How to choose a voltage stabilizer for home and garden, 220 and 12 volts, which is better – ElektrikExpert.ru

Outdated equipment in substations, as well as poor quality wiring in multi-storey and individual buildings, often leads to power surges.

Such phenomena lead to a breakdown of equipment and the need for high costs, which makes you think about buying a voltage stabilizer for your home and garden.

What are the features of this device? How does it work? What models are most in demand today? These and other questions will be discussed below.

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Voltage stabilizer – an electrical or electromechanical apparatus (device) to which U of the network is supplied in order to stabilize this parameter at the output.

The challenge is to keep the output U within a narrow range to protect the power consumers from damage. At the same time, the level of frequency and voltage (with a normal input signal) remains unchanged.

Stabilized power sources are also produced – devices whose task is to convert incoming electrical energy into a form suitable for further use.

Stabilizers are of two types (by type Uout) – AC and DC. In this case, the parameters U at the input and output of the device are usually identical, but in some models they may differ.

The relevance of the use of stabilizers at home, in industry and in the country

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of voltage stabilizers in various fields. With the help of such equipment, it is possible to save household appliances at home or in the country, as well as expensive equipment in industrial production. But how do you determine if you need to buy?

The first step is to measure the U level, which allows you to find out the upper and lower thresholds of its readings in the network. If there are no complaints about the stability of the network, and the measured parameter at the output fluctuates in a small range, there is no need to purchase.

For example, for a 220V network, a deviation of 5% in one direction and the other is allowed. This means that the allowed range is from 209 to 231 Volts.

If the output voltage during the verification process “overshoots” the above parameters, you cannot do without buying a stabilizer.

There are even more difficult situations when U deviates by 10% upwards or downwards. Here you can not do without protective equipment, which will “cut off” the power in the event of a sharp deviation of the parameter U from the norm.

This is the case when savings can result in large expenses associated with the purchase of new equipment.

Types of voltage stabilizers, which devices are used in everyday life

Depending on the type U, two types of devices are distinguished:

In addition, stabilizers are divided into a larger number of types (we will talk about them in more detail).

ferroresonant

Transformer devices, the principle of which is based on changing the magnetic flux in order to regulate and equalize the voltage level. It also provides protection against high and low U, overcurrent and short circuit.

The main feature is the lack of inertia in the work. Correcting U at the input helps to correct the shape of the sinusoid at the output. In this case, the average or effective parameter does not change.

The use of such stabilizers is relevant when protecting devices that are sensitive to a sharp increase or decrease in the voltage supplied to the input. In addition, they are installed in combination with equipment that interferes with operation.

The downside is that U depends on the frequency of the supply source, the non-sinusoidal shape, and the type of load. In addition, ferroresonant models are difficult to transport due to their heavy weight.

Despite a number of shortcomings, the devices were actively used during the Soviet Union, for example, when connecting old-style TVs (with power supplies on linear stabilizers).

In the photo, the Ukraine-2 model.

In the new TV series USST and 4UPITS, a pulse-type PSU was installed, so the need for stabilizing remote elements disappeared.

It is worth noting that ferroresonant stabilizers are still used today in some TV models and refrigerators. We will dwell on this issue in more detail below.

Autotransformers

A feature of autotransformers is the smooth regulation of U without curvature of the sinusoid. Stabilizers of this type have a greater accuracy in maintaining the output parameter – within 2-3 percent, which guarantees the protection of connected equipment or household appliances.

Such devices are actively used for home, summer cottages or in industrial production.

Below is a photo of the ATP 250 USSR model.

Uninterruptible Power Supply

An uninterruptible power supply is a device that provides the required power and protection against interference in the absence of the main power supply.

In practice, UPSs are used as a source of backup power. In this case, both the quality of electricity and its main parameters, such as frequency and U, can be converted.

IPB technology was promoted at the same time as PCs and other high-tech devices that needed protection and constant power.

Structurally, such products consist of a DC voltage converter and a battery.

Today, the power of modern “uninterruptibles” is at the level of 100 to 1000 watts. In this case, the size of the input voltage may vary.

Inverter

A feature of inverter stabilizers is to convert current from AC to DC, followed by the accumulation of electricity and the charge of intermediate capacitors.

Subsequently, the electronic generator is involved in the conversion of U from constant to variable (reverse process), but with better parameters. Such devices are actively used in sports and medical equipment.

Other types

There are other types of stabilizers, including electric machines, power electronics, booster transformers and other equipment. It makes no sense to dwell on them in detail because of the narrow specifics of their application. They are used in industry, almost never used in everyday life.

Types of DC stabilizers

In practice, two types of stabilizers operating on direct current are used – linear and pulsed. Let’s look at each type in more detail below.

Linear

Such devices are voltage dividers. On the one hand (at the input) of the device, a changing U arrives, after which it stabilizes and enters the output from the divider arm. Maintaining U in the required range occurs by changing the parameter R (resistance) of one of the divider arms.

If the difference U at the input and output is significant, the efficiency of the linear stabilizer decreases due to heat losses. That is why the adjusting element is mounted on a special radiator with sufficient area for effective cooling.

Linear devices are of two types (according to the type of inclusion) – with serial and parallel connection of the load. In addition, they are divided into two types – parametric and compensation.

In the first case, the principle of operation is based on the use of a section of the current-voltage characteristic, where the resistance of the differential type is minimal in a wide range of load currents.

The second type of instruments (compensating) implies the presence of feedback when the output U is compared with the reference indicator. Next, the difference is taken, from which a signal is created for applying to the adjustment element.

Pulse

A feature of pulsed devices is to supply current to an element that accumulates energy (choke or capacitance) by creating short-term pulses (formed using an electronic key).

While said node is in the closed state, the voltage is transferred to the output of the stabilizing apparatus. Using a choke as a storage device allows you to change U at the output.

The advantage of the impulse model lies in the high efficiency due to the operation in the key mode. Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the complexity of the organization and the presence of interference.

Depending on the circuit and key control mode, five types of switching stabilizers are distinguished – inverting (reversing the polarity at the output), boosting, stepping down, with step-down and boost functions, as well as a universal device (combines the options of the models listed above).

Modern stabilizers

Today, two types of electrodynamic products are increasingly used for home and summer cottages:

Ferroresonant.
With a servo drive of a regulating element on an electromechanical base (an autotransformer is used here).

Today, different models are produced for 1- and 3-phase networks. The output power ranges from tens to millions of watts.

Models for a three-phase network are of two types – with independent regulation for each of the phases or with U adjusted according to the average parameter U supplied to the input.

In addition, the models produced differ in the range of U at the input. Many options are possible here, for example, by 15%, 20, 25, 30 or 50 percent in one direction and the other.

The weight and price of the device depends on the width of the allowable range. Also, when choosing modern products, attention is paid to speed, accuracy and efficiency, but we’ll talk about this in the section below.

How to choose a voltage stabilizer for your home – selection criteria

It is difficult for ordinary people to navigate the variety of devices that stabilize the input U. To simplify the task, we highlight the selection criteria and features of popular types. When buying, it is important to pay attention to a number of criteria (we will talk about them below).

Type of equipment – advantages and disadvantages

There are electromechanical models on the market, as well as devices with step regulation, thyristor, relay, triac and servo drives.

Consider the features of each of them.

Thyristor

An electronic device that consists of an automatic transformer, a control circuit, thyristor switches and various LED indicators.

The operation of the model is to change the number of turns on the low U winding using thyristors. In this case, the input and output currents change.

Such devices are single and double-stage. In the second case, U is adjusted in two stages.

Advantages – no extraneous sound, long service life, minimum energy consumption, small dimensions, high adjustment speed U.

It also stands out for its high accuracy and ability to operate at a minimum or overestimated U level.

Cons – stepwise principle of operation, the risk of “hanging” due to the presence of microcontroller control, as well as overpriced.

Triac

Electronic type devices that are reliable and stable. They consist of power type switches, controllers and an autotransformer.

The regulation of U takes place in several stages – the measurement of U at the input, the processing of the incoming information, and the decision on the relevance of the conversion of the incoming signal.

At the last stage (when a deviation is detected), the transformer winding operates in the mode of increasing or decreasing parameters.

Pluses – high accuracy (from 1 to 2,5%), speed, noiselessness, service life of 15 years or more, no need for service.

Cons – high price and discreteness of the change in U at the output (typical for cheap models).

Relay

Models in which the voltage is maintained at the required level due to a special transformation ratio. After analyzing U, one or another winding on the autotransformer is connected at the input. Switching is carried out using a relay, so stabilization has a stepwise character.

Control is provided by controllers (processors) or special logic. The number of steps for such models is in the range from 5 to 7%, and the accuracy of holding the readings at the output is 6-8%.

Advantages – fast response to changes in input voltage, affordable price, as well as operation at U of 90 volts or more (for some stabilizers).

Cons – switching steps (seen by the blinking of the lights), the presence of short-term surges in the network, possible failures in the load supply, high voltage run-up at the output.

In addition, relay contacts are considered a weak point, which eventually become covered with soot, which requires periodic revision.

Servo

Electromechanical models, which are most widely used and have proven themselves from a position of reliability.

The main unit of the device is a servo drive, which receives the input voltage. It gives a command to the current-carrying brush, which moves between turns and takes a position corresponding to a certain input voltage.

As a result, the transformation ratio changes, and the load receives a stable U.

The peculiarity of the operation of the servo drive and the brush is that the current circuit does not break (the principle of deshunting). First, the new contact closes, and then the old contact opens.

The advantages are the accuracy of maintaining the output voltage (2-3%), less noise (when compared with a relay device), the absence of U surges, the presence of a copper wire on the autotransformer, and simplicity of design.

Disadvantages – low response rate (when compared with the relay model). On average, the recovery of U takes from 0,5 to 1,0 seconds.

The device consists of moving parts that are subject to wear and require replacement (from 3 to 7 years). The disadvantages also include the limitation on the input U (from 140 to 260 V), as well as the high cost.

Network Type

An equally important criterion is the type of network. There are two stabilizer options available:

Power

The next criterion is the power parameter, which is selected taking into account the total load at the output of the stabilizer. For reliability, it is recommended to make a margin of 20%.

When determining this indicator, it is worth focusing on goals. For example, in the case of using machine tools or a welding machine, it is recommended to take a power margin of 200% and 500% times, respectively. We will dwell on the calculation of power below.

Input voltage range

As noted above, an important nuance when choosing is the allowable range U at the inlet and outlet of the apparatus. The higher this indicator, the higher the cost of the device.

Today on sale it is easy to find products with ranges from 140 to 260 V, from 135 to 275 V, from 160 to 250 V and others.

When choosing, you should focus on the voltage indicators in the country or in the apartment at home. It is worth considering that the power parameter of the apparatus depends on U at the input. The larger this indicator, the higher S (W), and vice versa.

Stabilization speed

When considering the types of stabilizers, it was noted that different types of devices have different time delays when the voltage deviates from a safe level.

The higher the stabilization speed, the less the impact of surges on household appliances in the house or in the country.

Triac and thyristor devices work the fastest. After them come relay products, and in last place are electromechanical devices.

Analyzing the speed of work, it is important to take into account one more indicator – the response time, which is measured in milliseconds. By this criterion, it is easy to conclude how quickly the device responds to voltage fluctuations at the input. In almost all models on the market, the response time guarantees optimal conditions.

Accuracy and efficiency

Accuracy is an indicator that characterizes the percentage of voltage deviation at the output of the stabilizer in relation to the nominal parameter. Electromechanical models are distinguished by the highest accuracy, and after them come electronic and relay devices.

As for efficiency, this indicator depends on the type of device and manufacturer. As a rule, it ranges from 90 to 98 percent. Here it is worth adhering to the logic that the higher the efficiency, the better.

Cooling system – pros and cons

Stabilizers are produced with two types of cooling:

NATURAL. The advantage of the method is the absence of noise. But there is also a drawback – a low power level, as well as dependence on the temperature regime on the street.
FORCED. In this case, cooling is provided by additional fans. The advantage of the method is a high cooling rate and increased power ratings. The downside is that due to the operation of the fans, such devices are more noisy. In addition, they require additional maintenance and consume more electricity.

Execution

There are two types of stabilizers:

FOR WALL MOUNTING. Such models are compact, easy to use, have a well-thought-out indication and simple operation. The advantage is that they are smaller than floor standing units. Minus – in lower power.
FOR FLOOR USE. The plus is a greater choice of models and a wide range of capacities. The downside is that it’s bulky, which means it takes up a lot of space.

connection

To use the stabilizer at home, in the country or in production, it must be connected to the network and the load. Two options are possible here – terminal and using a plug for a euro socket.

Protection

Modern devices also differ in the presence of protection against:

overheating;
Overload (high current);
Short circuit in the network;
Increase or decrease U;
Skachkov U.

In some models, several protection options are used simultaneously.

We select a voltage stabilizer for home and garden?

When choosing a stabilizing apparatus for home and summer cottages, the first thing to consider is the power of the equipment. For the correct choice, it is important to calculate the total load of household appliances that will be connected to the device.

It is also worth considering the starting power of some devices, for example, a refrigerator or a machine (if it is installed). It is impossible to overload the stabilizer, because it will turn off the protection and will not start until the cause is eliminated.

An equally important nuance is the input voltage range. It should be more than for devices used in the apartment. The lower the lower bound, the better. In dachas or in private houses, there is a drawdown of U below the permissible level due to the use of welding equipment or other high-power devices.

It is recommended to give preference to devices with high accuracy, resistance to loads and smooth regulation.

In addition, it is worth taking devices with low noise and the ability to work at low temperatures. An individual lighting system is often installed in a country house or in a house, so its serviceability and reliability of operation depend on the quality of the stabilizer.

Power calculation

It has been repeatedly noted above that when choosing a stabilizer, it is important to take into account such a criterion as power.

To obtain a stable 220V at the output, it is necessary to fix two key indicators – the total power of electrical appliances, as well as the voltage in the network.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

We measure U during peak hours (in the evenings), for this you can use a multimeter.
We calculate the total power of the existing equipment in the house, in the apartment or in the country, taking into account the starting currents. The nominal parameter can be found from the passport, look at the device itself or in the instructions. When calculating, it is important to take into account constantly operating equipment, such as a refrigerator, TV, boiler, and more. We must not forget about other appliances that turn on from time to time – a hairdryer, an electric kettle and more. If we are talking about a private house or cottage, it is worth considering street lighting, watering and a drive for opening (closing) the gate using an electromagnetic lock. As already noted, it is important to take into account the starting currents, which can be 3-6 times higher than the nominal ones. This feature is typical for water pumps, split systems, refrigerators and other devices.

The final power of the selected stabilizer should be 20% more than the calculated parameter. This is done in order to be able to connect additional devices in the future.

Popular models on the market

Today, stabilizers from many manufacturers are on the market, such as Energia, Resanta, Shtil, Eleks, Luxeon. Let’s consider their features in more detail.

Energy

The Energia company has been operating since 2012 and today is considered one of the leading manufacturers in the electrical field.

Distinctive features are the presence of its own sites for production, certification of products according to international standards and compliance with environmental safety requirements.

The company’s products are used in the manufacturing and private sectors. Energia’s clients are housing and communal services, industrial companies, organizations in the oil and gas sector, SMOs, as well as ordinary customers interested in the quality of the services provided.

More than 70 models of stabilizers are produced at the facilities of Energia, with different power ratings (from small to high).

Consumers have access to devices of relay, hybrid, thyristor and electromechanical types in single-phase and three-phase versions. The range of products for summer cottages, houses and gas boilers with a capacity of 0,5 to 30 kW.

We list some models:

SUITE 500.
Voltron 5000 (HP).
HYBRID-1000.
Energy Classic 5000.
Energy Ultra 5000.
Energy Ultra 9000.
Energy Premium 7500.
Energy Premium
Energy Classic 12000.
Energy Ultra 12000.

Resanta

The Resanta company is a manufacturer that has long been represented on the Russian market and produces top-class electrical equipment.

The advantage of the brand lies in qualified staff, developed service and well-established logistics. Every year the company expands its range of products, works to improve the quality and reliability of equipment.

In the sale of the company you can find more than 60 models of voltage stabilizers for 220 and 380 V, single-phase and three-phase for home, cottage and industry.

The most popular models include the following models: ASN-10000/1-Ts, ASN-5000/1-Ts, ASN-8000 N/1-Ts Lux, ASN-1500N/1-Ts, ASN-3000N/1-Ts, SPN-2700, SPN-13500.

Technical characteristics of models.

Research by MegaRisech conducted in 2014-2015 showed that Resanta produces the best welding machines and stabilizers in Russia.

Calm

The Shtil company is another brand that is widely known in Russia and has gained well-deserved popularity among buyers. For more than 25 years, the organization has been a leader among manufacturers in the Russian Federation. Its features are a great potential for development, many years of production experience and the use of innovative technologies.

The organization received a diploma from the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation for the first place in the title of the best enterprise of the year in the sector of manufacturing goods for industrial use.

The range includes inverter stabilizers, AC and DC UPS, power supply units, monitoring devices, racks, as well as simple and climatic cabinets.

The company produces single-phase and three-phase devices. The most popular ones include the low-power stabilizer “InStab” 350-3500 VA, “InStab” 6-20 kW, “InStab” 10-20 kW (3: 1), “InStab +” 500 VA -14 kW. Of the three-phase, only “InStab” 6-20 kW (performed in a vertical and rack format).

Eleks (Ukraine)

Eleks company deserves no less attention, the facilities of which are located on the territory of Ukraine. The main activity is the creation and manufacture of electrical equipment.

The purpose of such equipment is to improve the quality and reliability of the consumption of various objects, including industrial enterprises, houses and summer cottages.

Features of the manufactured equipment are the use of a 3D modeling system and special coordinate punching machines, the use of powerful press brakes and painting in special chambers using high-quality powder-type enamel.

In the manufacture of radiators, high-quality aluminum alloy is used, which is distinguished by resistance to corrosion and wear, as well as good thermal conductivity.

The company produces voltage stabilizers with power from 1 to 20 kW, with their own consumption up to 35 W and the ability to equalize U from 110 to 315 V.

In addition, the response time of manufactured device models ranges from 10 to 100 ms. Popular models Amp, Amp DUO, Hertz v3.0 and Hybrid.

Luxeon

The Luxeon company has been operating on the Ukrainian market since 2000. From the very beginning, the company has been engaged in the manufacture of various electrical products, including voltage stabilizers, UPS, as well as components for PCs and acoustics.

The popularity of the company’s equipment is due to the successful combination of affordable price, reliability, modern design and high quality products.

Since 2006, Luxeon has been producing household appliances – air conditioners, TV and other equipment for home, summer cottages and apartments. Service is carried out in more than 100 points throughout the country.

On sale are automatic voltage regulators of triac, relay, electromechanical types. In addition, the range includes three-phase regulators U and LATRA.

The rest of the assortment is UPS, voltage converters, batteries, alternative power sources, welding and other equipment.

Common models include:

Triac – EDR-500, EDR-1000, EDR-2000, EDR-3000, EDR-5000, EDR-10000.
Electromechanical – LDS-500, LDS-1500, LDS-2500, LDS-5000, WDS-5500 and others.
Relay – KES-500, CUBE 500, E500, SD-500, LDW-500 and others.
Three-phase — AKS-10KVA, AKS-15KVA, AKS-10KVA, AKS-30KVA.

All the above models can be used at home, in the country or in production.

The importance of a voltage stabilizer for a summer residence, house, apartment or production can not be overestimated. In the presence of unstable voltage, the use of this device allows you to protect expensive equipment and, after the first jump U, recoup the cost of buying a TV, refrigerator, air conditioner or other equipment.

This is the case when savings can lead to even greater costs and regret about the late decision.