In many communities, the quality of electricity leaves much to be desired. Voltage varies or even jumps in the network, it complicates or makes impossible the work of many electrical devices. In such circumstances, the ideal choice would be to use a voltage regulator. But, sometimes there are conditions in which it is necessary to exclude the device from the power supply circuit. In this case, consumers are helped by the useful Bypass function.
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How a voltage regulator works
The main purpose of the stabilizer is to allow the consumer not to worry about the safety of their electrical devices. Modern devices do this automatically and differ only in the way they normalize electrical energy.
In fact, these are converters that allow you to get a stable power supply, independent of fluctuations in the incoming voltage and load changes. Fluctuations in mains voltage are caused by many things. Manifested as:
- Overvoltage;
- Undervoltage;
- Load-independent surges;
- Surges, depending on the load at the consumer.
In all cases, the AVR is required to provide an adequate power supply.
Warning, Power stabilizer should exceed by 25-30% of the total power of the equipment in the served room. Only then you can guarantee normal operation of the device.
The basic principle of stabilizers of any type, is to monitor the value of the incoming voltage and adjust it in various ways to the required level. As soon as the voltage arrives at the terminals of the stabilizer, it is compared to a predetermined value. For a household network, this is 220 volts. In the next moment, the device understands in which direction correction is necessary. Then, in various ways, the parameters are normalized. This cycle takes milliseconds and takes place continuously. The response speed of the device ensures the stability of the power supplied to the consumer.
But, from time to time there are conditions when it is necessary to supply power directly from the external network. In these cases, a special operating mode comes to the rescue - Bypass.
Why do we need a bypass mode?
Regardless of the type and power of the stabilizer, it may be necessary to exclude it from the power supply network of the house. However, the need for electricity is still there, and switching wires and fiddling with the terminals is not very convenient. In this case, the mode called Bypass comes to the rescue. In English, bypass means bypass or transit. Bypass makes it possible to isolate the stabilizer and allows you to power your home network from an external source without bothering.
The controller can be switched off for various reasons, such as repair work, the need for short-term connection of powerful appliances and others.
Methods of switching to bypass
Switching the stabilizer in bypass mode can be done by an external and internal switch. They in turn can be mechanical or electronic.
External ones are installed according to the consumer's wishes. Using them is very convenient if there is a need to completely de-energize and remove the device, for example, for repairs.
The simplest external switching is done by a three-position cam-operated switch that is built into the electrical panel. This mechanical device allows you to switch the mode of operation of the stabilizer with one click. Sometimes, power regulators are placed in a specially made for them cabinets. They are placed in the premises of the consumer or on an electrical pole, near the site. Such cabinets can be initially equipped with external switches of electronic or mechanical type.
An external switch can be added to any type of stabilizer network, regardless of the configuration.
It is important Do not forget to switch the switch to the operating mode of the stabilizer after completing repair work.
The mechanical way
Built-in mechanical switch works similarly to the external one. The switching is done with a toggle switch or a handle. Regulators of 3 kVA and higher power are equipped with these switches. Smaller power regulators are usually made portable and equipped with bypass sockets. Operation modes of switches and sockets are designated as "Stabilization" and "Bypass".
Mechanical switches are simple and reliable. Therefore, they have long been successfully used in electrical circuits.
Attention! In the bypass mode, the stabilizer can be switched only by disconnecting it from the mains. Manufacturers purposely place the switches side by side, subtly hinting at their interrelation. That is, you must first turn off the toggle switch or "Mains" button, and only then turn on the bypass mode. Before this, you should make sure that the motors of the refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine and other powerful enough consumers are not running. If the motors are running, it is advisable to wait until they stop.
Deactivate the bypass mode in the reverse order.
The electronic method
Electronic switching is done in two ways - manually and automatically..
In manual mode, when you press the "Bypass" button, the electrical signal goes to the relay or semiconductors. And already they switch the stabilizer bypass mode. In this variant of switching should be guided by the recommendations for the mechanical method.
In automatic mode, the electronic way of switching to bypass mode is done by the processor using relays or semiconductors. Electricity can automatically bypass the regulator for two reasons - critical situations or stable voltage for a long time. In both cases the regulator controls the incoming voltage.
Extreme situations can be caused by an overload or failure of the stabilizer. Overloading usually occurs due to the malfunction of electrical appliances or the connection of additional powerful equipment to the home network. In this case, the bypass mode will be activated only if the incoming voltage is normal. If at this time the voltage of the external network is unstable, the stabilizer will simply cut off the power supply. Return of normal parameters (load reduction) will automatically cause switching to stabilization mode.
Some regulators can be automatically bypassed when the supply voltage is stable. In this situation stabilization of electricity is not required. After switching, the device monitors the parameters of electrical energy and activates the stabilization mode if necessary.
Electronic switching allows the stabilizer to react quickly in extreme situations and eliminates the influence of the human factor.
Why use the bypass is necessary
The need to use the bypass does not occur very often. Nevertheless, you should be prepared for such situations and know when they occur. Switching to bypass mode of the stabilizer can be caused by a number of reasons, such as:
- Continuous and stable mains voltage. Normal power supply mode allows you to exclude the stabilizer from operation, thereby increasing its life.
- Need for preventive maintenance of the device itself.
- Input voltage very low or too unstable. The stabilizer is not able to cope with its duties. In this case, it is enough to provide at least light and the device can be temporarily disconnected.
- The power of the equipment to be temporarily connected is greater than the capacity of the AVR (Welding work, a powerful pump, etc.The power of the equipment to be temporarily connected is greater than the capacity of the stabilizer (welding works, a powerful pump, etc.), and the incoming voltage is stable.
- The need for construction work with a large emission of dust and moisture. In this case it is better not to use the AVR and cover it with a material that prevents it from contamination.
- Failure of the stabilizer.
In other cases, the use of bypass mode is undesirable.
As a conclusion we can say that the ability to switch to bypass mode is a necessary option of the stabilizer. With its help you can easily and quickly provide power supply bypassing the device. When choosing a stabilizer, of the two equal, it is better to choose a model with bypass.
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