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The Complete Buying Guide for Voltage Stabilisers

How often have you brought a brand-new home appliance without buying a voltage stabiliser? Probably never. If you live in a country where your electricity supply is plagued with voltage fluctuations, you will need stabilisers to safeguard your appliances. Stabilisers are essential to prevent expensive appliances from permanently damaging by power fluctuations.

A voltage stabiliser will give your appliances a long life and is a long-term investment. Our blog discusses everything you need to know about voltage stabilisers and what to consider when investing in one.

Voltage Stabilisers: Why Are They The Lifeline For Your Appliances?

As small and compact as they seem, voltage stabilisers are powerful electrical devices designed to recognise and regulate voltage fluctuations and deliver a consistent voltage output range.

Let’s explain how a stabiliser works without sounding complicated and technical. When your utility voltage is too low, the in-built electronic circuit in your stabiliser senses it, enabling an electromagnetic relay to compensate for the voltage loss and feed the regulated power to the connected equipment. When the incoming voltage is too high, the stabiliser activates another electromagnetic relay to deduct the excess voltage.

What Powers Your Voltage Stabiliser?

Your voltage stabiliser is no less of an engineering marvel. They are built with electronic circuitry that uses electromagnetic relays to change the taps of the in-built autotransformer to generate the desired voltage when the power fluctuates. When the voltage supply falls outside the range, a mechanism switches the transformer tap and brings the supply into the safe range.

There is no dearth of stabilisers in today’s market. Voltage stabilisers are in high demand due to the influx of innovative home appliances into the consumer market. Stabilisers designed with the latest technology can protect your expensive home appliances from voltage fluctuations for a long time. However, there is one contingency: You cannot use the same type of stabiliser for all your appliances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” because different stabilisers are needed for different appliances.

Why Do We Need Different Stabilisers For Different Appliances

It is important to choose a voltage stabiliser, especially for the appliance to which it will be attached. Stabilisers are classified according to the following:

  • Energy limit
  • Appliance features

All appliances are designed to operate on a specific energy limit, and voltage stabilisers are manufactured with these specifications. Based on these criteria, there are different stabilisers available for:

  • Power mainlines
  • Air conditioners
  • Music systems
  • LCD and LED TVs
  • Smart TVs
  • Washing machines
  • Dishwashers
  • Convection ovens
  • Treadmills

It is not right to pick any stabilisers off the shelf. It is crucial to select the right one, and you need to consider aspects such as:

  • Appliance’s range of power consumption
  • Level of voltage fluctuations in your area

When you purchase a new refrigerator or air conditioner for your house, your salesman will recommend you to club your purchase with a stabiliser. Here are five technical factors to check when before paying for the voltage stabiliser:

1. Working range

The working range of a stabiliser is the voltage range in which the stabiliser regulates the input voltage and delivers the desired output.

2. Load connection

One of the most important aspects is the nature of the load connected to the stabiliser. Getting the VA (or Volt Ampere) from Watts (W) will require some measurements, but you can approximate the VA size by increasing Watts by 20%.

3. Surge current

You should also consider the surge current that flows through your device when you switch it on.

4. Voltage rating

Every stabiliser has a specification sticker with information about the following:

  • The power rating of the device
  • Voltage
  • Current

The standard service voltage for stabilisers manufactured in India is 230 VAC, 50 Hertz.

5. Stabiliser rating

You can calculate the stabiliser rating by multiplying 230 x maximum rated current for all the appliances you want to connect to the device and adding an extra 20-25%. If you intend to add more appliances to it, you need to keep a buffer accordingly.

Next, you should look for certain features to ensure you are buying an upgraded device. A good, modern stabiliser should have the following:

  • Indicators to display the voltage supplied to power the appliance.
  • Time delay systems enable a time-lapse for the compressor to balance the current flow during a short power cut.
  • Digitisation to ensure accuracy, reliability, and multi-device adaptability.
  • Mounting convenience ensures the stabiliser can be mounted on walls or placed on a higher level for better protection.
  • Overload protection automatically turns off the output during a short circuit or power overload.

Are you still in a dilemma about investing in stabilisers? Do you think your TV or air conditioner does not require a stabiliser because it has upgraded technology? Well, think again, or you could end up with a severely damaged device.

3 Reasons Why Your Home Appliances Need Voltage Stabilisers

A good stabiliser will not cost much, and even if it does, it is not an expense, but an investment, because it:

1. Prevents equipment malfunction

All electronic devices come with safe operating limitations, and any non-compliance can have disastrous consequences for your device, from simple malfunctioning to complete operational failure.

2. Enhances appliance longevity

Voltage stabilisers smooth out power from the electric grid by suppressing surges. In the absence of a stabiliser, your appliances are susceptible to sudden spikes and dips in the current supply. A voltage stabiliser will ensure your appliances work for years without any issues.

3. Ensures overall safety

When your expensive equipment is connected to stabilisers, there is a much lesser fire risk due to faulty wires and short circuits. In short, a stabiliser provides round-the-clock protection to electrical appliances, your home, and your family.

Some things are more a necessity than a luxury, and a voltage stabiliser is one of them. Now that you understand the importance of these devices, it is best to buy the appropriate stabilisers for the devices in your home. Nantech Power Systems, Chennai, provides a wide range of affordable voltage stabilisers for various appliances. Give us a call to find the right one for your requirements.

Why are Copper Stabilisers Better Than Aluminium Stabilisers?

Have you ever considered the wiring and internal components when buying a voltage stabiliser to safeguard your home appliances? Likely not. Most of us overlook these important details.

In the case of a voltage stabiliser, the winding material is the most important component that plays a major role in how the device works. The winding material comes in two choices- Aluminium and Copper. Now comes the million-dollar question: "Which material is better- Aluminium or Copper?"

This blog analyses the differences and the functionalities of both materials to make it easier to pick the right choice. But first things first...

What is a Voltage Stabilizer & How Does it Work?

Most appliances in your home or office function with the solid support rendered by the voltage stabiliser. It is an appliance that keeps the flow of voltage-current stable and protects your devices from voltage fluctuations and erratic power supply.

Let's say there is a sudden, unexpected drop in the incoming voltage. Your stabiliser jumps into action, activating the electromagnetic relays. These relays, in turn, add extra electricity to the secondary winding and compensate for the voltage drop. Similarly, if there is a sudden increase in voltage, less electricity is relayed to the secondary winding to stabilise the output voltage.

So, essentially, the winding material is the "heart of the stabiliser," without which the device cannot work. Industry experts say that copper has the upper hand compared to aluminium, although manufacturers widely use both materials. What makes copper superior to aluminium? Why is it the preferred choice? Let's find the answers in the following discussion.

How Does Copper Differ from Aluminium as a Winding Material?

1. Thermal Connectivity

Copper has the upper hand in thermal conductivity, especially when it comes to reducing the hot-spot temperature rise in transformer windings. However, this superiority is achievable only when both windings are similar in size, geometry, and design.

It is also possible for aluminium to achieve the same thermal conductivity characteristics by making the aluminium coil 66% larger in its cross-sectional area. However, whatever the winding material, stabiliser manufacturers conduct several tests to produce acceptable hot-spot gradients. They:

  • Test hot-spot characteristics of the design.
  • Utilise cooling surface area, coiling geometry, conductor shape, and air ducting.

2. Current distribution

Copper's higher metallurgical properties make it a better distributor of electricity when compared to aluminium. Copper winding enables an even, reliable, and stable current distribution than aluminium winding.

3. Terminations

One problem with aluminium stabilisers is the formation of oxide, which does not enable easy detachment from terminations. Here again, copper reigns supreme because they are soft and easily detachable. This makes copper stabilisers more durable than their aluminium counterparts.

4. Galvanic action

Galvanic action occurs between two electromagnetically different metals in contact to create a conductive path for ions and electrons to move from one metal to another. Galvanic actions sometimes result in complete loss or partial loosening of contacts. In this scenario, aluminium stabilisers lose more material through galvanic action than copper stabilisers.

5. Creep Level

Under extreme loads or high temperatures, aluminium stabilisers are more susceptible to failure than copper stabilisers because the creep rate of aluminium can reach 25 times.

6. Connectivity & Performance

Due to lower energy losses, copper stabilisers perform better and are more efficient than aluminium stabilisers. Moreover, copper is more conductive than aluminium due to oxides, chlorides, and sulfides. Aluminium connections are susceptible to corrosion, so it is more important to clean and protect their joints. Also, the connections between aluminium transformers and copper building wire are not very dependable.

7. Strength and flexibility

Without a doubt, aluminium is a strong and flexible metal. But here again, copper is far superior in both aspects. Therefore, stabilisers with copper winding require fewer inspections and maintenance procedures when compared to those with aluminium winding.

8. Manufacturing expenses

Although copper is expensive, copper stabilisers require less material and cross-sections of the conductor. Therefore, it costs less to manufacture copper stabilisers than an aluminium ones. Furthermore, copper stabilisers are more viable because they require:

  • Smaller manufacturing machines.
  • Powder-coating set up.
  • Less storage area.
  • Quality control labs.

These are some of the reasons why stabiliser manufacturers prefer copper over aluminium.

Why is Copper Preferred Over Aluminium? A Quick Glance

The winner is copper all the way! Aluminium is good, but copper is the best because it has:

  • More flexibility which allows it to be stretched and moulded to any requirement.
  • Higher thermal and electrical conductivity.
  • Greater tensile strength.
  • Good soldering properties to align with any electrical device.

Other reasons why copper is highly recommended:

  • Lesser material

An aluminium wound coil requires approximately 1.8 times as much cross-section to carry the same current as copper. More cross-section means more manufacturing costs.

  • Flammability

Compared to copper, aluminium has a potential threat, which is its reaction with oxygen in the air, causing it to overheat and burst into flames.

  • Better efficiency

Transformers with a higher copper content typically have higher energy performance and lower lifecycle costs.

We have stated enough reasons to justify why copper-wounded stabilisers are far better than aluminium-wounded stabilisers. However, in reality, aluminium stabilisers quickly gain acceptance because of the cost advantage.

Yes, copper is expensive, and that is one of the reasons why manufacturers prefer aluminium. However, awareness of copper stabilisers and their benefits will enable consumers to see beyond the price point and make the right choice.

Do you require expert advice about buying the right stabiliser for your electrical appliances? Call Nantech's team now. We are one of the most reputed inverter battery dealers and suppliers in Chennai.

The efficiency of Constant Voltage Transformer compared to other stabilizers

Constant Voltage Transformer [CVT] is also known as Ferroresonant Transformer. It is a non-linear transformer which provides a regulated voltage output through an electromagnetic phenomenon called ferroresonance . The ferroresonant power supplies are widely used in applications which require constant output voltages especially when the input voltage is likely to vary due to instabilities and power line disturbances.

The advantages of CVT over others:

The CVT or the Constant Voltage Transformer was invented in the year 1930. It is one of the oldest inventions among stabilizers and the most efficient. Let us check out some other stabilizers:

Also Read: Benefits Of Using An Isolation Transformer

Switched Mode Power Supply [SMPS]-
The SMPS is an electronic power supply that connects a switching regulator to convert electrical power efficiently. The SMPS transfers power supply from a DC or AC source to DC loads, such as a personal computer, while converting voltage and current characteristics.

Automatic Voltage Transformer[AVT]-
The AVT is a stabilizer used for emergency power supply, oil rigs, generator sets and so on. It is an electronic power device used for variable voltage and this can be done without changing the power factor. If the voltage of the power supply is more than required, a step- down transformer is used and if the voltage is less a step-up transformer is used.

Electromechanical Regulator:
The electromechanical regulator is used for regulation of voltage on AC power distribution lines. These stabilizers are also called voltage stabilizers or tap-changers.To select the appropriate tap from an autotransformer these voltage stabilizer use servomechanism operation.

The uses of a stabilizer: A Voltage stabilizer is used to provide a constant current to electrical gadgets and also protects them from damages due to voltage fluctuations. Some of the main uses are:

  • In under developing third world countries constant power supply is a problem. This intermittent power supply and voltage fluctuations lead to a vital loss. In such situations, stabilizers come to rescue.
  • Slightest variations in AC power supply can cause vital equipment to crash and essential processes to falter. It may also lead to data processing error.
  • Huge damage can be caused to the sensitive electronic device due to common mode noise. Dirty mains and interrupted power supply can cause a lot of problems.
  • Most of the electronic devices can work on low voltages but sometimes problems like sags, brownouts and surges occur which causes huge problems.
  • Spikes are fast short duration electrical transients in voltage, they are typically caused by lightning, power outages,short circuit and malfunction in the power company. Usually, all electronic devices can handle spikes of 100V, but more than that may lead to the crashing of the hardware.

The benefits of CVT over others:

Better voltage regulation: The fluctuation in input voltage is up to 40% the CVT will provide with a better voltage regulation of 1 to 4%.

Current limit: Control on current supply according to the need is the major advantage of CVT. The other stabilizer has a built-in control of constant current supply as against voltage.

Durable: The CVT does not have any movable part so it is easy to maintain and work for a longer duration than other transformers.

Can detect the slight voltage fluctuation and provide a constant voltage supply for the uninterrupted flow of work. Even if there is a small power block, the CVT is able to fill the gap.

The conclusion:

The CVT is one of the best stabilizers in the industry. The reliability and simplicity of the CVT has made it a popular choice. It is a durable device and can be in constant use for a long time without any adverse effects. A CVT is a self-protecting device which protects both its supply and the load connected to it. So to conclude, the Constant Voltage Transformer is the perfect option for any sensitive electronic device which requires a constant power supply.

Do You Need A Servo Voltage Stabiliser

Power cuts and fluctuations are commonplace in India; these fluctuations can be detrimental to your electrical equipment. To protect them from these fluctuations and to get a voltage that is consistent and safe, a Servo stabilizer is needed. Many products have come up with ads that say their equipment have SMPS and hence there is no need for a stabilizer. These claims are far from the truth, read below to understand why there is a need for voltage stabilizers and how it can protect your appliances.

Why have servo voltage stabilizers:

Some electrical equipment like the X-Ray machines, PH-meter, etc. gets affected when there is a high voltage whereas compressors, refrigerators, etc. get damaged due to low voltage. So it becomes mandatory to select servo voltage stabilizer in Chennai on load as well as voltages that can provide a constant voltage. Electricity boards are also unable to provide clean power as the load is enormous and the number of electrical appliances running at end user is too high. There are single or three phases of electricity in the range of 230V to 415V. The 3 phased connections are divided into three lines each with 230V, so the range of electrical appliance is 220 to 240V. When the voltage is higher or lower than this range, there has to be a correction as the SMPS within the device cannot handle this and hence the appliance can be damaged. When you install a stabilizer got from voltage stabilizer dealers, you can safeguard your electrical equipment.

Also Read: What Are Active Harmonic Filters And Its Application?

Avoid getting tricked and buy from the best voltage stabilizer dealers:

Many products are fake and sold in the market at a lower price. Avoid buying such stabilizers as you may end up damaging your expensive appliances. Buy from reputed servo stabilizer manufacturers in Chennai as the quality of the product is assured and you can also check the specifications. Before you buy, find out more about delivery and installation along with any warranty or guarantee. Also, the contact number of voltage stabilizer service center should be mentioned in case of any problem with the device.

Advantages of Servo Voltage Stabilizers:

  • The stabilizers are a must for every house in summer and rainy season as that is the time for power fluctuations. These stabilizers can regulate the power supply and provide clean energy. It prevents overload and short circuits too.
    Makes your electrical appliance more durable and improves the life by preventing damage due to fluctuations.
  • Saves energy and makes the appliance more efficient.
  • Increase in production.
  • Improved safety and protection of your appliances.

Applications of Servo Voltage Stabilizers:

These stabilizers are not only for home use but can be useful in many places like hospitals, distilleries, manufacturing units, cold storage, food processing units, etc.

To summarize, Servo Voltage stabilizers obtained from the best servo stabilizer manufacturers in Chennai will ensure that the voltage fluctuations are kept in check. That will prevent any damage to your electrical appliances and safeguards them. You will not need any costly replacement or repair when you have voltage stabilizers installed.

Voltage Stabilizer Manufacturers Providing The Best Solution For Power Fluctuations

Voltage fluctuations can be a real nuisance. Such fluctuations are extremely harmful to all your appliances and may result in frequent mishaps. The only way to do away with the damages caused by such rampant and unpredictable voltage fluctuations is to install voltage stabilizers for all your appliances, whether in homes, offices, laboratories or any other place.

 

What is a Voltage Stabilizer?

A voltage stabilizer, as the name suggests, is the equipment that stabilizes voltage; that is these save the appliances from sharp peaks and dips in the flow of electricity. Voltage stabilizers feed constant electricity to appliances. Therefore, appliances do not draw electricity from any electrical point but the stabilizer. Stabilizers make use of the principles of the transformer. In this the input current gets connected to primary windings and output is exited through secondary windings. In case of a drop in voltage, the electromagnetic relays help add additional numbers of turns in the secondary windings. Stabilizer fills in for the voltage output loss. The reverse applies for the sharp rise in incoming voltage. Therefore, in both such cases, the voltage stabilizer stabilizes the outgoing voltage and saves the appliances from anomalies.

Also Read: UPS Inverter In Chennai – Understanding The Variations

Voltage Stabilizer Dealer’s Tips To Follow During A Purchase

Voltage stabilizers are available across a wide range of prices, capacities, and quality, making you spoilt for choices. Here are a few tips highlighted by the men who matter – the Voltage Stabilizer Dealers!

  • You need to look into the magnetic & electrical conductors used, the subassemblies, assembly and overall performance of the gadget.
  • Remember the primary job of the stabilizer is to protect the appliances from any danger and therefore it should be capable of performing this task without any hiccup.
  • Before you buy a stabilizer, do not forget to read the testimonials about the particular brand. Settle for a particular brand only when users have positive things to say about it.

There are several manufacturers of voltage stabilizers in every city of the country; ditto for Chennai. If you are looking for voltage stabilizer in Chennai, there would be a plethora of brands to choose from. Several good local brands are available in this genre that offers excellent value for money. Just in case you are settling for a local brand, it is all the more important to read the reviews so that you do not get cheated.

 

Advantages Of Using A Voltage Stabilizer

The voltage stabilizer saves the appliances from voltage fluctuations and auto-corrects the voltage at regular intervals. This helps in lengthening the shelf life of the appliances, but this is only the primary advantage with the voltage stabilizer. It comes with several other benefits; some of them are listed below:

  • Enhances the productivity rate of the appliances - Since the appliances can work at optimum levels throughout, their productivity rate gets increased.
  • Decreases the electricity bills – Voltage stabilizers help in diminishing the electricity bills to as much as 15%. This, of course, is dependent upon the working hours of the appliances.
  •  It saves the cost of diesel – Voltage stabilizers help in saving on the cost of diesel, as one does not require employing a generator to run the appliances in times of high or low voltages.
  • Lowers the cost of maintenance - Voltage stabilizers help in lowering the cost of maintenance for the appliances, as they are always in perfect running order.

Other than the stabilizers, people also prefer buying UPS. UPS stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply. UPS dealers in Chennai helps in times of sudden power shutdowns and is one of the most important constituents of any computer system. The UPS consists of a bank of batteries and is available in two types –

  • Continuous – that supplies continuous power even in times of main supply, and
  • Stand-by – the type that gets into action in times of power supply failure.

There are several companies that manufacture avant-garde UPS systems. The smaller UPS systems offer battery backup for few minutes while the larger ones offer the same for several hours.

What Is The Need For A Stabilizer? Stabilizer Dealers In Chennai Explains

A voltage stabilizer is an instrument designed to provide constant output voltage irrespective of the changes or fluctuations in the input, i.e., the supply voltage. Stabilizers are also referred to as Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR). The voltage delivered by a stabilizer falls in the range of 220-230V for single phase mains and 380-400V for three-phase mains.

In Chennai, power cuts and voltage fluctuations are very common. Hence it would be foolishness to operate costly appliance without a voltage stabilizer in Chennai. Why is a stabilizer considered necessary? Let us have a look at the technical side.

Usually, all electrical appliances are designed for a wide range of input voltage. Based on the sensitivity of the components used in them, the working range of each appliance is limited to a certain value. For example, some appliances can work with in ± 10 percentage of the rated voltage while the tolerance range of some other appliances is ± 5 percent. But the fluctuation in voltage which happens due to faulty transformers, defective electrical lines, lightning, thunderstorm, etc. may go beyond the tolerance range so that it may damage the appliances.

Also Read: Voltage Stabilizer Manufacturers Providing The Best Solution For Power Fluctuations

Devices which work in over-voltage for a long time may experience the damage of winding insulation, load disturbance, reduced life, etc. It will also affect the connected cables and associated devices.
Similarly, under voltage would cause overheating of the devices, more current usage, poor performance and sometimes termination of its functioning as such.

Not taking any measures to deal with voltage fluctuation and operating costly electrical appliances in widely deviating voltage ranges would result in huge losses. Whereas, buying a good voltage stabilizer and connecting the appliances to it other than connecting to the mains directly would ensure safe operation and long life of your appliances.

 

Different Types Of Voltage Stabilizers, Chennai

Voltage stabilizers are available in different types. Initially, the stabilizers had to be operated manually. Later on, with the advancement in technology, automatic stabilizers came into existence. The presently available Servo voltage stabilizers in Chennai are usually fully automatic with a lot of attractive features. The following are the different types of stabilizers based on the scientific principles involved in their operation.

Relay type

Relay switching is the technique used in relay type stabilizers. They consist of rectifiers, amplifiers, micro-controllers, transformers, and a collection of relays. The accuracy of output voltage ranges between 5 and 10 percent of the desired value. Such stabilizers are generally cheap and are lightweight. They are preferred for those applications which do not require high precision output voltage.

Servo-controlled type

This type of stabilizer utilises a servo motor for voltage regulation. Other components are an autotransformer, a buck-boost transformer, a driver for the motor, micro-controllers or microprocessors involved control circuit, etc. Servo-controlled voltage stabilizers deliver output voltage which is highly accurate. Even very high deviations in input voltage get corrected to the most appropriate voltage required. This type of stabilizers can be used in both single phase and three phase mains. Routine maintenance is required for such stabilizers.

Static voltage type

Static voltage stabilizers consist of a circuit which acts a power electronic converter. They provide even better accurate results than servo controlled stabilizers. They also contain transformers, microprocessors, and controllers. Static voltage stabilizers can be made in very small sizes, and they require no maintenance as well. Hence this type of stabilizers is in more demand compared to the other ones.

 

Tips On Choosing The Right Voltage Stabiliser, Chennai

What are the factors to consider before buying a stabilizer? Here are the most important ones.

  •  Study the power and voltage specifications of the device for which you are buying the stabilizer for. It would be there in the user manual provided while buying it.
  • The rating of stabilizers is in KVA. So if the wattage rating of the instrument is not given directly in the manual, just multiply the voltage by the maximum current, and you will get the wattage value.
  • Do not go for a stabilizer with the exact tolerance range of a device. Always keep some extra margin for safe operation. This would also help in future if more devices are to be connected to the stabilizer.

Keep the points discussed here in your mind and choose the best voltage stabilizer which is perfect for your requirement!

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