Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur

An Assessment of the Electrical Installations in the Commercial and Institutional Buildings in the City of Iriga

Gracia B. Alteza MET ET 200

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM Introduction Electricity is a wonderful utility, but can be dangerous if not approached carefully. There are three basic hazards that cause injury or death shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. It is important to remember that even a small amount of current passing through the chest can cause death. Most deaths occurring for circuits of less than 600 volts happen when people are working on hot, energized equipment1 The City Engineers Office, Building Industrial and Safety Division is composed of a team that conducts an inspection of all types of structures I securing an Annual Inspection Certificate as well as Certificate of Occupancy to the owner or occupant of the building. There are several areas that comprise the team namely, structural, plumbing or sanitary, architectural, mechanical and electronics and electrical. If these areas are complied based on the provisions of its respective Codes, a certificate for annual inspection or occupancy is issued. The revised implementing rules and regulations of the national building code of the Philippines otherwise known as PD 1096 states that to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare and to provide a framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control the location of buildings, site, design, quality of material, construction, use and maintenance. It shall cover architectural,

civil/structural, electrical, mechanical, sanitary, plumbing, electronics and interior design; shall apply to design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair,

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of and addition to public and private building and structures except traditional indigenous family dwellings and economic and socialized housing projects. Existing buildings without building permits/certificates of occupancy may be issued same provided they conform to these rules and regulations2 Among those stated areas, Electrical often encounter a fire related case such as faulty electrical wiring, overloading, misuse or negligence, from the use of electricity that triggers fire accident. The electrical design parameters, electrical installation guidelines and safety rules in the Philippine Electrical Code have been formulated and developed to safeguard persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. In order for this objective to be achieved, the Code must be followed and enforced. Our very own Electrical Practitioners, Building Officials, Electrical Contractors and skilled workers have to perform their duties and responsibilities in conformance with the Philippine Electrical Code. The strict compliance with the Code is a must.3 It rarely happens that a building collapse due to under design or the use of sub-standard materials, but a fire due to faulty wiring installation is very often. The Ozone Disco tragedy killed many people because of the electrical fire. The accident was attributed to the negligence of the electrical inspector, the fire inspector as well as the Building Official of that place. It was evident that the Ozone Disco continued their business operation when in fact some provisions in the electrical and fire code has been violated or not complied.

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur The electrical engineer or electrical inspector plays a vital role in ensuring safety of a building or property and most especially the lives of people. Furthermore, it is the work of an electrical engineer or electrical inspector, to establish basic materials and electrical work standards for the safe use of electricity for light, heat, power, communication and for other purposes. NIOSH reports that because electricity is a familiar part of our lives it is often not treated with enough caution. As a result, an average of one worker is

electrocuted on the job every day of every year. Electrocution is the leading cause of work-related deaths among 16-17 years old, after motor vehicle deaths and workplace homicide. Electricity travels in closed conduits, normally through a conductor. Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one point and leaves at another. Typically shock occurs when a person contacts: both wires of an energized circuit, one wire of an electrical circuit and the ground, a metallic part in contact with an energized wire also in contact with the ground. The electrical designer, installer and maintenance team are all expected to provide an installation that is safe, cost effective and reliable throughout its lifetime. The course begins with the fundamental principles that always apply to ensure safety, the course then progresses through basic design procedures, inspection, testing and maintenance requirements, concluding with a review of power quality problems that affect the reliability of an installation where high technology interfaces with a supply.3

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur The building inspector has the responsibility of conducting initial assessment of the accuracy of electrical installations prior to design of every commercial or institutional establishment. He must see to it that the safety factors required by national and international standards, and the functional considerations that a designer has to take into account.

Statement of the Problem This study aims to determine the status of the electrical installations in the Commercial and Institutional buildings in Iriga City. The study aims to answer the following: 1. What is the status of the electrical installations in the Commercial and institutional buildings in Iriga City based on the following areas; a.) Electrical Permit b.) Occupancy Permit c.) Annual Inspection Permit/Business Permit 2. What are the problems encountered by the Electrical Inspector during

inspection? 3. What remedial measures and policies can the electrical inspector

recommend to the occupant or owner of the building?

Assumptions of the Study This study will be guided by the following assumptions: 1. There are commercial buildings that operate business without an approved Occupancy Permit/Final Electrical Inspection Certificate.
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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur 2. There are changes in the use or occupancy of the building or additional or alteration of electrical installations. 3. There are remedial measures and policies that can be recommended by the Electrical Inspector/Building Official. Hypothesis This study will prove that there is no significant difference between the findings of the researcher and the record of the City Engineers office as to building permits, occupancy permit and certificate of electrical inspection.

Scope and Delimitation The study is focused on the status of the electrical installations in the Commercial and Institutional buildings in the City of Iriga. Electrical inspection from the Building Industrial and Safety Division of the City Engineers Office is divided into two areas, namely: Occupancy, which includes the approved building permit and annual inspection for establishments operating business. The study will be based on 2008-2011 records on Building Occupancy and Annual Inspection Permits.

Significance of the Study The results of this study will be of great benefit to the following: Electrical Inspector. Results gathered will provide information that will

determine the deficiencies in order to establish and recommend quality materials and electrical work standards for the safe use of electricity.

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur City Engineer/Building Official. Will have full confidence that the building inpected has been thoroughly assessed and evaluated and ready for use. Owner/occupant. They will have an assurance that their building or dwelling place is safe place. This will also bring a harmonious relationship between the owner and electrical inspector.

Definition of Terms Common terms used in this study were defined conceptually and perationally for clarity and better understanding. Application forms. A preformatted prescribed application form duly accomplished and notarized by the respective design professional with validation matrices related to other building rules and regulations. Applicant. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, head of government or private institution, organization of any character applying for the issuance of permits and certificates. Branch circuit. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). Building official. The executive officer of the Office of the Building Official

appointed by the Secretary of Building permit. A document issued by the Building official to an owner/applicant to proceed with the construction, installation, addition, alteration, renovation,

conversion, repair, moving, demolition or other work activity of a specific project/building/structure or portion thereof after the accompanying principal plans, specifications and other pertinent documents with the duly notarized application are
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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur found satisfactory and substantially conforming with the National Building Code of the Philippines (the Code) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations(IRR). Circuit Breaker. A device designed to open and close a circuit by mono automatic means and open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied its rating. Conductor. Bare a conductor having a conductor having a covering or electrical insulation. Covered a conductor encased within material of composition or thickness that is not recognized by the Code as electrical insulation. Insulated conductor encased within material of composition and thickness that is recognized by the Code as Electrical insulation. Conversion. A change in the use or occupancy or building/structures or any portion thereof, which has different requirements. Device. A unit of an electrical system that is intended to carry but not to utilize electric energy. Equipment. General term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation. Grounding conductor. A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode/s. Office of the building official. The office authorized to enforce the provisions of the Code and its IRR in the field as well as the enforcement for orders and decisions made pursuant thereto.

Overload.

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full load rating or of a

conductor in excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating. A fault such as short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload. PEC(Philippine Electrical Code). Contains provisions that are considered minimum equirements necessary for safety. Referral codes. The applicable provisions of the various agency and technical

professional codes that are supplementary to the Code.

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur End Notes
1

Electrical Theory and Application,L&L Kiln Manufacturing, 2004, www.sheffieldThe national Building Code of the Philippines Philippine Electrical Code, Institute of Integrated Electrical engineers of the

pottery.com
2 3

Philippines
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Electrical Safety Laboratory Curriculum for the Safety Sciences Undergraduate: Theory to Application, Dr. Laura Helmrich Rhodes, CSP and David P. Rhodes, CSP, NIOSH Publication , Electrical Safety -Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual, January 2002, Publication No. 2002-123, Section 4 page 1) (5)

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Chapter 2 THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

Review of Related Literature and Studies In order to gain a better idea and design of the study, a survey of published and unpublished literature and studies was made to determine their relation with the present study. The sources were the published and unpublished masters thesis

and dissertation. Related literature s were taken from books and other forms of printed media and publications about Electrical Safety, Installations, the Electrical Code and the national Building Code as implemented by the Building Officials. Access to the internet is also a very helpful tool I acquiring the necessary ideas relative to the present study. These were taken into consideration as the basis and guide which will lead the researcher to make decisions relevant to the present problem. Foreign Grounding is a method of giving electricity the most effect way to return to the service panel. You see current flows from the panel to the outlet or device to power it up. The neutral wire is the return path for unused current. The ground wire is an additional path for electrical current to return safely to ground without danger to anyone in the event of a short circuit. In that instant, the short would cause the current to flow through the ground wire, causing a fuse to blow or a circuit breaker to trip. An ungrounded electrical box, appliance, power tool, or extension cord could become a danger if there is no path to ground, except through you. You see, without
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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur a ground wire, your body may complete the ground path and you may be shocked or electrocuted. A properly grounded circuit has boxes, devices, and service panel grounds that give the electrical current the easiest path to ground and that reduces the chances of someone getting a shock or getting electrocuted. Household electrical systems are required by the National Electrical Code to have a grounded system connected to earth ground via a ground rod. The earth absorbs the over-current or short circuit harmlessly and having done so, eliminates the threat to anyone that may have otherwise been the ground path. But ground rods and ground wires to boxes, devices, and service panels are not enough. You must remember to bond the grounds to the houses copper water lines. You certainly wouldnt want a short circuit to travel through the water pipes while youre in the shower, bathtub, or using a sink. Remember that water and electricity dont mix! And while were on the subject of grounding, Im often asked if using a receptacle adapter is OK. First of all, Im not a fan of doing something half way. Id rather change the receptacle to a grounded receptacle and have the ground wire connected to the receptacle and the box. Although you can use an adapter and connect the center cover-plate screw to the adapter to gain a ground if the box is grounded, it just seems like a skimpy, lazy way to fix the real problem, the need for a new receptacle.1 Electrocution is the third leading cause of work-related deaths among 16 and 17 year-olds, after motor vehicle deaths and workplace homicide. (1) The

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately 350 electrical-related fatalities occur each year (2) Students enrolled in the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Department of Safety Sciences are required to take a course that prepares them to recognize and evaluate electrical hazards, and assist in the implementation of hazard controls to prevent electrical fatalities and injuries in the workplace. This article describes the lecture portion of the course and the three phases of the laboratory training: power generation/ distribution tour and inspection, understanding basic wiring and using test equipment to identify electrical hazards. As a part of this article, two sample laboratory activities are provided as well as some ideas for implementing these activities at your institution. NIOSH three-stage safety model: recognize, evaluate, and control electrical hazards. The lab reinforces the idea that professionals need to use this model when assessing work; to be considered safe while working on or near energized systems, one must think about the job and plan for hazards. To avoid injury or death, one must understand and recognize hazards. A person needs to evaluate the situation they are in and assess their risks. Furthermore there is a need to control hazards by creating a safe work environment, by using safe work practices, and by reporting hazards.2 Section1.02.03:Building permits (a) Any person, firm, or corporation, including any department, office, bureau, agency of instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure, or cause the same to be done, shall obtain a building permit from the Building Official for whichever of such work is proposed to be undertaken for the building or structure, before any such work is started; b) Appropriate rules and

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur regulations shall be set by the Secretary concerning: (1Forms for application for building permits; (2) Procedures to be observed in securing such permits; (3) Procedures to be observed in the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such building permits; and (4) Type, nature, and scope of plans and specifications, and other requisite documents, which shall be prepared and designed by a licensed architect or engineer (c) When authorized by the Building Official in accordance with the provisions of this Code, plans and specifications need not be submitted for the following: (1) Group A traditional indigenous type of dwelling construction costing not more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00); and (2) Group J Division 1 Occupancy of Type 1 conventional wood frame construction or of the traditional indigenous type of construction costing not more than three thousand pesos (P3,000.00). d) The applicant for a building permit for private buildings or structures after having complied with all the requirements prescribed therefor in accordance with the provisions of this Code, shall be issued a building permit within fifteen (15) days from the date of payment of the permit fee for Groups A and J Occupancies and within thirty (30) days from the date of payment of the permit fee for other Group Occupancies, unless the Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit shall inform the applicant in writing why the permit should not be issued, and shall indicate thereon the particular provisions of the Code violated by the applicant or the particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt by the applicant of advice from the Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the permit why the building permit should not be issued, or why the building permit is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the building or structure for which the permit is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for final disposition. (e) All public buildings shall conform to the provisions of this Code and the Building Official of the city or province where the public building is located shall issue the building permit therefor, stating in writing that such public building conforms to the requirements of the Code. For national public buildings, the Secretary of Public Works and Communications shall issue a certification that such a building conforms to the Code. Public buildings shall be exempt from payment of building permit, inspection, and other fees. SECTION 1.02.05: Inspection ad Certificates of Occupancy (a) Inspection. The duly licensed architect or engineer engaged by the owner to undertake inspection and detailed supervision of the construction shall periodically certify that the construction conforms to the plans and specifications submitted in the application for a building permit. Upon submission of such periodic certifications during the progress of construction, the Building Official shall periodically issue the required authority to continue with the subsequent phases of construction, without prejudice to his right to conduct on his own initiative any inspection of the said construction. Upon completion of the construction, the said duly licensed architect or engineer shall submit to the Building Official the final certification that the building conforms to the provisions of the Code and with the detailed plans and specifications submitted. (b) Certificates of Occupancy. The proper Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued to

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur the applicant within seven (7) days from completion of the requirements for inspection and occupancy and payment of any and all fees therefore, unless the building Official or his Deputy issuing the Certificate shall show cause in writing why the Certificate should not be issued and shall indicate there on the particular provisions of the Code violated or the particular requirements not complied with. Within fifteen (15) days from receipt by the applicant of the advice from Building Official or his Deputy authorized to issue the certificate why the certificate should not be issued, or why the certificate is suspended or revoked, the applicant may appeal the non-issuance, suspension, or revocation thereof, to the Mayor of the chartered city or municipality, or the Governor of the province where the building for which the certificate is being applied for is located. Said appeal shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from receipts thereof, otherwise, the applicant may bring the matter to the proper Court of Justice for final disposition. The building may be occupied only upon issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Chan Robles virtual law library SECTION 1.02.06: Violations of This Code Covering Designs, Materials, Methods of Construction, and Workmanship (a) In all cases of violation of this Code covering design, materials, methods of construction, and workmanship, the Building Official shall observe the following procedure in ordering the alteration to conform to this Code or demolition of the building or portion thereof: (1) Where the building is in the process of construction, the construction of the portion or portions in violation of this Code shall be stopped until the same shall have been altered to conform to this Code, unless such partial violation will impair the stability and safety of the whole or part of the structure, in which case, the whole construction shall be stopped.

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur (2) Where a building or portion thereof has been constructed, the following procedure shall be observed:(2.1) In case it can be reasonably altered to conform to the requirements of this Code, it shall be altered accordingly; (2.2) In case the alteration will cost more than 50 per cent of the current construction cost of the building, it shall be altered to conform to this Code or demolished at the option of the owner; (2.3) In case the building or portion thereof poses an immediate danger to life, limb, or property, the same shall be vacated immediately, then altered to conform to the requirements of this Code or demolished in accordance with subparagraphs (1) and (2) herein. (3) If the owner, after receipts of the order of alteration or demolition fails to comply with such order within a period of one year, said construction shall be declared a nuisance and be abated in accordance with the provisions of Article 699 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. (b) This Code shall not be construed to deprive any person the right to avail himself of any and all judicial proceedings or remedies available under existing laws. (c) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to diminish the powers vested in the different Boards of Examiners of the various architectural and engineering professions as provided for in existence laws regulating the practice of architecture and engineering, nor to restrict the designing engineering or architect in the exercise of his professional discretion within the basic minimum standards and requirements embodied in Section 1.01.02 of this Code.3

Theoretical Framework This study is premised on Heinrichs Domino Theory which says that an accident is one factor in a sequence that may lead to injury . The factors can be visualized as a series of dominoes standing on edge: when one falls, the linkage
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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur required for a chain reaction is completed: each of the factors is dependent on the preceding factor. The Domino Safety Theory was developed by pioneer industrial safety experts H.W. Heinrich and Alfred Lateiner to provide a graphic sense of how industrial injuries can occur and be avoided. Heinreich and Lateiner said that an accident occurs from a sequence of events. It is a chain reaction. Picture shows five dominoes in row to illustrate the sequence as shown in figure 1. The first domino Background represents a workers lifestyle and personality. The second domino Personal Characteristics represents a workers attitude, level of knowledge, and physical and mental conditions. The third domino Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions represents a workers behavior and unsafe job conditions. The fourth domino-The Accident represents the unplanned event caused by an unsafe act or condition. The fifth domino The Injury represents someone getting hurt. For any given incident, not much can be done about a workers background and personal characteristics. The domino that must be targeted is unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. When an unsafe act is detected, the worker should be stopped; the situation should be studied; a safer way to perform the task must be found; instruct and train the worker to do it the safer way; check and retrain as necessary; and as a last resort discipline the worker. When an unsafe condition is detected, the condition needs to be removed, guarded, or warned against.

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur In the woods there is special protection for workers. That protection is Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, gloves, eye and ear protection, chain saw chaps, and safety boots). Picture the five dominoes standing in a row. Put your hand between the fourth domino, The Accident and the five spot domino, The Injury. What happened? There was an accident, but there was not an injury. As the chain reaction begins with the first four dominoes falling together, the dominoes fell into your hand, which represents Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE). The Injury was avoided, and the chain reaction of the five dominoes was broken because of Personal Protective Equipment. The supervisor or manager on the logging crew is the closest to the action and can target improvements in Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions. The supervisor or manager has the opportunity and authority to control unsafe acts and conditions. The Opportunity and Authority add up to the supervisor or manager having the Responsibility to control accidents on their job. Being alert for, illuminating, stopping, and correcting Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions will result in the reduction of accidents.

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur

Figure 1 Theoretical paradigm

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Conceptual Framework A clearer understanding of this research could be gleaned from the conceptual framework as shown in the paradigm found in figure 2. essential features included in this study. Inputs. This refer to the results of the survey conducted on the status of the electrical installations in the Commercial and institutional buildings in Iriga City based on the following areas: Electrical Permit; Occupancy Permit; Permit/Business Permit. Process. The process includes the analysis and interpretation of the responses and result Output. The output is the remedial measures can the electrical inspector recommend to the occupant or owner of the building. The feedback mechanism will provide a means to gather necessary information relevant to the proposed remedial measures and policies to be adopted by the building/electrical inspector. Annual Inspection This clearly shows the

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur

F E E D B A C K

Figure 2 Conceptual Paradigm

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Synthesis of the State of the Art The reviewed literature and studies shows that in the past and recent years safety in electrical installations is a vital consideration in every commercial or institutional establishment not only because it is a part of the mandate of the law but it is a necessity for a sustainable and safe environment. The study will focus on the present status of the electrical installations in the various commercial and institutional buildings in Iriga City. The researcher believes that in cognizant to electrical safety is being a responsible citizen who comply with the requirements of the government. On the other hand, most of the previous studies focused on safety in electrical installation and on the requirements of the National building Code and National Electrical Code of the Philippines. Similarities focused on safety and government policies on accurate electrical connections and installations and procedures. This is shown in the extensive discussion on the content of the Code and on safety principles. This is very significant to this research because put together will be the creation of positive measures and policies which will improve the implementation of the Code.

Research Gap Based on the review discovered, there is no study conducted about the status of the Electrical Installations in Iriga City. This is the gap which this study wants to concentrate on. This research will contribute to the proper implementation of the

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Code.

Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur It will attempt to fill the research gap that aims to formulate remedial

measures and policies.

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Republic of the Philippines Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Nabua, Camarines Sur Notes
1

Timothy Thiele, About.com Guide, http://about.comguide/

Electrical Safety Laboratory Curriculum for the Safety Sciences Undergraduate: Theory to Application, Dr. Laura Helmrich Rhodes, CSP and David P. Rhodes, CSP, NIOSH Publication , Electrical Safety -Safety and Health for Electrical Trades Student Manual, January 2002, Publication No. 2002-123, Section 4 page 1) (5)
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The National building Code

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