NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC) AND PHILIPPINES ELECTRICAL CODE (PEC) RULES AND REGULATIONS ON DIFFERENT WIRING METHODS

I. NON METALLIC RACEWAY OR WOODEN MOLD WIRING

A. Definition Non metallic raceway or wooden mold wiring is a wiring method where conductors are installed in a surface container which lay out along the surface of ceiling and walls and not concealed (or not hidden).

B. Use The use of this wiring shall be permitted only in dry locations (places not affected by rain or moisture). It shall not be used, however: 1. When or where concealed. 2. Where subject to severe physical damage unless approved for the purpose. 3. When voltage is more than 300V between conductors. 4. In hoist ways. 5. In hazardous location. 6. Where subject to ambient temperature exceeding 50C.

C. Size of Conductors No conductor larger than that for which the raceway is design shall be installed in non metallic surface raceway.

D. Number of Conductors in Raceway

The number of conductors installed in any raceway shall be no greater than the number for which the raceway is designed.

E. Fittings for Taps and Joints Any junction point requiring joints and taps shall use porcelain tee or porcelain cross with base. When junction points come from one direction from top or from below, the run wire porcelain tee is used. Where taps come from both direction, porcelain cross is used.

F. Need for Porcelain Tube or Flexible Circular Loom Where conductors are entering switches, convenience outlet, lamp socket, cutout box, and safety switch shall be protected by circular loom. If the wire or wires passing through walls porcelain tube or circular loom may be used. Where circular loom or mica tube is used at the end of the wooden mold or raceway a V cut or M cut must be made the molding end.

G. Wall Switch, Convenience Outlet and Lamp Holder Wall switch and convenience outlet used must be of the surface type. In case of the wall switch is must be mounted on a switch base when installed. The lamp holder used must be of the cleat type.

II.

OPEN WIRING OR INSULATOR OR EXPOSED KNOB AND TUBE WIRING

A. Definition Open wiring or insulators is a wiring method using knob tubes, cleats and flexible tubing for the protection and support of insulated conductors run is and on building and not concealed by the building structure.

B. Use 1. The wiring building. method may be used for or outside the

a. Exposed work, either inside or outside the building. b. In wet or dry location c. When subject to corrosive 2. This wiring method, however shall not be used a. Commercial garage b. In theater or movie houses c. In motion picture studios d. In hazardous location

C. Conductors Any conductors shall be insulated. Only single conductor may be used on a knob (split or solid) or tubing hence conductor such as TW, THW, RW, RHW, etc. are permitted. In figuring the ampacities (meaning current carrying capacity of wire) allowed, the table for copper or aluminum conductor must be consulted.

D. Supports

1. Conductor must be separated or must not take contact with any object over than its insulating supports. The supports shall be non combustible and non absorptive. a. Under ordinary conditions and conductor support shall not be more than 4 feet apart or closer as the condition warrants. b. Conductors of number 8 or larger that are installed across open space where they are not liable to be disturbed may have the support spaced is feet apart. However, non combustible, non absorptive support shall be speed at interval not to exceed 4 feet apart and a minimum spacing of 2 inch between conductors. c. In buildings of mill constructions where feeders of number 8 or longer are used and a minimum spacing 6 between conductors maintained the conductors may be supported at the timbers only. 2. Exceptions: a. Approved flexible non metallic tubing may be used to cover the conductor in a continuous length not to exceed is 15feet when not exposed to physical damaged and in a dry location and shall be secured by straps not more than 4 feet apart. b. Conductors of number 8 or larger that are installed across open spaced wire. They are not liable to be disturbed may have the support spaced is feet apart. However, non combustible, non absorptive support shall be speed at interval not to exceed 4 feet apart and a minimum spacing of 2 inch between conductors. c. In buildings of mill constructions where feeders of number 8 or larger are used and a minimum spacing of 6 between conductors maintained the conductors may be supported at the timbers only.

E. Conductor Separation 1. For voltage not exceeding 300V between conductors a. A minimum of 2 inches separation between conductors.

b. A minimum of inch between distances of wire. 2. For voltages between 301 to 600 volts between conductors. a. A minimum of 4inches separation between conductors. b. A minimum of 1 inch distance of wire from the surfaced wired over. 3. In damp or wet location a separation of at least one (1) inch from the surface wired over shall be maintained for all voltage of up to 600 volts.

F. The Wires The wires may be used to fasten number 8 or larger conductors to solid knob securely and shall have an insulation equivalent to the conductors being secure.

G. Passing Through Walls and Floors Open conductors that pass through walls and floors timbers or wood and other shall pass through tubes or bushing made of non combustible or non absorptive materials.

H. Separation from Metal Work All open conductors shall be separated from metal conduct, pipes or any conducting materials by at least 2 inches. The separation shall be maintained from any exposed lighting power or signal circuit. Where this distance cannot be maintained insulting tubes may be used for additional insulation provided the tubes are secured.

I. Separation from Metal Work Open conductors located closed to piping or tanks shall be placed that there is a permanent air space between them. If water might drip on the conductors, the conductors shall be run above the pipe or tank with a clearance with 2 inches.

J. Protection from Physical Damage Open conductors exposed to physical damage they shall be separated by any of the following: a. By guard strip not less than inch in thickness and as high as the insulating support place on each side. b. By substantial running board at least inch thick or by wooden molds. c. By metal strips or metal mold. d. By conduit pipe in continuous length.

K. Entering Spaces Subject to Dampness All conductor of open wiring that enter or leave a damp wet or corrosive space shall have drip loops and the tube entering the walls shall be non combustible and non absorptive mounted on a slope so that the moisture will not enter other parts of the building.

III. CONCEALED KNOB AND TUBE WIRING

A. Definition Concealed knob and tube wiring is a wiring method using knobs, tube and flexible non metallic tubing for the protection and support of insulated conductor concealed or hidden in hallow spaces of walls and ceilings of buildings.

B. Use This type of wiring shall be use in hallow spaces of walls and ceilings it shall not be use in: 1. The commercial garage 2. Theaters 3. Motion picture studios 4. Hazardous location

C. Conductors The same insulator. provision as that in open wiring or

D. Supports The same insulator. provision as that in open wiring or

E. Conductive Separation a. Conductor shall be separated at least 3 and maintained at least 1 from the surface wired over. b. At distributing center outlets, switches or other places where spaces are limited each conductor shall be encased in a continuous length of flexible tubing.

F. Separation from Other Objects and Protections The same insulator. provision as that in open wiring or

G. Boxes of Insulating Materials The use of non metallic boxes is permitted. Provided that the conductors are supplied with in 8 inches of the box.

H. Switches The same insulator. provision as that in open wiring or

IV.

METAL MOLD OR SURFACE METAL RACEWAYS

A. Definition Surface metal raceways provide in wiring method that has many advantages. This wiring method not intended for new construction, but is quite valuable in additions to existing wiring systems that must be expanded without cutting into the existing building to add conduit and other component surface metal raceway have been use for many years and have been found quite satisfactory for the purpose for which they are intended.

B. Use Surface metal raceways may be installed location in most any case except the following: in dry

1. Where concealed except that it may be used for under paster extensions when approved for that purpose. 2. Where exposed to severe physical damage unless approved for that purpose. 3. Where the voltage between conductors exceed 300V. 4. Where subject to corrosive vapors. 5. In hoist ways. 6. In hazardous areas.

C. Grounding Metal Enclosures Metal raceways, boxes, cabinets and fittings shall be grounded.

D. Electrical Continuity of Metal Raceways Enclosures Metal raceways or metal enclosures for shall be metallically joined together into a electrical conductor. conductors continuous

E. Secured Place All raceways, boxes, cabinets and fittings shall be securely fastened in place with approved screws.

F. Mechanical Continuity of Raceways and Conductors Raceways and other assemblies shall be continuous from outlet to outlet and from fitting conductors shall be continuous between outlet and devices. No splices shall be permitted in raceways.

G. Free Length of Conductors A minimum of 6 of free conductors length be left all outlet and switch points, except if a conductor loops through without connectors to any device and without space.

H. Size of Conductors No conductor bigger than that for which the raceway is design shall be installed in surface metal raceways.

I. Number of Conductors in Raceways The number of conductors installed shall be no greater than numbers for which the raceway is designed.

J. Extension through walls and floors Surface metal raceways may be extended through dry walls, dry detritions and dry floors. However they shall be in unbroken lengths where they pass through.

K. Separations of Different Circuits Run in Raceways Different electrical circuit shall be run in separate metal raceways or in separate compartment of a bigger metal raceway assembly, like signal circuit and power circuits.

V.

ARMORED CABLE OR BX WIRING

A. Definition Armored cable wiring is a wiring method using a fabricated assembly of insulated conductors in a flexible metallic enclosure.

B. Use Armored cable wiring may be use in the following: 1. For dry location 2. Under plastic extensions 3. Embedded in plaster finish 4. Embedded in brief or other masonry except in wet or damp location. 5. May be run or fish in air void, of masonry block of the walls that are not exposed to moisture or dampness are below grade lines. 6. In damp places and where exposed to oil or other conditions that might deteriorate the insulation if the armored cable is of the ACL type (lead - covered)

Armored Cable may not be use in: 1. Theaters 2. Motion pictures studios 3. Any hazardous locations 4. Crane or hoists 5. Storage battery rooms 6. Where exposed to corrosive vapors 7. To hoist ways of elevators 8. Commercial garage

C. Types There are numbers of types of armored cable such as type AC, type ACL, type ACI, etc. Armored cables are for branch circuits. This cable are made of flexible metal type but an internal strips of bonding composed of copper or aluminum shall be continue throughout the length and

D. Conductors The insulated types: 1. Rubber 2. Thermoplastic 3. Varnished cloth 4. Asbestos varnished cloth 5. Special type approved for the purpose conductors shall be of the following

E. Supports All supports for armored cable must be of the approved type and must be installed so as not to damage the cable. Armored cable shall be secured at interval not to exceed 4 feet and within 12 may be extended to not over 24 at terminal where there is a necessity for flexibility.

F. Bends All bends are to be made so as not to damage the cable. The bend radius shall not be less than 5 times the diameter of the cable.

G. Electrical Continuity of Armored Cable and Enclosures The armor of armored cable shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electrical conductor. The armor covering shall be securely and effectively connected to boxes fittings and cabinets locknuts and connectors supply this continuity.

H. Mechanically Continuity of Armored Cable

Cable assemblies shall be continuous from outlet to outlet and from fitting to fitting is recommended that if in doubt the inspection authority be conducted for a decision before installation.

I. Switch and Convenience Outlet Point A minimum of 6 to free conductor length shall be left at all outlets and switch point except if the conductors loops through without connection to any device and without a splice.

J. Boxes and Fittings Boxes and fittings shall be installed at each outlet, switch point, junction or conductor, splice connection joining section of armored cable (AC).

VI.

RIGID METAL OR STEEL CONDUIT WIRING

A. Definition Rigid metal or steel conduit wiring is a wiring method using heavy pipe where insulated conductors are fished after installation.

B. Use Rigid conduit may be used in all atmospheric condition occupancies but there are some provisions that cover its use ferrous (containing iron) conduit and fitting that have enamel protection from corrosion. Can only be use in doors and even then shall be subjected to severe corrosive influences. Where practical ferrous conduit shall be used with ferrous fittings and non ferrous conduit shall be used with fittings or similar materials. This is to avoid galvanic action between dissimilar metals following provisions leaves to the judgment of the inspection authority unless made of a materials judge suitable for the condition or unless corrosion protection approve for the condition is provided. Ferrous or non ferrous metallic conduit elbows coupling and fitting shall not be installed in concrete or indirect contact with the earth or in areas subject to severe corrosive influences. This provision therefore places considerable responsibility upon the inspector to use discretionary powers in its enforcement. It is intimate contact with the other covering. This is for additional protection when serving as an equipment ground

C. Installation Cider fill cinder fill (under is a powder of burned coal or wood) cause considerable corrosion. Therefore, unless conduit is of a corrosion resistant. Material which will with stand this corrosive condition it shall not be buried under or in under fill unless protected by a non cinder concrete covering of a minimum of two inches thickness or unless it is buried a minimum of 18 below the fill.

D. Wet Locations All supports volts straps concrete shall be of corrosion resistant materials or protected against corrosion by approve corrosion resistant materials. In exposed work under wet or damp location it is required that a air space between the conduit system (including boxes and fittings and the surface wired over).

E. Minimum Sizes For practical purposes inch trade size rigid conduit is the smallest allowable however for under plaster extensions conduit with a minimum inside diameter of 5/16 is permitted in some cases.

F. Number of Conductors in Conduit A table for a minimum number of conductors in table sizes of conduit shall be consulted. Example is given below: Wire Type TW, THW RW, RHW Conductors Size 14 10 12 8 1/2 9 7 5 2 3/4 15 12 9 4 1 25 19 15 7 1/4 44 35 26 12 2 99 78 60 28 2 142 111 85 40

VII. Non Metallic Sheated or Loomex Cable Wiring

A. Definition Non metallic sheated, which is commonly termed as loomex cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheat or moisture resistance, flame retardant or sometimes corrosion resistant, non metallic material.

B. Use This type of wiring either for exposed or concealed wiring it maybe regarded as a substitute for open wiring on insulator or exposed knob and tube work, and has the advantages that continuous protection is provided over the entire length of the conductor. In addition to the insulation supplied to ordinary thermoplastic were in the case of armored cable no insulating supports are required and only one hole need be bared when the cable passes through a timber. Insulating bushing or grommets shall be used where the cable passes through holes in metal part or similar members.

C. Types Non metallic sheated cable are manufacture in the following types, type NM which has an overall covering of the flame retardant materials and the type NMC which has an overall covering of flame retardant, moisture resistance, fungus resistant and corrosion resistant materials. Both types are emitted to be used in one and two familiar dwelling and other structure exceeding three floors. Type NM, non metallic sheated cables are permitted to be installed for exposed and concealed work in normally dry location. It is also permissible to be ferned in air voids, in masonry blocks on tiles, walls where such walls are not expose on suggested to excessive moisture or dampness. This cable (type NM) shall not be installed in

places exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors, non shall it be embedded in masonry, concretes fills or flaster. Type NMC or non metallic sheated cable are permitted for both exposed and concealed work in dry, moist, damp or corrosive location and outside walls of masonry block and tile.

Both types however shall not be use at 1. Service entrance cable 2. In commercial garage 3. In theaters 4. Motion picture studios 5. Hoist ways 6. Hazardous location 7. Embedded in poured cement or concrete

D. Supports Non metallic sheated cable shall be seaved by wire staple strap or similar fittings so designed and installed as not to injured, the cable shall be secured in place at interval not exceeding 4ft. and within 12 from every cabinet, box or fittings.

E. Bends Bends in cable shall be made so that the protective covering of the loomex not allowed the cable must be injured. No bends shall have the radius less than five times the diameter of the cable.

RULES AND REGULATION ON SERVICE ENTRANCE INSTALLATION

1. Service conditions supplying a building or other structure shall not pass through the other interior or another building. 2. Service conductors shall normally with stand exposure to atmospheric and other condition of use without deter mental lockage of current. 3. Ungrounded conductors of service entrance for limited loads of a single branch ckt. shall be number 12 or number 1 but it is no case smaller than the branch ckt. conductors.

4. Service entrance conductor shall not have be splice. 5. Service raceways or tubing shall be equipped with a rain tight or weather head. 6. Drip loops shall be formed on end service entrance conductor to prevent entrance of water and moisture. 7. Any service entrance terminate at the raceway tubing or cable shall

RULES AND REGULATION ON SERVICE, SWITCH FEEDER AND DISTRIBUTION BOARD INSTALATION

1. Conductors and bus bars on a distribution board shall be located as to be free from physical damage and shall be held firmly in place. 2.The arrangement of bus bars and conductors shall be such as to avoid over heating due to inductive effect. 3.Feeder conductor shall have an ampacity not lower than required to apply the load. 4.Feeder conductor shall not be smaller than number 10 where the load supplies consist of the following number and types of circuit a. Two or more two wire branch circuit supplied by a two wire feeder. b. More than two wire branch ckt. supplied by three wire feeder. c. Two or feeders. more three wire branch ckt. supplied by three wire

5. Feeder conductors ampacity shall not be lower than that of the service entrance conductor. 6. Service switch, containing the main protective devices such as fuse or circuit breaker must be installed as near as possible to the point of entrance.