Unstable mains voltage can lead to unpleasant consequences - from malfunctions of electrical appliances to failure of wiring and fires. Most problems can be eliminated by installing a transformer for a private house - a static apparatus that can convert voltage or electric current.
Problems in electrical networks
Electricity is supplied to homes through power lines and step-up transformers of the supplier, covering several hundred kilometers. The loads will be shared between the connected houses after the installation of the reduction unit. Installing an individual transformer is much more profitable, but more expensive - the internal electric network will receive current reduced to 220 V.
The problem of regular voltage drawdown in the electrical network, in which the devices cannot function normally, can be solved by installing a step-up transformer.
Classification and types
Transformers are divided into several types depending on the field of application and technical characteristics. The main classification parameters are:
- The number of windings.
- The number of phases.
- Cooling method.
- Accuracy class or possible errors.
- Type of allocation.
Transformers designed to adjust the electric current are called current transformers. If the device regulates the voltage, then it is called a voltage transformer.
The voltage varies depending on the number of transformer windings:
- Primary takes stress.
- The secondary transmits the changed voltage.
A step-up transformer for a house is called if it has a greater number of turns in the secondary winding than in the primary, otherwise it decreases.
The cross-section of the winding wires affects the power of the transformer, the materials for making wires and the type of core - the size and weight of the device. All devices by type of execution are divided into three-phase and single-phase.
The simplest transformer with minimum weight and compact dimensions is considered to be an autotransformer with one winding. Such models are budget options and are most often used in automatic devices and high-voltage electrical networks. Autotransformers do not have galvanic isolation, which is their drawback.
Power transformers are used in the supply and reception of electricity on power lines and vice versa. Electrical appliances are equipped with network devices.
Selection tips
Before purchasing a voltage stabilizer, you need to decide whether it is needed or not, but for prevention it should still be installed, since the voltage in electrical networks often varies.
When choosing a mini-transformer, the following characteristics are taken into account:
- The number of phases.
- Output power.
- The mass of the device.
- Dimensions of the transformer.
- Operational period.
- Working voltage range.
- Speed of response to power surges.
Be sure to clarify the load of specific devices. Single-phase transformers are purchased for small household appliances, three-phase stabilizers - for a large number of devices with the need for load distribution.
One of the most popular and sought-after transformers is considered to be "Resanta ASN" - a single-phase digital stabilizer with an affordable price of 2600 rubles. Such a transformer is mounted on a wall.
A more expensive and reliable model is the "Calm" stabilizer. Its approximate cost is 4000 rubles. The Shtil stabilizer is optimally suited for the protection of electronic equipment and household appliances with alternating voltage.
Voltage transformers
Voltage transformers are static electromagnetic devices that change alternating voltage. Such stabilizers are divided into several categories depending on the purpose:
- Power. They are used to increase and decrease the voltage, which allows transmitting current over long distances to consumer devices.
- Technological. High-power devices used for technological purposes - furnace, welded and others.
- Low power. They are installed on television and radio equipment, household appliances and various electronic circuits.
- Measuring. They are used to expand the boundaries of measurement devices.
Voltage transformers can be used both for monitoring and for measuring voltage and power. They can power alarm systems, electrical circuits of automation and effectively protect power lines.
Step-up transformers
These are power devices installed in electrical circuits for domestic or industrial purposes and increasing voltage. Depending on the area of use and characteristics, transformers for the home are divided into several types that supply voltage:
- Auto transformer. Single phase single winding device.
- Current transformer. A stabilizer consisting of a core, several windings, optical sensors and resistors.
- Power devices. The current is transferred between the circuits by means of electromagnetic induction.
- Antiresonant stabilizers. Closed single-phase or three-phase devices.
- Grounding transformers. Equipped with a special type of winding.
- Peak Transformers. Separate alternating and direct currents.
- Transformers for the home. Designed to transfer electricity from a source to a consumer device and eliminate interference in the operation of household appliances.
Three-phase networks of production zones mainly use transformers that convert voltage from 220 to 380 V. They allow you to create additional power lines and symmetrically distribute the load in phases in the absence of a 380 V.
Home Boost Transformers
They are installed in situations when the voltage of the electric network is less than the required 220 V. Such models have a constant transformation ratio: with a stable voltage of the mains, the final indicator will be much higher than that necessary for powering electrical appliances, which can cause them to break. Output voltage control is provided on some models in manual mode. Industrial transformers can not be installed at home, because their work can be dangerous due to the use of specialized oils for cooling.
Step-down transformers
To connect devices, the voltage of 220 V for which is too high, install step-down transformers by 15 or 10 volts. The advantages of such transformers for the home are the following characteristics:
- Protection against fire and electric shock, which is important when using such devices in rooms with a high level of humidity - bathrooms, baths and others.
- Minimal energy consumption - low-voltage lighting devices consume several times less energy, unlike standard ones.
- Increase in operational life of devices.
Chargers of various gadgets and household devices are equipped with integrated transformers, and therefore they do not require the installation of such stabilizers. Self-installation of transformers for the home is necessary when installing low-voltage lighting, based on halogen and LED lamps.
Summary
The purchase of a transformer for domestic use in most cases is a necessary solution and is not difficult if you carefully study the classification of devices and their intended use. The correct selection of stabilizers provides the power necessary for the operation of household appliances without the risk of breakdown of equipment and its failure. Installation of transformers can be carried out both independently and after contacting specialists.