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The purchase of an automatic machine does not end with its installation and operation. If you want to save your appliances from premature failure, install a voltage stabilizer for your washing machine.
Voltage drops in the domestic power grid are not uncommon. Moreover, there are cases when deviations of 10-15% are allowed. No one will return the money for the burned-out equipment, so you need to protect yourself and the machine in advance.
How to choose a voltage stabilizer
There are different types of devices on the market today. They differ in technical characteristics and principle of operation. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each type to find out which one you need.
Relay
The simplest and cheapest type of stabilizer. The device is suitable for a home electrical network with small power surges – no more than 10-15 V. Otherwise, the relay contacts are damaged, which puts your equipment at risk.
ferroresonant
This stabilizer is the most expensive and unstable. They release it abroad, and use it there. Occasionally it is used in enterprises, but is not suitable for a home network.
Stepped
The name of the stabilizer indicates the type of its work. Semiconductor parts in the design stabilize power surges in stages. Therefore, the device does not respond so quickly to distortions, but protects home appliances by 100%.
It is the stepped type that is recommended to be installed for the automatic washing machine.
Electromechanical (servo)
It consists of a drive and several blocks. An inexpensive stabilizer that produces a stable output voltage. But it has a small operating range, and its servo often fails.
The advantage is the low price.
Do you need a stabilizer
To understand if your machine needs an uninterruptible power supply, measure the voltage in the network during “rush hours” for several days. Compare the deviations from the normal voltage of 220 volts.
- If the indicators are not more than 235 V, then the installation of the device is optional. You can only do it for insurance purposes.
- The network needs an uninterruptible power supply for all equipment, if the deviations from 200 V are 7-10%.
- With a deviation of 10-15%, it is generally dangerous for you to connect household appliances. A stabilizer is urgently needed not only for the washing machine, but also for other appliances.
Having drawn conclusions, you can proceed to the selection of a stabilizing device.
washing machine stabilizer power
Before you go shopping, decide what power the device should be. To do this, you need to calculate:
- Select the devices you want to connect to the stabilizer. It must withstand the load from the most powerful equipment.
- If you decide to connect only an automatic machine, look at its instructions. Find the line that indicates the power that it consumes during operation.
- The power of the washing machine is 2000 watts. Add 40% to this figure and round up. At the output you get 3000 watts. That’s how much the stabilizing device should withstand.
- It is important to pay attention to the number of phases. It must match your network. You can check this by looking at the meter: it indicates a single-phase or three-phase network type.
For additional protection, it is recommended to install automatic RCD. This is a protective device that will prevent electric shock during a sudden power surge.
Popular Models
Experts have identified the best models in accordance with their parameters.
Voltron PCH-3000
The relay type stabilizer is designed to work in a single-phase network. Can effectively maintain the voltage in the network 220V ± 8%. The device includes two types of protection – relay and step. Due to the high response speed, the stabilizer will reliably protect household appliances.
The device is equipped with overload protection, not subject to short circuit. The input voltage range is quite wide: 105-265 V. The power of the product is 3 kW, it can be used in houses without heating.
Russian companies are engaged in production, so beware of cheap Chinese fakes.
UPower ACH-3000
It is used in household single-phase networks, operates in the range of 140-260 V. The deviation from the norm is 6%. Appliances with a total power of 3000 W can be connected. When the permissible voltage is exceeded, the device automatically turns off. Work starts as soon as the voltage stabilizes.
You can install the device in a room with a humidity level not higher than 98%. The design of the stabilizer combines relay and step protection. The microprocessor controls the operation of the relay. Thus, it responds to a power surge after 4 ms. Equipped with a display.
UPower ACH-3000 is designed for installation in homes without heating. Withstands temperatures from -30 to +40 degrees. Manufactured in China.
Energy ASN-5000
Relay-type stabilizer with an operating range of 120-280 V. Automatically turns off if the voltage becomes higher than the permissible norm. One of the most economical devices, since its efficiency is 98%. Power – 5 kW.
The sealed housing has two displays and indicator lights. The stabilizer operates quietly and can be installed in an unheated room. Permissible temperature: -20 – +40 degrees. The compact dimensions of the device (203x192x285 cm) and low weight (9 kg) make operation convenient.
Now you understand that installing a stabilizer for home appliances is very important. Choosing the right one is not difficult, the main thing is to know the total power of the equipment. If you do not know what type of network you have, please consult a specialist.