Registered Master Electrician Can Certify and Sign Safe To Operate/Safety and Conformity of Installation

Safe To Operate/Safety and Conformity of Installation

“Safe to Operate” (STO) and “Safety and Conformity of Installation” are essential concepts in the electrical industry that ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems. These terms are closely related but focus on different aspects of electrical installations.

Safe to Operate (STO)

Definition: “Safe to Operate” refers to a certification or declaration that an electrical installation or system has been tested, inspected, and is deemed safe for use. This certification is usually provided after the completion of the installation and is a prerequisite before the system is energized and used.

Key Elements:

Inspection and Testing:
- The electrical system undergoes rigorous testing and inspection to ensure that all components are installed correctly, functioning as intended, and meet the required safety standards.
Compliance with Codes:
- The installation must comply with national and local electrical codes, such as the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), which specify safety requirements for electrical systems.
Hazard Identification:
- The certification process identifies and mitigates potential hazards such as short circuits, ground faults, and overloads that could pose risks to people or property.
Documentation:
- A formal document or certificate is issued, indicating that the installation is “Safe to Operate.” This document may be required by regulatory authorities, insurance companies, or other stakeholders before the system is used.

Safety and Conformity of Installation

Definition: “Safety and Conformity of Installation” refers to the process and outcome of ensuring that an electrical installation meets all relevant safety standards, design specifications, and regulatory requirements. It focuses on the quality and compliance of the installation work.

Adherence to Standards:
- The installation must conform to specific standards, such as the PEC, which outlines the required practices for safe electrical design, installation, and maintenance.
Correct Installation Practices:
- This involves ensuring that all electrical components, such as wiring, circuit breakers, switches, and outlets, are installed according to industry best practices and manufacturer specifications.
Verification Process:
- Qualified professionals, such as Registered Master Electricians (RMEs) or Registered Electrical Engineers (REEs), Professional Electrical Engineers (PEEs), conduct inspections to verify that the installation complies with the standards and is safe.
Final Approval:
- After the verification, a certificate of “Safety and Conformity of Installation” is issued, signifying that the installation meets all safety and regulatory requirements and is ready for use.

Importance of STO and Safety and Conformity of Installation

Risk Mitigation: Ensures that the installation does not pose any undue risks, such as electrical shocks, fires, or equipment damage.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps in meeting the legal requirements set by local authorities, preventing potential fines, legal issues, or project delays.
Quality Assurance: Provides assurance to the owners, operators, and other stakeholders that the installation has been done correctly and is of high quality.
Insurance and Liability: Certification often plays a critical role in insurance claims and liability issues, as it provides documented proof that the installation was done according to the required standards.

Yearly Electrical Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Must Be Conducted Before the Issuance of the Safe To Operate Certification

Yearly electrical inspection and preventive maintenance are crucial steps in ensuring the ongoing safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical installations. These processes are particularly important in the context of issuing a “Safe to Operate” (STO) certification, as they help identify and rectify potential issues that could compromise the safety of the system.

Yearly Electrical Inspection

Purpose: The primary purpose of a yearly electrical inspection is to assess the condition of the electrical system and ensure that it continues to meet safety standards and operational requirements. Regular inspections help to detect any signs of wear, damage, or degradation that might not be immediately apparent but could lead to electrical failures or safety hazards.

Key Elements:

Visual Inspection: Electricians or engineers visually inspect all accessible components of the electrical system, such as wiring, panels, switches, outlets, and protective devices, to identify any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
Testing of Components: Critical components, such as circuit breakers, transformers, and protective relays, are tested to ensure they are functioning correctly. This may include insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, and operational tests under load.
Load Analysis: The inspection may involve analyzing the system’s load to ensure that it is within the safe operating limits of the installed equipment. Overloading can lead to overheating and potential failures.
Compliance Check: The inspection checks that the installation remains compliant with the latest revisions of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) and any other relevant regulations. This is important because codes can be updated, and installations must be brought up to current standards.

Preventive Maintenance

Purpose: Preventive maintenance involves routine actions taken to maintain the electrical system in good working order and prevent failures before they occur. The goal is to extend the life of the system, improve performance, and reduce the likelihood of unscheduled downtime or costly repairs.

Key Elements:

Cleaning and Tightening: Regular cleaning of electrical panels, terminals, and other components to remove dust, debris, and corrosion. Tightening connections to prevent loose contacts that can cause arcing or overheating.
Replacement of Worn Parts: Identifying and replacing components that show signs of wear or degradation before they fail, such as aging wires, connectors, or protective devices.
Thermal Imaging: Using infrared cameras to identify hot spots in electrical connections or equipment, which can indicate potential problems like loose connections or overloaded circuits.
Updating Documentation: Keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs. This documentation is critical for tracking the history of the system and for ensuring compliance with regulations.

Issuance of the Safe to Operate Certification

Why It’s Necessary:

Safety Assurance: Before issuing the STO certification, it’s essential to ensure that the system is safe to operate. The yearly inspection and preventive maintenance provide the necessary assurance that the system is free from faults that could lead to hazards such as electrical fires, shocks, or equipment failure.
Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with regulations often requires that electrical systems undergo regular inspections and maintenance. The STO certification process confirms that these requirements have been met.
System Reliability: Regular maintenance and inspection ensure that the system operates reliably, reducing the risk of unexpected outages that could disrupt operations.
Legal and Insurance Requirements: Many insurance policies and local regulations require proof of regular maintenance and a valid STO certification as part of their conditions for coverage.

Process:

Conduct Inspection and Maintenance: Before the STO certification can be issued, a qualified professional (RME, REE, or PEE) must conduct a thorough inspection and perform necessary preventive maintenance.
Document Findings and Actions: All findings from the inspection and any maintenance activities performed should be documented. This includes details of any issues found, the actions taken to resolve them, and the results of any tests conducted.
Certification: Once the inspection and maintenance are complete and the system is deemed safe, the STO certification can be issued. This certification indicates that the system has been inspected, maintained, and is safe for operation for another year.
Review and Approval: Depending on the system’s complexity and capacity, the STO certification may need to be reviewed and approved by a higher-tier professional (REE or PEE) if the connected load exceeds the limits for RMEs.

Registered Master Electrician Can Certify and Sign, Safe To Operate

Registered Master Electrician Can Certify and Sign, Safe To Operate/Safety and Conformity of Installation for capacities up to five hundred-kilovolt amperes (500 Kva) and employing voltages of up to six hundred volts (600V). However, for connected load in excess of 500 Kva and 600V the signatory will be the professional electrical engineer or a registered electrical engineer and the work shall be under the supervision of a professional electrical engineer or a registered electrical engineer. An Electrical Inspection and Preventive Maintenance must be conducted before the issuance of the certificate.

Requirements to Certify and Sign, Safe To Operate Certification

Valid PRC Registration Number (Not Expired)
Updated Professional Tax Receipt Number (PTR)
Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Role of a Registered Master Electrician (RME)

Certification: A Registered Master Electrician (RME) in the Philippines is authorized to certify and sign documents that declare the safety and conformity of electrical installations for systems with a capacity of up to 500 kilovolt-amperes (KVA) and operating at voltages up to 600 volts. This level of certification typically applies to residential, small commercial, and some industrial installations where the electrical load does not exceed the specified limits.

Beyond the 500 KVA and 600 V Limits

Professional Supervision Required: When an electrical installation involves a connected load exceeding 500 KVA or voltages higher than 600 V, the work must be supervised by either a Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE) or a Registered Electrical Engineer (REE). This requirement ensures that more complex and potentially hazardous electrical systems are handled by individuals with a higher level of technical expertise and professional responsibility.

Implications for Practice

RME’s Responsibilities: Within their certification scope, RMEs can independently handle the inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations. This autonomy allows them to work on a wide range of projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards without the need for oversight from a higher-tier engineer.
PEE and REE’s Role: For installations exceeding the 500 KVA and 600 V thresholds, the involvement of a PEE or REE is critical. Their advanced training and licensure enable them to manage the more significant risks associated with high-capacity and high-voltage systems. They are responsible for ensuring that these installations meet all safety, performance, and regulatory standards, reducing the likelihood of accidents, equipment failures, or non-compliance issues.

This distinction between the roles of RMEs, REEs, and PEEs is an essential aspect of the regulatory framework designed to safeguard both the public and property from electrical hazards. It also aligns with international standards for electrical engineering practices, ensuring that electrical installations in the Philippines are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest safety standards.

Republic Act NO. 7920 New Electrical Engineering Law

ARTICLE IV

SUNDRY PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Sec. 31. Field of Practice.

(c) A registered master electrician’s field of practice includes the installation, wiring, operation, maintenance and repair of electrical machinery, equipment and devices, in residential, commercial, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings, in power plants, substations, watercrafts, electric locomotives, and the like: Provided, That if the installation or the machinery is rated in excess of five hundred kilovolt-amperes (500 Kva), or in excess of six hundred volts (600 V) the work shall be under the supervision of a professional electrical engineer or a registered electrical engineer.

Sec. 33. Personnel Required.

(a) Electric plants with total installed generating capacity of any size and employing voltages of any standard rating – one (1) professional electrical engineer or one (1) registered electrical engineer. However, for capacities up to five hundred-kilovolt amperes (500 Kva) and employing voltages of up to six hundred volts (600 V) – one (1) registered master electrician;

(b) Industrial plants or factories, commercial establishments, or institutional buildings having a connected Kva load of any size and employing voltages of any standard rating – one (1) professional electrical engineer or one (1) registered electrical engineer. However, for connected loads up to five hundred kilovolt-amperes (500 Kva) and employing voltages up to six hundred volts (600 V) – one (1) registered master electrician;

(c) Watercrafts or electric locomotives with installed generating capacity up to the maximum size and voltage available for these units – one (1) professional electrical engineer or one (1) registered electrical engineer. However, for generating capacities up to five hundred kilovoltamperes/kilowatt (500 Kva/Kw) and employing voltages up to six hundred volts (600 V) – one (1) registered master electrician.

Provided, however, That in all the aforementioned cases, additional qualified personnel shall be employed to ensure safe operation and safeguard public welfare, life and property: Provided, further, That when the operation requires more than one shift of personnel every twenty-four (24) hours, the minimum complement of qualified personnel shall be employed in each shift.

This section, however, shall not apply to any installation which has a connected load of fifty kilovolt-amperes (50 Kva) or less and employs voltages of not more than two hundred fifty volts (250 v) and for installations which are designed to be automatic and do not require resident personnel for their safe operation: Provided, however, That their maintenance and repair shall be under the charge of a duly registered personnel: Provided, further, That a yearly inspection will be conducted and certified to be in a safe operating condition by a professional electrical engineer, a registered electrical engineer, or a registered master electrician.