Is the power grid unpredictable? A voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler will prevent equipment failure
According to statistics every fourth breakdown gas boiler is connected with electrical network problems. Modern boilers are controlled by high-tech electronics, which are quite demanding in terms of power supply.
In the private sector it is not uncommon sudden voltage fluctuations, power surges, which is detrimental to the boiler's electrical circuit boards.
Stabilizer protects equipment in such situations and provides high-quality power supply for the gas boiler. Unlike UPS, the stabilizer only regulates the frequency and voltage of the output current, which allows all systems to operate without overloads. The UPS has built-in power batteries, and in the event of a power outage allows the system to operate autonomously for some time.
Content
Types of voltage stabilizers for gas heating boilers
Voltage stabilizers are distinguished by the type of operation. There are relay, thyristor and electromechanicalEach type has its own operating characteristics, designed for different conditions.
220V and 380V: required power
There are stabilizers single-phase 220 V and three-phase 380 V. All gas boilers have an input voltage 220 V. A conventional gas boiler consumes on average 200-300 W, therefore, a stabilizer with power is needed 400W and more.
All stabilizers are designed in a similar way:
- The autotransformer is responsible for voltage equalization;
- the monitoring device monitors input voltage;
- the regulator changes the number of turns on the winding, due to which it occurs decrease or increase voltage;
- fuse from short circuits and overloads.
Electrical relays
These stabilizers have no moving parts, control occurs using a microprocessor, i.e. relay, hence the name. Initially, this type of device was used where the voltage was insufficient, but modern relay stabilizers can also lower the voltage. They are connected if the surges in the network are insignificant.
For boilers, accuracy is recommended 5%, if this indicator is higher, the boiler board will burn out due to a strong voltage surge. The lower the accuracy, the better. for the boiler.
Photo 1. Electronic relay voltage stabilizer single-phase model ST-888, manufacturer - "Teplocom", Russia.
Pros:
- Performance 100 ms.
- Range 135-315 V.
- Accuracy 7.5%.
- Resistant to frequent power surges.
- Small dimensions.
- Light weight.
- Fast they work.
- Practically silent.
- They do not distort sine wave.
- They work comfortably in the range of -20°С — +40°С.
- Service life at least 10 years.
Cons:
- When switching the relay, you can hear clicks.
- At the moment of switching the windings the lights are flashing.
- The higher the accuracy of the transformer, the its price is higher.
- Many of poor quality devices on the market.
Electromechanical
The simplest in design, but nevertheless reliable devices.
In electromechanical transformers the power supply is regulated by a slider, which moves the brushes along the turns of the secondary winding of the electric drive, adjusting the number of turns.
The sliders are moved by a motor controlled by a microprocessor.
The service life of this unit directly depends on brush quality, but in any case, service maintenance for brush replacement is recommended. Such regulators are used mainly for refrigerators and televisions.
Attention! Usage electromechanical regulators for boilers forbidden! When short-circuited, they cause an open spark, which is very dangerous in combination with gas!
Pros:
- High precision, approx. 3%.
- Wide range stresses.
- Sustainability to overloads.
Cons:
- Replacing brushes every 2-3 years.
- Cannot be used on cold.
- They are warming themselves at work.
- Slowly they work.
- Enough noisy are working.
- Dust entering the device chars.
- Sparks when opening/closing contacts.
Thyristor
Considered the best today. The transformer is controlled by electronic keys, thyristors, The device quickly responds to any changes in the incoming voltage.
Pros:
- Triggering 10—20 ms.
- Accuracy 1-2.5%.
- Range 120-280 V.
- Maximum error 0.5%.
- Silent Job.
- Long term services.
Cons:
- Tall price.
- If the control board fails, it will need to be replaced. replacement.
Wall, floor and suspended
According to the installation method, voltage stabilizers are classified as wall-mounted, floor-mounted and universal. Wall-mounted transformers are flat and aesthetically pleasing.
Floor-standing ones are more powerful, but also more dimensional, which is not always convenient. Usually, boilers do not require high power, so you can buy compact wall or universal stabilizer.
How to choose
When choosing a stabilizer It is important to take into account the conditions, in which the boiler will operate: voltage surges, location, and also financial opportunities. The device should look aesthetically pleasing, not take up much space, operate safely and quietly. If the boiler is expensive, then choose the regulator reliable and high-quality. No less important are technical specifications equipment.
Response time
The time it takes for the device to respond to a power surge. The lower this figure, the better. But you shouldn't overpay for excessively high response speeds, 10-20 ms quite enough.
Input voltage range
How wider this range is the better. If the voltage in the network drops below minimum or will rise above maximum, then the device will simply turn off the boiler.
Photo 2. Thyristor voltage stabilizer model Norma 20000, voltage 220 V, manufacturer - "Energotech", Russia.
To calculate the input voltage range, measure it several times a day, and then take arithmetic mean.
Correction level
How higher such an indicator is the better. This parameter means the difference between 220 V and the voltage that it produces device at the exit. For such sensitive equipment as a gas boiler, this is important, although many other electrical appliances tolerate the difference normally. in 10%.
Temperature conditions range
This indicator is important for northern regions. It indicates at what temperatures the device can operate correctly. Although in most boiler houses positive temperature, this is worth paying attention to. For units with thermal insulation casing This range is much wider.
Electronic control circuit
There are two types available: monolithic and discrete circuits. The first is a block that includes all the electronic elements.
If one element breaks, the entire unit will have to be replaced, which will cost about 30% of the cost device.
In a discrete circuit, there is a plateau with soldered-in devices; if one element fails, it is replaced without changing the entire unit.
How to install
First of all, when installing, choose a room. Since we are talking about electricity, dryness is required. If in a boiler room damp or wet, then the regulator cannot be installed there, so the basement is not always suitable for this purpose. Humidity is necessary no more than 60-70%.
Garage and storage room — also bad places, the device is not placed near flammable, chemically active and flammable substances.
Attics and Closets will not work due to too high temperatures in the summer and insufficient air circulation, the device will overheat and quickly fail.
Connection
Direct connection of the boiler to the stabilizer is elementary: the transformer is turned on into the socket, and the boiler is connected to it. If there are several stabilizers, then use a separate socket for each, otherwise they will create network interference each other. No additional equipment testing is required.
Useful video
Check out the video that explains what parameters to consider when buying a voltage stabilizer.
Conclusion: is a stabilizer with a battery necessary?
The boiler is an important piece of equipment in the house, because it is responsible for heating and hot water. Breaking gas boiler, especially in winter, will become a real communal disaster, and repairs usually take a lot of time. In addition, gas boilers are expensive equipment.
Manufacturers indicate operating requirements in the device manuals, where quality power supply more often everything comes firstIf this condition is not met, the warranty obligations are void.
The transformer is capable of protecting the boiler's power-sensitive electrics from breakdowns, which often occur in the private sector due to power surges.
At the same time, the stabilizer makes the use of the boiler much more economical and will save the owner a considerable amount of money. In the conditions of Russian power grids application of voltage stabilizer Necessarily.
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