Power
The maximum active load power allowed for this model.
Active power is the power that in AC appliances is spent on useful work or on heat generation. In addition to it, such devices also consume reactive power — it goes to the operation of specific components, primarily capacitors and inductors. Apparent power, denoted in volt-amperes (kilovolt-amperes), is the sum of active and reactive, see below about it. Here we note that in simple everyday situations, there is enough data on active power indicated in watts for calculations. In particular, it is this parameter that is considered the key when choosing stabilizers
for washing machines and
dishwashers : in the first case, power from 2 to 5 kW is considered optimal, in the second — from 1.8 to 2.5 kW.
Anyway, the total active power of the connected load should not exceed the figures indicated in the characteristics of the stabilizer. For a full guarantee, it's ok to take a certain margin, but this margin should not be too large — an increase in the allowable power significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the device. Also note that there are formulas that allow you to convert the active power consumption into total power, taking into account the type of connected electrical appliance; these formulas can be found in special sources.
Input voltage range
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).
Output voltage accuracy (±)
The largest deviation from the nominal output voltage (230 V or 400 V, depending on the number of phases), which the regulator allows when operating in the normal input voltage range (see above). The smaller this deviation, the more efficiently the device works, the more accurately it adapts to “changes in the situation” and the less voltage fluctuations the connected load is exposed to.
When choosing for this parameter, it is worth considering first of all how demanding the connected devices are for voltage stability. On the one hand, high stability is good for any device, on the other hand, it usually means a high price. Accordingly, it usually does not make sense to buy an advanced stabilizer for an unpretentious load like light bulbs and heaters, but for sensitive devices like audio systems or computers, it can be very useful.
Response time
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.
Terminal connection
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.
Cooling
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.
