What kind of the stabilizer is necessary for the refrigerator? This question is actual both for earlier and for modern types of such installations. Even in big cities the electric network suffers from instability, and in such conditions it is necessary to protect home appliances reliably.
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Why do you need a voltage regulator for your fridge
Domestic refrigerator runs on electricity and includes such parts as an electric motor, compressor, relay protection, electronic control board. These elements are designed for a certain voltage and current, and if the indicators deviate from the permissible values, various malfunctions occur. There are several major causes that can lead to equipment failure.
Undervoltage
When there is not enough voltage to start the motor, the compressor does not start, but current flows through the winding, warming up the wire. If this happens long and often, the motor can fail. Undervoltage is also dangerous when the compressor is running. In this case, the amperage is automatically increased to provide the necessary power, and this leads to heating of the metal and then to damage of the insulation.
Higher voltage
An increase in this parameter leads to an increase in power, which forces the motor to work with overload. If this mode is prolonged, it fails.
High voltage fluctuations or voltage peaks
Instability in the electrical grid is caused by various objective and subjective reasons. Almost no network can be immune to short-term fluctuations in its main indicators. One of the most dangerous variants is a sudden voltage surge, which can be several times higher for a short time, enough to cause an insulation breakdown of the motor winding. Even in cases where the voltage is not enough to break down the insulation, its frequent variations lead to the failure of electronics, which is quite sensitive to such fluctuations.
When is it necessary to protect the refrigerator? To find out, it is necessary to clarify the quality of electricity supplied. To do this, for a certain period of time, you should periodically measure the voltage in the socket with a tester (voltmeter). This figure should be compared to the permissible values specified in the instruction manual on the equipment.
Recommendations for installing stabilizers provides GOST 32144-2014 (p.4.2.2). A voltage increase of more than 10% and a voltage decrease of more than 15% are considered critical for the refrigerator. In other words, a network in which the voltage never exceeds 190-240V can be considered ideal, requiring no precautions. Under such conditions, household appliances do not require additional protection.
Modern refrigerators are often equipped with a built-in stabilizing device. However, practice shows that it does not work reliably enough for significant voltage fluctuations. In unstable networks there is a high probability of failure of such devices, and therefore it is better to install an additional, reliable device.
A surge protector or surge suppressor
The refrigerator can be protected from surges in the network by two main devices:
- A surge protector. A surge protector is a small electronic device that can protect against high-frequency, low-frequency surges.high-frequency and low-frequency) voltage surges, current overloads and short circuits. Its main advantages are its small size and low price. At the same time, you should clearly understand its limitations. The filter cuts off high-frequency and low-frequency pulses, i.e. interference and short-term voltage spikes, but does not change the main parameter. In the event of prolonged voltage variations, excessive current or short-circuits, it simply switches off the power supply. Thus, the surge protector is suitable for fairly stable networks in which unexpected short-term disturbances can occur during lightning strikes, high-frequency devices and welding machine operation, surge arresters, etc. In networks where the voltage drops or rises frequently and for a long time, the refrigerator simply will not work.
- Stabilizer. This device changes the amount of voltage. Within the operating range, it keeps the parameter at the set level with a certain accuracy (e.g. 220 V with a deviation of up to 5 percent). The refrigerator is switched off only if the voltage surges are outside the operating limits. So modern stabilizers are able to provide protection in the range of 150-260 V.
Comparison of the two devices shows that reliable protection and normal operation of the refrigerator is provided only by the voltage regulator. The surge protector copes only in networks where the voltage is always within the range of 200-230 V, except for rare, unforeseen circumstances.
What a stabilizer for the refrigerator should be
The choice of a stabilizer for the refrigerator is chosen according to several criteria. They will be described below.
Power
The power of the device is considered to be the main indicator. It is selected according to the compressor power, taking into account the necessary reserve. The compressor has a rated power between 140-200 W, but the maximum power is developed at start-up. During this period, it reaches a value of 5 times. A margin of about 20 percent is recommended. To give you an example, you can calculate the necessary power of stabilizer for Indesit DF5180 fridge with 190 W compressor: N = 1,2х190х5 = 1140 W.
Operating range
Operating range defines the maximum capabilities of the regulator, i.e. the range of voltage values which can be brought up to the required level. This is the approach used. If the network is dominated by low voltage, then the range is chosen - 120-240 V. When elevated voltages are more common, the 160-280V range is recommended.
Performance
The responsiveness of the device is especially important when there are significant voltage spikes. Practice shows that it is enough to choose this parameter of the order of 10-12 ms. Faster devices are more expensive, but for household appliances have no practical effect.
Stabilizer accuracy and range
In addition to the operating range, an important role is given to the accuracy of the stabilizer. GOST set the minimum accuracy of 10 percent, but standard stabilizers provide the alignment of 220V ± 5%. Modern devices are able to provide the stabilization accuracy of ± (1-2) %.
Reliability and safety
These parameters are provided by the manufacturer. When choosing a stabilizer, you should give preference to proven models of well-known companies. The following models are consistently ranked among the best devices: RUCELF SRFII-6000-L (Russia) with a range of 110-270 V and 5 kW capacity; RUCELF SDWII-6000-F with 140-270 V and 6 kW capacity; Bastion Teplocom ST-555 up to 7 kW capacity; Luxeon WDR-10000; Sven AVR PRO LCD 10000.
Important! When choosing a stabilizer, you should take into account additional indicators. Particular attention should be paid to the weight and size of the device, noiselessness of operation, efficiency, warranty period.
Peculiarities of installation and connection of a voltage regulator
Installation of the voltage stabilizer requires compliance with certain rules:
- The device is installed on a shelf or table. Undersized stabilizers are placed on the floor, but provided that there is no bedding under them, impairing ventilation.
- Good heat dissipation and ventilation should be provided.
- The device can operate at a room temperature in the range of 5-45 degrees.
- The noisiness of the appliance should be considered when installing it.
Connecting the stabilizer to the network does not require a specialist. On his panel is one or two outlets, where the refrigerator is connected. The plug of the device itself is plugged into a socket which is supplied with voltage. Switching on is done by pressing a key. The operation is confirmed by a light indication. If there are special conditions for installation and connection, they are necessarily specified in the instructions of the device.
Safe operation of the device
It is necessary to follow safety rules when operating the AVR:
- Avoid getting moisture inside the device.
- It is not allowed to clean the device with moisture without disconnecting it from the mains. Do not use chemically active detergents.
- Do not allow the body of the device to come into contact with metal.
- Do not overheat the appliance. Ensure good natural or forced ventilation.
Important! Note that the power of the stabilizer must match the parameters of the refrigerator. Additional appliances may only be connected if there is an appropriate power reserve.
A modern refrigerator is "stuffed" with electronics, which are quite sensitive to the quality of the power supply. Reliable protection is necessary also for the compressor. A voltage stabilizer will provide the necessary level of protection, but for this purpose it is necessary to choose it correctly according to the basic criteria.
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