THE INDUSTRIAL VOLTAGE STABILIZER - A NEGLECTED NECESSITY
In developing countries, especially in Africa, electricity supply voltage can vary considerably from the normal day to day requirement. Electrical devices are designed to work at set nominal values in terms of voltage and frequency (e.g. 415V at 50Hz). In most developing countries however, electric energy distribution might not ensure the stability of these nominal parameters. Voltage in particular can vary even considerably in relation to the nominal value. These variations can cause undesired and potentially dangerous conditions for the users.
A voltage stabilizer stops voltage fluctuations from affecting your electrical loads. This spares your company from unplanned downtime, costly repairs and financial losses.
WHAT IS A VOLTAGE STABILIZER?
A voltage stabilizer is an electrical appliance that provides constant voltage to a load during over and under voltage conditions. It is an effective solution for preventing potentially damaging situations by protecting the electrical load from voltage fluctuations
Irregular voltage is known to cause electrical equipment to underperform, overheat, malfunction and behave differently from normal operation. For example, an AC motor operates optimally within a specific input voltage range. If the mains voltage drop below the nominal value, the motor draws more current, which leads to overheating and insulation degradation. Likewise, some microelectronics require a stable, noise-free, regulated power supply to function accurately. For instance, random electrical interference will result in erroneous sensor readings. Besides ensuring precision, voltage stabilisers also enable equipment to perform efficiently. An AC heater, which works on resistive elements, will take longer to reach the set temperature if the operating voltage falls below the rated value.
In an industrial setup, the voltage stabilizer is installed between the incoming mains power and the protected equipment.
HOW IT WORKS?
A voltage stabilizer works by monitoring the input voltage and comparing it to a reference voltage. If the input voltage varies outside of a certain range, the stabilizer will adjust its output voltage to bring it back within that range. This is typically done using a control circuit that modifies the amount of power delivered to a load, or by adjusting the impedance in the circuit to regulate the current flow. Some voltage stabilizers use a transformer to step up or step down the voltage as needed, while others use solid-state components such as diodes or transistors.
An ECS servo voltage stabilizer under assembly
COMMON APPLICATIONS OF VOLTAGE STABILIZERS:
Industrial Facilities: Ensure uninterrupted production processes by maintaining a stable power supply to heavy machinery.
They also might experience a voltage drop over long-distance cables. They use voltage stabilizers to compensate for the difference and ensure equipment operates at nominal voltage
Commercial buildings: Keep office equipment and machinery safe from voltage variations, minimizing downtime.
Healthcare Facilities: Protect critical medical equipment from voltage fluctuations, ensuring patient care remains unaffected.
Educational Institutions: Maintain a consistent power supply to classrooms and laboratories for smooth educational operations.
Residential Buildings: Safeguard home appliances from voltage surges, enhancing their lifespan.
ECS designs voltage stabilizers that are custom designed to suite a client’s specific needs. However big or small your facility is, we can design a stabilizer that’s tailored to fit your requirements.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A VOLTAGE STABILIZER
Output voltage range: Check the voltage range of your appliance, which is usually given in volts (V). This indicates the minimum and maximum voltage that the device can operate at. You can find the voltage range on the nameplate or the appliance’s manual.
Power rating: Choose a stabilizer with a higher power rating than your appliance, preferably 20% to 25% more. This will ensure that the stabilizer can handle the peak load of the appliance and provide enough margin for safety and efficiency.
Load capacity:The stabilizer should be able to handle the current and power requirements of the load.
Efficiency:The efficiency of the stabilizer can affect the cost of operation and the amount of heat generated by the device.
Size and form factor:The size and form factor of the stabilizer should be appropriate for the space where it will be installed. Check the features and specifications of the stabilizer, such as the type, weight, design, display, indicators, alarms, switches, sockets, cords, plugs, protection, warranty, and so on. It would help if you chose a stabilizer that suits your needs and preferences and offers the best value for money.
Protection: You should choose a stabilizer with a built-in protection system that can automatically detect and correct any fault or abnormality and prevent any damage or accident. You should also select a stabilizer with a fuse or a circuit breaker, which can cut off the power supply in case of an overload or short circuit and prevent any damage.
Reliability and durability: The stabilizer should be able to operate continuously and withstand the environmental conditions of its intended application.
Safety features: The stabilizer should have safety features such as over-voltage, over-current and short-circuit protection.
Technical support: The supplier should be able to provide technical support throughout the life of the product.
BENEFITS OF USING A STABILIZER
Using a voltage stabilizer in your system will bring many benefits, including the following:
- Reduced equipment damage and malfunction. Valuable electronics are protected, increasing both life and efficiency of the equipment
- Lower maintenance costs. Machine wear and tear is minimized, prolonging their durability
- Improved efficiency. Machines work with optimized performance, hence reduced power consumption and enhanced output quality.
- Less risk of fires and many other safety hazards.
A technician works on a stabilizer
Buy an ECS stabilizer today. Maximize your profits by having your machines work at optimal levels. Read more here
CONCLUSION
In most situations, voltage stabilizers do more than keep equipment operational. They also safeguard human operators that run the equipment. By ensuring a constant voltage level, stabilizers ensure that the underlying systems behave predictably. In other words, they reduce fire and safety risks.
A good voltage stabilizer is an investment worth going for, if you want more efficiency and smooth running of your factory. Most importantly, purchase from reputable voltage stabilizer manufacturers like Electrical Controls & Switchgear to enjoy professional support.
ECS Stabilizer installation at Luuka plastics Matugga
At ECS, we manufacture energy efficient switchgear that will keep you going for a long time.
