Voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler: how to choose

Gas appliances are often equipped with electronic control. Such heating boilers are connected to the network, therefore they are sensitive to the quality of the electrical supply. It has been proven that every fourth failure occurs due to network instability. Service centers refuse to repair equipment after such breakdowns. Therefore, you need to install a voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler.

How to choose the right device so that it protects the boiler to the maximum? We’ll tell you in the article.

Do you need a stabilizer?

Many models of heating equipment “Baxi” (Baxi), “Proterm”, “Navien” include electronic control and an automation unit. This includes the main module with sensors controlled by it. The latter control the operation of the boiler units, ensuring the safety of operation.

Automation is sensitive to voltage quality. For its normal operation, a pure sine wave is required, which we wrote about in the article “How to choose a UPS for a gas boiler”. That is, the current supply must be constant and stable. If the board burns out during the next jump, the replacement will cost 30–50% of the total cost of the equipment.

Installing a stabilizer is simply necessary to protect the device. It corrects the frequency of the current, so all systems function without overloads and breakdowns.

Some users still operate old Soviet units with manual ignition and a complete lack of security systems. They argue that the additional connection of protective devices is just a waste of money. One of the typical objections sounds like this: “In our area (house), network jumps rarely happen. They are not so significant as to cause harm to technology.

Here are the facts for this:

1. No one is immune from natural phenomena: a storm, a hurricane, a strong wind, a thunderstorm – all this can cut off the transmission line.

2. The number of consumers connecting to the line is growing, this may cause the supply to be unstable. And if the neighbors started repairs and turned on the grinder, then your network is guaranteed to get a “jump”.
3. The human factor plays a role: the unscrupulous work of an electrician, damage to wiring during repairs – all accidents cannot be avoided.

Did you know? When connecting the boiler without a stabilizer, the company has the right to refuse warranty repairs.

Which safety device is right for you? Let’s start by getting to know their varieties.

Types of stabilizers

Consider the types according to the principle of operation.

Relay or electronic. Connect to a network with a range of 135–315 V. One of the cheapest devices. The advantages of the relay type include:

• Good response speed (100 ms).
• Compact and light weight.
• stable sinusoid. Output current accuracy 7,5%.

Cons:

• Quite noisy operation (clicks are heard).
• When switching windings, the light may flash.
• Short service life.

Electromechanical or servo driven. The voltage is regulated by a brush that moves around the electric motor.

Advantages:

• High accuracy (3%).
• Work in a wide range.
• Smooth adjustment of output frequency.
• Small cost.

Disadvantages:

• After three or four years, the adjustment brush will have to be replaced.
• The device will not function in a cold room.
• Slow response.
• Due to the principle of operation, it can openly spark.

Triac or thyristor. Today it is the best device, although its cost is higher than the previous two. High response accuracy of 2-3% due to the large number of windings. Run – 214–226 V.

Pros:

• High speed (10–20 ms) and accuracy.
• Stable and quiet operation.

Cons:

• High price.

Double conversion (inventory). A separate type of protection, which can be called the most reliable. Initially, the device converts alternating current to direct current, and then again to alternating current with a pure sine wave. The operating range is 120-300 V. Instantly responds to a surge or decrease in voltage.

Among the shortcomings, the high cost of the device can be distinguished.

Pulse width (PWM). The device is based on the operation of a pulse generator. It produces an accurate output current. Allows full synchronization with the gas boiler. Recommended for connection to a low frequency network.

Which device is better to choose also depends on the number of phases. You can choose a device with a built-in battery that will keep working during a power outage.

Number of phases

The choice of the number of phases depends on the network parameters. If it is single-phase, then the protective device must be of the same type.

Single phase. Suitable for hanging and floor heating equipment. It is often installed in houses and apartments with network values ​​of 220 V. It serves to rectify power up to 135 kVA.

Three phase. It is used more for industrial purposes for connection in boiler rooms. Power range 380–400 V. It can also be used at home if the connection parameters correspond to the declared ones.

What to consider when choosing

To choose the best model, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Boiler power. Electric models of different brands Buderus, Wisman, Ariston, Bosch have a different operating range – it can be 10 or 24 kW. This must be taken into account when choosing.
• Response time. Specified in milliseconds (ms). The parameter will tell you how long the stabilizer will equalize the voltage during the jump.
• Input voltage. Recommended range is 140-260W.
• Output correction accuracy. So you will find out how well your boiler “feeds”.
• Working temperature. This refers to the ambient temperature at which the equipment normally works. Usually it is +5 – +40 degrees.
• Placement method. Wall-mounted options are lighter and more compact, occupying a minimum of space. Floor mounted are more often used for industrial purposes for high power equipment.

To calculate the power of the stabilizer, sum up the power of all devices that are connected to it. Multiply the resulting number by 1,3 (jump at start).

How to connect a stabilizer

Before installation, read the instructions and technical documentation of the device.

• The device is located in a dry room with the temperature indicated in the passport.
• The unit is placed away from combustible substances.
• Do not place the device in closed cabinets, cabinets. It is important to ensure proper air circulation.
• Connection to the boiler is carried out through a socket with grounding.

See diagram below:

Where to buy the device? You can do this in an online store or home appliance stores.

Most often, the protective device breaks down during prolonged operation with low voltage (170 V). When connecting, observe the operating voltage at the input.

Why are clicks heard during operation?

This question is often asked by users on the forums. There are several reasons for this:

• Clicks are audible when the power is incorrectly selected. When the energy values ​​go beyond the allowable limits, the stabilizer turns off. At the same time, a click is heard. The way out is to choose the right device.
• Bad soldering contacts. More common in inexpensive versions. During use, a crack occurs at the soldering point, which causes extraneous sounds.
• Mechanical type of equipment. There are clicks during mode switching.

Now you know what to look for when choosing, compared the advantages and disadvantages, the principle of connection. It remains to deal with the choice of model, its parameters and cost.

Popular models rating

The review is based on consumer feedback.

«Resanta ASN-500 N/1-C»

Single-phase relay type stabilizer. The compact body fits well on the wall. Provides equipment protection during voltage surges in the 220/380 V network. The built-in filter eliminates interference, the current frequency is automatically adjusted. “Resanta” works in a wide range of temperatures, but does not tolerate high humidity in the room.

Price from 2 000 rubles.

Paul

I bought “Resanta” for a boiler with a circulation pump. Conducted a test, tried to connect a TV and a microwave to it – suitable for any technique. After connecting to the heating equipment, it has been working stably for a year, without shutdowns. There were no problems with the instructions, I connected everything myself. Now I don’t worry that the electronics will fail, because repairs are expensive. I recommend to all my friends.

Spire InStab IS3500

The model of the InStab inverter converter from the Russian manufacturer Shtil. A single-phase device is perfect for protecting gas double-circuit boilers, refrigeration, household appliances. Available in wall and floor versions. The LCD display and LEDs help keep track of the current mode.

• Instantly responds to network fluctuations.
• Does not distort the voltage in the primary network.
• Performs a double conversion.
• Built-in protection against short circuit (short circuit), overheating, overload.
• Forced cooling by a fan.
• Noise filter installed.

The cost is from 22 rubles.

Alexander

Initially I was looking for an inverter option. It is more reliable and produces a high-quality sine wave, unlike relays. While normally functioning, it is on the floor in a horizontal position. True, it makes noise during operation, which is annoying. Probably due to forced cooling by fans. It is better to secure the equipment once than to call the master and overpay later. While satisfied with the purchase, the main thing is that everything is protected.

“Bastion Teplokom ST-5552”

Wall-mounted single-phase relay type device. Protects electrical appliances, improving the quality of power supply.

It can be installed in the private sector, apartment, office, enterprise. The housing is simply attached to the wall thanks to the three-point brackets. The LED backlight gently illuminates the panel at night.

Short circuit protection, automatic shutdown in case of emergency.

Price from 3 000 rubles.

Victor

I have a double-circuit Buderus unit at home for a long time. He heated the water and the room perfectly, until one day he broke. It was autumn, winter was approaching, so the master was immediately called. After diagnosing, he reported that the electronic board had flown. It turned out that the part is sensitive to deviations in the network. Recommend installing a stabilizer. I opted for the budget option Teplocom St-555. He pleased me with a clear instruction, a light body. There are mounts for hanging, but I have it on the floor. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for 5 years!

The connection is easy: the plug is connected to the mains, and the socket is on the cable to the boiler. I’ve been using it for 2 years now, and no problems with the technique. “Teplokom” is always on, most often instability occurs at night. The only inconvenience is short wires. But if you consider how much the device costs, this minus can be ignored.

After realizing all the advantages and disadvantages, as well as familiarizing yourself with the varieties of protective devices, you can go shopping. Follow our recommendations, correlate the power of the heating unit with the parameters of the stabilizer. Consider the amount of connected equipment. Good luck choosing!