What do you need to know before buying a voltage regulator?

Why you need to buy a Voltage Stabilizer？

Because the designers of electrical appliances have taken into account the use of power supply fluctuations in the factors, designed to insure the coefficient of insurance, in a certain voltage fluctuations to ensure normal operation, if you live in the lot supply voltage is often maintained in the household appliances within the applicable voltage range, and infrequent power outages, there is no need to go to the purchase of a voltage regulator.

How to Choose a Voltage Regulator: 6 Factors to Consider

1.Power Reserve for Inductive Loads

When using a voltage regulator for inductive loads such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, fans, elevators, and pumps, it's essential to consider their large instantaneous starting current, which can be 3-5 times the rated current. To account for this, ensure that the voltage regulator has sufficient power reserve, ideally 1.5 times the reserved capacity for a single machine and 3 times the amount of reserved supporting to prevent immediate damage caused by inrush current.

2.Input Voltage Range and Future Expansion

Check whether the utility power supply voltage exceeds the specified input voltage range of the voltage regulator, particularly if there is a three-phase voltage difference of 10V or more. Additionally, consider potential future business expansion and the need to increase equipment, ensuring that the regulator has reserved capacity for expansion.

3.Load Factor and Capacity Reservation

Whether used as a stand-alone or whole plant supporting unit, it's important to reserve a certain amount of capacity when purchasing the regulator to avoid operating at 100% load factor. A load factor of up to 90% is generally considered appropriate to accommodate fluctuations.

4.Automatic Regulator Form and Structure

Consider the installation location, purpose, and installation capabilities when choosing the form and structure of the automatic regulator. Options include desktop, wall-mounted, dual-use desk and wall types, and floor-mounted units.

5.Overcoming Surge and Starting Shocks

It is recommended to purchase a voltage regulator that is at least three times larger than the actual power to ensure it can overcome the surge shock of the utility and the starting shock of inductive loads (e.g., refrigerators, air-conditioners, motors, and electric motors) during actual operation.

6.Consideration of Rated Power and Impact Loads

When selecting the output power of the voltage regulator, take into account the rated power of the power equipment, start-up surge current, and inductive or capacitive loads. Leave enough margin for impact loads, ensuring that the margin is greater when necessary.

When selecting a voltage regulator, it's important to use the appropriate power selection method.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Output Power for Household Appliances

The output power marked by the voltage stabilizer is the maximum power. For household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and pumps, their nominal power refers to the active power. However, these appliances have very large transient current during start-up due to their inductive loads, so their power requirements should be multiplied by 3 to 5 times. For example, a 3HP air conditioner with a 220V power supply would require a regulator with capacity of at least 6.75 kW (2.25 kW x 3 x 3).

Industrial Equipment Power Requirements

For industrial equipment, the rated power should be multiplied by at least 2 times for selecting the regulator's capacity. When using equipment with motors, high-current start-up devices, or impact load equipment, a regulator with capacity greater than 3 times the rated power is needed to prevent excessive start-up current that can cause voltage drop and improper operation. For example, a factory steam pump machine with a 380V power supply and a motor power of 7.5 kilowatts would require a regulator with capacity greater than 22.5 kW (7.5 kW x 3).

Input Capacity for Low Voltage Regulators

When selecting a regulator with output voltage of 110V for input voltage between 0.5-3K, the input capacity should not exceed 40% of the rated capacity. When both 110V and 220V output are required simultaneously, the output capacity should be limited to 50% of the rated capacity to avoid overload.

Calculation of Regulator Power

To calculate the required regulator power, consider the rated power of the equipment, the use of current, the power loss due to low input voltage, and the load balance. Take these factors into account to determine the appropriate power capacity for the regulator.

By following these power selection guidelines, you can choose a voltage regulator that can provide stable and reliable power supply for your equipment.