What is a power grid stabilizer and why use it?

Stabilizers have become an integral part of electrical appliances in residential, industrial and commercial installations, especially in the 2000s and 2010s, as they filter energy from the street and adapt it to a certain voltage.

This device is designed to supply a constant voltage at its output terminals, regardless of changes in input or supply voltage. In theory, it protects equipment from overvoltage, undervoltage and other inconsistencies.

What is a stabilizer?

Energy distribution.  Photo: My Photo Canva/Unsplash

Because power grids are prone to fluctuations and outages, which can be caused by lightning strikes, electrical faults, or faulty wiring, surge protectors act as a filter, monitoring grid voltage and ripple.

In general, any electrical equipment or device is designed for a range of input voltages, because stabilizers maintain the electrical voltage between 110V and 220V in the connected equipment, they are protected from power fluctuations, which can prevent devices from burn and also increase the life of these equipments.

In moments of power failure, the stabilizers increase the voltage to prevent devices from shutting down abruptly. In moments of strong oscillation and instability, on the other hand, a protection fuse trips instead of the devices connected to the stabilizer.

Stabilizer.  Photo: Ragtech/Reproduction

However, since they do not generate energy themselves, devices connected to the stabilizers also shut down in the event of a power outage.

Why (not) use a stabilizer?

There are different types of stabilizers available on the market, the best known model being those intended for computers or office equipment. However, over the years and the evolution of technology, some reasons have emerged to justify not using stabilizers.

For example, it is not recommended to use the stabilizers with more valuable devices, such as more modern video games, computers and notebooks. Mainly, the stabilizers are not compatible with devices that have their own power supply or internal mechanisms for regulating the mains voltage, which may be the cause of the device burning out.

Stabilizer.  Photo: Lexman/Playback

However, for use with cheaper or older devices such as audio and radio systems, stabilizers can add some security. Another suggested use is as a multi-input extender, like a power strip.

The post What is a power grid stabilizer and why use one? first appeared on Look Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

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