What stabilizer is needed for the refrigerator? This question is relevant both for previously produced and for modern types of such installations. Even in large cities, the electrical network suffers from instability, and in such conditions, there is a need for reliable protection of household appliances.
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Why do you need a voltage stabilizer for the refrigerator
A domestic refrigerator is powered by electricity and includes parts such as an electric motor, compressor, relay protection, and an 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 main reasons that can lead to equipment failure.
undervoltage
When the voltage is not enough to start the engine, the compressor does not start, but the current passes through the winding, heating the wire. If this happens for a long time and often, then the engine may fail. Dangerously low voltage even when the compressor is running. In this case, to provide the required power, the current automatically increases, and this leads to heating of the metal, and then damage to the insulation.
overvoltage
An increase in this indicator leads to an increase in power, which causes the engine to work with overload. With a long period of this mode, it fails.
High voltage interference or power surges
The instability of the electrical network is caused by various objective and subjective reasons. Almost no network can be insured against short-term fluctuations in its main indicators. One of the most dangerous options is a sharp voltage surge, while its value can increase several times for a short time, which is enough to breakdown the insulation of the motor winding. Even in cases where the voltage is not enough to breakdown the insulation, a frequent drop in its values \u200b\u200bleads to the failure of electronics, which are quite sensitive to such fluctuations.
When is refrigerator protection necessary? To find out, it is necessary to clarify the quality of the supplied electricity. To do this, for a certain time, you should periodically measure the voltage in the outlet using a tester (voltmeter).This indicator should be compared with the permissible values \u200b\u200bspecified in the instructions for the equipment.
Recommendations for the installation of stabilizers gives GOST 32144-2014 (clause 4.2.2). Critical for a refrigerator is an increase in voltage by more than 10% and a decrease in voltage by more than 15%. In other words, an ideal network that does not require precautions can be considered a network in which the voltage never goes beyond 190-240 V. In such conditions, household appliances do not require additional protection.
In modern refrigerators, a built-in stabilizing device is often installed. However, practice shows that it does not work reliably enough with 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.
Surge protector or stabilizer
The refrigerator can be protected from power surges by two main devices:
- Network filter. It is a small electronic device that can protect equipment from network (high and low frequency) voltage surges, current overloads and short circuits. Its main advantages are small dimensions and low price. At the same time, its limitations should be clearly understood. The filter cuts off high-frequency and low-frequency pulses, i.e. interference and short-term power surges, but does not change the main parameter. When the voltage changes for a long time, excessive current or short circuit occurs, it simply turns off the power supply.Thus, the mains filter is suitable for sufficiently stable networks, in which unexpected short-term interference may occur during lightning strikes, the operation of high-frequency devices and the welding machine, the operation of arresters, etc. In networks where the voltage drops or rises often and for a long time, the refrigerator simply will not work.
- Stabilizer. This device changes the magnitude of the voltage. Within the operating range, it keeps the parameter at a given level with a certain accuracy (e.g. 220 V with a deviation of up to 5 percent). The refrigerator shuts down only during power surges that go beyond operating limits. So modern stabilizers are able to provide protection in the range of 150-260 V.
A comparison of the two devices shows that reliable protection and normal operation of the refrigerator is provided only by a voltage stabilizer. The mains filter copes with the task only in networks where the voltage is always in the range of 200-230 V, with the exception of rare, unforeseen circumstances.
What should be the stabilizer for the refrigerator
The choice of a stabilizer for a refrigerator is selected according to several criteria. They will be described below.
Power
The power of the device is considered the main indicator. It is selected according to the compressor power, taking into account the necessary margin. The compressor has a rated power in the range of 140-200 W, but the maximum power develops at the time of start-up. During this period, it reaches a 5-fold value. The reserve is recommended to provide about 20 percent.For example, you can calculate the required stabilizer power for the Indesit DF5180 refrigerator with a 190 W compressor: N \u003d 1.2x190x5 \u003d 1140 W.
Working range
The operating range determines the maximum capabilities of the stabilizer, i.e. the range of voltage values that can be brought to the desired level. This approach is applied. If low voltage prevails in the network, then the range is selected - 120-240 V. When increased voltage is more often observed, then the range of 160-280 V is recommended.
Performance
The speed of response of the device is especially important with significant voltage surges. Practice shows that it is quite enough to choose this parameter of the order of 10-12 ms. Faster devices are more expensive, but do not give a practical effect for household appliances.
Stabilizer accuracy and range
In addition to the operating range, an important role is played by the accuracy of stabilization. GOST sets a minimum accuracy of 10 percent, but typical stabilizers provide equalization of 220V ± 5%. Modern devices are capable of providing stabilization accuracy of ±(1-2)%.
Reliability and security
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 invariably in the ranking of the best devices: RUCELF SRFII-6000-L (Russia) with a range of 110-270 V and a power of 5 kW; RUCELF SDWII-6000-F for 140-270 V with a power of 6 kW; Bastion Teplocom ST-555 with power up to 7 kW; Luxeon WDR-10000; Sven AVR PRO LCD 10000.
Important! When choosing a stabilizer, additional indicators should be taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the weight and dimensions of the device, quiet operation, efficiency, warranty period.
Features of installation and connection of the stabilizer
Installing a voltage stabilizer requires compliance with certain rules:
- The device is installed on a shelf or table. Oversized stabilizers are placed on the floor, but on the condition that under them there is no bedding that impairs ventilation.
- Good heat dissipation and ventilation must be ensured.
- The device can operate at room temperature in the range of 5-45 degrees.
- When installing, take into account the noise level of the device.
Connecting the stabilizer to the network does not require the involvement of a specialist. On its panel there is one or two sockets where the refrigerator is connected. The plug of the device itself is plugged into a socket that is energized. Switching on is done by pressing a key. Work is confirmed by light indication. If special conditions for installation and connection are provided, then they must be indicated in the instructions for the device.
Safe use of the instrument
When operating the stabilizer, you must follow the safety rules:
- Elimination of moisture ingress into the device.
- Wet cleaning of the device without disconnecting it from the mains is not allowed. Do not use chemically active detergents.
- Do not allow the body of the device to come into contact with metal.
- Do not allow the device to overheat. This ensures good natural or forced ventilation.
Important! It should be noted that the power of the stabilizer must correspond to the parameters of the refrigerator. Additional household appliances can only be connected if there is an appropriate power reserve.
A modern refrigerator is “stuffed” with electronics that are quite sensitive to the quality of the power supply. Reliable protection is also necessary for the compressor. A voltage stabilizer will provide the necessary level of security, but for this it must be correctly selected according to the main criteria.
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