Single-phase voltage regulator: specifications, prices, photos and reviews

If you connect a device to the home electrical outlet to measure the actual voltage value - a voltmeter, it will show 220 V. In our country this is the rate that allows a change in one direction or another by up to 10%. That is, while the voltage is in the range from 200 to 245 volts, household electrical appliances operate in normal mode. However, the state of most of the existing power systems, including devices for transmission, conversion and distribution of power transmission, are such that quite often the mains voltage falls below the mentioned 200 V. Because of this, many household appliances may not work properly and even fail. Partly solve the problem can single-phase voltage regulators for the home. There are three-phase modifications, but their use at home is limited due to the small spread of domestic appliances at 380 V.

Magic devices

A single-phase voltage regulator is a device consisting of a relatively small transformer with several secondary winding leads, a control unit and auxiliary elements (protection, cooling, indication). Two power leads from the mains to the device are supplied with electricity, and the others are supplied with the required 220 V. Everything is very simple. Depending on the method of adjusting the input voltage, there are three types of these devices: electric, relay and electronic voltage regulator single-phase. Just note that the best among them is not. For example, from the point of view of manufacturability, an electronic model is more preferable, but at a cost it considerably exceeds two other modifications. Not every buyer can spend several thousand on a modern electronic voltage regulator single-phase. The features of each of them we will consider below.

The most important characteristic

Before buying it is important to remember that any electrical appliance is characterized by the amount of power consumed. This value is always indicated on the plate as well as in the accompanying documentation. For example, a small storage tank will take about 1.5 kW of energy from the grid; The vacuum cleaner will pull on all 3 kW; And an iron - about 2 kW. This is one of the most powerful consumers in a modern house. Televisions, pumps, light bulbs, computers also require a certain amount of electricity to work. Why is it important to understand? The point is that the selected single-phase voltage regulator should be able to pass through the required power. Otherwise, he not only fails to issue the necessary 220 V, but he himself can fail. And regardless of the design.

Power selection

In the event that a single-phase voltage regulator is connected to power a single device (computer, boiler, pump), then it is necessary to compare their power. So, the value stated in the stabilizer in watts or kilowatts should be 40-50% higher than the consumption of the connected device.

Immediate equality is unacceptable! This is explained by the fact that when the mains voltage drops to 150 V, the single-phase voltage regulator, although it continues to give out 220% (+ -10%), but in this mode of operation it loses power by half. The exact meaning can not be named, since it is determined by the type of transformer used (toroid, Ш-magnetic core), consumer characteristics, etc. It can be roughly assumed that a single-phase voltage regulator of 10 kW, operating at 150 V, can supply power to electrical appliances with a total capacity of not more than 6 kW. And the declared characteristics are achievable only in the case when 200-240 V are supplied from the external network. Here is such a feature.

If through the device it is planned to feed the whole house or apartment, then it is necessary to observe the same rule. Before buying it is recommended to make a list of home electrical equipment, highlighting the one that often works at a time, and sum up the power. Usually it will be 30-50% of the total house. Since this parameter directly affects the cost of the product, it is usually considered that the power of the stabilizer to be selected must be 20% higher than the value obtained: this is a trade-off between cost and capabilities.

Total and active power

Before buying, you should carefully read the specification for the device, since the power value can be given in both kilowatts (kW) and kilovolt-amperes (kVA). The specificity of household electrical equipment is such that the first is more important. In the event that the manufacturer has indicated the full (kVA), then approximately we can assume that the active (kW) will be 30% less. That is, a 3 kVA stabilizer can pull household appliances with a total consumption of no more than 2 kW. Of course, the calculation is tentative, and other factors may influence, but usually it is enough.

As we have already pointed out, in addition to power, the most important characteristic of any stabilizer is its design. Before buying, be sure to pay attention to it.

Installation method

Single-phase voltage regulators for the house can be used to supply stable 220 V to any one device (for example, a wall heating boiler) or to a group (the whole house). Of course, the second option is more convenient, when in any home outlet it is always 220 V, regardless of the power surges in the external network. The disadvantage is that if, for example, the 500 Watts "Resant" model, ideally suited for a boiler, costs 1,700 rubles, then for a 15 kV single-phase voltage regulator that is ideal for a modern house, you will have to give out as many as 27 thousand Rubles. Comments, perhaps, are superfluous.

Relay Models

According to many owners, the best voltage regulator is relay. It is based on a transformer with several secondary winding leads. The special electronic unit constantly compares the value of the incoming voltage with the reference voltage of 220 V and, if it exceeds a certain value, activates the switching relay of the windings, thereby increasing or decreasing the effective value at the output. When these elements operate, characteristic clicks are heard. The number of relays determines the number of stages. The more of them, the softer the switching.

Consider how these models work. While the stabilizer receives 220 V (+ -10%), the correction is not made. But the voltage dropped, say, to 190 V. The comparison unit sees this and turns on the relay, thus commuting the windings, which adds the missing 30 V at the output. As a result, we get 220 V. This is one triggered step.

The same mechanism is used when there is a need to downgrade with the only difference being that the other winding leads are used. If there are several steps, switching in the example under consideration will occur not only at 190 V, but also at intermediate values. The more stages, the more switching, and the difference, respectively, is less than the mentioned 30 V. This allows to receive at the output always 220 V, and not 220 V (+ -10%). The circuit of the voltage regulator of this design is quite simple and maintainable, as it is most often used by car relays. However, the owners note that because of the clicks of the model of this class it is better not to install in rooms where people are constantly. Among budgetary, but sufficiently reliable solutions can be noted the products of companies "Resanta", "Energy", "Voltaire."

Servo

No less interesting are models in which there are no switching stages in the classical sense. Inside such models, a rather simple scheme for comparing the input voltage with a reference value is established. By the windings of the transformer, the current collectors driven by a small electric motor are moved: there are no relays. The adjustment is smooth. Due to the presence of moving parts, reliability is lower than that of electronic modifications. Not a bad assembly for the Rucelf SDW line. Beech models of this class - frequent jumps. Therefore, if the lines of subsidence occur due to welding, then servo-drive modifications can not be used. In other cases, these stabilizers are an excellent acquisition, since they work quieter than relay ones, and cost less than electronic ones.

Managed keys

The most expensive and most perfect are stabilizers on thyristors or triacs. These semiconductor elements perform the same function as the relay - switch windings. As there are no moving parts, reliability is the highest. In addition, the switching speed is a fraction of a second. In the presence of extra money, it is recommended to buy models of this class.

Problem of choice

A person who has decided to purchase a stabilizer for the home faces an abundance of conflicting information. For example, in different outlets, the same model can be endowed with characteristics taken from the ceiling. Especially with regard to the adjustment method. Access to the developer's site often further confuses the buyer. For example, conventional relay models can proudly be called electromechanical with electronic control. Indeed, the voltage regulator circuit in them is such that the comparison unit is executed on microcircuits. True, for the future owner, frankly speaking, it does not matter. Or to attract buyers, some sellers and manufacturers began to use the term "digital". In practice, this means that the comparison unit is slightly reworked, and the voltage indication is not a switch, but a display one. Did this element work poorly in models of past generations? Of course, excellent. So, maybe there is no point in overpaying for a fashionable term? When choosing a stabilizer, you need to remember that the main thing in these devices is the way of switching the windings. It is this characteristic that affects performance.

If in doubt, it is recommended to look inside the case through the ventilation holes or ask to turn on the stabilizer through the autotransformer and create voltage surges. If it clicks, then the relay is switched. Hardly audible buzzing - the electric motor works, it is the servodrive model. Well, complete silence means that electronic keys are installed inside.

If we call the leaders, then we can say that the company "Energy" produces excellent models of stabilizers, which can be judged from the feedback of the owners. But the products of Chinese manufacturers are not always on the level: the purchase of products from Forte is a lottery. Some work for years, others burn out in a month.

Question of value

It is not enough to determine the required capacity and method of connection (washing one appliance or a group of them). In addition, the price of the product is important. The market offers a huge number of stabilizers from different manufacturers. And in terms of design, usually in the product line of each there are models of all three types. Because of this it is rather difficult to choose the best voltage regulator. For example, one buyer wants to get the most reliable device, so to speak, for ages. He chooses the electronic variant. This can be, for example, a single-phase voltage regulator "Resant" with an electronic type of control ASN-8000/1-C or "Energy classic" with a capacity of 7500 W, for which you will have to pay 25 thousand rubles. Another likes the Voltron RSN-8000 model, based on a relay that costs less - about 12 thousand. Well, someone will like the price of servo "New Line-10000", which is 16 000 rubles.

Reviews

One way to choose a quality stabilizer is to study the opinions of people who have already worked with a particular model. So, an excellent acquisition, according to users, is the Forte TVR-3000. The active power is about 2.2 kW, although peaks are allowed 3 kW. This is a relay type that flips during operation, so it is best to install it outside the living area (for example, in the corridor or in the kitchen). Reviews indicate that the capacity is sufficient for a small house. Features include some problems when working at increased voltage. That is, people living near the step-down transformer, it is better to refuse from buying this model.

If we talk about washing the whole house with a model with electronic switching stages, then, according to the reviews, the Volter HL-9 proved to be very successful. This stabilizer is designed for 9 kW, designed for wall installation. Quiet and reliable. It has nine steps. If necessary, power the boiler, computer, TV and other low-power equipment consumers are advised to buy a small stabilizer Sven Neo R-500. It works properly, the relay clicks are almost not audible. There are no voltmeters, but this is compensated by low cost (about 1000 rubles).

Well, a thorough check deserves a model from the "Resant". Their most in the market. However, the percentage of applications to repair shops is higher than that of others. The main problem is that Chinese craftsmen have learned to stamp out externally exact copies. That's why in the original excellent model ACH-8000/1-EM not only can quickly fail, but it looks different than the manufacturer.