What is a Registered Master Electrician?

A Registered Master Electrician (RME) is a professional in the electrical industry who has obtained a license to perform electrical work by Republic Act No. 7920, “New Electrical Engineering Law of the Philippines. In the Philippines, an RME is a qualified electrician regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) after passing the Registered Master Electrician (RME) Licensure Examination. RME’s are the only licensed electrician in the Philippines.

The RME license allows individuals to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional settings. However, RMEs cannot sign electrical plans — this role is reserved for Professional Electrical Engineers (PEE).

Who Are Registered Master Electricians?

Registered Master Electricians are skilled professionals who typically have:

✅ Formal education – Usually from Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) courses or Electrical Engineering programs.
✅ Training and Certification – Many RMEs obtain TESDA National Certifications (NC II or NC III) before applying for the licensure exam.
✅ Work Experience – Practical experience in electrical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting is crucial.
✅ Licensure Examination – Passing the PRC Registered Master Electrician (RME) Exam is required.

They are commonly employed in:

🔹 Construction and building maintenance.
🔹 Manufacturing and industrial plants.
🔹 Power distribution and utilities.
🔹 Government infrastructure projects.
🔹 Self-employment as electrical contractors.

Responsibilities of an RME

🔧 Install and maintain electrical systems in buildings and facilities.
⚡ Ensure electrical systems comply with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).
📋 Perform electrical inspections and troubleshooting.
🔩 Repair and replace electrical components, wiring, and equipment.
🛠️ Supervise electrical work done by electricians and apprentices.

Difference Between RME, REE, and PEE

How to Become a Registered Master Electrician in the Philippines

1️⃣ Complete the required education and training (TESDA NC, Vocational or College Courses).
2️⃣ Gain work experience in electrical installations and maintenance.
3️⃣ Apply for the RME Licensure Examination at PRC.
4️⃣ Pass the exam and obtain the RME license.
5️⃣ Continue learning and stay updated with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).

Visit the link below:
Requirements for the Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination

RME Scope of work as per RA7920.

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.

Scope of Work of a Registered Master Electrician (RME)

A Registered Master Electrician (RME) in the Philippines is authorized to perform various electrical tasks related to installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. However, the RME’s scope of work is limited compared to Registered Electrical Engineers (REEs) and Professional Electrical Engineers (PEEs).

1. Electrical Installation and Maintenance

✅ Installing electrical wiring systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
✅ Connecting circuit breakers, panel boards, switches, outlets, and lighting systems.
✅ Ensuring proper grounding and bonding to prevent electrical hazards.
✅ Replacing or upgrading electrical components to meet Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards.

2. Electrical System Troubleshooting and Repair

✅ Diagnosing faults in electrical systems, circuits, and components.
✅ Repairing defective wiring, outlets, motors, and other electrical equipment.
✅ Inspecting and testing electrical systems using multimeters, insulation testers, and other tools.
✅ Replacing damaged electrical components like fuses, circuit breakers, switches, outlets, and relays.

3. Operation and Supervision of Electrical Works

✅ Overseeing electricians and apprentices in electrical projects.
✅ Ensuring compliance with safety standards and the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).
✅ Supervising installation and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
✅ Coordinating with engineers, contractors, and safety officers for project execution.

4. Testing and Commissioning of Electrical Systems

✅ Performing continuity tests to check proper wiring connections.
✅ Conducting insulation resistance tests for safety compliance.
✅ Ensuring proper phase sequencing for three-phase electrical systems.
✅ Checking voltage levels and load balancing for electrical panels.

5. Electrical Safety Compliance and Inspection

✅ Following electrical safety regulations to prevent hazards.
✅ Inspecting workplaces and buildings for compliance with fire and electrical codes.
✅ Ensuring electrical systems are properly grounded to prevent electric shock hazards.
✅ Recommending corrective actions for unsafe wiring and installations.

Conclusion

A Registered Master Electrician (RME) is a crucial part of the electrical industry, ensuring safe and efficient electrical installations. Becoming an RME is a great career path for those who want to work hands-on with electrical systems, providing valuable expertise in the field.

A Registered Master Electrician (RME) plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and functional electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industries. They focus on hands-on electrical work like installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and compliance with safety regulations.