CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The growing interest in intelligent computation, coupled with the development of

computing science, the intelligent perception of the physical world, and the understanding

of the cognitive mechanism of human consciousness, has collectively elevated the

intelligence level of computing and accelerated the discovery and creation of knowledge

(Zhu et al, 2023). Contextually, in the field of electrical engineering, some of today’s

innovations and advancements provide potential for improving the efficiency,

effectiveness, and quality of practice in the field and in contemporary teaching methods

(Serdyukov, (2017). Building upon this fundamental premise, electrical engineering

emerges as a perpetually evolving and expanding discipline, driving critical innovations

that significantly enhance societal comfort and convenience (Kunicina & Caiko, 2023).

The accurate and efficient generation of calculations for the schedule of loads of electrical

wiring materials is paramount in the electrical system design of buildings (Krarti, 2023).

The electrical load schedule computation is a summary of the data that helps electrical

installers to know the equipment ratings and their contribution to the overall power

consumption in an installation. In addition, Alvaro et al. (2022) posited that data in the

electrical load schedules is usually backed by calculations that are based on standard

electrical codes— the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) among others. They further added

that some of the electrical engineers compute their electrical load schedule manually.

Similarly, there are a portion who use Microsoft Excel and create a sheet for their

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computation. Moreover, they noted that inaccurate calculations could lead to fire, injury,

and death.

Despite the existing advancements in innovations in calculation for electrical load

schedules that aid installers in the overall power consumption, attempting to provide ease

and comfort to society brought about by the field of advancement in electrical engineering

, challenges persist, namely: up-to-dateness to the most recent PEC 2017 and, with

reference to PEC 2017, evaluation based on ISO/IEC 25010, operating system (OS) of

programs, and cost estimate of materials. Kurasov (2020) is supportive of the fact that

advanced calculations are necessary to minimize these challenges. He noted that manual

calculations are time-consuming and do not provide high design accuracy; however

modern computer technologies allow one to quickly and with high accuracy carry out the

necessary calculations depending on a number of factors: operating conditions, operating

modes, and selected material.

Moreover, existing software often lacks user-friendliness, further hindering its

adoption among practicing engineers and electrical engineering students. Current

estimating programs used by students primarily serve as organizational tools and are not

specifically designed to support the detailed computational requirements for residential

wiring design, particularly those aligned with the PEC 2017. Although several commercial

software solutions are available, many are not based on the Philippine Electrical Code

(PEC), and they often require integration with additional licensed platforms to become

fully operational. This reliance not only increases the complexity of use but also drives up

costs, rendering these tools less accessible to many engineers, contractors, and students of

electrical engineering in the Philippines.

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Stanton et al. (2017) noted that human factors impact negatively on a system’s

performance; these factors are not solely attributed to the system itself but rather to the

design of the system. They further stated that technology is not only a precursor to the

success of a system, nor is harnessing technology to accomplish meaningful real-world

tasks a factor attributed to the success of a system but rather to the system’s functionality,

reliability and manufacturing costs. With this, the need for a more consistent and reliable

approach to this critical process to enhance the efficiency and consistency of these essential

calculations was recognized.

Thus, a critical gap exists: the absence of a functionally suitable, performance

efficient, interaction capable, reliable cost-effective, and PEC 2017–compliant electrical

wiring design tailored for residential applications. This study aimed to address this gap by

designing an electrical wiring software and pilot-testing it based on PEC 2017 standards.

In response and in alignment with sustainable development goals (SDG), this study

focused on SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure, a functioning and resilient

infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges,

our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative

sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information

(globalgoals.org, 2025). This innovation was an attempt to flow in the current of designing

an innovation that promotes sustainable development.

Similarly, the study underscores the mission statement of Capiz State University,

emphasizing its strong commitment to the pursuit of advanced knowledge and the

promotion of innovation, reflecting the university’s dedication to academic excellence,

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research advancement, and meaningful contributions to community and national

development through education and innovation.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this research is to design an electrical wiring software and pilot-

test it based on PEC 2017. Specifically, this study aimed to:

1. describe the design of the electrical wiring software;

2. determine the software’s capability to calculate and identify the standard electrical

materials based on the PEC 2017;

3. determine the accuracy between the manual calculations and software’s

calculations; and

4. determine the performance of the software based on the ISO/IEC 25010 Software

Product Quality Criteria in terms of functional stability, performance efficiency,

interaction capability and reliability.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focused on the designing of electrical wiring software and pilot testing

based on PEC 2017 intended to assist in electrical design computations aligned with the

Philippine Electrical Code 2017 Part 1. The scope of the research included developing a

software that could automatically compute essential parameters such as wire sizes, conduit

sizes, circuit breaker ratings, and main feeder sizes based on various electrical load inputs.

The study aimed to evaluate the software by testing the performance of its calculations,
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assessing the accuracy of its computed electrical materials, and comparing its outputs under

different load conditions with those obtained through manual calculations. The pilot-

testing was conducted in a controlled environment using predefined load scenarios

commonly encountered in residential unit installations only.

By extension, the study was limited to computations strictly adhering to the 2017

edition of the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) Part 1. It did not cover actual installation

procedures or field implementation of the computed designs. Additionally, the software’s

performance was evaluated based on selected load cases and did not encompass a

comprehensive range of building types or highly complex electrical systems such as those

found in commercial or industrial facilities. The comparison between the software and

manual calculations was also limited to ideal conditions, assuming correct manual methods

and no computational errors outside human oversight. Furthermore, user experience,

interface usability, and long-term performance were not part of the primary evaluation.

Significance of the Study

Electrical practitioners often face challenges in electrical load schedule specifically

in the successful execution of calculations in electrical engineering projects. The electrical

wiring software is a response to the demand for greater efficiency, faster computation, and

enhanced accuracy in electrical wiring software, which greatly benefits electrical

engineering professors, electrical engineering students, electrical engineers, project

engineers, electrical technologists, electrical contractors, electricians, residential

developers, and future researchers.

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Electrical Engineering Professors. The software would be significant to the

electrical engineering professors because its integration into the academic curriculum

would serve as a practical tool for enhancing students’ understanding of PEC 2017–based

residential wiring design in the teaching-learning practice.

Electrical Engineering Students. The software would be significant to the

electrical engineering students because of its curriculum integration, especially in the

electrical system design course, which would allow them to produce calculations with

accuracy and efficiency.

Electrical Engineers. The software would be significant to electrical engineers

because it would help electrical engineers perform fast, accurate computations for

residential projects, eventually reducing manual errors, improving design efficiency, and

ensuring standards-based output, making it a valuable tool for professional practice,

especially in settings with limited access to high-cost design platforms.

Project Engineers. The software would be significant to project engineers because

of its precise calculations and faster delivery of calculation results. Furthermore, the

software would aid project engineers in integrating electrical systems into overall project

planning, ensuring compliance and coordination with other suppliers and members, while

helping reduce delays, miscommunication, and costly design revisions in construction

timelines.

Electrical Technologists. The software would be significant to electrical

technologists because they could use the tool to validate system designs, troubleshoot
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errors, and perform technical reviews based on PEC 2017. In addition, it is beneficial to

them since it enhances their ability to execute and interpret residential wiring plans

effectively while also serving as a platform for continuous learning and skill development

in code-compliant electrical work.

Electrical Contractors. The software would support contractors by simplifying

design interpretation and ensuring installations match PEC 2017 standards. Additionally,

the software would improve project coordination, reduce the risk of rework, and aid in

managing time and resources efficiently.

Electricians. The software would be significant to electricians because it would

equip them with a visual, standards-based reference for executing residential installations.

Similarly, it would reduce ambiguity in interpreting plans, help calculate loads and conduit

sizes correctly, and ensure compliance with the PEC 2017.

Residential Developers. The software would be beneficial to residential

developers because they could use it to ensure that proposed electrical designs are efficient,

safe, and compliant before construction begins. Moreover, the software would minimize

delays caused by design revisions or code violations, eventually improving collaboration

with engineers and contractors.

City/Municipal Engineers’ Office Head and Personnel. The software would be

significant to the city/municipal engineer’s chief and personnel because it would allow

easier verification of submitted electrical designs to the city or municipal engineer’s office,
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particularly in the electrical engineering department, for building and occupancy

requirements.

Industry and Investors. Investors and industry leaders would gain value from the

software’s potential to standardize and modernize electrical design practices. Moreover,

the software would open opportunities for commercialization, training services, and

product integration. With its cost-effectiveness and local relevance, it addresses market

gaps and enhances productivity in the construction and electrical sectors.

Future Researchers. The software would provide a foundational platform for

future researchers in electrical engineering education, software development, and PEC

compliance tools. In addition, they could explore usability, educational impact, or

integration with emerging technologies such as smart homes.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined based on recent literature and authoritative sources

to provide clarity within the context of this study.

Accuracy. Accuracy referred to work conforming to a predefined standard or

specification, which interpretation includes completeness of information as well as how

true or accurate that information is (Kavanagh, 2017).

In this study, accuracy referred to correct calculation displayed.

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Calculation. Calculation referred to the process of determining something

mathematically, often involving numerical computations to ascertain quantities or

outcomes (Smith & Johnson, 2021).

In this study, it pertained to the manual computations involved in the schedule of

loads, as well as the calculations executed by the designed and pilot-tested software.

Circuit Breaker. This referred to an automatic electrical switch designed to protect

an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit by interrupting current

flow (Nguyen & Patel, 2021).

In this study, it referred to the safety devices designed to shield electrical circuits

from damage due to excessive current, included as data options within the software.

Conduit. This referred to a protective tube or duct designed to encase and route

electrical wiring, safeguarding it from physical damage and environmental factors

(Martinez, 2023).

In this study, it pertained to the pipes or raceways used to safeguard and direct

electrical wires and cables within a building or structure, incorporated as data options in

the software.

Convenience Outlet. This referred to an electrical receptacle, is a point in an

electrical wiring system where current can be drawn to power devices (Thompson, 2020).

In this study, it referred to the electrical receptacles positioned for user

convenience, utilized as data options in the software.

Designing. This referred to a problem-solving process that involves creating

solutions to meet human needs, often by integrating technical, social, and psychological

considerations thereby emphasizing human-centeredness, where the interaction between

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people and technology is critically examined to ensure systems are safe, efficient, and user-

friendly (Stanton et al., 2017).

In this study, it pertained to the creation of an electrical wiring software that met

the needs of the target users in the field of electrical engineering with the integration of

technical, social, and psychological considerations.

Electrical Load. It encompasses any component or device that consumes electrical

power within a circuit, including appliances and machinery (Brown, 2022).

In this study, it pertained to the components within a circuit that utilize electric

power, including kitchen appliances and motors, incorporated as data options in the

software.

Electrical load schedule. This referred to a systematic listing of all electrical loads

within a facility or system, categorized by type, location, and power rating, used to estimate

total power demand and ensure appropriate sizing of electrical components (Kumar &

Patel, 2020).

In this study, it referred to a list of all loads in a system categorized accordingly to

estimate total power demand and ensure appropriate electrical materials.

Electrical materials. This referred to the components and substances used in the

construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems, including conductors,

insulators, wiring devices, protective devices, and control instruments (Singh & Thakur,

2021).

In this study, it referred to the components used in the overall electrical system used

by electrical practitioners.
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Electrical Wiring. This referred to the interconnected network of conductors and

associated devices designed to distribute electrical power within a structure (Lee, 2020).

In this study, it referred to the materials constituting the network of wires and

associated components that carry electricity, primarily utilized as data options within the

software.

ISO/IEC 25010. This referred to a standard that defines a product quality model

for information and communication technology (ICT) products, including software thereby

outlining specific characteristics and sub characteristics that should be considered when

evaluating the quality of these products, ultimately providing a framework for ensuring

that products meet the needs of stakeholders and users by focusing on key quality aspects

(iso25000.com, 2025).

In this study, this referred to the four standards of ISO/ IEC 25010 product quality

model, namely, functional suitability, performance efficiency, interaction capability, and

reliability.

Lighting Load. This referred to the total electrical power consumed by all lighting

fixtures within a building, typically measured in kilowatts (Anderson & Lee, 2021).

In this study, it referred to the total power drawn by all lighting fixtures within a

building, considered as data options in the software.

Manual calculation. This referred to the process of performing mathematical

computations by hand or with basic tools such as a calculator, without the use of automated

or computerized systems (Ibrahim & Alias, 2020).

National Electrical Code. This is defined as The National Electrical Code (NEC),

or NFPA 70, is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and
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equipment. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA).

In this study, the National Electrical Code served as a point of comparison and

reference for international standards in electrical safety and installation practices. It was

used to benchmark certain design and safety protocols integrated into the developed

electrical wiring software to ensure global relevance and awareness.

Pilot-testing. This referred to the conduct of preliminary trials of systems or

interfaces with representative users to identify potential issues and gather feedback before

full-scale implementation thereby ensuring that designs are user-centered, safe, and

effective (Stanton et al., 2017).

In this study, it referred to the conduct of trials on the electrical wiring software to

identify potential issues and gather information to ensure that the software produces

accurate and reliable results necessary for the schedule of loads in the electrical design.

Philippine Electrical Code 2017. This is defined as the code that is used by

electrical practitioners in the operation and practice of electrical works. The primary

objective of the code is to establish basic materials quality and electrical works standards

for the safe use of electricity for light, heat, power, communications, signaling and for other

purposes (PEC 2017).

In this study, the Philippine Electrical Code 2017 was the primary basis for defining

technical parameters, materials, and standard practices in the manual and software-based

computation of electrical load schedules. It guided the formulation of software data inputs,

load calculations, and compliance validations to ensure the system adheres to national

standards for electrical installations.

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Programming language. This referred to a formal language comprising a set of

instructions that produce various kinds of output and is used in computer programming to

implement algorithms and control the behavior of machines such as Java, Visual basic and

Go language (Sebesta, 2019).

In this study, it referred to the set of instructions or codes used by the computer in

order to carry out specific calculations.

Software. Comprises a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate

computers and execute specific tasks, distinguishing it from hardware, which encompasses

the physical aspects of a computer (Hashemi-Pour, 2025).

In this study, it referred to the specifically designed and pilot-tested electrical

wiring application that constitutes the core focus of the study.

Software calculation. This referred to software-assisted calculations that involve

using computer programs to automate or help with mathematical calculations, thereby

ranging from simple calculators like those found in operating systems to complex software

used in engineering, finance, and other fields (mathcad.com, 2025).

In this study, it referred to the mathematical calculation done by the software using

the formula in obtaining the value of electric current as the basis of displaying the

recommended standard electrical materials from PEC 2017 in the electrical wiring

software, including the mathematical calculation of the sum of Volt-Amp (VA) and Amp

Load.

Spare. It refers to additional components or devices kept in reserve to replace or

augment existing equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operation (Garcia, 2023).

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In this study, it denotes the additional components or equipment maintained for

future use or replacement, included as data options within the software.

Wire. Is a slender strand of conductive material, typically copper or aluminum,

insulated with a non-conductive covering, used to transmit electrical current (Davis, 2022).

In this study, it referred to the thin metal threads with plastic insulation employed

for conducting electric current, serving as data options within the software.