ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards
1. BACK-UP GENERATOR SET location is at Basement (-4.37M
FFL/SSL) an area prone to flooding as confirmed by Eng. Vincent
Where flooding is widespread, so are power outages and once
the power is out, so are your emergency lights, pressurization,
HVAC, elevator/escalator and pumps. A standby generator can
keep your pumps running and the flood water out.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 and 37
standards provide code-required guidelines for correct
generator installation, and these address how to plan for
potential flooding situations. NFPA 110 states that for natural
conditions, Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) design
should consider the "100-year storm" flooding level or the
flooding level predicted by the sea, lake, and overland surges
from hurricanes. This means locating the generator in an area
that mitigates flooding potential, such as on the roof or on a
raised platform to situate it above the flood plain
Description
CODE
Philippine Electrical Datum Plane. The electrical datum plane as used in this article is defined
Electrical as follows:
Code
(1) In land areas subject to tidal fluctuation, the electrical datum plane is a
horizontal plane 600 mm above the highest tide level for the area occurring under
normal circumstances, that is, highest high tide.
(2) In land areas not subject to tidal fluctuation, the electrical datum plane is a
horizontal plane 600 mm above the highest water level for the area occurring
under normal circumstances.
(3) In land areas subject to flooding, the electrical datum plane based on (1) or (2)
above is a horizontal plane 600 mm above the point identified as the prevailing
high water mark or an equivalent benchmark based on seasonal or storm-driven
flooding from the authority having jurisdiction.
(4) The electrical datum plane for floating structures and landing stages that are
(1) installed to permit rise and fall response to water level, without lateral
movement, and (2) that are so equipped that they can rise to the datum plane
established for (1) or (2) above, is a horizontal plane 750 mm above the water level
at the floating structure or landing stage and a minimum of 300 mm above the
level of the deck
Equipotential Plane. An area where wire mesh or other conductive elements are
on, embedded in, or placed under the walk surface within 75 mm, bonded to all
metal structures and fixed non-electrical equipment that may become energized,
and connected to the electrical grounding system to prevent a difference in voltage
from developing within the plane.
Natural Bodies of Water. Bodies of water such as lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, and
other naturally occurring bodies of water, which may vary in depth throughout the
year.
Shoreline. The farthest extent of standing water under the applicable conditions
that determine the electrical datum plane for the specified body of water.
6.82.1.3 Other Articles. Wiring and equipment in or adjacent to natural or
artificially made bodies of water shall comply with the applicable provisions of
other articles of this Code, except as modified by this article. If the water is subject
to boat traffic, the wiring shall comply with 5.55.1.13(b).
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING Description
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards CODE

6.82.2 Installation
6.82.2.1 Electrical Equipment and Transformers. Electrical equipment and
transformers, including their enclosures, shall be specifically approved for the
intended location. No portion of an enclosure for electrical equipment not
identified for operation while submerged shall be located below the electrical
datum plane.

7.0.3 Sources of Power

7.0.3.1 General Requirements. Current supply shall be such that, in the event of
failure of the normal supply to, or within, the building or group of buildings
concerned, emergency lighting, emergency power, or both shall be available within
the time required for the application but not to exceed 10 seconds. The supply
system for emergency purposes, in addition to the normal services to the building
and meeting the general requirements of this section, shall be one or more of the
types of systems described in 7.0.3.1(a) through 7.0.3.1(e). Unit equipment in
accordance with 7.0.3.1(f) shall satisfy the applicable requirements of this article.
In selecting an emergency source of power, consideration shall be given to the
occupancy and the type of service to be rendered, whether of minimum duration,
as for evacuation of a theater, or longer duration, as for supplying emergency
power and lighting due to an indefinite period of current failure from trouble either
inside or outside the building. Equipment shall be designed and located so as to
minimize the hazards that might cause complete failure due to flooding, fires, icing,
and vandalism.
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING Description
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards CODE

NFPA 110 A.7.2.3 EPSS equipment should be located above known previous flooding
Standard for elevations where possible.
Emergency
and Standby A.7.2.4 When installing the EPSS equipment and related auxiliaries,
Power environmental considerations should be given, particularly with regard to the
Systems installation of the fuel tanks and exhaust lines, or the EPS building, or both. To
2002 Edition protect against disruption of power in the facility, it is recommended that the
transfer switch be located as close to the load as possible. The following are
examples of external influences:
(1) Natural conditions
(a) Storms
(b) Floods
(c) Earthquakes
(d) Tornadoes
(e) Hurricanes
(f) Lightning
(g) Ice storms
(h) Wind
(i) Fire

(2) Human-caused conditions

(a) Vandalism
(b) Sabotage
(c) Other similar occurrences

(3) Material and equipment failures

For natural conditions, EPSS design should consider the “100-year storm” flooding
level or the flooding level predicted by the SLOSH models for a Class 4 hurricane

7.2.3* The rooms, shelters, or separate buildings housing Level 1 or Level 2 EPSS
equipment shall be designed and located to minimize the damage from flooding,
including that caused by the following:
(1) Flooding resulting from fire fighting
(2) Sewer water backup
(3) Similar disasters or occurrence
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards
2. The following Fire Exit Stairs (smokeproof enclosure) does not
discharge immediately/directly outside yard, court or public
way.
 Fire Stair @Grid B2 to C2
 Fire Stair @Grid D12 to E12
 Fire Stair @Grid K11 to L11
 Fire Stair @Grid E7a – E7B to F7a – F7B
3. The following Fire Exit Stairs (smokeproof enclosure) should not
continue below the grade level exit unless an approved barrier
is provided at a ground floor level to prevent persons from
accidentally walking into the basement.
 Fire Stair @Grid B2 to C2
 Fire Stair @Grid D12 to E12
 Fire Stair @Grid K11 to L11
 Fire Stair @Grid E7a – E7B to F7a – F7B
4. All Fire Exit Stairs (pressurized/smokeproof enclosure) in all
levels inside building (old) also was not provided a vestibule
(airlock).
BUILDING Description
CODE
NFPA 101 7.2.3 Smokeproof Enclosures.
Life Safety
Code® 7.2.3.1 General.
Where smokeproof enclosures are required in other sections of this Code, they
shall comply with 7.2.3, unless they are existing smokeproof enclosures approved
by the authority having jurisdiction.
7.2.3.2 Performance Design.
An appropriate design method shall be used to provide a system that meets the
definition of smokeproof enclosure. The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted
to be created by using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation
incorporating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the stair enclosure.
7.2.3.3 Enclosure.
A smokeproof enclosure shall be enclosed from the highest point to the lowest
point by barriers having 2-hour fire resistance ratings. Where a vestibule is used, it
shall be within the 2-hour-rated enclosure and shall be considered part of the
smokeproof enclosure.
7.2.3.4 Vestibule.
Where a vestibule is provided, the doorway into the vestibule shall be protected
with an approved fire door assembly having a 11/2-hour fire protection rating,
and the fire door assembly from the vestibule to the smokeproof enclosure shall
have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating. Doors shall be designed to
minimize air leakage and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by
actuation of a smoke detector within 10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule door.
7.2.3.5 Discharge.
Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharge into a public way, into a yard or court
having direct access to a public way, or into an exit passageway. Such exit
passageways shall be without openings other than the entrance from the
smokeproof enclosure and the door to the outside yard, court, or public way. The
exit passageway shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a 2-
hour fire resistance rating.
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING Description
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards CODE

7.2.3.6 Access.
Access to the smokeproof enclosure stair shall be by way of a vestibule or by way
of an exterior balcony. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to smokeproof
enclosures consisting of a pressurized stair enclosure complying with 7.2.3.9.

National 9. Smokeproof Enclosures

Building
Code of the A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a vestibule and a continuous stairway
enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point by walls of two-hour fire-
Philippines resistive construction. In buildings five (5) storeys or more in height, one of the
required exits shall be a smokeproof enclosure.

a. Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be of incombustible construction.

b. There shall be no openings in smokeproof enclosures, except exit doorways and

openings in exterior walls. There shall be no openings directly into the interior of
the building. Access shall be through a vestibule with one (1) wall at least 50%
open to the exterior and having an exit door from the interior of the building and
an exit door leading to the smokeproof enclosure. In lieu of a vestibule, access
may be by way of an open exterior balcony of incombustible materials.

c. The opening from the building to the vestibule or balcony shall be protected with
a self-closing fire assembly having one-hour fire-resistive rating. The opening
from the vestibule or balcony to the stair tower shall be protected by a self-closing
fire assembly having a one-hour fire-resistive rating.

d. A smokeproof enclosure shall exit into a public way or into an exit passageway
leading to a public way. The exit passageway shall be without other openings and
shall have walls, floors, and ceilings of two-hour fire-resistance.

e. A stairway in a smokeproof enclosure shall not continue below the grade level
exit unless an approved barrier is provided at a ground floor level to prevent
persons from accidentally walking into the basement.
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards
5. TRANSFORMER LOCATION @ ground floor
The location (isolated/congested) of transformer yard (Plant
Room) is a prime concern because it violate major Building
Code ruling.
 Most electrical codes and power companies state that
transformers and transformer vaults must be readily
accessible to qualified personnel for inspection,
maintenance and replacement. HATCH (to basement)
was provided but still no clear access area (ground &
basement) to replace Transformer
 OIL-INSULATED TRANSFORMERS INSTALLED INDOORS
Transformers @ground are cooled and insulated with
special insulating oil. The fire hazard potential due to
oil-insulated transformers is greater than that of
askarel-insulated transformers therefore; the Code
requirements are more exacting for oil-insulated
transformers.
Transformers must be installed according to the provisions of
the National Electrical Code. There are many provisions that
apply and each case must be thoroughly researched.
Transformers can be quite dangerous and may cause severe
injury or property damage if not installed and protected
properly.
6. Walls, roofs, and floors shall be constructed of materials
providing a minimum fire resistance rating of 3 hrs. Typical of
this rating is 6-in.-thick reinforced concrete.
Note: If the transformer is protected with an automatic sprinkler,
water spray, carbon dioxide, or halon, the entire vault construction
is permitted to be of a 1-hr rating.
7. Ventilation (per specifics in Sec. 450-45): The vault must be
ventilated to remove the heat generated by the transformers
during operation so as not to create a temperature rise beyond
BUILDING Description
CODE
Philippine 4.10.14.5 Transformer Locations.
Electrical (a) Accessible. Transformers shall be accessible after installation.
Code
4.50.2.6 Oil-Insulated Transformers Installed Indoors.
Oil insulated transformers installed indoors shall be installed in a vault
constructed as specified in Part 4.50.3.
Exception No. 1: Where the total capacity does not exceed 112½ kVA,
the vault specified in Part 4.50.3 shall be permitted to be constructed of
reinforced concrete that is not less than 100 mm thick.
Exception No. 2: Where the nominal voltage does not exceed 600, a vault shall
not be required if suitable arrangements are made to prevent a transformer oil
fire from igniting other materials and the total capacity in one location does not
exceed 10 kVA in a section of the building classified as combustible or 75 kVA
where the surrounding structure is classified as fire-resistant construction.
Exception No. 3: Electric furnace transformers that have a total rating not
exceeding 75 kVA shall be permitted to be installed without a vault in a building
or room of fire-resistant construction, provided suitable arrangements are made
to prevent a transformer oil fire from spreading to other combustible material.
Exception No. 4: A transformer that has a total rating not exceeding 75 kVA and a
supply voltage of 600 volts or less that is an integral part of charged-particle-
accelerating equipment shall be permitted to be installed without a vault in a
building or room of noncombustible or fire-resistant construction, provided
suitable arrangements are made to prevent a transformer oil fire from spreading
to other combustible material.
Exception No. 5: Transformers shall be permitted to be installed in a detached
building that does not comply with Part III of this article if neither the building nor
its contents present a fire hazard to any other building or property, and if the
building is used only in supplying electric service and the interior is accessible only
to licensed electrical practitioner or non-licensed electrical practitioner under the
supervision of a licensed electrical practitioner.
Exception No. 6: Oil-insulated transformers shall be permitted to be used without
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING Description
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards CODE

the transformer rating. a vault in portable and mobile surface mining equipment (such as electric
8. Drainage: Vaults containing more than 100kVA of transformer excavators) if each of the following conditions is met:
capacity shall be provided with a drain or other means that will (a) Provision is made for draining leaking fluid to the ground.
carry off any accumulation of oil or water in the vault unless (b) Safe egress is provided for personnel.
local conditions make this impracticable. The floor shall be (c) A minimum 6 mm steel barrier is provided for personnel protection.
pitched to the drain where provided. NFPA 70
National
Electrical
Indoor transformer installations Code®
2008 Edition
Transformers installed interior to a building require special
consideration for their placement because of the potential hazard
should a catastrophic failure occur. The objective of the following
rules is the practical safeguarding of people and property.

Oil-insulated transformers. The specific NEC requirements for these

transformers can be found in Sec. 450-26. In general, these
transformers always must be installed in a vault. Exceptions to the
vault requirements are as follows.

* If the total transformer capacity is 112 1/2kVA or less, the vault

may be constructed of 4-in. reinforced concrete.

* If the nominal voltage is 600V or less, the vault may be omitted if

arrangements are made to prevent a transformer oil fire from
igniting other materials, and the total transformer capacity does not
exceed 10kVA in a section of a building classified as combustible or
75kVA in a section of a building classified as fire-resistant
construction.

* Electric furnace transformers can be installed without a vault

where the total rating does not exceed 75kVA, and arrangements
are made to prevent a transformer oil fire from igniting other
 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS BUILDING Description
Building Codes/Laws/Restrictions/Regulations/Standards CODE

materials. These transformers are very specific to applications

involving electric furnaces, and since many precautions must be
taken for the electric furnace itself, the vault requirement is
relaxed.

* Transformers are permitted to be installed in a detached building

that does not comply with the vault requirements if neither the
building nor its contents presents a fire hazard to any other building
or property, and if the building is used only in supplying electric
service, and the interior is accessible only to qualified persons.

* The vault may be omitted for transformers used in portable and

mobile mining equipment with additional conditions specified.