Comparison Uniel RS-1/10000 10 kVA vs Forte TVR-10000VA 10 kVA

The voltage range at the input of the stabilizer, at which it is able to operate in normal mode and supply a constant voltage of 230 or 400 V to the load (depending on the number of phases, see above). The wider this range — the more versatile the device, the more serious power surges it can extinguish without going beyond the standard operating parameters. However, note that this parameter is not the only, and not even far from the main indicator of the quality of work: a lot also depends on the accuracy of the output voltage and the response speed (see both points below).

Also note that some models may have several modes of operation (for example, with 230 V, 230 V or 240 V output). In this case, the characteristics indicate the "general" input voltage range, from the smallest minimum to the largest maximum; the actual ranges for each particular mode will vary.

In addition, there are stabilizers that can operate outside the nominal input voltage range: with a slight deviation beyond its limits, the device provides relatively safe output indicators (also with some deviations from the nominal 230 or 400 V), but if the drop or rise becomes critical, it works appropriate protection (see below).

The rate at which the regulator responds to changes in input voltage. It is determined by the time that passes from the moment of a power surge until the moment when the device fully adjusts to the new parameters and the output current corresponds to the standard 230 or 400 V (depending on the number of phases, see above). Accordingly, the shorter the response time, the better the stabilizer works, the lower the likelihood that a power surge will significantly affect the connected equipment. On the other hand, not all types of electrical appliances are sensitive to speed — for some, smooth adjustment or voltage accuracy is more important (see above); and the high speed itself can significantly affect the price of the device. Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, it makes sense to consider which devices are planned to be connected through the stabilizer.

The type of voltmeter provided in the design of the stabilizer, or rather, the type of scale used by this device. By itself, this voltmeter allows you to monitor the voltage — usually both at the input and at the output — which makes it easier to monitor the operation of the stabilizer. For this, two separate scales are most often provided, but there are also "single" voltmeters, with a switch to select between input and output voltage. And according to the type of scales, there are such options:

— Analogue. Analogue voltmeters are equipped with a traditional type scale — with graduations and an arrow printed on it. They are simpler and cheaper than digital ones, but less accurate — even in the thinnest devices, the error of indications can be 5-10 V only because of the peculiarities of reading information from such a scale. And in some inexpensive models, analogue voltmeters play the role of general indicators rather than precision instruments. At the same time, for most everyday tasks, such accuracy is quite enough.

— Digital. In such voltmeters, the role of the scale is played by a digital indicator, on which voltage values can be displayed with an accuracy of up to a volt — this is the main advantage of this option over the analogue one. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the complexity and rather high cost of digital pointers. In addition, such high accuracy can be critical in the professional field, but in every...day life it is not always required. Accordingly, in low-cost low-power stabilizers, a digital voltmeter is often more of a marketing ploy than a real need.

The presence in the design of the stabilizer of at least two pairs of terminals — at the input and at the output. Unlike sockets, which are designed for frequent connections and disconnections, the terminal connection is designed to permanently secure the wires — roughly speaking, "attached — clamped — forgot." It does not involve direct connection of electrical appliances, usually the power from the terminals goes further into the mains and is already distributed through it to individual sockets in the room. Accordingly, this option is typical for powerful models (on average from 3 kVA and above, see "Power"), which are designed for installation in one place as a permanent element of the power grid. Often such stabilizers do not have their own outlets at all — only terminals.

- From overheating. Protection that prevents the critical temperature rise of individual components of the stabilizer - for example, in case of overload, short circuit or failure in the cooling system. When a certain temperature value is exceeded, it turns off the device in order to avoid breakdowns and fires. Such systems are especially important for semiconductor types of stabilizers - thyristor and triac(see above). And in some models, this function can be supplemented by a temperature increase signal - it works at a temperature close to critical.

- From high-frequency interference. This protection dampens incoming high-frequency interference, preventing them from affecting the operation of devices connected to the stabilizer. Such interference can occur, for example, from electric motors, welding machines, etc. So, in audio systems, high-frequency distortion causes an unpleasant background from the speakers. RFI protection filters out these distortions, providing a smooth sine wave output.

- Against short circuit. A system that protects the stabilizer in the event of short circuits in the connected load. A short circuit is a situation when the resistance in the circuit becomes close to zero; this leads to a sharp increase in current strength, overloads the power grid and the stabilizer itself, and also creates a ri...sk of breakdown or even fire. In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, appropriate protection is provided: it disconnects the load in case of a significant excess of the current in it. This feature is almost mandatory in modern stabilizers.

- From overload. Safety system in case of stabilizer overload - that is, a situation when the total power of the connected load becomes greater than the corresponding indicators of the device itself (see "Power"). The reason for this situation may be, for example, the inclusion of an additional consumer or a change in the operating mode of one of the existing ones. Unlike the short circuit described above, when overloaded, all electrical appliances work normally, the stabilizer itself is abnormal, which can lead to its failure or even fire. To avoid this, overload protection is applied. Its specific implementation may be different. In some models, the load is turned off immediately, in others - after a certain time after the warning signal, which gives the user the opportunity to reduce power consumption and avoid system tripping.

- From over / under voltage. A system that protects the device from too low or too high input voltage. A significant overshoot of the input voltage range (see above) is dangerous not only by the risk of damage to the stabilizer itself: under such conditions, the device’s capabilities are not enough to fully protect the connected load, which can result in trouble for it. And this function prevents such consequences: if the input voltage goes beyond the permissible values (they may be wider than the operating values, see “Input voltage range”), the stabilizer is disconnected from the network. At the same time, some of its functions may remain operational - for example, a voltmeter that allows you to assess the "state of affairs" in the network at the input. And in some models there is a function to automatically turn on when the voltage returns to operating limits.

The method of heat removal from the heating elements of the stabilizer.

— Passive. Passive cooling is any type of cooling that does not provide forced heat removal and is carried out only due to natural heat transfer and convection. In low-power stabilizers of this type, the cooling system as such may be completely absent — the amount of heat generated is relatively small, and the natural thermal conductivity of the case and the parts themselves is quite enough to dissipate it into the environment. In more advanced models, radiators can be installed. The main advantage of any passive cooling is the complete absence of noise. In addition, such systems are inexpensive, do not consume energy, take up relatively little space and are very reliable — there is simply nothing to break there, in most cases. On the other hand, they are significantly inferior to active cooling in terms of efficiency, and therefore are poorly suited for powerful devices, especially thyristor and triac (see "Type").

— Active. Active cooling involves the forced removal of heat from the components of the device. This is usually done by combining heatsinks with fans that "blow" excess heat out of the case. Such systems have extremely high efficiency, they can be used in stabilizers of any power, and for semiconductor models (see "Type") active cooling is simply irreplaceable. However, the cost of this efficiency is a high noise level, as well as significant dimensions and weight, which ac...cordingly affect the entire device. Fans tend to draw dust into the case, so you need to monitor them and periodically clean the “hardware” of the stabilizer; and if the fan fails, all cooling, in fact, fails. In addition, the cost of such systems is significantly higher than that of passive ones.