Modern housing is replete with all kinds of appliances and household appliances. All of them mainly work from the mains, where there are interruptions and power surges. To protect household appliances, you will need a special device that supports the output voltage within certain limits. You need to figure out which voltage regulator is best for an apartment, and which is more suitable for a country house.
Advantages and disadvantages of various types of stabilizers
There are many varieties of regulators for working in networks with unstable voltage. Each of them has its own characteristic and has unique properties. To choose the right device, you need to understand the principle of each, get acquainted with the pros, study the negative aspects.
For power supply of household and industrial equipment use an alternating current network, voltage 220/380 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz. For household appliances, a mains voltage of 190 to 245 volts is permissible. Depending on the parameters of the equipment available in the apartment, you will need a single-phase or three-phase voltage stabilizer (CH). The range of apparent power by type of stabilizer is distributed as follows:
- electronic single-phase from 2 to 30 kVA, three-phase 10–500 kVA;
- electrodynamic single-phase from 0.3 to 135 kVA, three-phase 5-6000 kVA;
- single-phase relay 1-15 kVA;
- ferroresonance from 0.1–15 kVA, three-phase 5–100 kVA.
Depending on the installation site, SN are floor and wall - vertical and horizontal.
The electronic type of stabilizers does not have mechanical adjustment. All control is performed by a microprocessor. Electronic type CH is also called thyristor or triac. It is characterized by high speed regulation. If a welding unit is working nearby, the fluctuations of the electrical network are leveled in 0.02 seconds. It has reliable protection, practically does not make noise. The device has a long service life, compact dimensions make it easy to fix it on the wall.
The device has an installed rated output power. For normal operation, the stock should be calculated, which leads to an increase in cost. Budget models have a minimum number of windings, which affects the quality of step regulation. The accuracy and smoothness of work are reduced.
The electromechanical stabilizer, also called servo-drive, is made on an autotransformer. Voltage is not stepped. The motor is controlled by a slider, which moves smoothly along the turns of the transformer. This type provides good accuracy of the output voltage, with high numbers, the load is switched off. Wide range of change - from 150 to 250 V.
One of the useful properties is operation at low temperatures and in conditions of high humidity. High-quality devices, where the current collection mechanism is a graphite roller, has a long service life. Another advantage is the low price.
Counterfeit device is short-lived. They quickly become dirty, brushes wear out, begin to sparkle and require replacement. Large-sized devices, have a large mass, fire hazard. In addition, the device is noisy during operation.
The relay stabilizer has a power relay, through which the autotransformer windings are switched.The stepped principle of operation is similar to the operation of electronic devices. High regulation speed makes it possible to smooth out bursts of input voltage of a wide range. There is an electronic system of protection against short circuit and overvoltage. The device is compact and lightweight.
Disadvantages - stepwise regulation mechanism. It has a low power reserve, medium noise level. When changing the adjustment steps, you can hear how the device switches. Regular light bulbs begin to flash. The main disadvantage is the short life.
Inverter or stepless stabilizers provide double conversion. Voltage correction occurs quickly and smoothly, which does not affect other light sources. The inverter has a large input range and high accuracy of the output voltage. They have high regulation speed and load protection. And also the minimum noise level and long service life. Among the shortcomings, there is a lack of power reserve.
The hybrid stabilizer combines several voltage normalization technologies at once. Most often there are models in which the principles of operation of relay and electromechanical types are combined. The first type is fast, but inaccurate. The second stabilizes accurately, but slowly. The range of its action is from 144 to 256 volts. Relay devices turn on when the voltage digits go beyond the minimum or maximum values.
Ferroresonance type - the principle of operation is the effect of voltage ferroresonance in the capacitor-transformer circuit. Devices were widely used in the years 60–70 to power tube televisions with transformer units. They were distinguished by durability, had a low cost. They have several disadvantages, including the presence of such a passive part as a linear capacitor. Used less and less.
Voltage Regulator or Surge Protector
The voltage in the network is variable in nature, it varies according to a certain law. Plug-in appliances not only use energy, but also create electromagnetic interference. In addition, there are drops and surges in the network. The stabilization unit provides a constant voltage parameter.
Power surges are possible due to a lightning strike near a power line. Also happen in industrial areas and can be associated with accidents at substations, worn-out electrical networks, connecting a large number of powerful consumers.
The surge protector is a stabilization unit with a toggle switch and a group of outlets. It consists of a varistor filter that suppresses impulse noise. Sensitive devices are protected against high-frequency interference by means of an LC filter.
The device operates on a single-phase circuit, if the network is three-wire, grounding is mandatory, since pulsed interference must go into the ground. The varistor is connected at the input. He takes on impulses and does not pass them further. In addition, it provides for the shutdown of devices during short circuits or overcurrents.
Network filter operation scheme
Power supply of household appliances and electrical equipment is an important parameter on which the quality of work, reliability and safety depend. Most often, the surge protector is used to connect a stationary computer and its components. Bad power affects the operation of radio receivers. The television or radio will work with interference. Also, other devices are powered through the surge protector. A modern “smart” refrigerator is controlled by a microprocessor and it definitely needs such a device.
The filter can have a different number of outlets, which allows you to immediately connect several different mechanisms. The device is designed for a certain level of load, excess is unacceptable.Therefore, it is impossible to connect several units of powerful equipment at the same time.
To choose the suitable view, you should pay attention to the following nuances.
- Determine the total peak power of the devices that will be connected. For example, the operation of only one laser printer will require up to 3 kW. For stock, you need to add 20-25% to the amount received.
- When connecting additional devices or upgrading the entire system, power may increase.
- It is necessary to decide which additional functions will be required and which will be redundant. There is no need for a model with telephone jack protection if the computer is connected via fiber optic cable.
- When choosing, it is better to focus on customer reviews of reputable sites than to study a review of the store’s pages.
Quality power supplies are already equipped with filters. They are installed on the board, especially for high power devices. Unfortunately, the power supplies for the charger, laptop, fluorescent and LED lamps made in China are made without filters, according to a simplified scheme.
When choosing a filter, you should pay attention to the price. It is, to some extent, an indicator of quality. There are many base products on sale that do not have a filter circuit. Such a product is not a stabilizer, but can protect only from a dangerous increase in voltage and serves as a simple extension cord.
Rating of the best voltage stabilizers
In each apartment, you can count up to ten, or even more electrical appliances. Some of them are unpretentious and not afraid of power surges. In comparison, modern gas boilers or expensive computers require a voltage stabilizer for safe operation. Not all models offered by the distribution network are capable of solving the problem of unstable electricity.
The best relay devices
Relay devices are especially popular. They differ from other types of devices at a low price. For other characteristics, they fully satisfy the requirements of the consumer. They have a clear structure, no complex components. Malfunctions are easily diagnosed and can be corrected at home.
From the most affordable and inexpensive, you can choose the model RESANT ASN-5000/1-C for use in the country, in the garage, boiler room.
In terms of price and quality, a device of a wider range is suitable. The relay stabilizer Energy ASN 5000 has 7 stabilization stages, is presented in a portable and compact design.
Among the high-tech, high-quality and expensive types, the Voltron 5000 Energy model can be noted. A professional stabilizer with good characteristics, but at a high price.
Ultraprecise devices for gas boilers
The specifics of the operation of such devices requires a round-the-clock highly effective fight against deviations, impulses and voltage drops. A high stabilization rate is required to protect the electronics in an emergency.
PROGRESS 8000SL can reliably protect the boiler and a number of additional outlets. It has excellent characteristics, is equipped with a cooling function, it works almost silently.
Mechanical stabilizers
Among devices of this type for the kitchen, a simple and reliable Resanta ACH 1500/1-EM device is suitable. Total power no more than 1.5 kW. At the same time, you can connect a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine and multicooker.
The best option for the apartment would be Caliber ASN-7000/1. The device has a vertical architecture, is equipped with wheels, is mobile, can be installed anywhere.
The RUCELF SDF.II-9000-L stabilizer will surely protect expensive equipment from overloads. It has powerful characteristics at optimal sizes.
Electronic devices
Digital stabilizers are small and light.Calm R 400ST - a device for protecting electronic control units of a computer, office equipment, heating equipment.
No less reliable stabilizer Energy 12000 BA Classic E 0101-0099. It has a fast response time. Has a built-in display. It can work at temperatures from -30 to + 40 ° C.
Double Conversion Voltage Regulators
Such devices are leaders among other types of stabilizers. Efficiency is achieved thanks to the work of two conversion processes at once. Calm R 3500 - thought-out, reliable device for light loads.
Powercom AR-10K can provide powerful equipment. It has all types of protection, is equipped with an information display. Such a model is quite expensive.
The best hybrid devices
A feature of these devices is their ability to use the energy of batteries powered by a generator, network, solar panels or wind generator. It can work in parallel with an AC source, powered by both battery and mains.
According to the combination of reliability characteristics, Studer Xtender is considered a good hybrid device. It has a flexible and advanced configuration of autonomous and backup supply systems.
The advantages of a Russian-made inverter MAP SIN PRO Hybrid Dominator appear only when the solar panels. To interact with network inverters does not have enough functions.
To choose which voltage regulator is better: relay, electromechanical or electronic, you need to consult a specialist or consult the Internet. It is necessary to analyze the rating of the most popular devices or make a choice, focusing on the established manufacturer's company; carefully study the characteristics, weigh all the positive qualities and negative points, correlate your desires with expediency and financial capabilities.
