Tips for choosing a voltage relay for a household network

Voltage relay or stabilizer - which is better?

To protect consumers of electricity, voltage stabilizers are provided, with a possible installation option, both at the entrance to the home electrical network, and for a single device. These devices monitor the parameters of the voltage in the network, followed by bringing them to a nominal value. However, despite all the advantages of stabilization systems, they have a significant drawback - a relatively long period of time during which the parameters of the power supply are brought to the nominal value, which is not always acceptable for complex, sensitive and expensive electronic equipment. The best option for protecting electrical appliances from surges and dips in electrical parameters are voltage relay (PH). The main advantage of these devices is speed, response time is measured in nanoseconds. The design of the device provides for the adjustment of the threshold.

The voltage relay performs the functions of monitoring the parameters of the mains voltage and instantly disconnecting the consumer in the event of their unacceptable deviation from the nominal value. An electronic device assembled on the basis of a comparator or microprocessor acts as a working body. Depending on the technical conditions of the protected equipment, which determine the permissible deviations of the current value from the nominal, the relay device provides the ability to select the sensitivity threshold of the device.In practice, models are used that provide automatic supply of electricity to the consumer after normalizing the voltage parameters, as well as resume their work after pressing the unlock button. The decision which of the two above mentioned protection devices to choose must be decided on the basis of specific conditions.

We determine the type of connection

To date, relays are offered to the consumer, made in several designs, depending on the type of connection to the home network:

1. Plug and socket.
2. Extension.
3. DIN rail mounted module.

All of the above types of performance relays are widely used and are a relevant and proven option for monitoring the parameters of the mains. It is difficult for an ignorant person to decide how to choose the right voltage relay, acceptable for home or apartment. The answer to the question must be sought on the basis of the tasks that will be assigned to the protective device.

Power plug installed directly in the apartment outlet. The choice of this control option is ideal for protection against surges and dips in the voltage of a single electrical appliance. The digital board with which this device is equipped displays the current voltage value in the network.

Extension The principle of operation is identical to a plug-socket, the difference is that this device is equipped with two or more sockets. When purchasing a pH to protect several consumers, it is advisable to choose an extension cord.

Relay in the form of a module mounted on a DIN rail, It is connected in the switchboard of an apartment or house and is designed to protect against unacceptable power surges all electric consumers of an apartment or house. The design provides for the operation of the device in maximum and minimum relay mode, as well as to perform the functions of a time relay.

LVs have current load limits; their power contacts are designed for a maximum load of 11 kVA. If the total power consumption of consumers exceeds this rating, the device should be used as an intermediate relay. As a disconnector of the power network, it is necessary to install a magnetic starter or contactor, which should be selected taking into account the total load of the home network.

Choose the phase and rated current of the device

PH are divided into three-phase and single-phase. Three-phase models are used in 380 volt networks to protect electric drives. For a 220 volt apartment network, a single-phase voltage relay should be selected.

It is also equally important to select the rated current of the pH. To do this, you first needdetermine the power consumption of electrical appliances and select the characteristics of the device with a margin of 20-30%. For example, if you need to choose a pH for an air conditioner with a rated current of 5 Amps, it is quite enough to purchase a relay rated for a nominal current of 10 Amps. If you need to protect all the wiring in the apartment or house, pay attention to the nominal circuit breaker. If the machine is at 25A, you need to select a relay at 32A or 40A. If the rated current of the machine is 32A, the pH should be 40, and preferably 50 A.

For you to understand, single-phase voltage relays for installation in a socket are designed for a current of 6 to 16 amperes. The devices mounted on a DIN rail can withstand a load of 8 and up to 80A (maximum current, with a nominal current of 63A, model VA-protector 63A).

There remains an important question, which brand of apparatus is better to choose to protect the electrical equipment of the apartment. The most popular on the market is the DC Electronics ZUBR line. For reference, it should be noted that ZUBR is an outdated brand name, currently the company's products are supplied under the name RBUZ.

Finally, we recommend watching a useful video on the topic:

Now you know how to choose a voltage relay for home and apartment.As you can see, the selection criteria are quite simple: you need to decide on the version of the device, phase, rated current and brand.

It will be useful to read:

• What is surge protection device?
• How to choose a stabilizer for the home
• How to divide wiring into groups