RULE XIII - ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS

SECTION 1301. Electrical Regulations

1. Overhead Service Entrance —Subdivisions, Housing Projects, Commercial and Industrial
Buildings. Provide the following:
a. transmission and distribution voltages
b. poles
c. supporting structures.

2. Attachments on and Clearances from Buildings

a.1. An Attachment Plan must be approved by a professional electrical engineer.

a.2. Electrical equipment on buildings must be submitted to the local Building Official.

b. For buildings > 15.00 meters high, overhead lines must maintain at least 1.80 meters
horizontal clearance adjacent to the building, not exceeding 2.45 meters from the
building.

3. Open Supply Conductors Attached to Buildings

a. Conductors > 300 volts to ground cannot be near the building surface.

b. Parts must ensure safety with adequate ground clearance or guards to isolate from
accidental contact.

c. Ungrounded service conduits and noncurrent-carrying parts in urban areas must be

isolated or guarded from unauthorized contact.

d. Service drops over a roof must be securely supported by substantial structures.

4. Conductors Passing By or Over Buildings

a.1. Unguarded or accessible supply conductors can be beside or over buildings.

a.2. Horizontal clearance is determined above the roof level where diagonal equals
vertical clearance requirements.

b. Supply conductors ≥ 300 volts must be properly guarded by grounded conduit and
barriers.

c. If clearances are insufficient, supply conductors should be grouped and supported by

grounded messenger wires.

5. Clearance of Service Drops

a. Service drop conductors ≤ 600 volts must follow:

i. Minimum clearance of 2.50 meters from the highest roof point:

(a) If ≤ 300 volts and roof slope is ≥ 100 mm in 300 mm, clearance may be 1.00 meter.
(b) Conductors can pass over ≤ 1.20 meters of roof overhang, with a minimum of 500
mm clearance from the roof.

b. Minimum clearance of 3.00 meters from the ground or any reachable platform.

c. Minimum horizontal clearance of 1.00 meter from windows, doors, porches, fire
escapes, etc., and conductors must be less than 1.00 meter above window tops.

d. When crossing streets, minimum clearance of 5.50 meters from the street or sidewalk
crown, and 3.00 meters above ground at the attachment point.

e. No parts of swimming or wading pools under service drop conductors or overhead

wiring, and wiring cannot be above:
i. Pools and a 3.00-meter area outward from pool walls.
ii. Diving structures.
iii. Observation stands, towers, or platforms.

6. Wiring Methods
Service entrance conductors shall be installed in:
- Rigid steel conduit or concrete encased plastic conduit from service drop to meter base
and from meter base to disconnecting equipment.

a. Abandoned lines shall be removed.

b. Equipment must be free from attachments (e.g., antennas, signs).

7. Transformers
Transformers must be installed as follows:
a. Oil-insulated transformers >15 kV in a vault.
b Dry-type transformers in a transformer room.
c. Guarding:
i. Minimize damage from external causes.
ii. Dry-type transformers need a non-combustible enclosure.
iii. Follow PEC-1 for guarding live parts.
iv. Operating voltage marked visibly.

8. Provisions for Transformer Vault

Vaults must conform to PEC-1:
a. Constructed as required.
c. Accessible only to qualified personnel.
d.Adequate ventilation provided.
9. Capacitors
Installation of capacitors:
a. General requirements apply.

EXCEPTION:
1. Capacitors as components must meet apparatus standards.
2. Hazardous locations have additional requirements.

b. Units >11 liters of flammable liquid must be in a vault or outdoor enclosure.

c. Protection from physical damage required.
d. Must have non-combustible cases and supports.

10. Emergency Power Systems

Must provide power for safety when normal supply is interrupted:
a. Adequate capacity required.
c. Hospitals must transfer power within 10 seconds.

11. Electrical Room

Adequate space for electrical equipment must be provided.

12. Service Equipment

Service equipment must be in accessible locations.

13. Metering Facilities

Metering vaults need ventilation:
a. For primary service.
b. Space for single or multi-metering.

SECTION 1302: Mechanical Regulations

All systems must comply with the Philippine Mechanical Code.
1. General compliance required.
2. Guarding of moving parts is mandatory.
3.Cranes require:
a. Safe access (ladders, stairs).
b. Warning devices.
c. Load markings.

4. Hoists must have:

a. Clear control markings.
b. Rated load visibly marked.
c. Automatic stops.
d. Brakes that engage when power is cut.

5. Elevators must be installed in accessible buildings:

a. Enclosed hoistways.
b. No unnecessary installations in hoistways.
c. Proper pit depth required.
d. Multiple elevators in separate hoistways.
e. Accessible machine rooms with ventilation.
 f. Minimum ropes specified.
g.Minimum diameter for ropes.
h. Safety devices required.
i. One elevator must be on constant service in taller residential buildings.

6. Escalators must:
a. Not exceed a 30° incline.
b. Meet width requirements.
c. Use non-combustible materials for balustrades.
d. Adhere to speed regulations.

7. Boilers and Pressure Vessels

-Boiler location and requirements:
a. Inside if built to standards, with exits.
b. Outside if main building lacks fire resistance.
c. Smokestacks must handle specified loads and heights.
d. Manufacturer details required on vessels.
e. Water feeding requirements for larger boilers.
f. Check valves and non-return valves are necessary.
g. Safety valves required based on size.
h. Each boiler must have a steam gauge.
i. Inspections and compliance required post-installation.

8. Refrigerator and Air Conditioning

-Must maintain specific temperature and humidity:
a. Proper drainage systems for equipment.
b. Non-combustible duct materials.
c. Access doors for service.
d. Fire dampers required in firewalls.
e. Signs for refrigerant systems.
f. Safety equipment for large refrigerant systems.
g. Storage limits for refrigerants.
h. Special provisions for ammonia systems.
i. Valves required in refrigerant systems.
j. Window AC units must have drainage and exhaust systems.

9. Water Pumping for Buildings/Structures

Pumping systems must:
a. Use underground tanks for water supply.
b. Include overhead tanks or pneumatic systems for pressure maintenance.

10. Piping for Fuel, Gas, and Steam

Piping must:
a. Run parallel to walls, supported properly.
b. Use appropriate materials for size.
c. Include expansion joints for temperature changes.
d. Not be embedded in concrete.
e. Have automatic shut-off for gas piping.
11. Identification of Piping
- Piping must be identifiable by color and tags.

RULE XIV - PHOTOGRAPHIC AND X-RAY FILMS

SECTION 1401. Storage and Handling

1. Automatic fire extinguishing systems are required in storage rooms for unexposed films
when:
a. Unexposed films in safety containers exceed 14.00 cubic meters.
b. Shelving for individual packages exceeds 1.40 cubic meters.
c. Storage is not in safety containers and does not exceed 14.00 cubic meters.

2. Must be stored in heavy Manila envelopes, with a maximum of 12 films per envelope;
expanding envelopes are not allowed.

3. Film negatives should be in insulated, vented cabinets, with a maximum of 110

kilogram per cabinet. If over 450 kilograms, store in vented vaults or detached structures.
Vault doors must be four-hour fire-resistive and kept closed when not in use.

4. Only incandescent lights are permitted, protected by wire guards or vapor-proof globes.
Portable lights on extension cords are banned, and conspicuous "NO SMOKING" signs
must be posted.

5. Films cannot be stored within 600 millimeters of steam pipes, chimneys, or other heat
sources.

6. First aid provisions using water or water solutions must be available. Discarded films
must be handled like other films until removed from the premises.

SECTION 1402. Classes of Film Exempted

1. The regulations do not apply to:

- Amateur photographic film in original packages under 1.40 cubic meters.
- Safety film, dental X-ray film.
- Films in manufacturing settings and standard motion picture booths.

2. Safety photographic X-ray film must be marked on the edge.

SECTION 1403. Fire Extinguishing System

- All required fire extinguishing systems must adhere to specifications set by the
Secretary.

RULE XV - PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 1501. Prefabricated Assembly

1. Prefabricated assembly refers to structural units built or assembled before being
incorporated into the building, using materials like pre-cast concrete, metal components,
or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC).

2. Structural adequacy, durability, soundness, weather resistance, and fire resistance

must be verified through tests by accredited material testing labs.

3. Devices connecting prefabricated assemblies must develop the strength of the

integrated structure, except for specified structural frame members.

4. Must withstand all probable external and internal forces to ensure structural integrity.

5. Structural design must account for the installation of pipes, conduits, or other
equipment.

6. Adequate anchorage and connectors must be provided for metal and uPVC assemblies.

7. Placement of prefabricated assemblies must be inspected for compliance with the

Code.

8. A safety engineer must be present during the placement of prefabricated assemblies.

RULE XVI - PLASTICS

SECTION 1601. Approved Plastics

- Flame spread rating: ≤ 225
- Smoke density: ≤ untreated wood
- Toxicity: No more than untreated wood

SECTION 1602. Installation

1. Structural Requirements: Must withstand design loads; technical data required.
2. Fastenings: Must support design loads and stresses.

SECTION 1603. Glazing of Openings

1. Openings for escape: ≤ 45m (not protected) or ≤ 60m (protected).
2. Ground floor openings: Direct access to street or exit court; upper floors: ≥ 3m from
exits.
3. Group A-I Occupancies: Plastics allowed except entrance/exit doors.
4. Minimum opening size: 600 mm².
5. Maximum size: Dependent on structural strength.
6. Minimum spacing: 2m between openings.

SECTION 1604. Skylights

1. General: Approved plastics for skylights in Types I-III; fire vents allowed with approval.
2. Installation Requirements:
a. Not < 3m from property line.
b. Proper flashing required.
 c. Separation: ≥ 2.5m laterally, ≥ 3m along roof slope.
3. Allowable Areas: Individual skylights ≤ 10m²; total ≤ 20% of room area.
4. Curb Requirements: ≥ 100mm curb or wire screen below.

SECTION 1605. Light-Transmitting Panels

1. Plastics allowed in monitors/sawtooth where fire-resistive rating is not required.
2. Individual panel area: ≤ 15m²; total ≤ 20% of room area.
3. Separation: ≥ 1.5m between panels.

SECTION 1606. Plastic Light Diffusers

1. Area > 10% of 10m² must be approved plastics.
2. Installation: Must resist detachment at 80°C for 15 min.

SECTION 1607. Partitions

- Approved plastics may be used if fire-resistive construction is not required.

SECTION 1608. Exterior Veneer

1. Approved plastics allowed; must meet specific provisions.
2. Height: Not > 1st storey unless outside fire zones and ≤ 10m high.
3. Area: Sections ≤ 15m²; can increase by 50% in less restrictive zones.
4. Separation: ≥ 1.2m vertically, 0.6m horizontally.

SECTION 1609. Awnings and Canopies

1. Plastics allowed if compliant with flame spread characteristics and code.
2. Plastics can replace untreated canvas in awnings.
3. Allowed in greenhouses in less restrictive fire zones.

RULE XVII - SHEET METAL PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS

SECTION 1701. Sheet Metal Paint Spray Booth

1. Constructed of No. 18 gauge steel; must comply with Code.
2. Max area: 150 sq. meters or 10% of building's occupancy area.
3. Floor: Non-combustible material if combustible.
4. Design: Smooth, continuous surfaces for exhaust air.

SECTION 1702. Fire Protection

1. Open front booths >1.00 sq. meter need a fire curtain/deflector (100 mm deep).
2. Minimum 91 cm separation from other operations.

SECTION 1703. Light

1. Illumination through hammered wire or heat-treated glass panels to reduce ignition
risks.
2. Only light units for glass-illuminated areas.
3. Non-combustible panels to prevent breakage.
4. Panels must not allow residue to reach dangerous temperatures.

SECTION 1704. Ventilation

1. Mechanical exhaust to exterior at ≥30.00 m/min.
2. Non-ferrous fan blades; motors not in booths.
3. Discharge points ≥2.00 m from combustibles and ≥8.00 m from openings, except in
waterwash booths.

RULE XVIII - GLASS AND GLAZING

SECTION 1801. General Requirements

1. Applies to most uses, excluding specific low-rise groups.
2. Glass must meet safety and tolerance standards.
3. Each glass panel must have a manufacturer's label.
4. Special glasses must have permanent identification.
5. Safety measures for fixed glass panels at similar floor levels.
6. Barriers or distinctive designs for visibility.

SECTION 1802. Area Limitation

1. Glass must withstand wind loads; area limits apply.
2. Safety glass required for large panels near openings unless a bulkhead is present.
3. Area limits detailed in a governing table for large spaces.

SECTION 1803. Glazing

- Glass must be firmly supported with specified laps and clearances; non-firm designs
require approval.

SECTION 1804. Louvered Windows

- Minimum thickness: 5.6 mm; max length: 1.20 meters; smooth edges required.

SECTION 1805. Impact

- Glazing must meet impact standards, with exceptions for specific conditions (e.g.,
shatter-resistant materials for enclosures).

RULE XIX - THE USE OF COMPUTERS

SECTION 1901. General Rule

Computer use for building design is allowed if programs are documented.

SECTION 1902. Program Documentation

1. Documentation must include references to publications detailing the program’s
description and algorithms.
2. Include software name, version number, and developer details.

SECTION 1903. Submission of Computer-Generated Computations

a. Output sheets from computations must be submitted.
i. The first sheet must be signed and sealed by the designer.
b. Output sheets require a certification from a designer/consultant, identifying the
program used.
i. Distinguish between input data and computed results.
ii. Outputs must include processing date, program ID, output data, units, and final
results.
RULE XX - SIGNS

SECTION 2001. General Requirements

1. Signs must not obstruct traffic signs.
2. Foreign language signs need English translations.
3. Sign bottom lines must align.
4. Sign installation should be aesthetically harmonious.

SECTION 2002. Maintenance

All signs and supports must be well-maintained and secure.

SECTION 2003. Design and Construction

Signs must resist forces as per the National Structural Code, ensuring safe load transfer to
the ground.

SECTION 2004. Supports and Anchorages

1. Supports must comply with zoning regulations.
a. Roof signs must follow specific code provisions.
b. Ground signs must comply with height regulations and not obstruct pedestrian
traffic.
c. Projecting signs have specific projection and clearance limits.
d. Wall signs must not extend too far from the building and must be placed high
enough.

2. Materials
a. Steel must meet specified quality standards.
b. Wood supports must be durable or treated.
3. Restrictions on Combustible Materials
Signs in fire zones must use incombustible materials; electric signs can use approved
plastics.
4. Non-structural Trim
Can be made from various materials.
5. Display Surfaces
May use metal, glass, or approved plastics.

SECTION 2005. Projections and Clearances

1. Must follow clearance guidelines from high voltage power lines.
2. No obstruction of fire escapes, exits, or ventilation openings.
3. Sign projections into alleys must adhere to height limits.

SECTION 2006. Lighting

Signs must be electrically illuminated per the Philippine Electrical Code.