When you buy a new household appliance, the seller, as a rule, will definitely try to sell you on some additional accessories for it. One of these add-ons is a voltage stabilizer. And if, for example, this device is completely useless for televisions (at least for modern televisions), then for a refrigerator a stabilizer is a completely appropriate purchase. However, you should buy it only if certain conditions are met. Let's dwell on this point in a little more detail.
The role of a stabilizer for a refrigerator
Any refrigeration device has a compressor whose function is to regulate the cooling flow.
What a stabilizer can save you from:
- The most vulnerable point of the compressor is the circuit board, the replacement of which will cost the owner a large amount.
- During sudden voltage surges, the motor winding may melt, which will lead to compressor malfunction.
- The operation of a voltage stabilizer is to instantly turn off the power if the output voltage exceeds the permissible limit. For equipment such as a refrigerator, the maximum jump in the network is 10-15% in any direction.
Before purchasing a professional installation, you should make sure that the electrical network is not working correctly and there are voltage surges.
Group voltage control relays
To get rid of the shortcomings of the previous method, several voltage control relays are used. I have already looked in detail at circuits with multiple voltage relays , what they are used for and how they work. To solve our problem, we can use one of the voltage relays to protect a group with compressor equipment - refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners. When the supply voltage is restored, the group with refrigeration equipment will be connected to the power grid after the time delay has expired. At the same time, all other consumers of the home electrical network can be connected much earlier. It is very comfortable. In addition, you can set your own settings for the refrigeration group voltage relay.
When connecting a circuit with several voltage relays, it is convenient to use a cross module . The disadvantage of this method is the high cost and the need for additional space in the distribution board .
Main types of stabilizers
Manufacturers of professional equipment, including stabilizers, put on the market a wide variety of products, differing in technical parameters, type of housing, and principle of operation.
Depending on the combination of these factors, the following types of voltage stabilizers for refrigerators are distinguished:
- Electromechanical installations. The operating principle of such models is to control the parameters of the electrical network. The device has a slider that moves along the turns of the winding and changes the output voltage. In this case, the structure controls the drive of the pantograph. The main advantage of such an installation is its high accuracy, where the percentage of error reaches only 3-4%. Among the shortcomings, the short service life of the device should be noted.
- Relay type installations. Such designs are most often used in everyday life, due to their ability to withstand large voltage drops in the network. Relays are installed on the electronic unit and on the controller, which are responsible for switching the transformer windings. Disadvantages include frequent clicks that accompany switching transformer stages, as well as instability to excessive input voltage.
There are also system installations that do not provide for the presence of power relays. Since there is no mechanical contact, the stabilizer operates absolutely silently, and the design itself can withstand up to 20% of network overloads.
If you have difficulty choosing, you can turn to a specialist for help. An experienced specialist will assess the condition of the electrical network in the house and advise which stabilizer is best for the refrigerator.
What is more important: accuracy or range of operation?
When choosing a stabilizer, consider their advantages and disadvantages. Is high accuracy important to you, or can it be sacrificed to operate at lower voltage levels? If the input voltage is greatly reduced, then an electromechanical stabilizer is unlikely to suit you. And if you need to connect high-precision equipment, then a relay model with an error of 8-10% will also be of little use. If you choose a stabilizer for a long time, then it is better to prefer electronic models made in Russia. And for seasonal work (for example, at the dacha), budget relay devices are often chosen. For low-power loads, especially automation of gas boilers and submersible pumps, it makes sense to install an inverter stabilizer with high accuracy and double voltage conversion.
How to choose a device for your home
Manufacturers offer their customers a huge selection of various stabilizers located in a wide price range. There are criteria that you should pay attention to when purchasing a unit.
How to choose the right stabilizer for a refrigerator:
- The very first and most important parameter is the power of the structure. The technical data sheet, as a rule, indicates the input power indicators at a voltage of 220 Volts.
- The response speed of the device plays an important role. If the electrical network is malfunctioning, the compressor board can burn out in just a few seconds. For this reason, attention should be paid to this criterion. Most modern installations respond to input voltage within 0.1-0.2 seconds.
- For a comfortable stay in a house or apartment, it is important to evaluate such a parameter as the noise of the device, taking into account the clicks when switching transformer stages.
- The accuracy and range of installation must be assessed. In the technical data sheet, these indicators can be found under the letter indicators “U”, “Pt”, which means a narrow range and increased accuracy. For a home, these characteristics will be enough to ensure reliable protection of refrigeration equipment. For professional equipment, you will need a model marked “PTT”, which ensures detailed accuracy of the device.
For everyday use, you need a high-quality device with a long service life.
Therefore, before purchasing the selected installation, you should evaluate the integrity of the case, the presence or absence of defects, and the availability of a technical passport.
The best stabilizer manufacturers take into account all criteria, releasing only high-quality products to the market.
TOP 3 best models
Today we can highlight three of the most popular products that efficiently perform their intended function.
LG-2500
This is the most expensive option, which provides a power rating of around 2.5 kilowatts. This parameter allows you to service a refrigerator, boiler, iron, washing machine. Atlant (SNVT-1500) A suitable device for voltage stabilization for refrigeration units - brand Atlant, model Energy
Atlant (SNVT-1500)
SNVT-1500
Its cost is 5,000 rubles. The device is characterized by small dimensions, which makes it easy to carry. The output power is within 1 kilowatt. This is a single-phase type that is rated for 100-280 volts.
SNVT-1500
Voltron PCH-1500
Voltron PCH-1500
It is better to make the final decision in choosing one model or another after reading our article and based on real reviews from owners. You will need knowledge in order to select the correct device that will protect any device from power surges.
It’s better to pay more once than to have to deal with repairs or buying a new refrigerator later.
Summing up all of the above, I would like to remind you that a certified product from a trusted manufacturer will protect you from possible problems and equipment repairs. It’s better to pay more once than to have to deal with repairs or buying a new refrigerator later.
Stabilizer installation rules
In the technical data sheet of any equipment you can find rules and recommendations for installing a stabilizer.
However, there are a number of general criteria:
- Single-phase designs have a temperature threshold of up to plus 5 degrees. For three-phase installations, this parameter is minus 5 degrees.
- The heat generated during operation of the stabilizer should be removed using forced ventilation.
- The device body is removed from the ventilation system by 50 cm.
- The location of the stabilizer requires special attention. For small and compact designs, a shelf or table in the kitchen is suitable. Bulky appliances can be installed on the floor by first organizing a soft platform.
- First of all, it is necessary to fix the position of the electronic keys, for which the device is turned on briefly.
- The installation is switched off when the voltmeter readings are 220 volts.
The final step is to connect the wire with the socket at the output, and connect the refrigerator plug to the second groove.
Safety rules for stabilizer
Any equipment is subject to external influences, for example, moisture, mechanical stress and damage.
There are also certain rules for safe operation for the stabilizer:
- Do not wipe the unit body with a damp cloth or place water containers on the surface of the body.
- Considering the characteristics of the kitchen area, the stabilizer should be protected from moisture as much as possible.
- Be sure to prevent the device body from coming into contact with any metal surfaces.
During operation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the ventilation holes on the stabilizer body. Overheating of the device can lead to rapid failure.
Stabilizers, as a rule, are designed only for refrigerators. Therefore, if several devices are connected simultaneously, the installation may not withstand the overload and become unusable.
RUCELF SRWII-12000-L
- Rated power – 10 kW.
- Placement – wall.
- Efficiency – 95%.
- Stabilization accuracy – 8%.
- Operating temperature – from -40 to +45 ºС.
- Overall dimensions – 295x435x165 mm.
- Weight – 21.0 kg.
RUCELF SRWII-12000-L is a high-quality device manufactured using modern technologies. The stabilizer is adapted to the most difficult operating conditions. The model is capable of operating in a wide temperature range – from -40 to +45 ºС, which expands the scope of application of the device. It is also worth noting the large operating range of input voltage - from 95 to 280 V. The device is ideal for areas and regions with frequent voltage surges, providing reliable protection for connected equipment.
The device is controlled by a special SMART CONTROL system with the HOME SERVICE function, capable of verifying and localizing 9 typical operational errors. It instantly stabilizes the mains voltage, without time delays. The RUCELF 5.3 system provides protection against voltage surges, short circuits, overloads and overheating.