What power stabilizer is needed for a washing machine?

What power stabilizer is needed for a washing machine? Recommendations for using a washing machine always contain a clause about stabilizer. This unit “evens out” the current supplied to the machine, protecting the electronics, which are sensitive to changes, from failures and combustion. If the voltage in the apartment constantly “jumps”, threatening equipment, then it is better to insure yourself with a reliable compensator. To ensure safe connection of the machine, it is necessary to correctly select the protective equipment. Let's look at how much voltage stabilizer power is required for a washing machine and what else to pay attention to.

Is it really necessary?

A stabilizer is certainly a useful unit, but not everyone can afford it due to the high price and lack of free space. However, in some rooms it is necessary to install it, since constant power surges threaten to burn out the equipment, even leading to a fire. You can determine whether a compensator is needed in an apartment by testing:

take a multimeter;
turn the tester into voltmeter mode (on imported multimeters this function is marked as “True RMS”);
take voltage readings in the electrical network 3-4 times a day (mandatory in the morning and evening, when most home appliances are connected to the line);
continue measurements for 3-5 days;
evaluate the recorded values.

If during the experiment it turned out that the voltage in the electrical network varies between 205-235V, then there is no need to worry. In this case, the probability of a jump is minimal, so the stabilizer is purchased only for the personal peace of mind of the residents.It’s another matter when the house uses expensive equipment or equipment that is extremely sensitive to current surges - then “insurance” will not hurt.

If voltage surges of 187-242V are recorded in the home electrical network, then connecting equipment without a stabilizer is unsafe!

When voltage fluctuations are -10% or +7% from the norm of 220V, that is, within 198-235V, it is better to play it safe. It is recommended to purchase a stabilizer for all equipment, including the washing machine. With deviations of -15% and +10%, which corresponds to 187-242V, it is dangerous to operate household appliances without a stabilizer. Such power supply is considered critical and risky - there is a high probability that devices without protection will burn out. It is better to take care of the compensator as soon as possible.

How to determine the power of the device?

It is not necessary to buy a stabilizer just for the washing machine. It is more reliable to protect all household appliances in the house with this unit, including a TV, boiler and refrigerator. The main thing is to choose a compensator wisely and buy a device with sufficient power. Stabilizer power is the main technical parameter of the device. It depends on it whether the device will “pull” all the equipment connected to the mains or not. But you don’t need to buy the most expensive device: just calculate the existing load at home.

The useful power of the stabilizer must be equal to or exceed the total power of all devices and equipment simultaneously connected to the electrical network!

The required stabilizer power is calculated as follows:

we determine how many devices are simultaneously connected to the network, and therefore to the stabilizer;
we take the instructions for each device and find the power it consumes in kW;
add up all power indicators;
count 20-25% of the resulting number (for example, 6.77 * 20%);
We sum up the total power and the percentage “reserve” (for example, 6.77 + 6.77 * 20%).

The final number is the required power. Below the obtained value there is no point in buying a stabilizer, since the device will not be able to withstand the total load and compensate for voltage drops. For trouble-free operation of household appliances, it is necessary to select a unit with an indicator rounded up or higher.

In addition to power, it is worth evaluating other performance characteristics of the stabilizer. One of them is the number of phases. This value must correspond to the type of home electrical network indicated on the electricity meter. Most panels require single-phase wiring, but sometimes there are also three-phase lines. In the latter case, you will have to purchase a three-phase compensator.

When choosing a stabilizer for a washing machine, the speed of response to voltage drops and the accuracy of its equalization are also taken into account. The efficiency of the device and its protection against short circuits, overheating and overload must be assessed. Do not forget about the dimensions, type of installation and the presence of cooling.