Voltage relay or stabilizer – which is better?

To protect electricity consumers, voltage stabilizers are provided , with a possible installation option, at the entrance to the home electrical network, and for a single device. These devices monitor the voltage parameters in the network, followed by bringing them to the nominal value. However, despite all the advantages of stabilization systems, they have a significant drawback – a relatively long period of time during which the power supply parameters are brought to the nominal value, which is not always acceptable for complex, sensitive and expensive electronic equipment.

The best option to protect electrical appliances from surges and drops in electrical parameters is the voltage relay (PH). The main advantage of these devices is speed, the response time is measured in nanoseconds. The design of the device provides threshold adjustment.

The voltage relay performs the functions of monitoring the mains voltage parameters and immediately disconnecting the consumer in case of their unacceptable deviation from the nominal value. An electronic device assembled on the basis of a comparator or microprocessor acts as a working body.

Depending on the technical conditions of the protected equipment, which determine the limits of permissible deviation of the current value from the nominal value, the relay device provides the ability to set the sensitivity threshold of the device.

In practice, models are used that provide automatic supply of electricity to the consumer after normalization of voltage parameters, and also resume their operation after pressing the unlock button. The decision of which of the two above-mentioned protection devices to choose must be based on specific conditions.

We determine the type of connection

To date, relays made in several designs are offered to the consumer, depending on the type of connection to the home network:

1. Plug and socket.
2. Extension cord.
3. DIN rail mounted unit.

All the above types of performance relays are widely used and are a relevant and proven option for monitoring mains parameters. It is difficult for an ignorant person to decide how to choose the correct voltage relay, acceptable for a house or apartment. The answer to the question should be sought on the basis of the tasks that will be assigned to the protective device.

Power plug  installed directly into the apartment outlet. This control option option is ideal for protecting against surges and dips in the voltage of a single electrical device. The digital panel with which this device is equipped displays the value of the current voltage in the network.

Extension cord  The principle of operation is identical to the plug socket, the difference is that this device is equipped with two or more sockets. When purchasing pH protection for many consumers, it is recommended to choose an extension cord.

The relay is in the form of a unit mounted on a DIN rail,  which is connected in the switchboard of an apartment or house and is designed to protect from unacceptable power surges all electrical consumers of an apartment or house. The design provides for operation of the device in maximum and minimum relay mode, as well as to perform time relay functions.

LVs have current load limits; Its power contacts are designed for a maximum load of 11 kVA. If the total power consumption of the consumers exceeds this rating, the device must be used as an intermediate relay. As a joint of the power network, it is necessary to install a magnetic or contactor actuator, which must be selected taking into account the total load of the home network.

Select the phase and rated current of the device

The pH is divided into three stages and one stage. Three-phase models are used in 380 V networks to protect electric motors. For a 220V apartment unit, a single-phase voltage relay must be selected.

It is also important to choose the pH rated current. To do this, you first need to determine the power consumption of electrical appliances and select the device characteristics with a margin of 20-30%. For example, if you need to choose the pH of an air conditioner with a rated current of 5 A, it is quite sufficient to purchase a relay rated for a nominal current of 10 A. If you need to protect all the wiring in an apartment or house, pay attention to the nominal circuit breaker. If the device is at 25 amps, you need to select a relay at 32 amps or 40 amps. If the rated current of the device is 32 A, then the pH should be 40, preferably 50 A.

For you to understand, single-phase voltage relays are designed for installation in a socket for a current of 6 to 16 amperes. Devices mounted on a DIN rail can withstand a load of 8 and up to 80 A (maximum current, with nominal current 63A, model VA-protector 63A).

There is still an important question, which brand of device is better to choose to ensure the protection of the electrical equipment of the apartment. The most popular on the market is the DC Electronics ZUBR line. For reference, it should be noted that ZUBR is an old brand name; Currently, the company’s products are supplied under the name RBUZ.

Now you know how to choose a voltage relay for home and apartment.As you can see, the selection criteria are quite simple: you need to determine the device version, phase, rated current and brand.