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How To Choose Stabilizer For Refrigerator

“Safeguard Your Refrigerator from Voltage Fluctuations with a Stabilizer”

Investing in a stabilizer is the best way to protect your electrical appliances (refrigerators) from frequent voltage fluctuations and irregular power supply.

Most of the latest refrigerators come with in-built stabilizers. However, they are capable of handling only certain voltage range. So, it is better to have an external stabilizer to widen the voltage range capability and increase safety.

While purchasing a stabilizer for refrigerator, there are some essential factors to consider. We have listed these factors one by one to help you choose the stabilizer that suits your refrigerator.

Power Consumption

The first thing to check before buying a stabilizer is the load you are going to connect it to. As in this case, you need to check the power your refrigerator consumes. Power is expressed in wattage. You can check the wattage of your refrigerator in the user manual.

The rule of thumb is to get a stabilizer that has more than 50% of the watts of your fridge. For instance, if the wattage of your refrigerator is 200 watts, then you have to get a stabilizer of 300 watts.

Input Voltage Range

Every stabilizer will have an input voltage range within which it can stabilize the output voltage. So, you will have to check the input voltage you receive in your house. If this voltage is not within the input voltage range of your stabilizer, then it will just cut the power supply to your refrigerator.

The domestic input voltage in India is 230V. So, get a stabilizer whose input voltage covers 230V.

Features to Look for in a Stabilizer

Apart from the power consumption and input voltage, there are other features you need to consider while choosing a stabilizer for your refrigerator.

1. Mounting

It is safe to mount a stabilizer instead of placing it on the ground. When you place it on the ground, there is a chance of it getting wet. As it is an electrical appliance, this can lead to shocks or fire incidents. So, you should check for a possible place to mount your stabilizer.

The next thing to check is if the brand offers free installation services. If you are good with electrical wiring, you can do it yourself. But if you are not proficient in electrical wiring, we recommend you seek the help of a professional technician.

2. Indicators

Stabilizers come with a display that helps you to check their performance and ensure it is working without any problems. Some stabilizers have an LED that blinks to indicate their working condition. Others have a full digital display that shows the input and output voltages.

3. Time Delay System

If there is a power failure, the voltage flow gets interrupted. This causes the stabilizer to overheat which can in turn cause damage to your refrigerator. When the stabilizer has the time delay feature, it can maintain the voltage fed to your refrigerator for some time even after power failure.

The time delay system is handy if you experience frequent power cuts at your home. It ensures the longevity of both your stabilizer and refrigerator. Furthermore, some models have smart technologies that offer an even more efficient way of maintaining the voltage during power cuts.

4. Digitized

Brands have been trying to digitize all electrical appliances. Digitizing an electrical appliance makes it easy to connect with other devices. The same is the case with the stabilizers as well. You can easily connect it to your refrigerator. Furthermore, it also reduces the amount you spend on installation services.

5. Overload Protection

If your refrigerator load is more than what the stabilizer can handle, it will overheat and lead to fire hazards. Every stabilizer has a maximum voltage limit beyond which the stabilizer cannot regulate the voltage.

To protect the stabilizer from overloading, they come with an overload protection feature. This feature protects your stabilizer from overloading and ensures its longevity.

Different Types of Stabilizers

Apart from their features, you also need to know the different types of stabilizers available in the market. Choosing the correct type of stabilizer can extend your refrigerator’s life by many years.

1. Relay Type Voltage Stabilizers

relay type voltage stabilizers

The relay types voltage stabilizers regulate the voltage by switching between different relay points. Your refrigerator load is connected to all the relay points so that it can switch between relays easily.

The stabilizer ensures tracks and feeds a steady output voltage to your refrigerator. If there is a sudden change in voltage, it switches to the appropriate relay point and ensures the output voltage level is constant.

2. Servo Controlled Voltage Stabilizers

Servo Controlled Voltage Stabilizers

These come with dedicated servo stabilizers that work on the concept of negative feedback. They use servo motors to regulate the voltage fluctuation. It is capable of handling 50% deviation of the input voltage and feeding a constant output voltage to your refrigerator.

3. Static Voltage Stabilizers

Static Voltage Stabilizers

The static voltage stabilizers regulate the output voltage to your refrigerator in the most precise and accurate manner. They do not have any moving components in them. They use electronic converters to stabilize the output voltage.

These stabilizers have voltage regulation of only less than ±1% difference between output and rated voltage. However, they are expensive. Additionally, they are bulky and have a large form factor.

4. Single and Double Booster Stabilizers

single and double boost stablizer

The booster stabilizers do not regulate the output voltage. Rather, they boost the output voltage when the input voltage is low. There are two types of booster stabilizers,

The single booster stabilizer has a voltage operating range of 180 to 270v. It can only boost the output voltage to a certain extent. It works well in areas where the voltage drop is normal. 

Double booster stabilizers can boost the output voltage by twice that of the input voltage. They operate at 160 to 270v. They are ideal if your house experiences severe voltage drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a stabilizer for my refrigerator?

If your refrigerator has a large voltage operating range, then you may not require a stabilizer. But, if it has a small voltage operating range, then you need to get a stabilizer for your refrigerator. Most modern refrigerators have a large voltage operating range.

2. Does stabilizer reduce the electricity bill?

No, a stabilizer will not reduce your electricity bill in any way. The function of a stabilizer is only to regulate the output voltage. It ensures that electrical appliances receive a constant voltage without any fluctuations.

3. Can we use a refrigerator stabilizer for the TV?

No, you cannot use a refrigerator stabilizer for your TV. Refrigerators and TVs have different operating parameters. Refrigerators require stabilizers that have a low voltage cut-off and time delay. On the other hand, TVs require stabilizers with a high voltage cut-off.

4. How many watts in a refrigerator?

Refrigerators require more watts to start. They have a starting wattage of 800 to 1200 watt-hours/day. However, they require only 150 watt-hours/day to operate. Hence, we recommend you not turn off and turn on your refrigerator frequently to make it energy efficient.

5. Can stabilizers protect from lightning?

Yes, stabilizers can protect your electrical appliances from lightning to a certain extent. When lightning strikes your home, the electrical appliances experience a power surge. The stabilizers turn off the appliances for a few minutes until the power stabilizes.

6. What is a stabilizer-free refrigerator?

The stabilizer free refrigerators are those units that come with a stabilizer built in the system along with other components. If you already own or are going to purchase a premium refrigerator from LG, Samsung, or Bosch, you will most probably get a stabilizer free refrigerator and will not need an external unit at all.

7. Is a different stabilizer necessary for each electrical appliance?

Apart from the refrigerator, we all have many different electrical appliances in our homes that are similarly heavy duty and need an equally strong electrical connection. As for purchasing a stabilizer for every unit, it will become quite an expensive process. In such a case, you can buy a universal stabilizer and pair it with your inverter or power circuit directly so that it can be used for all units.

8. Does stabilizer affect monthly electricity consumption?

A stabilizer simply manages the flow of current by controlling the voltage levels. For that, it does not require any electrical input apart from powering the microprocessor or servo motors used in them. As the power requirement for these units is quite minimal, a stabilizer should not affect your electricity consumption by any means.

Conclusion

A good stabilizer will protect your refrigerator from voltage fluctuations and ensure its longevity. But for that, the stabilizer should be compatible with your refrigerator in terms of power and voltage. Once you have checked this, you need to look for the additional features that offer more value for money.

If you have any d

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