Systems for stabilizing the characteristics of the electrical circuit can be considered as an indispensable component in the energy supply complexes of enterprises, utilities, construction sites and responsible power sources. For domestic purposes, the use of a voltage stabilizer has been practiced not so long ago, however, this area is also being actively developed by manufacturers of these devices.
Designers of this type of models seek to simplify the way to control the device as much as possible, offering digital interfaces and modern control tools. Today, an automatic voltage stabilizer can be found in both household appliance families and professional lines.
The purpose of the voltage stabilizer
The device is designed to perform a simple task - to normalize the electric current in cases of deviation of its performance from the optimal parameters in terms of consumer power supply. The fact is that drops in the network can lead to the failure of an expensive device or equipment. A typical 220V voltage stabilizer can protect against unpleasant consequences of this kind of householdtechnique. But there are also models that work with a voltage of 380 V, which are already designed for full protection of industrial and office equipment.
In fact, the stabilizer acts as a current receiver, transmitting an energy charge at the output with acceptable parameters. However, do not confuse an automatic voltage stabilizer with surge protectors. They have fundamentally different tasks. The stabilizer is still a kind of transformer, or current converter, providing a safe power supply.
The main characteristics of the voltage stabilizer
The performance of a device determines how well it will work under certain conditions. The main parameter is power. It varies from 0.5 to 30 kW. The segment of domestic stabilizers rarely represents devices with a potential of more than 10 kW. Most often, a 220V voltage stabilizer with a power of 1-3 kW is purchased for the home.
For industrial needs, on the contrary, more often use devices with a voltage support of 380 V, the power of which exceeds 12 kW. Each stabilizer also has limit values for input and output voltage. So, the lower threshold varies on average from 70 to 140 V, and the upper limit in the case of household models usually reaches 270 V.
Varieties of the device
Practically no longer used, but a classic electromechanical stabilizer has many advantages. It features stepless voltage regulation,which makes it possible to count on a high accuracy of correction of the parameters of the operation of the electrical circuit. Such models are still used to service sensitive audio equipment and lighting systems. More common is an automatic relay-type voltage stabilizer, the adjustment of which occurs due to a mechanical switch.
This option is advisable to use in private homes, cottages and apartments. Also growing in popularity is the digital switching regulator. The concept of this device fully fits into the ideas of modern compact household appliances. The pulse models have displays with a control menu, provide for the possibility of programming the function of the stabilizer, are characterized by quick adjustment and a high degree of reliability.
Additional functionality
The main function of voltage stabilization is not the only one you should pay attention to when buying this equipment. Another thing is that the rest of the optional in most cases will be focused on supporting the task of normalizing the operating parameters of the power grid. One way or another, a high-quality modern device of this type has a system of protection against overheating, overloads and short circuits and is equipped with fuses against electric shock. An example of a combination of low cost and rich functional content is the Luxeon voltage stabilizer in the LDS 500 modification. This is a device that also provides for thermal protection, digital indication of operatingindicators, servomotor, etc.
Producers
Leading positions in the segment are occupied by Elitech, Huter, Sturm, Powerman, etc. These manufacturers develop devices in different directions, offering innovative developments and maintaining the basic quality of the elemental filling. The mentioned Luxeon voltage stabilizer can be classified as a budget category, but it also incorporates new features, including security systems.
High-quality domestic models with a low price tag are offered by Caliber, Shtil and Bastion. These are devices that reliably perform the main task, but do not differ in high manufacturability. The only exceptions are the Resanta automatic voltage stabilizer, which in premium versions really shows a new level in terms of operating capabilities. These include the soft start function and the reduction of response time at times of voltage drops. Also, the manufacturer pays a lot of attention to the external design of the device, strengthening the body and making the design more and more ergonomic.
How to choose an automatic voltage stabilizer?
When choosing a stabilizer, the main attention should be paid to the required power and operating conditions of the device. Power is calculated by summing the potentials of all consumers with which the device will work. 20% should also be added to the obtained value to increase reliability. Yes, automatic stabilizervoltage single-phase electronic type with a power of 0.5 kW is quite suitable for servicing the function of an air conditioning system or even a productive boiler. If it is required to protect the whole house from power surges, then we can talk about a potential of 5-7 kW. As for the conditions of use, the filling of the device with security systems primarily depends on them.
Conclusion
The household appliances market is increasingly filled with offers, the merits and purpose of which are unknown to the wide mass of consumers. Until recently, such products also included an automatic voltage stabilizer, but today the situation has changed dramatically.
As the technology becomes more complex and the requirements for the safety of its power supply increase, the responsibility of the average consumer in terms of maintaining the reliability of the operation of devices has also increased. The presence of a voltage stabilizer in the house is not just a way to protect a computer or a refrigerator from breakdown, but often a means of preventing the threat of fire at home, as indicated by the manufacturers of electrical appliances themselves.
