House Build

Agree with that!! We are SUPPOSED to be getting 220, but most times we average 165-180. Using several AVR's to try to help the situation.

 

I know how that is, we used to use an AVR/ then UPS/ Then AVR combo to keep our voltage up around 190. Ours is a pretty stable 210 nowadays in between flickers and brownouts.

Larry

 

Grounds are actually required for branch circuits in the Philippine Electric Code, it is very similar to the NEC. Newer houses may be installing grounds (though the few I poked my head in during construction did not have grounds) or the builder or homeowner may decide they did not want to pay for an "extra" wire.

The also require GFI receptacles for exterior, bathrooms and kitchens but I have never seen one installed in a person's home or even seen them at a store. They have to have them somewhere as I've noticed them in some hotels in Manila.

I'm just installing GFCI breakers (or residual current breakers since the panel is European) because I could not find the receptacles when I looked and the din style breakers are relatively inexpensive.

Shawn

 

Just walking around looking at utility poles you'll see a 10 or 15 kVA transformer with multiple houses off it with secondary running hundreds of feet (many times undersized)...this causes some serious voltage drop issues. If you have voltage fluctuations on the primary as well then you'll also see those lower voltages at your house.

Some serious infrastructure improvements are needed, but that would mean putting a boat load of cash into it.

 

I think the power companys are making a boat load of profit here, the power is more expensive than Au, with the salaries 10 x less here than Au and the equipment probably being Chinese, figure it.

 

I got to agree, my apartment her runs around 165v- to a max of 200v had the same problem in Bacolod, but the power seems very expensive here in Duma, my power bills are all over the place, from p2,600 lowest being p1,600 I do not have air con, nor is the Tv running all day, we have a an instant hot water unit for the shower, with regulated 6 minute showers hehe, one of the tenants here moved to another apartment and his power consumption halved or less, same ref and appliances, the landlord paid for a check up on the meters but the fkrs never come.
My Au microwave refuses to work once the power drops, I am thinking as the power is low the current would be high? Causing a high power bill?

 

To add to that Brian, also the unreliable power supply charged at top dollar , if the gov. removed the taxes and import duties on solar, it would relieve the the pressure on the grid , especially at peak times , but I guess everyone suffering brownouts is better for them ??/

 

I was out on my guesstimate on the salary difference more like 70 times more expensive in AU than here, so yea a heap load of profit here, even if you take into account they need 2 x phill workers to do the same job lol

 

That sounds about right Brian….average tradesman here now is getting near $100 an hour….when callout fees are included. Not to forget there are two taxes they can now successfully evade if you pay cash. Income tax and the 50% of the GST…..I almost never use a tradie here…..plumbing I can do…not rocket science or even close….done a house myself all the way to the meter…and do keep this one going without a dumb @ss that charges like a brain surgeon…Electrical, I have a restricted license….which allows me to change fittings etc….I did have an electrician install a bigger water heater for me a few years ago…had to re-wire back to the box since the current was heavier…..he was drunk…1PM….hooked it up wrong…I rang him -when I quickly realised it wasn't heating..…he was at the pub again…but came back - even more pissed - and I told him what to do - so it worked when he was done….Now I don't care…anything electrical I'll f-ing do myself as well. Honestly anyone who pays 'tradesmen' in Australia is out of their mind…you can do a two-hour course in Bunnings, buy what you need there, and do 90% of house maintenance (and improvements) yourself….And painting…LOL….their union makes out it is a rare talent that must be paid handsomely….Any fool can do it….just do the 2 hours at Bunnings or even ask at their paint desk….I have never hired a painter and never will. First, because they are poor value, second…I like doing it….

 

Nipa guest house progress

We did end up having the 2 older gentlemen carpenters to keep working on the Nipa guest house (who really wants to harvest sugar cane when you can do finish carpentry?). We should be done with the sugar harvest by COB Tuesday so we can get the workers back on the house.

I think the wife has done a great job with the design and the dogs seem to like it as well.

Shawn