Comparison Quant 5.5 7.1 kVA / 5500 W vs Volter Smart 9 11.7 kVA / 9000 W

The maximum active power load permissible for this model.

Active power is the power consumed by AC devices for useful work or heat generation. Additionally, such devices consume reactive power — used for the function of specific components, primarily capacitors and inductive coils. The apparent power, measured in volt-amperes (kilovolt-amperes), is the sum of active and reactive power; see below for more on that. Here, we note that in simple household situations, active power data in watts is usually sufficient for calculations. This parameter is considered key when choosing voltage stabilizers for washing machines and for dishwashers: for the former, an optimal power range is from 2 to 5 kW, and for the latter, from 1.8 to 2.5 kW.

Regardless, the total active power of the connected load should not exceed the figures specified in the stabilizer's specifications. For full assurance, it's wise to have some reserve, though it shouldn't be too large — increasing permissible power significantly affects the size, weight, and price of the device. It's also worth mentioning that there are formulas to convert active power consumption to apparent power, considering the type of connected electrical appliance; these formulas can be found in specialized sources.


It should be noted that manufacturers don't always specify power in watts, sometimes only providing values in kVA. In such case...s, we apply an approximate conversion. Overall, while the value is approximate, it adequately describes the stabilizer's capabilities and helps match specific needs.

Maximum total load power allowed for this model

In electrical engineering, total power is referred to as the power that accounts for both active and reactive power; the former is discussed above, and the latter can be described as the influence of windings, inductors, and capacitors on the operation of AC networks. Total power is the main parameter for calculating equipment loads in professional electrical engineering and is denoted in volt-amperes (VA), and for stabilizers, in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Note that for convenience, different types of powers in electrical engineering are designated with units of different names. That's why the power indicated for a stabilizer in watts usually does not equal its power in VA.

When choosing a stabilizer for some household appliances, data on active power is often sufficient, but if possible, it is better to use total power. In particular, this parameter is key when searching for a stabilizer for a refrigerator or a stabilizer for a boiler: in the first case, the optimal value is considered to be 0.4 – 1 kVA, and in the second — from 0.1 to 0.7 kVA. However, in any case, you should choose a specific model so that its total power is not lower than the total power of the entire connected load — and it's better to have a reserve (in case of unforeseen circumstances or connecting additional equipment). At the same time, it should be noted that powerf...ul models are characterized by large dimensions and weight, and above all — high cost; therefore, it is not always wise to chase maximum figures.

It should be noted that manufacturers do not always specify power in kVA, and there is only a value in watts. In such cases, we apply an approximate recalculation. While approximate, the value sufficiently describes the capabilities of the stabilizer and helps select according to specific needs.

We also note that there are formulas that allow deriving the optimal total power of the stabilizer based on data on active power and load type; these can be found in specialized sources.

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 number of sockets for 230 V with grounding provided in the design of the stabilizer.

Some electrical appliances, such as refrigerators and washing/dishwashers, must be grounded when connected. This point should not be ignored — there is a risk of a serious electric shock. Accordingly, the number of sockets with grounding corresponds to the maximum number of such devices that can be simultaneously connected to the stabilizer without the use of splitters. At the same time, ungrounded devices can also be connected to such sockets.

- 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.