THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF

PHILIPPINES AND SOUTH KOREA

A Research Submitted to
Deborah A. Javier, Ed.D

In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Subject
Research and Technical Writing

By:
Del Rosario, Juan Marco
Mendoza, Norielle Aeyman
Musca, Lester
Noval, Knupsen
Peredo, Axl Ross

October 10, 2012

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

CHAPTER I: RESEARCH PROBLEM

1.1 Background of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.2 Statement of the problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 Objectives of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

1.4 Significance of the study.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.5 Scope and limitations of the study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.6 Conceptual/Theoretical framework of the study. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.7 Research Paradigm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Descriptive Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CHAPTER IV: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

 4.1 Comparison and Analysis of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CHAPTER V: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

5.1 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.2 Summary of Finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.3 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5.4 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Curriculum Vitae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

 i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research project would not have been possible without the

support of many people. The researchers wish to express their gratitude to

the supervision of our professor, Dr. Deborah Javier who was abundantly

helpful and offered support and guidance.

Special thanks also to the people who give us allowance, our

parents, Mr. and Mrs. Del Rosario, Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza, Mr. and Mrs.

Musca, Mr. and Mrs. Noval and Mr. and Mrs. Peredo for allowing the

researchers to do their research and spent time to them. Thank you.

And above all, to God, for His grace and answer to our prayers,

countless blessings and gifts.

J.M.M.D.R

N.A.N.M

L.L.M

K.M.N

A.R.S.P
 ii

ABSTRACT

This study aims to know exactly what are the causes of electrical

troubles or failures here in the Philippines. The researchers are motivated by

the fact that there are many fire incidents due to electrical faults.

The researchers made use of the descriptive method and documentary

analysis to interpret the results. They will compare the electrical system of

Philippines and South Korea.

The result of the study reveals that Philippines has low quality of

electrical system because of not following the electrical code.

 1

CHAPTER I

Background of the Study

Wirings, sockets, plugs, amount of voltage of the electricity, electrical

circuits, what are the reasons of some faults and electrical problems? How

can they avoid fire accidents due to short circuits?

As the researchers conduct this study, the researchers are about to

seek for the causes of faults in electrical wirings in the Philippines as

compared to South Korea whose electrical systems are better and more

advance. The researchers are also seeking for alternative solutions in the

electrical faults in the Philippines that can prevent accidents. This study is

being done to widen the ideas about good quality and safe electrical circuits

here in the Philippines for electrical engineers and future engineers.

As for the importance of this study, it can help the Filipino electrical

engineers to upgrade the electrical wirings that cause troubles and faults,

and apply their ideas for the better.

As the researchers have heard the daily news here in the Philippines, many

accounts of fire accidents were very often nowadays due to electrical wirings

and short circuits. This motivated the researchers to conduct this study so

that the researchers will find the alternative way or solution to prevent
 2

electrical faults. This also motivated the researchers to find the main causes

of such electrical problems that lead to accidents and also to explore some

ideas on how to improve the electrical system of the Philippines.

Statement of the Problem

This research generally aims to know the comparison of electrical

system between Philippines and South Korea.

Specifically it seeks to answer of the following questions

1. What is the type of electrical system in South Korea?

2.What is the type of electrical system in Philippines?

3.Why does the electrical appliance in South Korea does not over heat

even if they leave it for a long time?

Objectives of the Study

In this study, the researchers are about to:

Know exactly the causes of electrical faults here in the Philippines

Find a better quality of wires that can be used to prevent troubles in

wirings
 3

Have knowledge of the more common system voltages used for power

distribution.

Significance of the Study

This research aims to assess the comparison between electrical

systems in the Philippines and South Korea. The researchers hope that this

study can make people aware on the improvements of the electric systems

that Philippines has.

This study is significant to the following:

Residences/Home owners, help them have more ideas and knowledge

about electrical systems. It can help them avoid the use of low quality

wirings for their houses to avoid short circuit.

Electrical Engineers, it can widen their knowledge on how electrical

systems could be improved. The comparison of electric systems between

Philippines and South Korea can help them make a better and high quality

wirings and electrical system.

Electrical Engineering students, it can help them to be familiarized with

the different kinds of electrical wiring and help them gather more knowledge

which can help them in the future.

 4

Electrical Engineering Professors, it can help them to have more

knowledge that they can use to mold into a better, bright electrical

engineering students in the Philippines.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This research will focus on the comparison of electrical systems mainly

used in the Philippines and in South Korea.

This research will be conducted at the University of the East, Manila

this semester 2012-2013.

Conceptual Framework

The research mainly concentrates on the comparison and differences

of the electrical systems of the Philippines and South Korea.

The Basics of Grounding Systems

(Jack Woodham, P.E., Jedson Engineering, Inc.)

Faults and Failures. Faults can damage equipment and facilities,

drive up costs due to lost production time, and lead to employee injuries,
even fatalities. The four types of faults include:

Line-to-ground faults, which represent about 98% of all failures.

Phase-to-phase faults, which account for about 1.5% of all failures.

3-phase faults, which make up less than 0.5% of all faults and are
often caused by human error. Failure to remove a grounding breaker,
leaving ground clusters on systems, and lifting a truck bed into an
open wire system can cause this type of fault.
 5

Arcing faults are intermittent failures between phases or phase-to-

ground. Theyre discontinuous currents that alternately strike,
extinguish, and strike again.

Now that theyve addressed the different types of faults that can appear
on an electrical system, its time to provide an overview on the three
main types of grounding systems you may encounter in the field.

Grounding systems.

1. Ungrounded. Electrical power systems that are operated with no

intentional connection to earth ground are described as ungrounded.
Although these systems were standard in the 40s and 50s, theyre still in
use today. The main advantage of this type of grounding system is that it
offers a low value of current flow and reliability during a fault. Unfortunately,
this type of system also offers some big disadvantages. One major
disadvantage to an ungrounded system is in the difficulty in locating a line-
to-ground fault. Finding the fault is a time consuming process. For that
reason, its often done on the weekends so a company doesnt have to shut
down its normal production processes. In addition, the fault must be located
and repaired quickly because if a second fault occurs, the fault acts like a
phase-to-phase fault extending the repair process.

Advantages

Offers a low value of current flow for line-to-line ground fault (5A or
less).

Presents no flash hazard to personnel for accidental line-to-ground

fault.

Assures continued operation of processes on the first occurrence of a

line-to-ground fault.

Low probability of line-to-ground arcing fault escalating to phase-to-

phase or 3-phase fault.

Disadvantages

Difficult to locate line-to-ground fault.

Doesnt control transient overvoltage.

Cost of system maintenance is higher due to labor involved in locating

ground faults.
 6

A second ground fault on another phase will result in a phase-to-phase

short circuit.

2. Solidly Grounded. this type of grounding system is most commonly used

in industrial and commercial power systems, where grounding conductors
are connected to earth ground with no intentional added impedance in the
circuit. A main secondary circuit breaker is a vital component required in this
system, although it has no bearing in other grounding systems. This
component is large in size because it has to carry the full load current of the
transformer. Back-up generators are frequently used in this type of
grounding system in case a fault shuts down a production process. When
this happens, the generators become solidly grounded. However, its
important to note that the generators arent designed for the larger short
circuit current associated with solidly grounded systems.

A solidly grounded system has high values of current ranging between 10kA
and 20kA. This current flows through grounding wires, building steel,
conduit, and water pipes, which can cause major damage to equipment and
shutdown production processes. When a line-to-ground fault occurs, arcing
can create flashes-generally in the terminating box. In this enclosed area,
water is turned to steam, causing the terminating box. To locate the fault, all
you need to do is follow the smoke.

Advantages

Good control of transient overvoltage from neutral to ground.

Allows user to easily locate faults.

Can supply line-neutral loads.

Disadvantages

Poses severe arc flash hazards.

Requires the purchase and installation of an expensive main breaker.

Unplanned interruption of production process.

Potential for severe equipment damage during a fault.

High values of fault current.

Likely escalation of single-phase fault to three-phase fault.

Creates problems on the primary system.

 7

3. High-resistance grounding. high resistance grounding (HRG) systems

are commonly used in plants and mills where continued operation of
processes is paramount in the event of a fault. High-resistance grounding is
normally accomplished by connecting the high side of a single-phase
distribution transformer between the system neutral and ground, and
connecting a resistor across the low-voltage secondary to provide the
desired lower value of high side ground current. With an HRG system,
service is maintained even during a ground fault condition. If a fault does
occur, alarm indications and lights help the user quickly locate and correct
the problem or allow for an orderly shutdown of the process. An HRG system
limits the ground fault current to between 1A and 10A.

Advantages

Limits the ground fault current to a low level.

Reduces electric shock hazards.

Controls transient over voltages.

Reduces the mechanical stresses in circuits and equipment.

Maintains continuity of service.

Reduces the line voltage drop caused by the occurrence and clearing of
a ground fault.

Disadvantages

High frequencies can appear as nuisance alarms.

Ground fault may be left on system for an extended period of time.

Philippines South Korea

Short Circuit Fault Wirings Short Circuits Fault Wirings

GROUNDING
SYSTEM
 8

Figure 1. A diagram that shows the comparison of the electrical system

between Philippines and South Korea.

 9

CHAPTER II

Review of related literature and studies

To discuss this well, the researchers gathered all possible sources of

information and data that is related to the topic. This chapter discusses the

reading materials that have contributions in the background of the study of

the researchers. Reading materials include the foreign, local literatures and

local studies conducted in the past in relation to the study. These are the

following literatures are relevant in the present research.

Literature Review

According to TORO University, Electricity plays an important role in peoples

daily lives. It makes their appliances work, light their houses, and do one

word chores. The demands in electrical system include: staring, lighting, and

ignition. Electrical system around the world differs in voltage, frequency,

plugs and sockets because of various grounding system that they have.

Voltage and Frequency

Every appliances have different voltage and frequency, start by looking at

the back of the charger or the gadget, there is an indication how much

voltage it needs, if it says something like 100-200 V, 50/60 Hz it can work

anywhere in the world. The readers will find 100-127 Volts at 50 Hz, such in

Tokyo, Madagascar, and some Caribbean islands. On the other hand, there's
 10

220-240 volts at 60 Hz, such as in South Korea, some states of Brazil and

Guyana. A few other countries using 60 Hz are internally divided, with 100-

127 volts in some locations, and 220-240 volts in others, such as in Brazil,

the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. You should be extremely careful if you

travel to different place in the world, ask first if what voltage, so that

accident will be lessen.

Plugs and Adapters

Adapters are devices that are inserted to a plug into different sockets which

are cheap, small, and safe. There are many different plugs in the world. Plug
types:

11

Some countries dont use the three-pin plug, like the Philippines. We use

two-pin plugs, this plug is ungrounded, while three-pin plugs are grounded.
Grounded plugs are safer than the ungrounded because it prevents

overloading of appliances or gadgets, and shorting of wires.

In many developed countries, electrical supply is erratic and you need

protection if accidents occur. The main danger is the power spikes, when the

electrical supply surges to a dangerous level with a potential of a

catastrophic consequences. In developed countries, the main reason of

power spikes are lightning strikes, but in some countries the main reason is

the power outage, since when the power backs on, the power does not run

smoothly. The best and cheapest way of protection is thus simply disconnect

any appliances or gadget as soon as the power goes out and wait a few

minutes after the power comes back.

In other hand, there is a surge protector, a device that prevents surges

and spikes, some surge protector can fit in telephones, celphones, and other

gadgets. In the Philippines they use fuses for our appliances, so if surges or

any electrical faults occur, appliances will be safe and it will lessen the

percentage of accidents.

12
 South Korea has underground system, which power lines is under the

ground, this type of power line is the most safe and the best, but it is also

the most expensive. The other type of power line is the over-head like here

in the Philippines, but it is dangerous because of the wires which can be

dangerous for pedestrians and other people walking by.

In the Philippines, electrical accidents always occur because we

Filipinos dont usually follow the electrical rules, it is stated at the electrical

code that three-pin plug should be used, because the two-pin plug isnt

grounded, thats why many electrical faults or accidents occurs in the

Philippines.

13
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This group research methodology requires gathering relevant data

from the specify document and compiling data bases in order to arrive at a

more complete understanding and historical reconstruction of electrical

system.

As the researchers taking up BS electrical engineering, the researchers

wanted to widen their ideas and to have more knowledge that is related to

the course. The researchers conducted this study to have better ideas that

can apply in the future.

The factors such as wirings, sockets, plugs, power lines, voltages that

are being used, play a very important role in peoples daily life, and so the

researchers conducted this study to know the causes of failures or troubles

contained herein.

Electric devices or gadgets are everywhere, these are daily needs of

every person and so, the process of electrical system affects every resident

of the country.

14
 CHAPTER IV

COMPARISON AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter presents the comparison of two electrical systems

between Philippines and South Korea containing the analysis of the said

data.

About the electrical system of the Philippines, Philippines is using

220-240 volts likewise in South Korea. The power lines that the Philippines

hasbeen using is over-head type while in South Korea they are using

underground system. Philippines commonly use two-pin plug type unlike in

South Korea they are using three-pin plug type. Philippines have breakers or

fuses to cut off the current when theres a trouble in any plugs or switches

or if short circuits happen. In South Korea, they have grounding system to

prevent overloading of voltage and to prevent shorting of wires.

It was stated that there are many differences among the comparison

of two countries about their electrical systems. About the power lines that

the Philippines is using, Filipinos are incapable to use the underground

system like in South Korea although the underground system is the most

safe and the best, it is also the most expensive and Philippines is unable to

have that so, because Philippines has most flooded prone areas and it is too

dangerous. For the plugs, Philippines commonly uses two-pin plugs, it is

stated in the electrical code that we should have three-pin plug, but Filipinos

dont usually follow the electrical rules. Two pin plugs are not grounded and

so many electrical faults or accidents occur in the Philippines.

15
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

In this chapter, the researcher present the general summary of the

study, summary findings, the conclusion that are derived from the findings

and the recommendations of the researchers, which are based from the

findings and the conclusion of the study.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

As raised in Chapter 1, the following questions were given answers

based on the data gathered in the study:

1. What is the type of electrical system in South Korea?

As to the power distribution in each house in South Korea, they have

220-240V.They have the kind of underground system as to power lines.

They use three-pin plug for their appliances or gadgets, which has the type

of grounding system.

2.What is the type of electrical system in Philippines?

Philippines has over-head type of power lines for distribution of

electricity. The Philippines generally uses 220 volts at 60 Hz with U.S. style

flat blade attachment plugs. It is stated in electrical code that three-pin

plugs must be used but in the Philippines two-pin plugs is commonly used.

3. Why does the electrical appliance in the South Korea, does not over heat

even if they leave it for a long time?

South Korea has grounding system they use three-pin plugs, three-pin

16
plugs which are grounded. It prevents the overload of current to the

appliances or gadgets, and it prevents shorting of wires.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the summarized findings, the following conclusions are

drawn:

1. the type of system that affect the electrical troubles or shorting of

wires.

2. also about the fund or the budget for the electrical system that

can be used.

3. The accurateness of distribution of electricity affects the electrical wirings

and plugs for the appliances or gadgets that may cause shorting of wire.

4. Whatever wiring option is chosen, it is important to have electrical

grounding and follow home wiring rules for safety.

RECOMMENDATION

This group recommends the other researchers to dig deeper about the

underground system of South Korea and focus on the benefits that

might help the study

 17

Another recommendation is to make a survey that could establish

strong evidences in South Korea that might be applicable in the

Philippines
In addition, firsthand experience and witnessing South Koreas

electrical system and how it works.

 18

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Acquaviva, L. Benini, and B. Ricc. An adaptive algorithm for low-power

streaming multimedia processing. InProceedings of the Conference on
Design Automation and Test in Europe (DATE'01), 2001. doi:
10.1109/DATE.2001.915037

Jenkins, J.E. Sr., How to Perform Electrical Maintenance on Induction

Motors. EASA Currents, July 1990, p. 3.

J. Aronstein and W.E. Campbell, "Overheating Failures of Aluminum-

Wired Special Service Connectors," IEEE Trans. Components, Hybrids, and
Mfg. Tech., V. CHMT-6 No. 1, Mar. 1983

M. Braunovic, "Fretting Corrosion Between Aluminum and Different Contact

Materials," Electrical Contacts - 1977, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual
Meeting of the Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts, Chicago, 1977.

UL Standard 1567, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Northbrook IL (CO/ALR

Wiring Device Terminals for Aluminum Wire)

UL Standard 486C, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Northbrook IL (Splicing

Connectors for electrical Wire)

Youngjin Cho and Naehyuck Chang. Memory-aware energy-optimal

frequency assignment for dynamic supply voltage scaling. In Proceedings of
the 2004 International Symposium on Low-Power Electronics and Design
(ISLPED'04), pages 387392, New York, NY, USA, August 2004. ACM Press.
doi: 10.1145/1013235.1013327
 NORIELLE AEYMAN N. MENDOZA

1870 Mckinley St., Hills Subd., Antipolo City

09082098109/661-1541

norielle.mendoza@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE:

To obtain a full time position to employ engineering concepts,critical

thinking techniques, and structural knowledge.

EDUCATION:

-University of the East,Recto,Manila

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering: April 2015

-Lady of the Rosary School,Antipolo City,

High School: 2007-2011

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

AutoCAD: 2D and 3D design and drafting

IronCAD: 3D Solid Modeling

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:

LEES ( League of Electrical Engineering Student)

 LESTER L. MUSCA

St. Josephine 2 Sampaloc Manila

0174766

muscalester@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVES :

A highly motivated Electrical Engineer who is expert in testing

equipments,transformer and heavy duty devices,looking forward to develop

my mission and vision with a firm and sets me free to work accordingly to

my proficiency and skill to benefit the concerned department.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (21 units) University Of The

East

Dominican Academy (D.A) 2010-2011

Unisan Central Elementary School (UCES) 2006-2007

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:

Sports Club Organization 2007 to 2009

MTAP 2006

CHARACTER REFERENCE:
Medina Bautista

Accountant, Unisan Quezon #09479865193

Marc Faalam Musca

Business administrator #09153540651

 JUAN MARCO M. DEL ROSARIO

27 Sun St., Meralco Vill., Brgy. Batia,Bocaue,Bulacan

09059692523

marco_unostig@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVES:

To broaden and further develop my knowledge and skills in the area of

engineering by practically immersing into corporate situational workplace

that makes up professional character in the future.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science In Electrical Engineering 2011 to present

University of the East

Recto,Manila

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Dr. Yangas College Inc. Scholar 2006-2010

Wakas,Bocaue,Bulacan
A Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Recipient of 2006

Exellence award

Brgy. Taal,Bocaue,Bulacan

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

Math and Science Organization

Dr. Yangas College Inc.

Wakas,Bocaue,Bulacan

Sports Jouranlist

Brgy. Taal,Bocaue,Bulacan

SEMINARS ATTENDED:

SPPC (PREX)

San Pedro De Alcantara church

Brgy.Taal,Bocaue,Bulacan

CHARACTER REFERENCE:

Erwin Recta #09274189267

Accoutant,Megaworld Philippines
Jeff Baron #09173699802

Data Analyst, Accenture Philippines Inc.

 KNUPSEN MASA NOVAL

533 Kundiman St., Sampaloc, Manila

09168440522

novalknupsen@yahoo.com

Objectives:

To enhance my knowledge and skills interpersonally and be able to

develop ones personality for a goal oriented working.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineer (2016) University of the East

Saint Williams Academy (2010) Tabuk, Kalinga

Appas Elementary School (2006) Tabuk,Kalinga

Membership in Professional Organization:

LESS (League Electrical Engineering Students)

Member Ue Mathematics and Statistics Society

 AXL ROSS S. PEREDO

799 Loyola St., Sampaloc, Manila

09275330468

hunteraxl_13@yahoo.com

Objectives:

To obtain a challenging that will utilize my skills and experience and

which will also provide me with the opportunity for growth and

advancement.

Education:

Tertiary: University of the East

Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineer (2011 2016)

Secondary: Nazarene Catholic School (2002 2011)

Primary: Nazarene Catholic School (1998 2002)

Organization:

EEY ( Electrical Engineer Youth)

2011 - 2016