; the first number may identify
1.3 Intrusion 1. Surveillance and Signal Systems 1.3 Intrusion uses detectors to trigger the alarm the building number, the second the
(Burglar) Alarm Equipment (Burglar) Alarm system. building floor and the third the
System System
Fire, smoke and intruder detection 1. Detectors individual station.
and alarm systems 2. Manual System
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
2. Control Unit or Panel uses visual detection and the alarm
1.5 Industrial In general, all signal systems require 1.5 Industrial is triggered by hand.
Building Security a surveillance system to process 3. Alarm Devices Building Security
System information including transmitting it System a) Non-Coded Manual Stations
and a means of indicating the signal, 4. Wiring or Circuitry the station locations are not
1.6 Television 1.6 Television identifiable at the control panel when
either audibly, visually or
Antenna System Antenna System it is manually triggered. An
permanently on “hard copy”.
annunciation panel, however, can be
1.7 Sound 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems 2. Audio and Visual Amplifying Systems added to the system, to convert
or Public Address Communication Equipment or Public Address each station as a non-coded
System telephone, intercom, public TV and System indicating zone. Beyond 10 stations,
closed circuit television (CCTV) coding should be considered.
1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and
Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.2.2 Detectors b) Rate-of-Rise Unit 2. Photoelectric Detector 4. Flame Detectors
activates when the rate of ambient These detectors react to the These detectors are of two types;
1. Temperature Detector temperature differential exceeds a obscuration of a light beam by the Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV)
1.1 General 1.1 General
the most common is the predetermined amount. This unit smoke. They are best applied where Detectors. Applications are generally
1.2 Fire Alarm Temperature Detector called the may be combined with the fixed 1.2 Fire Alarm fires produce considerable quantities industrial and are highly sensitive.
System “thermostat” temperature unit in a single housing System of smoke and gas, such as those
such as in the case of an automatic caused by slow burning plastics.
1.3 Intrusion resetting unit. 1.3 Intrusion
a) Fixed Temperature Unit
(Burglar) Alarm (Burglar) Alarm
System triggers a set of contacts when a System
present temperature is reached.
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm This unit is available in a one-time 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
non-renewable design that uses a
1.5 Industrial low melting alloy fusible plug. 1.5 Industrial projector sensor
Building Security Building Security
System System
3. Ionization Detector
1.6 Television 1.6 Television These detectors operate by
Antenna System Antenna System detecting ionized particles in the air.
Detectors are rated by temperature They do not detect fires producing
1.7 Sound
and coverage. For example in 1.7 Sound heavy smoke but few particles such
Amplifying Systems ordinary rooms, detectors are rated Amplifying Systems as alcohol and plastic fires.
or Public Address at 135 deg F per 200 sqft. For or Public Address
System kitchens, attics and basements System
Photoelectric and Ionization
where ambient temperature is Detectors are classed respectively
1.8 Telephone and higher, units are rated at 190 deg to 1.8 Telephone and
Intercommunications Intercommunications as early warning smoke and fire
200 deg F. detection devices.
Systems Systems

1
 10/20/18

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.2.3 Control Unit or Panel

1.1 General the function of the control panel is to 1.1 General

energize the audible devices (bells,
1.2 Fire Alarm buzzers, gongs) upon receipt of a 1.2 Fire Alarm
System signal from the detector. Other System
functions include shut-off of oil and 2. Master Coded Systems
1.3 Intrusion 1.3 Intrusion
gas lines, shut off of attic fans to This system is also called the
(Burglar) Alarm (Burglar) Alarm
System prevent fire spread, and turning off System common coded or fixed coded
of lights. Most units are serviced system and generates 4 rounds of 3. Zone Coded Systems
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm with an emergency standby battery. 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm code. When the code is set to ring Manual stations are grouped by
the bells at 108 strokes per minute, circuit into zones which transmits to
1.5 Industrial The typical control functions in the 1.5 Industrial the alarm is known a “march time” the panel and ring the zone’s code
Building Security Fire Alarm Panel are: Building Security because of the rhythmic cadence. on the single stroke gong or chimes,
System System thus immediately identifying the
This alarm best applies in the rapid
1. Non-Coded Systems evacuation of a building and is station.
1.6 Television 1.6 Television
Antenna System These are continuous ringing Antenna System frequently used in schools.
evacuation type alarm devices,
1.7 Sound manual or automatic, which can be 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems zoned and identifiable by means of Amplifying Systems
or Public Address an annunciator. or Public Address
System System

1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and

Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.2.4 Alarm Devices

1.1 General 1.1 General usually audible such as, bells,

buzzers, gongs and horns. Most
1.2 Fire Alarm 1.2 Fire Alarm common is the a-c vibrating bell and
System System a weatherproof external bell to alert
neighbors and passersby
1.3 Intrusion 1.3 Intrusion
(Burglar) Alarm (Burglar) Alarm
System System
4. Dual Coded Systems 5. Selective Coded Systems
This system is a combination of the This is a fully coded system in which 1.2.5 Circuit Design
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
non-coded and the zone coded all manual devices are coded and all
1.5 Industrial systems. When an alarm device automatic devices are arranged to 1.5 Industrial
A system which is usually de-
Building Security operates, it initiates two different trip code transmitters at the panel. Building Security energized and functions only when
System functions – an identifying coded System activated is called an open circuit
alarm located in the maintenance 6. Pre-signal System system. An open circuit system
1.6 Television 1.6 Television which integrates a trouble light to
office and a continuous ringing When it is desired to alert only key
Antenna System Antenna System indicate a malfunction is called a
evacuation alarm for the whole personnel, a system called pre-
building. signaling is used, where it is also “supervised system”.
1.7 Sound 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems selectively coded. The personnel Amplifying Systems
or Public Address can immediately investigate and turn or Public Address
System on the general alarm manually. System

1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and

Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

2
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1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.3 Intrusion (Burglar) 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm 1.5 Industrial Building 2. Personnel Entry Control
Alarm System Security System by use of a card reader
1.1 General Water flow switches are installed to 1.1 General
monitor the flow of water in a a) The first level is by simple
Intrusion detection is similar to the 1. Door and Exit Controls
1.2 Fire Alarm sprinkler head and when triggered 1.2 Fire Alarm insertion of a card by the holder to
fire detection system, except that These cover electrified security door
System will trip a coded transmitter, setting System an electric device which grants entry
instead of thermal detection, devices hardware that triggers an alarm
off a sprinkler code to show up on a when a card is inserted into it for
1.3 Intrusion such as metallic tape and micro- 1.3 Intrusion when a door is opened without
sprinkler annunciator board (called a identification.
(Burglar) Alarm and magnetic- switches are used to (Burglar) Alarm authorization, such as, in exterior
System detect door and window motion and sprinkler alarm panel). System doors and doors to restricted areas.
glass breakage. An eye or a laser
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm light beam may also be used to 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
detect movement once blocked.
1.5 Industrial 1.5 Industrial
Building Security Building Security
System System

1.6 Television 1.6 Television

Antenna System Antenna System

1.7 Sound 1.7 Sound

Amplifying Systems Amplifying Systems
or Public Address or Public Address
System System

1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and

Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
3. Watchmen’s Tour Equipment 1.6 Television Antenna 1.7 Sound Amplifying
this type of station allows a guard to
System Systems or Public
call in through an intercom and
1.1 General
permits a general alarm to ring
1.1 General Address Systems
The system functions by amplifying
1.2 Fire Alarm through operation of a key. 1.2 Fire Alarm the signal received by the TV Consists of the following:
System System
antenna and by means of a special
1.3 Intrusion 1.3 Intrusion cable, distribute these amplified 1. Microphone
(Burglar) Alarm (Burglar) Alarm signals into the various wall outlets. to pick up the sound and convert it
System System A system with two or more outlets to an alternative electric current.
generally needs a booster amplifier.
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
2. Amplifiers
1.5 Industrial 1.5 Industrial amplifies and controls the current.
Building Security b) The second level requires the Building Security
System encoding of a three-digit number System 3. Loudspeaker
simultaneously with the insertion of converts amplified electric current
1.6 Television 1.6 Television back into sound much louder than
Antenna System a card. This bars the entry of Antenna System
unauthorized card holders. the original sound entering the
microphone.
1.7 Sound 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems c) The third level involves an Amplifying Systems
or Public Address attendant who compares card data or Public Address
System through a computer screen with the System
person’s appearance providing a
1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and
Intercommunications further check. Intercommunications
Systems Systems

3
 10/20/18

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.8 Telephone and 2. The Private Automatic Branch
Intercommunications Exchange or PABX is based on
solid-state technology, thus the
1.1 General Systems 1.1 General
entire system can handle up to
1.2 Fire Alarm 1.2 Fire Alarm 500 lines and trunks, 4 operator
System System consoles, and over 140
1. The intercom
simultaneous conversations plus
1.3 Intrusion
system comprises one 1.3 Intrusion full intercom facilities, all
(Burglar) Alarm or more master (Burglar) Alarm occupying a cabinet 0.60 M x
System stations System
0.70M x 1.8 M. The operational
(administrative) and
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm features of this system include:
several remote
stations (staff), one of • direct internal and external dialing
1.5 Industrial which monitors the 1.5 Industrial
Building Security Building Security • consultation hold ( ability to hold an
System
front door. The master System
outside call while making an inside
station allows call)
• conference call capability for
1.6 Television selective calling while 1.6 Television internal and external units
Antenna System remote stations Antenna System • call transfer and camp-on feature
operating through the • automatic call back
1.7 Sound masters are non- 1.7 Sound • call forwarding
Amplifying Systems Amplifying Systems • distinctive ringing for different
selective.
or Public Address or Public Address functions
System System • paging, executive priority, dictation
access, personnel location and other
1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and options
Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
1.8.1 Elements of the 2. Protector
generally required in residential
Telephone Installation telephone lines to protect against Protector
1.1 General 1.1 General
lightning. When a conduit entrance
1. Service Entrance and an interior conduit system are to
1.2 Fire Alarm the service connection from a pole 1.2 Fire Alarm
System
be installed, it is desirable to provide a System
or other outside terminal location to cabinet to accommodate the protector
1.3 Intrusion a point of entrance into the building usually a metal box of same type used 1.3 Intrusion
(Burglar) Alarm in electrical work. Located as close as (Burglar) Alarm
System The service entrance may be: possible to the point of entrance, one System
protector is required for each pair of
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm a) Overhead with overhead exposed telephone wires entering the building 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
wires. OVERHEAD
1.5 Industrial 3. Main Terminal Cabinet or Room 1.5 Industrial
Building Security The serviced wires end at the main Building Security
System b) Underground with concealed System
underground wires in conduits. The terminal cabinet. Small sized wall type
terminals are mounted to metal
1.6 Television service conduit is usually of rigid iron 1.6 Television Protector
cabinets attached to or recessed in
Antenna System same for electrical works. Minimum Antenna System
walls or columns. Large sizes of wall
size of service conduit is ½” round. type terminals and frame type
1.7 Sound There should be a clearance of not 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems terminals (terminals mounted in frames Amplifying Systems
less than 6” between telephone accessible from both sides) should be
or Public Address or Public Address
System service conduit and the electric located in rooms which are intended System
conduit. for the purpose and constructed of fire
1.8 Telephone and resisting materials. 1.8 Telephone and
UNDERGROUND
Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

4
 10/20/18

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS 1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS
4. Vertical Riser Conduits or Riser Risers whether conduits or shafts,
Shafts require central locations in relation
to floor area served. Buildings with
1.1 General 1.1 General
a) Riser Conduits large floor areas or with floors so
1.2 Fire Alarm are used in medium sized planned so as to result in two or 1.2 Fire Alarm RISER
DISTRIBUTION
System installations and consist of a series more distinct areas will probably System CABINET SHAFTS
of metal cabinets called splicing need a separate riser for each area.
1.3 Intrusion cabinets aligned vertically through 1.3 Intrusion WALL
(Burglar) Alarm the building, one on each floor and 5. Splicing Cabinets or Splicing (Burglar) Alarm OUTLET
System System RISER
connected by a vertical conduit. Closets CONDUITS
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm permit the riser cables in the riser 1.4 Sprinkler Alarm
b) Riser Shafts shaft or conduit to be spliced or
1.5 Industrial are required for very large interconnected to the cables or 1.5 Industrial
Building Security installations and consist of a series telephone wires to the various Building Security
System of individual full length floors. System SPLICING
interconnecting closets called FLOOR CABINET
1.6 Television 1.6 Television CONDUITS
splicing closets which are aligned 6. Floor Conduits
Antenna System Antenna System
vertically one on each floor and each connects the splicing closets or
1.7 Sound fitted with a fire proof access door. cabinets into the distribution terminal 1.7 Sound
Amplifying Systems Slots on the floor, forms a clear and cabinets and to floor ducts, wall Amplifying Systems MAIN TERMINAL
or Public Address broken opening from top to bottom outlets, etc. or Public Address TELEPHONE CABINET
System of the building. System

1.8 Telephone and 1.8 Telephone and

Intercommunications Intercommunications
Systems Systems

1.0 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAL SYSTEMS

1.8.2 Types of Telephone b) Dial System (automatic) – in-
coming calls, full calls, both in and
System
out, information service, are handled
1.1 General
by the operator at the switchboard.
1. Common Talking Selective
1.2 Fire Alarm Outgoing calls and station to station
Ringing System
System calls inside the building, are handled
controlled through a button installed
by automatic switching equipment.
1.3 Intrusion normally at a central office.
(Burglar) Alarm
System 2. Selective Ringing Selective
Talking System
1.4 Sprinkler Alarm controlled by a PBX (private branch
exchange) switchboard. The PBX
1.5 Industrial
may be either:
Building Security
System
a) Manual System – all connections
1.6 Television between stations or between any
Antenna System station and the central office trunk
line, are established manually by an
1.7 Sound operator at the switch board.
Amplifying Systems
or Public Address
System

1.8 Telephone and

Intercommunications
Systems

5
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2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.1 General 2.1.3 Air-Conditioning 2.1.4 Methods of Cooling 3. Passing the air through coils
containing the refrigerant itself; in
Standards and De-humidifying
this case the coils are called “direct
2.1 General 2.1.1 Definition of Air- 2.1 General
expansion” coils
Conditioning 1.Cooling and De-humidifying 1. Passing the air through a spray of
2.2 Refrigeration for summer cooling, temperatures of 68 2.2 Refrigeration
cold water 4. Passing the air through a
Cycle deg to 74 deg F and 50% relative Cycle
the simultaneous control of the humidity are a frequent design average. combination of sprays and coils
2.3 Types of Air- temperature, humidity, motion and 2.3 Types of Air- 2. Passing the air through coils
Conditioning purity of the air in a confined space. 2. Heating and Humidifying Conditioning containing cold water
Systems for winter cooling, temperatures of 70 deg Systems

2.4 Air-Conditioning
2.1.2 Functions or to 75 deg F and relative humidity of 30%
2.4 Air-Conditioning
to 35% are found most satisfactory.
Equipment Elements of Air- Equipment
Conditioning 3. Air Motion
2.5 Heating air velocity should average 4.57 to 7.6 2.5 Heating
Systems meters per min measured 36” above the Systems
1. Cooling and de-humidifying of air
2. Heating or humidifying of air floor.
2.6 Provisions in 2.6 Provisions in
the NBC 3. Cleaning of air or filtration the NBC
4. Air Supply
Concerning HVAC 4. Circulation of air Concerning HVAC
a. cuft to 7-1/2 cuft of air per minute per
person (5-71/2 cuft/min/pers). In rooms
where smoking is not allowed

b.25 cuft to 40 cuft of air per minute per

person allowed in rooms where smoking
is permitted.

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.2 Refrigeration Cycle *Freon - refrigerant used for cooling.
Mechanical refrigeration is based upon the
2.3 Types of Air-
alternate liquefying and evaporating of a volatile Conditioning Systems
1. Freon* is a gas at normal temperature liquid with a low boiling point usually Freon 12
2.1 General (Dichlorodiflouromethane) or Freon 11 2.1 General
and pressure. It is first subjected to high
pressure in a compressor which raises its (Trichloromonoflouromethane) during which 1. Central Systems
2.2 Refrigeration processes it respectively gives off and takes in 2.2 Refrigeration
boiling point and temperature.
Cycle heat. The desirable properties of Freon are: a) Cycle All-Season Centralized Air
high heat of vaporization; b) moderate pressure
2. At the same high pressure, the vapor is change for low to high temperature range; c) Conditioning System consists of
2.3 Types of Air- 2.3 Types of Air-
piped into condenser coils where it is non-toxic; d) incombustible; e) non-explosive; the following:
Conditioning and f) non-corrosive. Conditioning
cooled by water to a degree below its
Systems Systems
liquefaction point. It condenses into a a. A method of cooling,
liquid state and still under high pressure, a refrigeration plant
2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning
passes to the evaporator.
Equipment Equipment b. A source of heating
such as a boiler or
3. In the evaporator, the pressure is
2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating furnace
relieved by the suction stroke of the
Systems Systems
compressor. The boiling point of the c. An Air Handling Unit
liquid refrigerant drops and evaporation (AHU) equipped with
2.6 Provisions in into a vapor takes place. The water 2.6 Provisions in filters, pre-heater,
the NBC which surrounds the evaporator coils the NBC spray, cooling coils
Concerning HVAC gives up its heat in causing the Concerning HVAC and re-heater
vaporization at low pressure, thus
reducing its temperature to the d. The air distributing
temperature of the refrigerant. The cold equipment composed
of ducts, fans and air
water can then be piped at this low
outlets
temperature to any desired point and
sprayed to cool the passing air. The e. The necessary
refrigerant is sucked back into the manual or automatic
compressor and the cycle recommences controls

1
 10/20/18

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2. Split Type Air Conditioning 3. Window Type Air Conditioning
System System
2.1 General 2.1 General

2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration

Cycle Cycle

2.3 Types of Air- 2.3 Types of Air-

Conditioning Conditioning
Systems Systems

2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning

AHU
Equipment Equipment

2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating

Systems FCU Systems
(FAN COIL
UNIT)
2.6 Provisions in COMP. 2.6 Provisions in
the NBC CONDENSER the NBC
Concerning HVAC EVAPORATOR Concerning HVAC
ACCU
(AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSING UNIT)
ACCU

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.4 Air-Conditioning 2. Condensers Shell and Tube Condensers: 3. Evaporators
Equipment
a) Air-cooled Condensers a) Shell and Tube Heat
2.1 General 2.1 General
used in unit and packaged-type air- Exchanger
2.4.1 The Refrigeration conditioners up to 3 tons similar in operation to the shell and
2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration
Cycle Plant refrigeration. Cycle tube condenser. The refrigerant is
expanded into a shell enclosing the
2.3 Types of Air- 1. Compressors b) Water-cooled Condensers 2.3 Types of Air- tube through which the water flows.
Conditioning Conditioning
Systems a) Piston Type or Reciprocating Double-piped Condensers: Systems b) Direct Expansion Coils (coils
Compressors containing the refrigerant itself)
2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment for tonnages up to 100 tons Equipment This may either be installed in the
spray chamber so that the water
2.5 Heating b) Centrifugal Compressors 2.5 Heating Evaporative Condenser: sprayed into the air comes into
Systems these are quieter, have fewer Systems contact with the cooling coils or the
vibration problems, require less air itself comes into direct contact
2.6 Provisions in maintenance and with better 2.6 Provisions in with the cooling coils, as in the
the NBC the NBC
operating control window type unit
Concerning HVAC Concerning HVAC

2
 10/20/18

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.4.2 Cooling and De- 2.4.4 Air Cleaning 2.4.5 Air
humidifying Equipment Distribution
2.1 General Equipment 2.1 General Equipment
1. Filters
2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration
1. Water Sprays a) Dry Filters 1. Ducts
Cycle Cycle
consist of wire frames are usually of
2.3 Types of Air- 2. Cooling Coils enclosing felt, cotton or 2.3 Types of Air- galvanized sheet
Conditioning sponge through which Conditioning
the air is screened. metal, or aluminum
Systems 2.4.3 Heating and Systems sheets, usually
Humidifying b) Viscous Filters rectangular in
2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment consist of metal Equipment section, depending
Equipment
deflecting plates or on the aspect
2.5 Heating screens coated with 2.5 Heating ratio*, although
1. Tempering Coils viscous oil.
Systems Systems circular ducts are
contains steam and are used
also used for high
2.6 Provisions in to heating the air ie., c) Water Sprays 2.6 Provisions in velocity systems.
the NBC preheaters and reheaters. the NBC
Concerning HVAC d) Eliminator Plates Concerning HVAC *Aspect Ratio – the ratio
2. Water Heaters consist of corrugated of the long side to short
used for heating the water galvanized iron sheets side; not to exceed 5:1
which will be used in the placed 1-1/8” apart although 4 or 3:1 is
which deflect the air flow preferred.
spray chamber to add heat
about 30 deg catching
and humidity to the air the wet dust on the
surfaces

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2. Fans 3. Air Outlets 2.4.6 Control Equipment 2. Actuating or Operating
these are made for two locations: Devices
a) Centrifugal fans (radial fans) wall and ceiling. 1. Sensing Devices
2.1 General 2.1 General
these are intended for moving air at a) Dampers
2.2 Refrigeration comparatively high pressures and a) Wall outlets include the 2.2 Refrigeration a) Humidistat These control the flow of air and are
Cycle are commonly used in duct systems. following: Cycle or Hygrostat is a controller, sensitive in the form of louvers.
Vaned outlets to the amount of humidity in the air.
2.3 Types of Air- b) Propeller or axial fans Perforated grills 2.3 Types of Air- b) Control Valves
Conditioning commonly used for wall exhausts Conditioning These are valves with variable
b) Thermostat
Systems b) Ceiling outlets include the Systems orifices which are moved by motors
a controller which responds to
following types: changes in temperature. to present smaller or larger
2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment Plaques Equipment openings as directed by a
Perforated panels c) Pressure Regulators thermostat.
2.5 Heating Perforated ceilings 2.5 Heating are instruments sensitive to changes
Systems Systems in pressure. They may control a c) Relays
single pressure or a differential These are devices that use electrical
2.6 Provisions in 2.6 Provisions in energy to amplify or convert the
the NBC the NBC between two pressures.
power of a thermostat or other
Concerning HVAC Concerning HVAC
controllers so that the resultant force
will be sufficient and adaptable to
operate a valve or damper.

3
 10/20/18

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.5 Heating Systems 2.5.2 Mechanical Warm Air
Heating System
2.1 General 2.5.1 Types of Heating 2.1 General
Systems
2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration
Cycle Cycle
TYPE OF HEATING HEATING METHOD METHOD OF
SYSTEM MEDIUM DEVICE OF AIR DISTRIBUTION
2.3 Types of Air- 2.3 Types of Air-
HANDLING
Conditioning Conditioning
Systems 1. Mechanical Air Furnace Ducts Registers Systems
Warm Air
2.4 Air-Conditioning Heating System 2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment 2. Steam Heating Steam Boiler Pipes Radiators Equipment
System
2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating
Systems 3. Hot Water Water Water Pipes Radiators Systems
Heating System Heater
2.6 Provisions in 1. Water Water Heater Pipes Ceiling or Floor 2.6 Provisions in
4. Radiant Panel
the NBC Heating System 2. Air Furnace Ducts Ceiling the NBC
Concerning HVAC 3. Electricity Elec Heater Wires Ceiling Concerning HVAC

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.5.2 Steam Heating 2.5.4 Hot Water Heating
System System
2.1 General 2.1 General

2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration

Cycle Cycle
1. Air-Vent System (One-Pipe
2.3 Types of Air- Gravity System) 2.3 Types of Air- 1. One-Pipe Hot Water Heating
Conditioning Conditioning System
Systems Systems

2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning

Equipment Equipment

2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating

Systems Systems

2.6 Provisions in 2.6 Provisions in

the NBC the NBC
2. Vacuum System (Two-pipe
Concerning HVAC Concerning HVAC
Steam Heating System)

2. Two-Pipe Hot Water Heating

System

4
 10/20/18

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

2.5.5 Radiant Panel 2.6 Provisions in the Capacity of Works, Project or
Heating System NBC Concerning HVAC Plant
The total horsepower of all engines,
2.1 General 2.1 General motors, turbines or other prime movers
2.6.1 Definitions installed, whether in operation or not.
2.2 Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration
Cycle Cycle Compressor
Accidental Contact
Any inadvertent physical contact with A mechanical device for the purpose of
2.3 Types of Air- 2.3 Types of Air- increasing the pressure upon the
Conditioning Conditioning power transmission equipment, prime
movers, machines or machine parts refrigerant.
Systems Systems
which could result from slipping, falling,
sliding, tripping or any other unplanned Condenser
2.4 Air-Conditioning 2.4 Air-Conditioning
action or movement. A vessel or arrangement of pipes or
Equipment Equipment
tubing in which vaporized refrigerant is
liquefied by the removal of heat.
2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating Air Conditioning
Systems Systems The process of treating air so as to control
simultaneously its temperature, humidity, Condemned Boiler or Unfired
2.6 Provisions in 2.6 Provisions in cleanliness and distribution to meet the Pressure Vessel
the NBC the NBC requirements of the conditioned space. A boiler or unfired pressure vessel that
Concerning HVAC Concerning HVAC has been inspected by the Building
Boiler Official and declared unsafe or
A closed vessel for heating water or for disqualified and power stamped or
application of heat to generate steam or marked designating its rejection.
other vapor to be used externally or to
itself.

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

Crane External Inspection Low Pressure Heating Boiler Point of Operation
Means a machine for lifting or lowering a An inspection made on boiler during A boiler operated at pressures not That part of a machine which performs an
load and moving it horizontally, the operation. exceeding 1.05 kgs/sqm with steam or operation on the stock or material and/or
2.1 General hoisting mechanism being an integral part 2.1 General water temperature not exceeding 250ºF. that place or location where stock or
of the machine. Guarded material is fed to the machine. A machine
2.2 Refrigeration Shielded, fenced or otherwise protected 2.2 Refrigeration Machine may have more than one point of
Cycle Duct by means of suitable enclosure guards, Cycle The driven unit of an equipment. operation.
A passageway made of sheet metal or covers or standard railings, so as to
2.3 Types of Air- other suitable material not necessarily preclude the possibility of accidental 2.3 Types of Air- Machine House Portable Boiler
Conditioning leak tight, for conveying air or other gases contact or dangerous approach to Conditioning An enclosure for housing the hoisting An internally fired boiler which is self-
Systems at low pressure. persons or objects. Systems mechanism and power plant. contained, primarily intended for
temporary location.
2.4 Air-Conditioning Enclosed Internal Inspection 2.4 Air-Conditioning
Machine Parts
Equipment Means that the moving parts of a machine An inspection made when a boiler is shut Equipment Prime Mover
Any or all moving parts of a machine.
are so guarded that physical contact by down, with hand holes, manholes, or An engine or motor operated by steam,
2.5 Heating any part of the human body is precluded other openings opened or removed to 2.5 Heating gas, air, electricity, liquid or gaseous fuels,
Systems Systems Mechanical Works Plant
or prevented. This does not however permit inspection of the interior. Includes steam plants, internal liquids in motion or other forms of energy
prohibit the use of hinged, sliding or combustion engine plants, hydraulic whose main function is to drive or
2.6 Provisions in otherwise removable doors or sections to 2.6 Provisions in operate, either directly of indirectly, other
Liquid Receiver power plants, pumping plants,
the NBC permit inspection, lubrication or proper the NBC mechanical equipment.
A vessel permanently connected to a refrigerating plants, air conditioning
Concerning HVAC maintenance. Concerning HVAC
system by inlet and outlet pipes for plants, mill shops, factories, foundries,
storage of a liquid refrigerant. shipyards, etc. containing any mechanical Process Machine
Evaporation equipment, machinery or process, driven An equipment designed and operated for
That part of the AC/refrigeration system in Locomotive Boiler by steam, internal or external combustion a specific purpose.
which liquid refrigerant is vaporized to A boiler mounted on a self-propelled track fuel, electricity, gas, air, water, heat,
produce refrigeration. locomotive used to furnish motivating chemicals or other prime movers.
power for traveling on rails.

5
 10/20/18

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

Refrigerant 2.6.2 Boilers and Pressure 2. Smokestacks whether self 5. Two check valves shall be
A substance which produces a supporting or guyed, shall be of provided between any feed pump
refrigerating effect by its absorption of Vessels
sufficient capacity to handle fuel and the boiler in addition to the
2.1 General heat while expanding or evaporating. 2.1 General
gases, shall be able to withstand a regular shut-off valve.
1. Location of Boilers: wind load of 175 km per hour and
2.2 Refrigeration Ton of Refrigeration 2.2 Refrigeration
Cycle The useful refrigerating effect equal to Cycle shall rise at least 5 m above the 6. Where two or more boilers are
a) Boilers may be located inside buildings
12,000 BTU/hour; 200 BTU/min. eaves of any building within a radius connected in parallel, each steam
provided that the boiler room is of
2.3 Types of Air- 2.3 Types of Air- of 50 m. outlet shall be provided with a non-
reinforced concrete or masonry and that
Conditioning Unfired Pressure Vessel Conditioning return valve and a shut-off valve.
the boiler room shall not be used for any
Systems A vessel in which pressure is obtained Systems 3. Manufacturers/assemblers of
other purpose.
from an external source or from an boilers/pressure vessels/pressurized 7. Boiler rooms shall have at least
2.4 Air-Conditioning indirect application of heat. 2.4 Air-Conditioning
b) In case the main building is not made water heaters shall stamp each two separate exits.
Equipment Equipment
up of fire resistive materials, boilers shall vessel on the front head or on any
Ventilation be located outside the building at a
2.5 Heating 2.5 Heating other suitable location with the name 8. In no case shall the maximum
Process of supplying or removing air by distance of not less than 3.00 m from the
Systems Systems of the manufacturer, serial number, pressure of an old/existing boiler be
natural or mechanical means to or from outside wall of the main building and the
any space. building housing the boiler shall be made maximum allowable working increased to a greater pressure than
2.6 Provisions in 2.6 Provisions in pressure, heating surface in sqm would be allowed for a new boiler of
up of fire resistive materials.
the NBC the NBC
and year of manufacture. same construction.
Concerning HVAC Concerning HVAC
c) No part of the boiler shall be closer
than one meter from any wall. 4. Boilers of more than 46 sqm 9. Each boiler shall have at least one
heating surface shall each be safety valve. For boilers having more
d) Fire tube boilers shall be provided with than 46 sqm pressure of water heating
sufficient room for removal/replacement of provided with two means of feeding
water, one steam driven and one surface or a generating capacity
tubes either thru the front or rear.
electrically driven, one pump and exceeding 907 kg per hour, two (2) or
one injector. more safety valves shall be required.

2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC

10. Each boiler shall have a steam
gauge, with a dial range of not less
than 1-1/2 times and not more than
2.1 General
twice the maximum allowable
working pressure. It may be
2.2 Refrigeration
Cycle connected to the steam space or to
the steam connection to the water
2.3 Types of Air- column.
Conditioning
Systems
11. Whenever repairs/replacements
are made on fittings or appliances,
2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment the work shall comply with the
section on New Installation of the
2.5 Heating Philippine Mechanical Engineering
Systems Code.
2.6 Provisions in 12. After a permit has been granted
the NBC
to install a boiler/pressure
Concerning HVAC
vessel/pressurized water heater
upon payment of the installation
fees thereof, it shall be the duty of
the Building Official to make periodic
inspection of the installation to
determine compliance with the
approved plans and specifications.
13. Upon the completion of the
installation, the Building Official shall
conduct an inspection and test, after
which a certificate of operation for a
period not exceeding one year shall be
issued upon payment of the required
inspection fees.
14. The Building Official shall notify the
owner in writing of the intended date of
the annual inspection at least 15 days in
advance. However, the owner may
request a postponement in writing of said
inspection and the Building Official shall
fix a date for inspection agreeable to both,
but not to exceed 30 days from the
intended date.
15. The owner or user of a boiler shall
prepare the same for inspection by
cooling it down blanking off all
connections to adjacent boilers, removing
all soot and ashes from tubes, heads,
shell, furnace and combustion chamber.
The owner shall assist the Building
Official by providing all labor and
equipment required during said
inspection.
2.6.3 Refrigeration and Air-
Conditioning
2.1 General 1. The temperature and humidity of
the air to be used for comfortable
2.2 Refrigeration cooling shall be maintained at 68-74ºF
Cycle
effective temperature at an air
movement from 4.57 to 7.60 MPM
2.3 Types of Air-
Conditioning
within the living zone.
Systems
2. Water from evaporators,
condensers and other machinery shall
2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment be properly collected into a suitable
water or drainage system.
2.5 Heating
Systems 3. Ducts shall be constructed entirely
of non-combustible materials such as
2.6 Provisions in steel, iron, aluminum or other
the NBC approved materials. Only fire retardant
Concerning HVAC lining shall be used on the inside of
ducts.
4. Access doors shall be provided at
all automatic dampers, fire dampers,
thermostats and other apparatus
requiring service and inspection in the
duct system.
5. Where ducts pass thru walls, floors
or partitions, the space around the duct
shall be sealed with fire resistant
material equivalent to that of the wall,
floor or partition, to prevent the
passage of flame or smoke.
6. When ducts or the outlets or inlets
to them pass through fire walls, they
shall be provided with automatic fire
dampers on both sides of the fire wall
through which they pass.
7. Fire doors and fire dampers shall
be arranged to close automatically and
remain tightly closed, upon the
operation of a fusible link or other
approved heat actuated device,
located where readily affected by an
abnormal rise of temperature in the
duct.

6

8. Each refrigerating system shall be
provided with a legible metal sign
permanently attached and easily
2.1 General accessible, indicating thereon the
name of manufacturer or installer, kind
2.2 Refrigeration and total number of kgs of refrigerant
Cycle
contained in the system and field test
pressure applied.
2.3 Types of Air-
Conditioning
9. In refrigerating plants of more than
Systems
45 kg refrigerant, masks and helmets
shall be used. These shall be kept in a
2.4 Air-Conditioning
Equipment suitable cabinet outside the machine
room when not in use.
2.5 Heating
Systems 10. Not more than 136 kgs of
refrigerant in approved containers shall
2.6 Provisions in be stored in a machine room at any
the NBC given time.
Concerning HVAC
11. Where ammonia is used, the
discharge may be into a tank of water,
which shall be used for no other
purpose except ammonia absorption.
At least one gallon of water shall be
provided for every 0.4536 kg of
ammonia in the system.
10/20/18
2.0 HVAC 2.0 HVAC
12. Refrigerant piping crossing a 2.6.4 Piping 7. Piping carrying steam, hot water of hot
passageway in any building shall not be liquids shall not be embedded in concrete
less than 2.3 m above the floor. walls or floors and shall be properly
1. Piping shall, as much as possible, run
2.1 General insulated to prevent accidental scalding to
parallel to building walls.
13. In a refrigerating system containing persons and to minimize heat loss.
more than 9 kgs, stop valves shall be 2.2 Refrigeration
2. Grouped piping shall be supported on
installed in inlets and outlets of Cycle 8. Color coding of piping shall be as
racks, on either horizontal or vertical
compressors, outlets of liquid receivers, follows:
planes.
and in liquid and suction branch header. 2.3 Types of Air-
Conditioning a) Steam Division
3. Piping on racks shall have sufficient
14. Window type ACs shall be provided Systems High Pressure- White
space for pipe or chain wrenches so that
with drain pipe or plastic tubing for Exhaust System – Buff
any single line can be
discharging condensate water into a 2.4 Air-Conditioning b) Water Division
altered/repaired/replaced without
suitable container. Equipment Fresh water, low pressure – Blue
disturbing the rest.
Fresh water, high pressure – Blue
15. Window type AC installed on ground 2.5 Heating Salt water piping – Green
4. Piping 100mm in diameter and above
floors of buildings shall not be less than Systems c) Oil Division
shall be flanged. Smaller sized pipes
2.13 m from the ground. Delivery – Brass or Bronze
may be screwed.
2.6 Provisions in Discharge – Yellow
16. Window type ACs shall be provided the NBC d) Pneumatic Division
5. Piping subjected to varying
with exhaust ducts if the exhaust is Concerning HVAC All piping – Gray
temperatures shall be provided with
discharged into e) Gas Division
expansion joints.
corridors/hallways/arcades/sidewalks etc. All piping – Black
f) Fuel Oil Division
6. Galvanized piping shall not be used for
17. Window type ACs installed along All piping – Black
steam.
corridors/hallways/above the first floor g) Refrigerating Division
shall not be less than 2.13 m above the Pipes – Black
floor level. Fittings – Black
7
 10/20/18

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Bulkhead Hoisting Machinery
3.0 Penthouse Control Panel
3.1 Elevators and 3.1.2 Types of Elevators Top Car Clearance
Dumbwaiters Driving Sheave
3.1 Elevators & 1. Electric elevators
Idle Sheave
Dumbwaiters
3.1.1 Definition of Elevator
Hoistway
3.2 Escalators &
Are generally used in buildings Machine Beam
Conveyors Bank
where several peak periods of traffic
3.3 Chutes occur each day, (ie. In office Hoisting Cable
Landing
buildings, hospitals, apartment Guide Rail
3.4 Provisions in buildings)
the NBC
Concerning Elevator Car Safety
Traveling Cable
Transportation
Rise
Systems

Hoistway Door

Counterweight

Limit Switch

Elevator Pit Buffer

Bottom Car Clearance

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

2. Oil-hydraulic elevators 3.1.3 Parts of an Electric
Car Frame
The structural steel Elevator
3.1 Elevators & frame of an elevator 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters car to which are Dumbwaiters
attached the platform,
1. Shaft
guide shoes, elevator vertical passageway for car and
3.2 Escalators & car safety, hoisting 3.2 Escalators &
counterweights.
Conveyors cables and control Conveyors
equipment
3.3 Chutes 3.3 Chutes 2. Car
a cage of light metal supported on a
3.4 Provisions in Lantern 3.4 Provisions in structural frame, the top member of
A light, usually over the entrance to an
the NBC elevator on each floor of a multistory
the NBC which the cables, that carry the car,
Concerning building that signals the approach of the Concerning are fastened.
Transportation elevator Annunciator Transportation
Systems Machine Room A signaling apparatus in an Systems
A room housing the elevator car or at a landing that 3. Cables
hoisting machinery, displays a visual indication of floor are the means for lifting or lowering
control equipment, and landings
sheaves for raising and the car, usually 3 to 8 cables placed
lowering an elevator car Call Button in parallel fastened to top of car by
A pus button for requesting an
elevator cable sockets passing over a motor
Door Interlock driven cylindrical sheave to the
A safety device for preventing the
operation of an elevator car unless counterweights.
the hoistway door is locked in the
closed position

Door Contact
A safety device for preventing the operation of
an elevator car unless its door or gate is fully
closed

1
 10/20/18

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

4. Counterweights 9. Safety Devices c) Electric Final Limit Switches
these are rectangular blocks of cast iron are located a few feet below and above
stacked in one frame which is fastened to a) Main Brake safe travel limits of elevator car. If car
3.1 Elevators & the opposite ends of the cables to which mounted directly on the shaft of the 3.1 Elevators & over-travels, either down or up, these
Dumbwaiters the car is fastened. elevator machine. Dumbwaiters switches de-energizes the motor and sets
the main brake.
3.2 Escalators & 5. Guide Rails b) Safety Switch 3.2 Escalators &
Conveyors are vertical tracks that guide the car and is designed to stop an elevator car Conveyors d) Oil or Spring Buffers
the counterweights. automatically before car speed becomes are placed at the bottom of the elevator
3.3 Chutes excessive. On overspeed, the speed 3.3 Chutes pit, not to stop a falling car, but to bring it
6. Machine Room governor will cut off power to the motor to a partially cushion stop if the car should
3.4 Provisions in a room usually placed directly above the and set the brake. 3.4 Provisions in overshoot the lower terminal.
the NBC shaft in which the elevator machine is the NBC
Concerning housed. It contains the motor-generator Concerning
Transportation (MG) set which supplies energy to the Transportation
Systems elevator machine, the control board and Systems
the control equipment.

7. Elevator Machine
turns the sheave that lifts and lowers the
car.

8. Controls
a combination of push buttons, contacts,
relays, and devices, operated manually or
automatically to initiate door opening,
starting acceleration, retardation, leveling
and stopping of the car.
This usually stops the car, but should
speed still increase, the governor will
actuate rail clamps mounted at the bottom
of the car one on each side. This will
clamp the guide rails bringing the car to a
switch stop.

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

3.1.4 Methods of Arranging 2) One-to-One Double Wrap 3) Two-to-One Double Wrap 4) Underslung System
Traction Machine Traction Machine (for freight
Elevator Machines,
elevators) is used where the elevator machine
3.1 Elevators & Sheaves and Ropes 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters cables first wrap over the traction Dumbwaiters is located at the basement.
sheave T, then around the This 2:1 roping, has a mechanical
3.2 Escalators & 1) Single Wrap Traction Machine secondary or idler sheave S, and 3.2 Escalators & advantage of 2, which results in a
Conveyors once more going around T and S to Conveyors high-speed, low-power and
supporting cables pass over the the counterweights. This provides therefore, low-cost traction machine.
3.3 Chutes sheave in grooves and connect to greater traction and is used in many 3.3 Chutes
the counterweights. The lifting power automatic high-speed installations.
3.4 Provisions in is exerted by the sheave through the 3.4 Provisions in
the NBC the NBC
traction of the cables in the grooves.
Concerning Concerning
Transportation Transportation
Systems Systems

2
 10/20/18

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

3.1.5 Types of Elevator 2) Geared Traction Machine 3.1.6 Systems of Elevator 3) Electronic Group Supervisory
Dispatching and Control
Machines Controls
this type of machine employs a this system is used to control not
3.1 Elevators & 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters worm and gear between the driving Dumbwaiters only single elevators but an entire
1) Gearless Traction Machine 1) Single Automatic Push Button
motor and the sheave. It is group or bank of cars. During peak
Control
3.2 Escalators & considered to be less superior to the 3.2 Escalators & periods, all cars are in operation;
consists of a DC motor, the shaft of this is the simplest of passenger
Conveyors gearless traction machine since it Conveyors automatically, the system shuts
which is directly connected to the operated automatic control system.
has more moving parts and requires down successively cars as the
3.3 Chutes brake wheel and to the driving 3.3 Chutes It handles only one call at a time
more maintenance. Used for low number of passengers reduces and
sheave. The elevator cables are providing an uninterrupted trip for
and medium speed passenger and return them to service as the
3.4 Provisions in placed around this sheave. This type 3.4 Provisions in each call.
the NBC freight elevators. the NBC number of passengers again
of machine is used for medium and
Concerning Concerning increases to a high peak.
high speed elevators for office and 2) Collective Control
Transportation Transportation
residential condominiums of 10 control is arranged to collect all
Systems Systems The system of Otis Elevator
stories or more; where high speeds waiting up calls on the trip up and all
Company is called “autotronic
and smooth quality operation are waiting down calls on the trip down.
elevatoring”. The system of
desired. The control system, stalls all calls
Westinghouse Electric Co. is called
until they are answered and
the “selectomatic elevator system”.
automatically reverses the direction
of travel at the highest and the
lowest calls. When all calls have
been cleared, the car will remain at
the floor of its last stop awaiting the
next call.

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

3.1.7 Oil Hydraulic 3.1.8 Dumbwaiters
Elevators
3.1 Elevators & 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters also called plunger elevators. It is Dumbwaiters
raised by means of a movable rod nor
3.2 Escalators & plunger rigidly fixed to the bottom of 3.2 Escalators &
Conveyors the car. The system is hydraulic and
rail Conveyors
operates the same way as a hydraulic
3.3 Chutes 3.3 Chutes
automobile jack. Oil from a reservoir is
car
3.4 Provisions in
pumped under the plunger thereby 3.4 Provisions in
the NBC raising it and the car. The pump is the NBC
Concerning stopped during downward motion, the Concerning
Transportation car being lowered by gravity and guide shoe Transportation
Systems controlled by action of bypassed Systems
valves which also controls the
positioning of the car during the plunger
upward motion.

The absence of cables, drums, MG set

and penthouse equipment, makes this
system inexpensive and often the motor
choice for low speed, low rise
applications where construction of the pump
plunger pit does not present difficulties
and where absence of a penthouse is
desirable. buffer spring

3
 10/20/18

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

2) Tracks
3.2 Escalators and 3.2.2 Parts of an Escalator are steel angles attached to the
4) Controller
Conveyors Installation truss on which the step rollers are
consists of contactors, relays and a
circuit breaker. Usually located near
3.1 Elevators & 3.1 Elevators & guided thus controlling the motion of
Dumbwaiters Dumbwaiters the drive machine, an emergency
3.2.1 Definition of 1) Truss the steps.
stop button wired to the controller
a welded steel frame which supports
3.2 Escalators & Escalator 3.2 Escalators & and placed in or near the escalator,
the moving stairway equipment. It
Conveyors Conveyors will stop the drive machine and
comes in 3 sections: the middle
used where large numbers of people apply the brake. Key operated
3.3 Chutes straight section maybe of any 3.3 Chutes
are scattered throughout a given control switches, at the top and
desired length to provide rises of
area and on a large number of bottom newels, will start, stop, and
3.4 Provisions in different heights. 3.4 Provisions in
the NBC floors. These people being the NBC reverse the direction of travel of the
Concerning interested in moving about almost Concerning stairway.
Transportation constantly to various locations for Transportation
Systems short periods of time. Thus traffic is Systems 5) Handrail and Balustrade
constantly on the move both up and Assembly Rubber-
down. Examples are department covered
stores and terminal buildings. handrail guide handrail

Typical Specifications 3) Sprocket Assemblies, Chains,

longitudinal cording
and Drive Machine
Width of Escalator = 32” and 48” provide the motive power for the
canvas layers
Angle of inclination = 30 degrees unit. An emergency brake located on
Length or run = variable the top sprocket will stop a loaded
Speeds = 90 fpm and escalator safely in the event of a
120 fpm break in the chain. inside balustrade

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

3.2.3 Safety Features of
Escalators
3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters
1) Handrails and steps travel at the
same speed to ensure steadiness
3.2 Escalators &
and balance, and to aid naturally in
Conveyors
stepping on and off the comb plates.
3.3 Chutes
2) Steps are large, steady, and are
3.4 Provisions in designed to prevent from slipping.
the NBC
Concerning
3) Automatic controls of a service
Transportation
brake will bring the stairway to a
Systems
smooth stop, if electric power or
mechanical parts should fail.
Passengers would then walk the
steps as they would any stationary
stairway.
4) In case of over-speed or under- 3.2.4 Fire Protection
speed, an automatic governor shuts
Systems of Escalators
down the escalator, prevents
3.1 Elevators &
reversal of direction and operates Dumbwaiters
1) Rolling Shutter
the service brake.
3.2 Escalators &
This shuts off the well way at a given
5) An emergency stop switch is Conveyors
floor, thus preventing draft and the
located near the comb plate which
3.3 Chutes spread of fire upward through
may be manually operated to stop
escalator wells. The movement of
the escalator. The electric controls
3.4 Provisions in the shutter is actuated by
are also designed to shut down the the NBC temperature and smoke relays.
stairway, if by some accident, it is Concerning
caused to reverse direction. Transportation
Systems

4
 10/20/18

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

3) Smoke Guard

consists of fire proof baffles

3.1 Elevators & 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters Dumbwaiters surrounding the well way, extending
downward about 20” below ceiling
3.2 Escalators & 3.2 Escalators & level. Smoke and flames rising
Conveyors Conveyors upwards, meet a curtain of water
from sprinkler heads surrounding
3.3 Chutes 3.3 Chutes the baffles, which serves as a
smoke and flame deflector. Vertical
3.4 Provisions in 3.4 Provisions in
the NBC the NBC shields between adjacent sprinklers,
Concerning Concerning ensure that the spray from one will
Transportation Transportation not cool the nearby thermal fuses
Systems Systems and prevent the opening of adjacent
sprinklers.

2) Spray Nozzle Curtain

are closely spaced, high-velocity

water nozzles which will, in the case
of fire, form a compact water curtain
to prevent smoke and flame from
rising through the well ways.
Automatic thermal or smoke relays,
open all nozzles simultaneously.

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

4) Sprinkler Vent 3.2.5 Moving Sidewalks or Types of installations
Electric Walks
Well way floor openings have a duct • Horizontal or level
3.1 Elevators & 3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters on each floor equipped with a Dumbwaiters • Bi-level
While escalators are used to
number of smoke pick up relays. In • Overpass installation
transport people vertically, electric
3.2 Escalators & case of fire, these relays 3.2 Escalators & • Underpass installation
walks are used to transport people
Conveyors automatically start the fans in the Conveyors
horizontally at any inclination from 0
fresh air intake, located on the roof,
3.3 Chutes 3.3 Chutes deg to 15 deg.
driving air downward through the
well ways. Dangerous gases and
3.4 Provisions in 3.4 Provisions in Typical applications
the NBC smoke are drawn in thru the ducts the NBC
Concerning and exhausted at the roof. The usual Concerning For exhibit halls, where
Transportation spray nozzles on the ceiling around Transportation
management desires that persons
Systems the stair well aid in quenching the Systems
move smoothly through or pass a
fire.
particular area without stopping or
boarding.

For airport terminals.

Typical Specifications
Standard width = 27” and 36”
Speeds = 120 fpm and
180 fpm

5
 10/20/18

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Cage/Cab
3.4 Provisions in the An enclosure for housing the operator
NBC Concerning
People Mover
Any of various forms of mass transit, as and the hoisting mechanism, power
3.1 Elevators & moving sidewalks or automated driverless
vehicles, used for shuttling people around
3.1 Elevators & Transportation plant and equipment controlling a
crane.
Dumbwaiters Dumbwaiters
airports or in congested urban areas Systems
3.2 Escalators & 3.2 Escalators & Capacity of Works, Project or Plant
Conveyors Conveyors The total horsepower of all engines,
3.4.1 Definitions motors, turbines or other prime movers
3.3 Chutes Moving Sidewalk 3.3 Chutes installed, whether in operation or not.
A power-driven, continuously moving Accidental Contact
3.4 Provisions in surface, similar to a conveyor belt, 3.4 Provisions in Car
used for carrying pedestrians Any inadvertent physical contact with
the NBC horizontally or along low inclines
the NBC power transmission equipment, prime The load carrying unit of an elevator
Concerning Concerning movers, machines or machine parts including its platform, frame, enclosure
Transportation Transportation which could result from slipping, falling, and door or gate.
Systems Systems sliding, tripping or any other unplanned
action or movement. Crane
Means a machine for lifting or lowering a
Balustrades load and moving it horizontally, the hoisting
The frames on either side of the mechanism being an integral part of the
Inclined Lift
A platform mounted on a steel moving steps of an escalator. machine.
guide rail and driven by an
electric motor used for raising Buffer Dumbwaiter
or lowering a person or moving
A device designed to stop a A hoisting and lowering mechanism
along a stairway. Also called a
stair lift descending car or counterweight equipped with a car not to exceed 3861
beyond its normal limit of travel by sqcm in area and a maximum height of
absorbing and dissipating the kinetic 1.20m, the capacity of which does not
energy of the car or counterweight. exceed 277 kilos, used exclusively for
carrying materials.

3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS 3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Elevator
A hoisting and lowering mechanism
equipped with a car or platform which
3.1 Elevators & moves in guides in a vertical direction
Dumbwaiters serving two or more floors of a
building or structure. Movement of the
3.2 Escalators & car may be controlled by gravitational,
Conveyors manual or mechanical power.
3.3 Chutes Elevator Landing
That portion of a floor, balcony or
3.4 Provisions in
platform for loading or discharging
the NBC
passengers or freight to or from the
Concerning elevator.
Transportation
Systems
Elevator Wire Ropes
Steel wire ropes attached to the car
frame or passing around sheaves
attached to the car frame from which
elevator/dumbwaiter cars and their
counterweights are suspended.
Enclosed
Means that the moving parts of a machine
are so guarded that physical contact by
any part of the human body is precluded
or prevented. This does not however
prohibit the use of hinged, sliding or
otherwise removable doors or sections to
permit inspection, lubrication or proper
maintenance.
Escalator
A power driven, inclined, continuous
stairway for raising or lowering
passengers.
Guarded
Shielded, fenced or otherwise protected
by means of suitable enclosure guards,
covers or standard railings, so as to
preclude the possibility of accidental
contact or dangerous approach to
persons or objects.
Hoist
An apparatus for raising or lowering a
load by the application of a building
force, but does not include a car or
platform. It may be base-mounted,
hook suspension, monorail, overhead,
simple drum type or trolley
suspension.
Hoistway
A shaftway for the travel of one or
more elevators or dumbwaiters.
Machine Process Machine
The driven unit of an equipment. An equipment designed and operated for
a specific purpose.
3.1 Elevators & Machine house
Dumbwaiters An enclosure for housing the hoisting Travelling Cable
mechanism and power plant. A cable made up of electric conductors
3.2 Escalators & which provides electrical connection
Conveyors between an elevator or dumbwaiter car
Machine Parts
Any or all moving parts of a machine. and a fixed outlet in the hoistway.
3.3 Chutes
3.4 Provisions in Moving Walk
the NBC A type of horizontal passenger- 3.4.2 Guarding of Moving
carrying device on which passengers
Concerning and Dangerous Parts
Transportation stand or walk, with its surface
Systems remaining parallel to its direction of
All prime movers, machines and
motion and is uninterrupted.
machine parts, power transmission
Power Transmission Machinery equipment shall be so guarded,
A shaft, wheel, drum, pulley, system of shielded, fenced or enclosed to
fast and loose pulleys, coupling, clutch, protect any person against exposure
driving belt, V-belt sheaves and belts, to or accidental contact with
chains and sprockets, gearing, torque
connectors, conveyors, hydraulic
dangerous moving parts.
couplings, magnetic couplings, speed
reducers or increasers or any device by
which the motion of an engine is
transmitted to or received by another
machine.

6

3.0
3.4.3 Cranes
3.1 Elevators & 1. Access to the case or machine
Dumbwaiters
house shall be by means of a
conveniently placed stationary
3.2 Escalators &
ladder, stairs or platforms requiring a
Conveyors
step-over that no gap exceeding 300
3.3 Chutes mm is allowed.
3.4 Provisions in 2. Adequate means shall be
the NBC
provided for cranes having revolving
Concerning
cables or machine houses, to permit
Transportation
the operator to enter or leave the
Systems
crane cab and reach the ground
safely, irrespective of its position.
3. Cages, cabs or machine houses
on cranes shall be enclosed to
protect operator during inclement
weather.
3.0
3. Hoistway pits shall be of such
depth that when the car rests on
the fully compressed buffers, a
3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters clearance of not less than 600
mm remains between the
3.2 Escalators & underside of the car and the
Conveyors bottom of the pit.
3.3 Chutes 4. When four or more elevators
serve all or the same portion of a
3.4 Provisions in
the NBC building, they shall be located in
Concerning not less than two (2) hoistways
Transportation and in no case shall more than
Systems four (4) elevators be located in
any one hoistway.
5. Where a machine room or
penthouse is provided at the top of a
hoistway, it shall be constructed with
sufficient room for repair and
inspection. Access shall be by
means of an iron ladder or stairs
when the room is more than 600
mm above the adjacent floor or roof
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
4. A gong or other effective warning
device shall be mounted on each
cage or cab.
5. Temporary crane operation
without warning device may be
allowed provided there is a flagman
whose sole duty is to warn those in
the path of the crane or its load.
6. The maximum rated load of all
cranes shall be plainly marked on
each side of the crane. If the crane
has more than one hoisting unit,
each hoist shall have marked on it
or its load block, its rated capacity
clearly legible from the ground or
floor.
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
surface. The angle of inclination of
such ladder or stairs shall not
exceed 60º from the horizontal. This
room shall not be used as living
quarters or depository of other
materials and shall be provided with
adequate ventilation.
6. Minimum number of hoisting
ropes shall be three (3) for traction
elevators and two (2) for drum.
7. The minimum diameter of
hoisting and counterweight ropes
shall be 30 mm.
8. Elevators shall be provided with
overload relay and reverse polarity
relay.
9. In high rise apartments or
residential condominiums of more
than five (5) stories, at least one
passenger elevator shall be kept on
24 hour constant service.
10/20/18
3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
3.4.4 Hoists 5. Each electric hoist motor shall be
provided with an electrically or
mechanically operated brake so
3.1 Elevators & 1. Operating control shall be plainly
Dumbwaiters arranged that the brake will be
marked to indicate the direction of
applied automatically when the
travel.
3.2 Escalators & power is cut off from the hoist.
Conveyors
2. Each cage controlled hoist shall
3.3 Chutes be equipped with an effective
3.4.5 Elevators
warning device.
3.4 Provisions in
the NBC
3. Each hoist designed to lift its load 1. Hoistways for elevators shall be
Concerning
vertically shall have its rated load substantially enclosed throughout
Transportation
legibly marked on the hoist or load their height, with no openings
Systems
block or at some easily visible allowed except for necessary doors,
space. windows or skylights.
4. A stop, which shall operate 2. Ropes, wires or pipes shall not
automatically, shall be provided at be installed in hoistways, except
each switch, dead end rail or when necessary for the operation of
turntable to prevent the trolley the elevators.
running off when the switch is open.
3.0 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
3.4.6 Escalators 5. The rated speed, measured
along the angle of inclination, shall
1. The angle of inclination of an be not more than 38 mpm.
3.1 Elevators &
Dumbwaiters escalator shall not exceed 35º from
the horizontal. 6. Starting switches shall be key
3.2 Escalators & operated and located within sight of
Conveyors 2. The width between balustrades escalator steps.
shall not be less than 558 mm nor
3.3 Chutes 7. Emergency buttons shall be
more than 1.20 m. This width shall
not exceed the width of the steps by conspicuously and accessibly
3.4 Provisions in
the NBC more than 330 mm. located at or near the top and
Concerning bottom landings but protected from
Transportation 3. Solid balustrades of accidental contact.
Systems incombustible material shall be
provided on each side of the moving
steps. If made of glass, it shall be
of tempered type glass.
4. Each balustrade shall be
provided with a handrail moving in
the same direction and at the same
speed as the steps.
7
Intro Definition and Causes of Fire
2 Intro Classes of Fire
3

Fire is a rapid oxidation process Fire involving: How to Suppress:

accompanied by the evolution Class A: Ordinary combustible
of heat, light, flame and the materials such as wood,
Use Water

emission of sound. cloth, paper, rubber and

plastics, etc.
The Fire Triangle: Fuel (Fire Load)
Class B: Flammable or combustible Exclude air from

Three elements - fuel,

liquids, flammable gases. burning materials

oxygen and heat - are Class C: Energized electrical No Water; Use electrically
required to start a fire. non-conductive
equipment extinguishing agents such
as gaseous systems
The oxidation process
will not be possible Class D: Combustible metals such Heat-absorbing
without any one of these as potassium, sodium, medium which is
elements. Oxygen (Ventilation) Heat (Ignition) magnesium and other not reactive with
burning metals
reactive metals

Intro Fire Growth

2 Intro Fire Growth
2

Architectural Intervention
Stages This graph shows where active and passive

during Fire Growth fire protection will play an important part

during the development of fire.

Stage 1: Pre-flashover or Involves flaming combustion of

an item and may lead to a spread
Active Fire Protection Passive Fire Protection
Detection, activation and suppression Resistance to heat and flames of fire rated constructions
growth phase of fire; or a smoldering, poorly-
ventilated fire with substantial
smoke.
Temperature Time
Rapid change from a local fire to
Stage 2: Flashover one involving all combustible
materials in a room.

All materials in compartment are

Stage 3: Fully developed fire alight; maximum rate of heat
(Stable phase) release is dependent on either
available ventilation or quantity of
fuel.

Stage 4: Decay (Cooling Gradual consumption of fuel in

the compartment. Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Period)
Slow rate of Development of heat Load bearing capacity of materials is maintained.
burning and flames Prevention of fire spread to other compartments.

1
Intro Behavior of Fire and Smoke
1 Intro Fire Spread
2

Internal Fire Spread due to:

Vertical Shaft or Duct Through Air Ducts

Suspended Ceiling
(Stack Effect)
Ceiling Void Through Ceiling and
Through
Vertical Collapsed Partitions
Shafts

Smoke and Flame

likely to re-enter Enclosed Area

Vertical Shaft or Duct

1.00 m
Origin of Fire

Outlet to Through Non-Fire

open air
Rated Doors
Outlet to
adjoining space
Enclosed Internal Fire Spread
Area between Rooms and Floors

Intro Fire Spread Intro Fire Spread

External Fire Spread due to: External Fire Spread due to:

Congested High Fire Load Areas Loss of Integrity of Fire Wall

2
Intro
External Fire Spread due to:
Ignition of Materials
Fire Spread
2
Aims in
Fire Safety Design
A To prevent fire
Convection
Ignition of Materials
Currents
B To safeguard the lives of
Ignition of Materials occupants and firefighters

Ignition of Materials C To reduce damage on the

Origin of Fire
building, its contents, and on
surrounding buildings
Proximity of Buildings

Basic
Basic Fire Avoidance 1
Principles 1

Principles Definition & Implication

Reducing the possibility of accidental ignition of
1 Fire Avoidance construction materials, as well as fittings and
fixtures.
2 Fire Detection
3 Fire Growth Restriction This implies:

4 Fire Containment a. keeping separate heat

sources and materials which
5 Fire Control might ignite readily through
proper planning and zoning
6 Smoke Control b. need to specify materials to
reduce the risk of fire starting
7 Escape Provisions c. reducing fire load

3
Basic Basic
Fire Avoidance 1
Principles 1
Fire Avoidance 1
Principles 2

Fire Zoning (eg. Hospitals)

Choice of Materials and Knowledge
1
on Material Performance
1. Life Risk Areas – areas in which all occupants are ambulant and Concrete Masonry
able to move unaided away from a fire
-high fire resistance - high fire resistance
- eg. Outpatient department; Service Zone

For Most Buildings

- disintegrates at 400-500°C
- holes in concrete will
expose steel structural
2. High Fire Risk Areas – areas which, due to their function, are members
For Hospitals more usually susceptible to an outbreak of fire, or to a rapid spread of
fire or smoke. Steel Calcium Silicate
- eg. Kitchen or Boiler Room - does not burn
- may buckle in fire
- high conductivity spreads
3. High Fire Load Areas – areas which, because of their heat
construction or contents, contain large amounts of combustible - loses half its strength in
550°C
materials, thereby constituting a fire load in excess of that normally
found
- eg. Gas Storage, Linen Closets Timber Glass
- combustible
- little loss of strength
4. High Life Risk Areas – areas in which persons may reside and as charcoal formed
are not able to move unaided away from a fire. insulates wood core
- eg. Intensive Care Unit, Operating Department - spreads flames
- cracks at 575°C
- are subject to high
temperatures during
manufacture
- excellent thermal shock
resistance
- up to 1000°C
- suitable for cladding
structural members
- standard float, toughened
and laminated glass panes do
not provide any fire resistance
- monolithic fire-rated glass is
available

Basic Basic
PrinciplesFire Detection2 PrinciplesFire Detection2
Visual Fire Detection Mechanical Fire Detection
Makes use of manual and automatic (electric/
electronic) methods of informing the occupants in
charge that a fire has occurred in a given location.

fire-prone areas provide peepholes

should be visually on doors
Fire alarm systems must be
accessible
Heat and smoke alarm systems accessible in all zones especially in
inside Fire Risk and Fire Load fire-prone areas.
areas.

4
Basic Basic
Fire Growth Restriction3
Principles Fire Growth Restriction3
Principles
4
Aimed at ensuring that the growing fire is extinguished Rating of Fire Extinguishers :
immediately and at providing adequate time for firemen to Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary
combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical
arrive, control the fire and evacuate the occupants. rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the
amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it will extinguish
Manual Means of Restricting
5 Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires
Fire Growth involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline,
oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire
extinguisher states the approximate number of square
Actively extinguishing or slowing down feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person
the development of a fire before the full can expect to extinguish
involvement of the room. This is done
Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically
by the room’s local occupants. energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not
have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C”
Means: indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive

1. Fire Extinguisher
Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on
2. Water Supply flammable metals and are often specific for the type of
3. Fire Blanket metal in question. There is no picture designator for
Class D extinguishers. These extinguishers generally
4. Bucket of Sand have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating
for use on other types of fires

Basic Basic
Fire Growth Restriction3
Principles Fire Growth Restriction3
Principles
4
Types of Fire Extinguishers :
Mechanical Means of
6
Restricting Fire Growth
Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple purpose use. Sprinkler Specifications:
They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, non-flammable
gas as a propellant

Halon extinguishers contain a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that
takes place when fuels burn. These types of extinguishers are often used to
protect valuable electrical equipment since them leave no residue to clean up.
Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters. The initial
application of Halon should be made at the base of the fire, even after the
flames have been extinguished

-Categories: General Use, Institutional,

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C
(liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these
Residential, Attics, Special Hazards,
extinguishers are only effective from 1.0 to 2.4 feet. The carbon dioxide is Storage
stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the Sprinklers can be spaced
surrounding air. The cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” -3 heads: upright, pendent and sidewall from 3.6 to 6.0 meters apart.
where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since the fire could re-ignite,
continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out -Rated to 175 psi

5
 Basic Basic
Fire Containment4
Principles Fire Containment4
Principles
2
Definition and Implication Concepts of Fire Compartmentation
Assumes that measures to control a growing fire Definition Objectives
may not be successful, hence its maximum size -To limit fire and smoke spread
needs to be restricted both to reduce the risk Containing fire- -To allow longer escape time
and to allow effective firefighting. prone areas by -To reduce the maximum potential size of the fire
Extend CHB means of fire-
walls up to This implies:
slab resistive
1. Fire cladding of structural components to ensure stability
enclosures
of structural frames.
Room
2. The use of fire-rated walls and slabs to contain fire in
Sub-Compartment
rooms, sub-compartments and compartments so as to
segregate areas where fire may occur. Compartment

Provide 1 m. 3. Others: Fire-Rated

Surface
ledge to prevent
spread of fire - plugging all holes; extending CHB walls up to the slab;
- providing a 1-meter ledge to prevent fire from creeping up Compartment The more combustible the contents of a building, the
smaller the compartment should be.
exterior walls into the floor above through windows. Sizes
Joints must be filled with non-combustible materials
to prevent the spread of smoke or flame.

Basic Basic
Fire Containment4
Principles Fire Containment4
Principles
3 3
Fire Rating of Construction Systems Fire Rating of Construction Systems
Concrete Masonry Wall Units Ceiling Systems
2 Hour 4 Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour

4” 6”

Gypsum Walls STEEL

1 Hour
Wood Steel
-One layer 12mm type X -One layer 16mm type X
veneer base nailed to each gypsum wallboard or veneer
side of 50mmX100mm base applied to each side of
wood studs 400mm O.C. 40mm metal studs 600mm
O.C.
2 Hour
Wood
-Two layers 16mm type X gypsum
wallboard or veneer base applied
to each side of 50mmx100mm
wood studs 600mm O.C.
RUNNERS
12mm gypsum wallboard 12mm gypsum wallboard 12mm
3-16mm FIRE
applied to drywall resilient applied to drywall furring 25mm RATED
Steel PANELS
furring channels 600mm channels. Furring channels
35mm x 22mm
O.C. and nailed to wood 600mm O.C., attached with WIRE MESH
ANGLE
RUNNER
joists 400mm O.C. Wood 18 gauge wire ties open web
CORNER
joists supporting 25mm T&G steel joists 600mm O.C. REINFORCEMENT
finish floor. supporting rib metal lath on
28 gauge corrugated steel
and 62mm concrete slab.
-Two layers 16mm type X gypsum
wallboard or veneer base applied
to each side of 62mm metal studs
400mm O.C.

6
Basic Basic
Fire Containment4
Principles Fire Containment4
Principles
3
Fire Rating of Construction Systems Load Bearing Capacity, Integrity
2
Door Openings For 1.2m X 3.0m single hollow metal doors (ga.20 steel face), with
labeled single-point or 3-point latching hardware, steel hinges or pivots
and Insulation
1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour Load Bearing Capacity Integrity Insulation

125mm
min Passage of
Collapse or Temperature
excessive flame increase
1.370m 0.83m deflection
max max

-Maximum glass area: 0.83 sq.m
-For openings in walls or partitions
between rooms and corridors having a
fire resistance rating of 1 hour or less
125mm
min
-Maximum glass area 0.063 sq.m
-6mm thk Wire glass in a steel frame
-For openings in enclosures of vertical
communications through buildings and
in 2-hour rated partitions providing
horizontal fire separations
Structural Performance: Ability to resist the *Insulated building elements will
-Flush Metal Door
Building still stands development of crack or not ignite in fire and will ensure
-No Glass Permitted
during an emergency perforations so as not passage of human beings
-3mm clearance at jambs
to allow passage of without damage on the other
-10mm clearance at non-combustinle
Ability to carry load side of the separating element.
floor smoke and flame
without collapsing
-For openings in fire walls or walls Ability to prevent heat transfer
that divide a single building into fire
areas from one face to the other face.

Basic Basic
Principles Fire Control5 Principles Fire Control5
Site Access for Fire Control8:
Definition and Implication L T-TURN

Covers those devices and systems which aid

R
firefighters in actively extinguishing the fire and
CUL-DE-SAC
bringing it to an end earlier than a free-burning fire.

W
30m> DEAD END
Fire apparatus should have Bollards and fences used for traffic
Access Road control must allow for sufficient Prevent time-consuming, hazardous
unobstructed access to
open road width for fire truck back-ups at dead-ends by using T-
buildings.
turns and cul-de-sacs

MAX. 90 METERS

FIRE HYDRANT
0.3m
SIAMESE
CONNECTION
ensure that all areas inside
and outside the building
Place hydrants at max. 3 meters Hydrant must be Utility poles, kiosks, sculpture,
are covered by reach of unobstructed; Fire hose
from curb. Siamese connection fountains, plant boxes can impede
access road for firetrucks the firehose to standpipes must be visible connection should be at fire rescue operations
and within 60m from hydrant least 0.3m above grade

7
Basic Basic
Principles Fire Control5 Principles Fire Control5
Firetrucks Concept of the Firefighting Shaft
Provides access to a building, especially in high
Aerial Apparatus
rise buildings, for fire brigades.
Specifications:
Elevator
Is fully-equipped with firefighting equipment, shaft Wet and Dry
service elevator, stair and lobby. Risers

Provides a sufficiently secure operating base

and a rest area in between firefighting
operations.
30 m.

25 m.

20 m.
Fire-rated
doors
75 ° (safe 75 ° 75 °
angle)

8.5 m. 6.7 m. 5.6 m.

Approx. 10 storeys Approx. 8-9 storeys Approx. 6-7 storeys

Basic Basic
Smoke Control6
Principles Smoke Control6
Principles
2 2
Definition and Techniques Definition and Techniques
Measures which can assist to some extent c. PRESSURIZATION – technique whereby air is blown into
occupants in the fire zone but are particularly spaces which are designed to be kept clear of smoke.
needed for others in adjacent areas or
compartments.
High
Venting
Techniques of Smoke Uses barriers including Pressure
Control walls, floors and
doors, to contain Low
Extraction of Smoke Pressure
Ceiling Reservoir a. SMOKE CONTAINMENT/ pressurized air
BARRIER – technique of generated by
Smoke Plume restricting the movement of mechanical means to
smoke by the provision of fire keep smoke away
resisting elements.
Shop from protected areas
b. SMOKE DISPERSAL – such as escape
Mall
Smoke Barrier technique of clearing smoke staircases and
locally by provision of natural corridors.
Make Up Air cross-ventilation or mechanical
venting.

8
Basic Basic
Escape Provisions7
Principles Escape Provisions7
Principles
1
Definition Protected Escape Routes
Cover a range of passive or active systems which To provide safety, This can be Escape Route Leading to:
permit the occupants to move or be moved to a the routes must achieved by:
place of safety within or to the outside of a building. be properly
Protected Escape
Route
- Compartmentation
protected from Place of Safety Place of Safety

CORRIDOR SYSTEM: the effects of fire - Fire resistance of

a. Protected Escape Route
direct, not tortuous and smoke for an escape route
simple lay-out structure
acceptable time Protected Lobby
no barriers, cul-de-sacs, bottlenecks period, usually a - Use of smoke
doors open out, not in Place of Safety

easily detectible, not hidden from view

minimum of 60 control systems to
keep smoke out of Place of Safety
minutes. escape routes b. Protected Lobby
FIRE ESCAPE:
fire escape stairs designed to be used daily for familiarity
Protected escape routes are designed in such a Stairway
of escape route Enclosure
way that they lead to a place of safety, and once Place of Safety
well-maintained (not used as storage of junk)
inside the occupants are safe from the Place of Safety
immediate danger from fire and smoke.
c. Protected Stairway Enclosure

Basic Basic
Escape Provisions7
Principles Escape Provisions7
Principles
1
Alternative Means of Escape Primary Considerations in the
Design for FIRE Safety
Place of Place of of Hospitals1
Safety Safety

1. The presence of patients with various degrees

exit courtyard of dependency and immobility on one hand
and the constant presence of staff on the
Alternative other.
Means of Escape subcomp-
-Doors should be as far
compart-
ment artment subcomp- 2. It is assumed that there should be no reliance
artment
as possible from each on external; rescue or such manipulative types
other; preferably on courtyard
opposite walls Access through of escape appliances as chutes or fire ladders.
-Both doors should not
subcomp-
Courtyards
open into the same
compartment
subcomp- artment 3. The staff would be fully responsible in
artment
assisting patients within their area of control
to a place of safety in an emergency.