How to choose a voltage regulator

Our life with you for a long time and is tightly bound with electrical appliances that we use every day. Among them are both cheap and expensive. But the energy networks, which we get from you electricity are far from ideal and it will be very unpleasant if for the next "jump" voltage goes down expensive equipment. In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary to use a voltage regulator. In this article I will tell you how to make a choice of this product.

What is the voltage regulator

As in the single-phase network knows the operating voltage is considered an indicator of 230 V, and the allowable deviation should not exceed 10%. But because of various reasons for rejection may exceed the allowable quite. In such cases, included appliances begin to function in extreme conditions, which can lead to breakage.

A voltage regulators just designed for smoothing the possible differences and outputting the normal parameters of current and voltage for stable operation of the connected electrical devices.

So, the purpose of the stabilizer found, now let's move on to the direct selection of the most important indicators.

The choice of power

The most important parameter of any voltage regulator is considered its power. There is probably no need to explain that the output of the stabilizer should be larger than the capacity of the protected appliances.

That is why before you must correctly calculate the total power of the consumers.

Just keep in mind that the total power is made up of active and reactive component. calculation formula is as follows:

Reactive component is found in the users where there are motors, fans, transformers, inductors, and capacitors. Usually these appliances in addition to the active load is specified and cos.

Below is a summary table of the main electrical appliances in the house and their parameters are active and reactive component:

But if you can not find this option either in the table or on the appliance, then take it as a standard value COSφ = 0,7. And power calculation formula would look like this:

Thus, we calculated the total power of your appliances and increase this figure by 30% (to increase the service life is impossible to voltage regulator operates at a constant maximum load, and should always be a margin for the possibility of connecting new electrical appliances).

Usually, for the average home is sufficient products with a capacity of 7500 VA. But just want to point out the more power, the more expensive the unit. And you can save in the following way.

Protect only the necessary instruments

Not to connect the entire load through a powerful stabilizer (which will cost you a pretty decent money) there are several groups of consumers and to protect their individual stabilizers that will significantly cheaper. Thus, you will protect your expensive equipment and is not hit hard on your family budget.

What parameters should also take into account

Power - this is important, but not all. As it is necessary to pay attention to the following information:

1. By type voltage regulators are suitable for home use of the relay performance.

2. Pick up the correct input voltage. If you are mainly low voltage, choose stabilizers, working from 140 V. And if you have on the contrary a high voltage, then selecting the appropriate model.

3. Stabilization accuracy. If you plan to protect the lighting group, this parameter is required to be not less than 3%. This option will get rid of the flicker even when an abrupt change in the input voltage. For other consumers, this parameter may well be in the range of 5% - 7%.

4. Efficiency. Products with efficiency (efficiency) of 90% and above are considered quite good.

5. Type of instalation. There are floor-standing models and wall. So for the small apartment it is preferable to choose a wall-mounted version, and in a private home ownership is quite possible to select and outdoor.

6. Degree of protection against external influences IP. In a dry room with a heated moisture likely degree of protection IP24 and should be higher.

7. Additional functions. It is preferred that your regulator has also been equipped with a protection against overload and short circuit protection. His panel was an indication of the current tension and to inform you about errors that occurred in the unit.

Taking into account all these factors, you will be able to choose a quality product that will allow to reliably protect your equipment from surges. If the article was useful to you, you will appreciate it Like.

Thank you for your attention!