The primary performance of the electrical inspector is to ensure the sensible safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the employment of electricity.
In short, the electrical inspector protects the general public from unsafe electrical installations. The electrical inspector ensures a secure electrical installation by ensuring it conforms to the requirements of the PEC or the Philippine Electrical Code. Since the PEC has many requirements the electrical inspector has to understand the rules and be able to apply the rules to the actual installation.
The typical approach to electrical safety includes four major components:
1. Installation codes like the Philippine Electrical Code
2. Product standard and performance evaluations
3. Installation of Electrical instrumentation performed by qualified electrical contractors and installers.
4. Inspection of the electrical installation performed by qualified inspection authorities.
The PEC code is meant to be applied solely by qualified persons. Correct coaching of electricians or alternative installers is significant to the protection of the installation and people concerned with the installation. This method of 4 parts is time tested, and its success will be measured by the high level of safety.
The PEC Philippine Electrical Code contains basic safety principles that shields against:
1. Electrical Shock
2. Thermal Effects
3. Overcurrent
4. Fault Currents
5. Overvoltage
When viewing an installation of electrical equipment, the inspector must ask, Is the installation safe? and Does this installation comply with the code? If the answer to the question is yes, then the installation should pass inspection. However, in some instances, the electrician or electrical contractor might not have installed the equipment the same way the inspector would have. This situation sometimes results in different opinions regarding compliance between the installer and inspector. The inspector should overlook such differences and assess the installation with Code compliance in mind. The key to a successful and correct electrical inspection lies in applying the rules of the CODE, not the inspector’s personal preference of installation.
An inspector must judge both the equipment and installation for safety. All equipment and materials used in electrical installation must be approved. So how does an inspector determine what is acceptable? Experience and education are the primary solutions.
Professional organizations such as the (IIEE) Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines and (ACMEEE) Association of City/Municipal Electrical Engineers and Electricians of the Philippines are very important resources for electrical inspectors.
You may seek the assistance of a PRC Licensed Electrical Practitioner (RME) Registered Master Electrician for Electrical Works and Safety Inspection.
Requirements of Electrical Inspector
The details of being an Electrical Inspector in the Philippines and the things he needs.
Electrical Audit and Safety Inspection (Electrical Contractor)
- PRC Licensed Electrical Practitioner
- Member of the organization (IIEE or ACMEEE)
- Must have complete tools and tester (Multitester, Clampmeter, IR tester, etc,..)
- With OR (official receipt) for billing to Clients
- PTR (professional tax receipt) updated for signatory
- Electrical Audit Checklist (spreadsheet)
- PCAB for Optional (200 Ampere and above)
- PPE (personal protective equipment) to use
- With teammates for assistance
- Budget (allowance) in case maybe
- Calling Card with contact details (e-mail & number)
- Work Permit for restricted areas from Security Office or Building Admin
- With good leadership skills and confidence to do a task
- Concerning Electrical Handbook PEC 1&2
- Cellphone with camera – to take some pictures from inspection and for documentation
An electrical Audit and Safety Inspection is one of the important things to be done when the electrical installation is finished or in need to be audit conducted by a Licensed Electrical Practitioner.
- Why do we need an Electrical Inspection?
- One of the common causes of fire in the Philippines is Electrical Faulty Wiring.
FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRINGS – The most popular and famous word came out from the (BFP) Bureau of Fire Protection of the Philippines after an occurrence of fire in buildings, commercial establishments, factories, and residential areas.
What causes faulty electrical wiring?
1. One of them is faulty design or under design, substandard electrical materials being used, poor quality workmanship or otherwise poorly installed by an electrical contractor, that causes damage to electrical wirings.
2. Circuit breakers trip frequently multiple times every week, that happens in the factories where additional electrical loads are being started up or added to the circuit breaker.
3. Flickering or dimming of lights is another symptom of damage or outdated electrical wirings.
4. Smell for burnings and odd odors due to poor connection that will cause overheating and ignition, also keep an eye on the outlet points and if notice any discoloration, you can be sure that your wirings and in someway releasing heat.
5. Poorly maintained electrical wiring, so continuous preventive maintenance service is highly recommended by the professional and ask for the assistance of PRC Licensed Electrical Practitioners.
Source: Mr. Ferdinand Lunes Delos Santos, RME, IIEE National RMEA&EAC Chairman
