The purchase of an automatic machine does not end with its installation and operation. If you want to keep your equipment from premature failure, install a voltage regulator for the washing machine.
Power surges in the domestic power grid are not uncommon. Moreover, there are cases when deviations of 10-15% are allowed. No one will return the money for the burned equipment, so you need to protect yourself and the machine in advance.
How to choose a voltage regulator
Today on the market you can find different types of devices. They differ in technical characteristics and operation principle. Each species has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at each type in more detail to find out which one you need.
Relay
The simplest and cheapest type of stabilizer. The device is suitable for a home electrical system with small power surges - no more than 10-15 V. Otherwise, the relay contacts are damaged, which puts your equipment at risk.
Ferroresonant
This stabilizer is the most expensive and unstable. They release it abroad, and use it there. Occasionally, it is used in enterprises, but is not suitable for a home network.
Stepped
The name of the stabilizer indicates the type of its operation. The semiconductor components in the design stabilize power surges in stages. Therefore, the device does not respond so quickly to distortion, but protects home appliances by 100%.
It is a stepped type that is recommended to be installed for a washing machine.
Electromechanical (servo-driven)
Consists of a drive and several blocks. Inexpensive stabilizer that provides a stable output voltage. But it has a small operating range, and its servo drive often fails.
The advantage is a low price.
Do you need a stabilizer
To understand whether your machine needs an uninterruptible power supply, during several days measure the voltage in the network during peak hours. Compare the deviations from the normal voltage of 220 volts.
- If the indicators are no more than 235 V, then the installation of the device is optional. You can execute it unless for safety reasons.
- The network needs an uninterrupted power supply for all equipment, if deviations from 200 V are 7-10%.
- With a deviation of 10-15%, it is generally dangerous for you to connect household appliances. An stabilizer is urgently needed, not only for the washer, but also for other appliances.
Having drawn conclusions, we can proceed with the selection of a stabilizing device.
Power stabilizer for a washing machine
Before you go shopping, decide how much power the device should be. To do this, you need to calculate:
- Select the devices you want to connect to the stabilizer. It must withstand the load of the most powerful equipment.
- If you decide to connect only an automatic machine, look at its instructions. Find the line that indicates the power that it consumes during operation.
- The power of the washing machine is 2000 watts. Add 40% to this indicator and round up. At the output you get 3000 watts. This is how much a stabilizing device must withstand.
- It is important to pay attention to the number of phases. It should match your network. You can check this by looking at the meter: it indicates the single-phase or three-phase network type.
For additional protection, it is recommended to install RCD machine. This is a protective device that will prevent electric shock during a sudden power surge.
Popular models
Experts have identified the best models in accordance with their parameters.
Voltron PCH-3000
The relay type stabilizer is designed for operation in a single-phase network. It can effectively maintain a voltage of 220V ± 8%. The device includes two types of protection - relay and step. Thanks to the high speed of operation, the stabilizer will reliably protect household appliances.
The device is equipped with overload protection, is not subject to short circuit. The input voltage range is wide enough: 105-265 V. The power of the product is 3 kW, it can be used in homes without heating.
Russian companies are engaged in production, so beware of cheap Chinese fakes.
UPower ACH-3000
It is used in household single-phase networks, operates in the range of 140-260 V. Deviation from the norm is 6%. You can connect devices with a total power of 3000 watts. If the permissible voltage norm is exceeded, the device automatically turns off. Work starts as soon as the voltage stabilizes.
You can install the device in a room with a humidity level of not higher than 98%. The design of the stabilizer combines relay and step protection. The microprocessor controls the operation of the relay. Thus, it responds to a voltage surge after 4 ms. Equipped with a display.
UPower ACH-3000 is designed for installation in homes without heating. Withstands temperatures from -30 to +40 degrees. It is made in China.
Energy ASN-5000
The relay type stabilizer with a range of 120-280 V. It automatically turns off if the voltage rises above the permissible norm. One of the most economical devices, since its efficiency is 98%. Power - 5 kW.
The sealed enclosure has two displays and indicator lights. The stabilizer works quietly, can be installed in an unheated room. Allowable temperature: -20 - +40 degrees. The compact dimensions of the device (203x192x285 cm) and low weight (9 kg) make operation convenient.
Now you understand that installing a stabilizer for household appliances is very important. Choosing the right one is easy, the main thing is to know the total power of the equipment. If you do not know what type of network you have, consult a specialist.