The operation of the power grid in domestic utility infrastructure is often accompanied by negative factors that can lead to damage to equipment and devices. In particular, it can be voltage fluctuations, impulse drops, electrical noise and bursts. These risks can be eliminated with the help of special devices. The most affordable from the point of view of domestic use is a voltage stabilizer for the apartment, which does not take up much space, but at the same time will properly perform its function.
Is a stabilizer necessary?
Until recently, stabilizing devices were practically not used in everyday life. They were usually used at enterprises, in offices and at factories where powerful and at the same time energy-sensitive equipment is operated, and in most cases it performs quite important tasks. But today the question more and more often arises - is a voltage stabilizer in the apartment needed and is it possible to do without it? Indeed, some of the electrical appliances are resistant to sudden drops and power surges. In addition, fluctuations in the network occur infrequently. In turn, the stabilizer still costs money, not to mention the costs and troubles in the installation process. Such investments are justified by the guaranteed protection of refrigerators, televisions, and other representatives of household appliances, the filling of which may fail if the voltage is uneven.
Main characteristics
It should be noted right away that for an apartment or a small private house it is better to purchase single-phase models. Usually they are divided into two segments depending on the range of the covered voltage. Entry-level models work in the spectrum of 140-160 watts, and standard versions - in the corridor from 160 to 250 watts. The next important characteristic is power. It should be calculated before buying a stabilizer, evaluating the maximum threshold. A specific indicator is determined based on the total power of the sources that will be connected to the device. In the question of which voltage regulator is best for an apartment in terms of power, it is best to focus on the range of 0.5-30 kW. This potential is enough for house maintenance with a standard set of modern household appliances. But, if the apartment has non-standard consumers, it is advisable to add another 10-20% to the calculated capacity for insurance.
Varieties
Specialists usually divide stabilizers into two types - electromechanical and devices with step regulation. But these two types should be considered separately. A simpler classification divides devices by type of design and the number of possible consumers. As for the design, the most common is a voltage regulator for a wall-mounted apartment, which takes up little space and can very well be integrated next to the meter for the convenience of tracking operating parameters. Also becoming more popular is the floor version, which resembles an outwardly line filter. But these two devices should not be confused, because they have different functions and the filter does not provide protection to the extent that the stabilizer does.
The devices also differ in the number of energy consumers served, but here the differences are rather individual - for example, there are models with three outlets, five, six, etc.
Electromechanical Stabilizers
These are models based on a small automatic transformer. The functionality of this device is determined by the possibility of voltage regulation due to graphite brushes, which, depending on the characteristics of the electrical circuit, move around the transformer coil. The advantages of such devices include high accuracy in fixing the voltage, as well as a small mass. It is widely believed that voltage regulators for an electromechanical type apartment have a serious drawback in the form of wear of the mentioned brushes. But this is not entirely true, since even in industrial high-power units graphite elements have been in operation for years, providing accurate regulatory indicators. Moreover, if the device is purchased for an ordinary apartment, then you can not even think about wear.
Step Models
In this case, the transformer principle of operation is also applied, but the regulation itself is carried out according to a step system due to switches. When voltage fluctuations are observed, the automatic key eliminates them by moving the turns of the transformer coil. There are two types of switches - relay and digital. In the first case, the usual mechanical component is used, which, however, is designed for automatic operation, and in the second - thyristors and triacs. We can say that this is the optimal voltage regulator for 220V for an apartment, as it is characterized by low sensitivity to network frequencies. As for the accuracy of voltage correction, this indicator is significantly inferior to electromechanical counterparts with smooth adjustment. On the other hand, this type of stabilizer benefits from the high speed of the primary processing of voltage indicators.
Additional functionality
The device is constantly being improved, both in terms of the accuracy of voltage fixing, and in relation to the general safety of operation. In advanced devices, for example, developers provide a system for indicating the operating status. Thus, the user can recognize the parameters of the output and input voltage, as well as control the parameters due to external control elements interconnected with indicators. As for security systems, manufacturers are increasingly providing stabilizing devices with high-strength housings that are also resistant to internal overheating. Experts also recommend purchasing a voltage stabilizer for an apartment with automatic diagnostic modes. This means that if a malfunction is detected, regardless of the current state of the device, the system will give a corresponding signal according to the emergency button principle.
Installation of equipment
Special difficulties in the process of physical installation of the stabilizer should not arise. As a rule, manufacturers complete devices with special brackets, with the help of which it is recommended to carry out installation. The only nuance in such an installation is the need to observe a distance from the ceiling of 30 cm. Most of these models are installed in a separate order, but there is also a voltage regulator for the apartment in the dashboard, which has small dimensions. It is easy to integrate it into the operating panel of the electrical panel, but it is important to consider the disadvantages of such a solution. Compact models have a minimum level of mechanical protection, and their power level rarely exceeds 10 kW. Again, for comparison, individual stabilizers are able to serve the total power of consumers at the level of 30-40 kW.
Connection Nuances
Before connecting the device, it is necessary to check its external condition for damage. Also, if during transportation the external temperature was negative, then it is necessary to leave the stabilizer for 2 hours at room temperature, without making any manipulations with it. Then you can proceed to the connection. First of all, the so-called "Bypass" mode is disabled, if any. It is usually provided for maintenance work. Then the ground wire is connected to the corresponding terminal on the device. After that, the load wires are connected or a direct connection to the outlet is performed. Depending on the scheme in which the installation was carried out in the apartment, the voltage regulator may have a different degree of deviation from the actual indicators when registering operating parameters. Therefore, it is best to conduct an electrical examination in advance, which will determine the most advantageous place and installation method with connecting the device.
Stabilizer Maintenance
Manufacturers generally recommend an audit of the instrument once a year. During such tests, the user must evaluate the reliability of the connection of the wires, including the load, grounding and input voltage. It is equally important to check the external state of the device. The main thing at this stage is to make sure that the circulation openings for the air flows are not blocked by anything and provide free ventilation. Of course, the case itself must be cleaned of all kinds of dirt and dust. By the way, the best voltage stabilizer for an apartment from the point of view of the convenience of maintenance is a device provided with a body insulated from dust. Such models have a special design with a coating based on dustproof material. Also, if possible, with the help of electrical devices it will be useful to evaluate the quality of the built-in measuring equipment of the stabilizer.
Manufacturers
The leader in the domestic market of stabilizers is the company Resanta. Its products are presented in a huge assortment, and in terms of quality characteristics, some models are not inferior to foreign counterparts. Among the Russian manufacturers of this equipment, the companies Teplocom and Caliber stand out. If we talk about foreign brands, then a high-quality voltage stabilizer for an apartment is easy to find in the lines of Wester, Sturm and Elitech. The developers of these companies implement the latest technology in stabilizers, while maintaining a high level of quality in terms of basic parameters.
How to choose the best option?
Technical indicators should be the starting point in the selection. Again, the total power of the household appliances used will determine what range of power potential should be guided. In addition, it is important to consider structural features and ergonomic advantages. As for the design, the most convenient method of installation and fastening is determined here. Ergonomics should also not be underestimated, as it will allow you to comfortably use a voltage regulator for the apartment. How to choose a model for this indicator? Pay attention to devices with digital control panels and, in particular, with liquid crystal displays. The fact is that a visual representation of this kind of data is often accompanied by an extensive range of indicators themselves, which the user can control.
Price issue
In the entry-level segment, devices with price tags from 2 to 4 thousand rubles are available. These are the simplest devices that can perform their tasks efficiently, but for the most part they lack additional functionality, not to mention modern security systems. The middle class, costing from 5 to 7 thousand, also does not particularly indulge in terms of technological excellence, but you can be sure that the manufacturer of such an apparatus has provided a reliable element base. In the upper range, a voltage stabilizer for an apartment worth about 12-15 thousand is presented. These are multifunctional models provided with LCD displays and improved means of monitoring indicators. In addition, they have an original design.
Conclusion
Even if the local power grid is not characterized by frequent power outages, this does not mean that household appliances are completely safe. The cause of the sharp fluctuation may be a random factor, which in the end is capable of causing the need for expensive repairs. In just a few thousand rubles, a voltage stabilizer for an apartment will help get rid of such risks. How to choose the best model is a simple question. Sometimes a cheap device is enough, the list of duties of which will include control of one or two pieces of equipment. If the apartment is literally crammed with all kinds of electrical appliances, then the need for a stabilizer increases significantly, causing the need for a more powerful and reliable system of electrical protection.