In addition, it will be an ideal option specifically for domestic needs, so we will consider this category of devices in more detail.

Exist several main types corrective stabilizers:

• 
  Relay voltage stabilizers. This type of device is considered the most optimal for installation in the country and in a country house. The principle of operation is as follows - the power relay automatically switches the windings on the transformer. In this case, the voltage that will be at the output is measured in steps. Accordingly, the stabilization process itself will depend on the number of keys and steps. The main advantages of this type include its small size, relatively low cost, ease of maintenance and fairly reliable protection of various electrical devices from power surges. The disadvantages of this device are the gradual wear of the relay, as well as large errors in the output voltage.
• Electronic voltage stabilizers. This category includes two types - thyristor and triac units. These voltage stabilizers are considered one of the most durable, because switching between the windings is carried out using semiconductor triacs (thyristors). In addition, they have the fastest response to power surges - about 20 ms. An important advantage of these stabilizers is the fact that they can be used for a very wide range of household appliances - TV, computer, washing machine, as well as for industrial purposes, boilers, etc. Many note that these devices emit very little noise, which is very useful in a city apartment. Perhaps the only disadvantage of these stabilizers is their price - it is very high in comparison with other representatives of this category of goods.
• Electromechanical voltage stabilizers. The operation of these devices is to move a special slider over the transformer. These devices have smooth voltage regulation, but very slow speed. In fact, electromechanical devices are unlikely to be able to protect against very sharp power surges, but their low cost helps them out, so they are quite often used at an industrial and household level. If a strong power surge is observed, then the device simply stops supplying voltage, and this is unacceptable in electric welding and some other work. However, these devices are widely used for TV, computer, commercial equipment, etc.
• 
  Inverter voltage stabilizers. The conversion of direct current into alternating current and vice versa is carried out using a quartz oscillator and a microcontroller. Among the advantages of these devices, it should be noted a rather small noise during operation, small dimensions, as well as a fairly wide input voltage range - from 115 to 290 V. As for the disadvantages, it is perhaps the only one, but quite significant - this is its cost, which many times higher than other analogues.
• Linear voltage regulators. Stabilization of the output current is carried out using an electromagnetic core and a coil. Accordingly, if an increased voltage is observed, then this core simply does not allow the output voltage to increase to critical limits. These devices are among the cheapest, so they can only be used for individual household devices, but not for all at once.

Most appliances powered by the mains are prone to damage during power surges and during emergencies.

Professional protection of household and office equipment from power surges

Voltage regulator- this is a special electromechanical or electronic device that is designed to equalize (smooth) the voltage with a strong deviation of the nominal values ​​​​in single-phase (220V) or three-phase (380V) networks. Thus, the output voltage will always correspond to the specified parameters despite various input deviations.

The need to use AC stabilizers is associated with unstable behavior of voltage in power networks, as well as with the possible inclusion of powerful electrical installations powered by one power line.
Volter voltage stabilizers have extremely high accuracy and the ability to maintain a stable output voltage, which ensures the safe operation of household appliances.

Types of voltage stabilizers

Depending on the voltage throughput, stabilizers are divided according to the type of network into:

• . Devices with one phase input and, accordingly, with one phase output. Power from 1kVA to 50kVA.
• Volter. Some models are three single-phase stabilizers connected to each other according to the "star" scheme. In the event of an emergency shutdown or protection operation of one of the inputs, the shutdown will occur only in the emergency section. Equipment connected to other single-phase stabilizers will continue to work. Power - 50kVA - 500kVA.

In addition, voltage stabilizers are divided according to the type of use (purpose):

• household - these are cottages, apartments. Depending on the power of the equipment, the stabilizer can be selected both individually for a computer, refrigerator, washing machine, and in a complex (one for all household appliances).
• Industrial . Used in large enterprises, shops, warehouses. The power of the stabilizer is selected depending on the number of equipment and the total power.

There are voltage stabilizers according to their design features and device:

• Electronic triac (thyristor) type.

Main advantages:

• output voltage accuracy (1% -2.5%);
• reaction speed (10ms - 20ms);
• maintaining the correct sinusoid;
• noiselessness (lack of moving elements in the installation);
• durability in work (at least 15 years);
• do not require service.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting a discrete change in the output voltage, which is possible when switching the windings, but does not affect the operation of household appliances. Visually, such a change can be seen by the incandescence of the lighting lamps.

• Electromechanical :
• Relay Voltage Stabilizers

The principle of operation is to switch the windings on the transformer. The main advantages are the power reserve for starting currents and low price. Among the shortcomings of models of this type should be highlighted:

• frequent cases of sticking and burning of the contact group of the relay;
• low response rate.

• Servo Voltage Stabilizers

The operation of the stabilizer is based on a constantly moving current collector along the transformer. The advantages include high output voltage accuracy and low cost. The disadvantages are:

• low speed;
• rapid wear of moving elements;
• regular scheduled maintenance.

Voltage stabilizers "Volter" - the right choice

When you should pay attention to the models of the triac (thyristor) type. Among all types of stabilizers, they are the most durable, since semiconductor triacs are used for switching, the durability of which does not depend on the load.

When switching the winding, they do not make any sounds, so the operation of the stabilizer is absolutely silent. Speed ​​of response to voltage change - 20 ms. This is the best indicator of performance among stabilizers of various types, it is impossible to go faster.

In our catalog you can find detailed technical information about all models of Volter voltage stabilizers. Our experts are ready to provide qualified assistance in the selection of equipment and related products.

To stabilize the voltage, a number of devices operating on different technical principles are used. Despite the design, stabilizers must perform one function - to provide the consumer with high-quality voltage that does not depend on network fluctuations. In critical situations, they must automatically and very quickly disconnect the load from the network and turn themselves off to avoid an accident.

What are stabilizers

Voltage stabilization can be implemented in various ways.

By design, stabilizing devices can be divided into two groups:

• Electromechanical devices;
• Electronic devices;

The first group includes stabilizers with a servomotor. The second group includes the following devices:

• Devices on semiconductor keys (thyristors, triacs);
• Double conversion devices;
• ferroresonant stabilizers.

Each device has certain advantages and disadvantages. They are clearly visible when comparing technical parameters, so to select a specific model, you need to know the principle of operation of each or at home.

Relay switching stabilizer

The relay voltage stabilizer equalizes the mains voltage by switching the windings of the power transformer. The principle of its work is extremely simple. The input voltage is supplied to the primary winding of the power transformer and simultaneously to the monitoring and control board. The secondary winding is divided into identical sections and the number of turns in it is greater than in the primary. That is, the transformer, if necessary, can increase or decrease the supplied voltage. The control board includes a rectifier, a controller and transistor switches that control electromagnetic relays.

If the mains voltage deviates from the nominal by a certain amount, the controller turns on the relay through a transistor switch. It changes the transformation ratio with its contacts, that is, it switches the secondary winding to increase or decrease. As a result, the output voltage is constantly kept within the tolerance, but it will never be equal to 220V, since, by switching winding sections, the device allows a step, rather than a smooth change in voltage. But the more relays are used in the device circuit, the higher its accuracy.

The relay stabilizer has the following positive qualities:

• Good switching speed;
• Undistorted voltage form;
• Affordable price.

Disadvantages of a relay device:

• Step switching;
• Low accuracy;
• Noise at work;
• Possible burning of contacts.

Relay stabilizers also have a power limit, which is determined by the inability of the relay contacts to switch too high currents.

Manufacturer's choice. When choosing a voltage stabilizer, also pay attention to the manufacturer. For example, many voltage stabilizers of supposedly domestic brands are made in China, and have inflated performance that differs from reality. But there are those that are distinguished by their reliability and good service life. As a positive example, we can cite stabilizers from the Energia company, which are very popular among buyers and have many positive reviews that can be easily found on pages on the Internet. You can find the entire range on the website of the official representative of the company at this link.

Servo motor stabilizer

The advantages of a servo stabilizer include the following parameters:

• High installation accuracy;
• Large range of input voltages;
• Low price.

But the critical features of servo regulators - slow voltage equalization, noise during operation and the need for regular maintenance - significantly reduce their scope.

It is quite difficult to determine which stabilizer is better, relay or electromechanical. If high accuracy of the installation is important for the consumer, and changes in the network occur infrequently and within small limits, then the best option would be to use an electromechanical stabilizer. Here, the main selection criterion will be accuracy and low cost. The relay stabilizer provides a very good response speed, but the accuracy of setting the output voltage will not be as high.

The mains voltage supplied to residential buildings is regulated by the standard, in which the deviation from 220V should be no more than ± 10%. At the same time, some household devices allow normal operation with network deviations from nominal up to 15%, so that the voltage at the output of the relay stabilizer, which varies within 198-242 volts, can be considered normal.

The switching speed of the relay transformer windings is 15-20ms, which is quite normal for most consumer electronic devices. The cost of the relay stabilizer is low, and its service life usually corresponds to the life of the relay, equal to the number of operations, which in most cases exceeds 1,000,000.

Electronic Voltage Stabilizer

This group includes voltage equalization, as well as devices using double conversion or inverters. Ferroresonance stabilizers have not been used to power home appliances for a long time, and can only be used in production.

An electronic voltage regulator, made on semiconductor switches, works on the same principle as a relay device, only thyristors or triacs are used as switching elements.

Essentially, these semiconductor devices are voltage controlled electronic relays. They also switch the windings of the transformer by analogy with the relay. Instead of a relay, two thyristors or one triac are used. The absence of mechanical parts ensures a long service life, and the ability of semiconductor devices to switch high currents allows such devices to work with powerful loads.

Disadvantages of thyristor stabilizers:

• Highly distorted output voltage waveform;
• High price;
• Low accuracy.

The most promising class of electronic stabilizers can be considered devices operating with double conversion of mains voltage. In addition to the high price, they do not have serious drawbacks. When deciding which stabilizer is better, relay or electronic, preference is given to fully assembled on semiconductors, if the price does not play a significant role.

- the problem is very relevant and it is best to solve it in one way - to purchase a voltage stabilizer (SN), which will protect all the equipment in the house from failure. To choose the right device, you first need to understand its varieties, as well as the principle of operation of each version. Next, we will look at the pros and cons of the main types of voltage stabilizers for the home, namely: relay, electronic, electromechanical, ferroresonant and inverter.

Relay

Relay, or as they are also called step stabilizers, are considered the most popular for use in the home and in the country. This is due to the low cost of devices, as well as high control accuracy. The principle of operation of the relay model is to switch the windings on the transformer using a power relay that operates automatically. The main disadvantages of this type of MV are voltage step change (not smooth), sinusoid distortion and limited output power. However, judging by the reviews on the Internet, most buyers are satisfied with the devices. the price is several times less than more advanced models. A representative of relay-type stabilizers for the home is Resanta ASN-5000N / 1-Ts, which you can see in the picture below:

Electronic

Electronic CH can be triac and thyristor. The principle of operation of the former is based on switching between the windings of an autotransformer using a triac, due to which this type of voltage stabilizer has a high efficiency and a quick response to operation. In addition, triac models operate silently, which is another advantage of this type of CH. As for the thyristor, they have also proven themselves well and are popular in everyday life. The only drawback of electronic type devices is the higher cost.

Electromechanical

Electromechanical SN are also commonly called servo-motor or servo-driven. Such stabilizers work due to the movement of the carbon electrode along the windings of the autotransformer due to the electric drive. Electromechanical devices can also be used to protect household appliances in a house, apartment and country house. The advantage of this type of stabilizers is low cost, smooth voltage regulation and compact size. Of the minuses, we can distinguish increased noise during operation and low speed.

ferroresonant

The principle of operation of such SN is based on the effect of voltage ferroresonance in the capacitor-transformer circuit. This type of protective devices is not very popular among consumers due to the noise in operation, large dimensions (and, accordingly, significant weight), as well as the inability to work with overloads. The advantages of ferroresonant stabilizers are long service life, adjustment accuracy and the ability to work in rooms with high humidity / temperature.

inverter

The most expensive type of voltage stabilizers, which are used not only in the home, but also in production. The principle of operation of inverter models is to convert AC to DC (at the input) and back to AC (at the output) thanks to a microcontroller and a crystal oscillator. The undoubted advantage of double-conversion inverter MV is a wide input voltage range (from 115 to 290 Volts), as well as high regulation speed, quiet operation, compact size and additional functions. As for the latter, inverter-type SNs can additionally protect household appliances from, as well as other interference from the external electrical network. The main disadvantage of the devices is the highest price.

You can learn more about the types of CH in the video below:

What are the types of stabilizers?

So we looked at the main types of voltage stabilizers. I would also like to note that there are such types of CH as single-phase and three-phase. In this case, you must choose a model, depending on what voltage you have in the network - 220 or 380 Volts.

Electromir Pobeda 143A

Elektromir Shchorsa 40

Comparison of types of voltage stabilizers

Before buying a voltage stabilizer, many people have the question "What type of stabilizer is better?"

As usual, there is no universal answer. You can only answer the question which voltage stabilizer is right for you and for your conditions - it all depends on why you buy a voltage stabilizer (normalizer). We will try to help in choosing the right voltage stabilizer.

The vast majority of voltage stabilizers currently on the Russian market can be divided into 3 groups according to the type of voltage stabilization: electromechanical, relay (here we also include electronic stabilizers) and electromagnetic. Let's consider each type in more detail.

Relay Voltage Stabilizer

Now this type of voltage stabilizers can be called the most common in Russia due to its low cost.

Relay voltage stabilizers belong to the class of autotransformer stabilizers with step voltage regulation by switching taps (windings) of a power autotransformer using electromechanical power relays. That is, the increase / decrease in voltage at the output of the stabilizer is parallel to the increase / decrease in voltage at the input of the stabilizer. Consider the switching circuit of the windings of a stepped stabilizer using the example of Sassin Black Series PCN.

The accuracy of the output voltage of the stabilizer Sassin Black Series PCH is 220V ± 8%, i.e. 203-237V (according to GOST 13109-97 "Quality standards for electrical energy in power supply systems", household electrical equipment sold in Russia must operate at a voltage of 220V ± 10%). For example, if the input voltage is 190V, then the stabilizer will output 228V at the output, when the input voltage rises by 5V, the output will be 233V (goes in parallel with the input), however, with a further increase in U input to 200V, the stabilizer winding will switch and at the output will be 218V. When the voltage drops at the input, the principle of operation is similar, but it is worth noting that, for example, if the input voltage rises to 210V, the output will be 230V, and if the Uinput voltage drops to 210V, the output from the stabilizer will be 210V. This is a feature of this type of voltage stabilizers.

From the foregoing, we can also conclude that a relay voltage stabilizer cannot constantly show a voltage of exactly 220V at the output!

If the stabilizer constantly shows the output voltage "220" on the display (and this is found in some cheap and low-quality brands), then you should think about whether it is really 220V or just the LEDs on the display are laid out in the form of the number "220" (to reduce cost) and it basically can't show any other number...

It is worth noting that the accuracy of output voltage stabilization depends on the number of steps (keys) of the autotransformer - the more windings the booster transformer has, the more accurate the output voltage, but the higher the price of the stabilizer.

One of the main advantages of a relay stabilizer is the high speed of voltage stabilization - manufacturers claim a stabilization time of 20 ms, but in real operation this time is about 0.1-0.15 seconds and, as a rule, does not depend on the magnitude of the voltage surge (with stabilization accuracy 8% speed is more than 250V / s, with a stabilization accuracy of 5% - about 180 V / s).

Also, the advantages of this type of stabilizers include:

• small dimensions, since only compensating load powers circulate in the booster transformer;
• a wide range of input voltage stabilization (for example, for the Sassin Black Series, the RCH at a load is 140-270V while maintaining the output power more than 80% of the nominal);
• permissible long-term overload of 110% of the nominal and overload capacity up to two times within 4 seconds, since the relay does not directly switch the load circuit and operates in a more favorable mode - with lower currents;
• does not distort the shape of the current sinusoid at the output, low sensitivity to frequency and input voltage distortion;
• wide temperature mode of operation (usually -20 ... + 40ºС), limited by the temperature characteristic of the relays used;
• low cost compared to other types of stabilizers;
• almost silent operation;
• the service life depends in most cases only on the quality of the switching relays and can reach up to 10 years.

The main disadvantage of a relay (as well as electronic) stabilizer can be called just a stepwise stabilization method. If you use this stabilizer, for example, for the entire apartment or cottage, then, with an output voltage accuracy of more than 2%, in fixtures with incandescent lamps (which include halogen lamps), a sharp change in lamp incandescence (illuminance) will be noticeable when switching the stabilizer windings ( that is, when working out drawdowns and surges).

The disadvantages include the fact that the more accurate the stabilizer at the output, the lower the voltage stabilization rate, since the more accurate the stabilizer, the more transformer windings in it, therefore, more steps (relays) will need to be switched before a voltage surge will be processed.

Most relay-type stabilizers sold in Russia are made in China, although some claim that their stabilizers are made in Europe or the Baltics. But at the same time, sellers cannot answer the question why such "European" stabilizers are cheaper than those produced at large Chinese enterprises.

According to the principle of action stepped electronic stabilizers similar to relay ones, only the autotransformer windings are switched using thyristors or triacs. The absence of mechanical parts and mechanical wear can extend the life of the stabilizer, which allows you to give a longer warranty on products. So, for example, the Volter stabilizer is guaranteed for 5 years and another 5 years for warranty service (only components are paid at cost), i.e. the manufacturer guarantees trouble-free operation of Volter stabilizers for 10 years, and if during the first 5 years of the warranty period a malfunction of the Volter stabilizer is found, then it will simply be replaced with a new one.

In general, the pros and cons of relay and electronic step voltage stabilizers are the same. In the same way, the accuracy of output voltage stabilization depends on the number of transformer windings, but the more these steps, the lower the speed of processing voltage surges. That is why in Volter stabilizers of increased accuracy (PT modifications with stabilization accuracy of 220V + 2V / -3V and PTT with accuracy of 220V + 0.7V / -1.5V) a two-stage regulation system is used to increase the stabilization speed: the first stage of stabilization regulates the voltage roughly, and then, having passed the "primary processing", the voltage is brought to the required accuracy by the keys of the second stage - it's like two stabilizers in one, only the keys are controlled by one processor, which synchronizes the operation of the stages.

However, electronic stabilizers have lower overload capacity (about 20-40% for several seconds) and greater sensitivity to network interference. Due to the fact that semiconductor elements are used in electronic stabilizers, the design becomes more complicated and, as a result, the cost increases.

Electromechanical Voltage Stabilizer

An electromechanical AC voltage stabilizer is a booster voltage transformer, the automatic regulation of which is carried out using a rotary brush contact equipped with a servo drive - an automatically controlled electromechanical drive.

The characteristics of the booster transformer, through which the compensating power is supplied, and the parameters of the brush assembly of the electromechanical stabilizer (for example, one or two brushes) determine the main operational characteristics (including the speed of working out drawdowns and voltage surges).

Single-phase electromechanical stabilizers with a power of up to 3000VA (voltampere) usually have one autotransformer and one brush assembly (two-brush stabilizers are not widely used due to their higher price), models with a power of 5-10kVA are usually also equipped with a booster transformer. Powerful single-phase electromechanical stabilizers can be with two or three transformers. A three-phase voltage stabilizer is structurally three single-phase stabilizers with a common protective electronics.

The most important advantage of electromechanical type stabilizers is the smoothness of voltage regulation and high stabilization accuracy at a relatively low cost.

The advantages of these voltage stabilizers also include:

• wide input voltage range - for stabilizer Energy START New Line 130-260V;
• no voltage distortion at the output;
• sufficiently high overload capacity (up to 200% within a few seconds);
• low sensitivity to interference and distortion of the shape, frequency of current and voltage at the input, which makes it possible to use electromechanical stabilizers in industrial conditions;
• silent operation in the absence of voltage drops and with zero load.

The main disadvantage of electromechanical stabilizers is the presence of moving parts. The presence of a sliding contact between the graphite brush and the autotransformer coil - depending on the frequency of voltage drops, the brushes will need to be replaced after 3-7 years (although this operation is simple and inexpensive in most cases). And after about 5-10 years, due to mechanical wear, it may be necessary to repair or replace the brush servo.

Also, the disadvantages of these stabilizers can also be called:

• ambient temperature should not be lower than -5ºС;
• relatively low voltage stabilization rate (10-40V / s or up to 10% of the input voltage value in 0.5 seconds). Some stabilizers have two brushes per autotransformer, which doubles the response speed (but also increases the cost of the stabilizer);

• the operation of the servo is accompanied by a characteristic sound during the time required to stabilize the voltage at the output of the stabilizer (usually a fraction of a second).

Electrodynamic Voltage Stabilizer can be called one of the varieties of electromechanical stabilizer. Italian stabilizers Ortea can be attributed to this type.

Electrodynamic stabilizers are devoid of some of the disadvantages of conventional electrodynamic servo stabilizers. They are more reliable, since a roller is used instead of a graphite brush, which practically does not wear out, they can work normally already at temperatures above -15ºС. The overload capacity of such a stabilizer is 200% for 2 minutes. However, all this adds to the cost.

In the summer of 2012, with the start of sales of stabilizers of the Energia SNVT Hybrid series, another type of electromechanical type appeared on the Russian market - combined or hybrid voltage stabilizer .

The main difference between the hybrid type and the electromechanical type is that two relay stabilizers are added to it, as it were. The relay part is switched on when the electromechanical part can no longer provide a voltage of 220 V at the output - that is, with an abnormally low or high mains voltage. If the input voltage fluctuates in the range of 144-256 V, then the hybrid is no different from the electromechanical regulator Energy SNVT New Line. But if the input voltage drops to 144 volts (range) or rises more than 256 V, then the relay part comes into operation, which expands the operating voltage range to an impressive 105-280 volts! Accuracy of the output voltage of the stabilizer of the combined type The energy of the SNVT Hybrid is ±3% (at Uin=144-256V) and ±10% (at Uin=105-150V or Uin=256-280V).

Electromagnetic Voltage Stabilizer

Another name for this type is a voltage stabilizer with transformer bias, since the output voltage is regulated by adjusting the magnetic fluxes in the transformer core, that is, local bias.

Structurally, an autotransformer of this type of stabilizer has a magnetic circuit and a system of windings that change the voltage transformation ratio.

The magnetization of the autotransformer is controlled by a semiconductor thyristor regulator.

The main advantages of this type are fast stabilization speed (more than 100V per second) and theoretically wide operating temperature range (-40..+50ºС). And in the absence of overloads, the electromagnetic stabilizer has a long service life.

But with this type, the cons rather outweigh the pros:

• narrow range of input voltages (170-250V), since electromagnetic stabilizers are extremely sensitive to overloads (they cannot withstand overloads of more than 50% for several seconds);
• solving the problem of floating voltage stabilization (although there are models with a declared accuracy of 1%) at the output leads to an increase in cost;
• big weight;
• constant noise (hum) during operation;
• strong distortion of the mains voltage and the strongest generation of high harmonics due to the non-linearity of the characteristics of the core steel and the switching system (which especially affects the operation of computers and audio systems). The use of special filters in the design of the stabilizer reduces the distortion of the output signal, but increases the cost;
• high sensitivity to network frequency deviation from 50 Hz;
• the stabilizer cannot operate at a load of less than 10-20% of the nominal, since a certain current is required to magnetize the steel core;
• three-phase stabilizers (unlike the types described above) are sensitive to phase imbalance.

The principle of operation is based on the use of the effect of magnetic resonance (ferroresonance) of the voltage in the transformer-capacitor circuit.

The ferroresonance stabilizer consists of a saturated core choke, a non-saturable core choke (having a magnetic gap) and a capacitor.

A feature of the current-voltage characteristic of a saturated inductor is that the voltage across it changes little when the current through it changes. By selecting the parameters of chokes and capacitors, voltage stabilization was ensured when the input voltage changed within a fairly wide range, but a slight deviation in the frequency of the supply network greatly affected the characteristics of the stabilizer.

This type of stabilizers was developed in the 60s of the last century and is now practically no longer used. But they were common in Soviet times. Televisions were usually connected through household magnetic resonance stabilizers, since the first TV models used network power supplies with linear voltage stabilizers (and in some circuits they were completely powered by unstabilized voltage), which did not always cope with mains voltage fluctuations, especially in rural areas, which required preliminary voltage stabilization. With the advent of TVs with switching power supplies, the need for additional stabilization of the mains voltage has disappeared.

The advantage of a ferroresonant stabilizer is the high accuracy of maintaining the output voltage at the level of 1-3%. But the increased noise level and the dependence of the quality of stabilization on the magnitude of the load make it uncomfortable to use in everyday life.

Modern ferroresonant stabilizers are devoid of these shortcomings, but their cost is high, so they are not widely used as household ones.