Types and types of stabilizers
Depending on what the voltage stabilizer is needed for, choose a network or main one. The first ones are used to protect one device and are connected to an outlet. The latter protect all home appliances, including lighting, and are connected to a circuit breaker installed at the input.
Stabilizers are designed to lower or increase voltage , depending on its change at the input, to a value of 220-230 V at the output. When the mains voltage goes beyond 140-260 V, the power to the connected devices is turned off. Any household stabilizer works automatically without human intervention.
Choosing a voltage stabilizer for your home should begin with determining the optimal type. Manufacturers offer several types that differ in their operating principles. Each of them has its own characteristics and conditions of use.
Electromechanical type
In principle, this is an autotransformer in which the movement of the current-collecting brush is carried out by a servo drive or electric motor through a gearbox. The drive is controlled by an electronic circuit that monitors changes in input voltage.
The advantages include:
- sufficient control range in most cases (from 130 to 260 V);
- no distortion of the output voltage waveform;
- ability to withstand long-term overloads;
- the quality of work is not affected by interference and distortion.
Disadvantages include slow response times and noise generated during operation. Since the design uses moving elements, regular maintenance is required, which is carried out in a workshop or by calling a technician to your home.
This type of device is recommended for use in the absence of frequent power surges.
Relay and hybrid
The basis is also an autotransformer, but the voltage change occurs by switching winding sections using relays (from 4 to 8 pieces). The relays are controlled by an electronic tracking circuit.
The most accurate voltage stabilizers
5. Energotech NORMA 9000
The first in our review of the best voltage stabilizers is a thyristor-type design, which is capable of providing the maximum level of clarity and reliability of voltage stabilization. The rated power of this equipment is 9 kW - this parameter will be quite enough for a small country house or a two-room apartment, especially if it does not have powerful energy-consuming equipment. The product is too expensive, but at the same time it has nine stages of automatic regulation of the incoming voltage, the percentage of deviation from 220 V does not exceed 7%. It also provides reliable protection against possible short circuits; if the input voltage exceeds the specified parameters, the design switches itself off, the same thing happens when the transformer and power switches overheat, but the latter happens extremely rarely.
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Advantages:
- Reliable, high-strength housing;
- Excellent protection against power surges and short circuits;
- Quite reasonable cost;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Suitable for both apartments and private houses.
Flaws:
- The instructions are somewhat confusing - it's not as easy to understand as we would like.
Systems Ultra-M 9000
Can be installed on the floor or mounted to the wall. The input voltage can range from 115 to 300 V - the range is much wider compared to most other devices included in our review today. The maximum power is 9000 W, so you can connect quite a lot of different other devices to such a device. The stabilizer is well suited for spacious houses and apartments with a large area. Short-term overloads can last up to 5 seconds, and the product can withstand up to 100% overload. The frequency of the output current cannot be adjusted - it was automatically set by the manufacturer at 50 Hz, but this standard indicator is quite enough to ensure stable operation of the device for a long time. The stabilizer is a thyristor product, additionally equipped with a manual bypass built into the housing.
Advantages:
- Can be installed on the floor or mounted to the wall;
- High product reliability;
- Length of operation period.
Flaws:
- On incandescent light bulbs, the switching of the stabilization switches is noticeable - they begin to blink a little, but on other lighting devices such a defect is not noticeable;
- High price.
3. Energy Classic 7500
Single-phase wall-mounted thyristor-type structure, designed for use in apartments, private houses, cottages and country houses. The main thing is that the total power of the connected devices does not exceed 7.5 kW. The output voltage accuracy ranges within 5% of 220W. The performance indicator of this design is about 20 ms, so the product operates very quickly, and there will be no extreme loads on the connected electrical appliances. The case is not too large, and by attaching the product to the wall, the stabilizer will not take up any free space in the room. The efficiency is about 98%. The device can function normally at temperatures from +10 to +40 degrees, so it must be installed strictly in a heated room.
Advantages:
- It is produced on the basis of single-crystal thyristors, providing a long service life - the manufacturer claims approximately 60 thousand hours;
- Very high switching speed;
- Extended input voltage range;
- Interesting appearance;
- Not a very bulky product.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive for a stabilizer.
Lider PS10000W-50
It does not have a relay, so it operates absolutely silently, and there is no servo drive or other mechanical elements that can wear out during operation. The device has several degrees of protection - from overheating, overload, short circuit. In addition, it has a non-volatile memory where the last 32 shutdowns of the stabilizer due to abnormal situations are recorded, so the product is able to diagnose the causes of the shutdown. When the power supply is restored, the device starts automatically. The product is placed in a metal case, there is a liquid crystal display on the front side; if necessary, you can install the product on the wall.
Advantages:
- High level of reliability and quality;
- Extended input voltage range;
- Reacts quickly to voltage changes;
- The output voltage can be adjusted if desired by the user;
- Load and thyristor temperatures are indicated in real time.
Flaws:
- The transformer hums a little during operation.
PROGRESS 8000TR
One of the most expensive models in our entire review of the best voltage stabilizers. It is used for a single-phase network; the total power of connected devices should be no more than 6.4 kW. The stabilization accuracy will not exceed 3%. The device can operate with input currents in the range from 120 to 245 V, however, if necessary, it maintains the specified parameters when the input voltage varies up to 100-260 V. The product is adapted to quite complex and severe operating conditions. The adjustment here is stepwise; the device operates on the basis of thyristor switches. The dimensions of the product are compact, the body is made of metal, there is a liquid crystal display and quite informative.
Advantages:
- Carefully designed protection system against short circuits and overheating;
- Consumes little electricity;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Long period of operation.
Flaws:
- Except for the high price was not found.
Other types
In addition to the main types, stabilizers with other operating principles are sometimes used. Ferroresonant ones are quite acceptable for small houses. The principle of operation is based on the phenomenon of ferroresonance between windings wound on the same core and connected through capacitors. They have high speed and reliability. Disadvantages include low efficiency, increased noise level, significant weight and size, and high cost.
Electronic stabilizers with a double inverter conversion system 100% compensate for any voltage surges. However, their cost is very high , so it is better to use such devices as additional protection for one valuable device if frequent voltage fluctuations occur in the power supply (for example, a neighbor does welding work every day). But if your income allows, you can purchase a powerful device to protect your entire home.
Criterias of choice
To choose the right device, you first need to determine which network is connected to your home. If 220 V (phase and zero) is supplied to the house, then a single-phase stabilizer is selected.
In the case of connecting 3 phases and zero (380 V), there are 2 options :
- If the house has installations designed for 380 V, a 3-phase device is installed.
- In the absence of such installations, it is more profitable to install 3 single-phase devices, since they will cost less than a 3-phase one.
Power determination
The stabilizer can be selected based on the total power of all devices, taking into account the reactive component, starting current of electric motors and the number of simultaneously switched on devices. But it is easier to select the power of the stabilizer based on the cutoff current of the circuit breaker installed at the input. It is already designed for the maximum load that the electrical wiring can withstand. Suppose a 50 A circuit breaker is installed, then the power of the stabilizer for a single-phase network is equal to: 50 * 220 = 11000 W (11 kW).
The closest stabilizer power values are 10 and 15 kW. If you do not connect electric heating devices to the stabilizer, which remain operational even at reduced voltage, a lower value is sufficient. At full load, 15 kW is selected to have a reserve, since when the voltage drops, the power of the device itself drops.
The power of a 3-phase stabilizer at a machine current of 16 A is equal to: 16 * 220 * 3 = 10560 W. Close values in this case are 9 and 15 kW. If it is decided to install a stabilizer on each phase, their power is calculated as for a single-phase network.
Regulation limits
The stabilizer's passport indicates the voltage range in which it is capable of maintaining 220 V output. If there are differences outside the range, the device turns off.
To find out how much the voltage in the house changes, you will have to take measurements for several days in the mornings and evenings , when the load reaches its maximum. When taking measurements, your electrical equipment should be connected to the maximum. Based on the data obtained, the operating range of the selected stabilizer is determined.
When choosing, it should be taken into account that when working near the boundaries of the adjustable range, the accuracy of maintaining output parameters drops to 15-18%. Prolonged operation in such conditions leads to overheating of the device and its failure.
In addition, frequent outages are possible.
Device power up to 1 kW
5. BASTION Teplocom ST-888
This product is ideal for installation in front of one or two devices. In most cases, the model is purchased by owners of private houses where modern gas boilers with electrical control are installed. The maximum load power of the product is 888 VA, maintaining voltage stability in the range of 145 to 260 V, providing full power over the entire range. Voltage stabilization is a booster type, manufactured using the latest technologies. Microprocessor control system. In the event of a power failure, it turns off carefully, preventing sensitive microcircuits from burning out. The product restores the current supply after the voltage returns to the network. There is an LED indication of emergency situations.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Easy to connect and use;
- There is an emergency indicator.
Flaws:
- It can only be used for one electrical appliance, so it is usually connected to stabilize the voltage of part of the network.
Energy ARS 1000
First of all, this model is designed to reliably protect electrical appliances from amplitude fluctuations, so the device is also excellent for optimal work with gas boilers, pumping stations and other similar devices. In this case, the device can be used both for boilers that provide forced circulation, and with boilers operating with natural circulation. Performance is pretty good. The relay control unit is triggered instantly, the voltage equalization range is from 140 to 260 V. In addition, there is a multi-stage protection system that protects the equipment from the consequences of voltage surges. Information about the incoming and outgoing voltage is displayed on the liquid crystal display, which also informs the user regarding the set operating modes.
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Advantages:
- Optimal characteristics;
- Low cost;
- Compact overall dimensions and weight;
- Easy to operate.
Flaws:
- Very bright digital display.
Voltage stabilizer RESANTA ACH-1000/1-C
The output voltage error of this device is minimal, and the response speed for surges or sags is impressive - about 25-30 ms. Due to this moment, electrical products connected to the network through this device simply do not have time to respond to changes in voltage in the network. The input voltage range is standard - from 140 to 160 V. If the external indicators go beyond the specified limits, the stabilizer simply stops the current supply, and does this so that not a single element of the connected electrical appliance burns out. In addition, protective systems are triggered if an overload, a short circuit occurs in the network, or if the transformer heats up to a temperature of over 80 degrees. All elements of the device are placed in a metal case of small dimensions, and the stabilizer can be used in the temperature range from 0 to 45 degrees with a humidity of no more than 80%.
Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- You can connect two devices at once;
- Reliable protection system against short circuit and excessive high or low voltage;
- There is a wall mount;
- Increased body strength.
Flaws:
- It cannot be placed in an unheated room.
Powercom TCA-2000
The total power of the device is 2000 VA or 1000 W, which ensures reliable protection of four devices at once from the occurrence of high-voltage pulses, voltage surges and short circuits in the network. The fuse function in the device is performed by a special thermal breaker. The equipment is also equipped with a passive cooling system that prevents internal elements from overheating during operation. Without user intervention, the product is capable of independently stabilizing the voltage up to 220 plus or minus 5 V with an input voltage range from 187 to 250 V. In order for the owner of the device to keep all processes under his full control, there is a corresponding indication represented by LEDs, here also There is a digital voltmeter. If necessary, the stabilizer is attached to the wall or installed on the floor. The overall dimensions are compact, the weight is insignificant - only 1.8 kg.
Advantages:
- Works very stable;
- Does not require maintenance;
- Long period of operation;
- Possibility to power four devices at once.
Flaws:
- In complete silence, the clicks of the relay being activated can be heard.
Quattro Elementi Stabilia W-Slim 1000
The leader of this part of our review was the original products designed for wall mounting. This device operates with voltage in the range from 140 to 270 V with a weight of 2.6 kg, the thickness of the model is only 6 cm. In addition to good functionality, this product also has an attractive and very stylish appearance, so it can also be used as a decorative element . Designed specifically to work with high-precision electronic devices that are sensitive to voltage drops. The product optimally demonstrated its characteristics when powered through it by a control unit, heating boilers and “Smart Home” systems. Perfectly protects products from short circuits, there is a switch-on delay mode.
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost;
- Turns on within a few seconds;
- Works great;
- Looks attractive;
- It operates absolutely silently.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Additional functions
When choosing, preference should be given to models with protection against high voltage, which may occur when lightning strikes the wires of an overhead line or phase imbalance if one of them is broken. As soon as the voltage returns to normal, the stabilizer will turn on. In the absence of such a function, it is advisable to acquire a separate protective relay.
In cases where the voltage stabilizer does not work, and the reason is unknown, a bypass will come in handy. This switch can directly connect the input to the output, ensuring the supply of current to the house even if the stabilizer completely fails. Repair or replacement can be done at a convenient time.
There are models with one or two displays , which display the current value of the load current, information about the voltage at the input and output, and violations of the device’s operating mode. If there is no need for such detailed information, a model with LED indication is selected. But a cooling fan would be useful.
It is, of course, better to entrust the installation of a stabilizer to specialists who know how to stabilize the voltage in a private home. However, if you have knowledge and skills in working with electrical equipment, you can do the installation and connection yourself.
It is recommended to install the stabilizer near the distribution panel or in the pantry. Installation in the basement and attic is prohibited.
