Voltage fluctuations are quite common in households today. Even though they are not dangerous on their own, they can damage your electrical appliances and sometimes may also permanently damage them. It is the reason why a stabilizer can be used to solve this issue. It helps control the fluctuations in the voltage that enters the appliance to prevent it from causing damage.

Most refrigerators today come with in-built stabilizers. But, it does not mean that using an external stabilizer has become obsolete. Using an additional stabilizer with a refrigerator can protect it from fluctuating voltages. In case there is a problem with the inbuilt stabilizer, or it stops working, the external stabilizer will ensure that no damage is done to the refrigerators.

Steps to Follow When Purchasing a Stabilizer

It is important to select the best stabilizer for your refrigerators. Here are the steps that you need to follow when purchasing a stabilizer for your refrigerator –

• Firstly, check the power rating of the refrigerator with which you would want to use the stabilizer. You can get this detail from the product’s user manual or on the nameplate at the back of the refrigerator.
• When you search for stabilizers, you will find that they are mostly rated in kVA and not kW. You can thus calculate the wattage by multiplying the voltage of the refrigerator with the maximum rated current.
• Once you have the wattage, you need to add about 20-25 percent safety margin to ensure that it will work efficiently for many years to come with the refrigerator.
• If you see that the appliance is rated in watts, you need to choose a power factor when calculating the kVA rating of the stabilizer to use with it. In case the stabilizers are measured in kW, all you have to do is multiply the voltage and current product with the power factor.
• Lastly, pick a stabilizer based on the above reading and connect it with the refrigerator for regulating the voltage.

Additional Features of Stabilizer to Consider

Apart from the voltage, there are some other factors that you need to consider when selecting a stabilizer for your refrigerator.

• Mounting – Stabilizer might be at risk of getting damaged or wet if they are placed on the floor. Thus, you can look for a stabilizer that is wall mounted to remove the risk of electrical shocks.
• Indicators– Newer models of stabilizers come with LED indicators that show the voltage that is being supplied to the refrigerator.
• Time Delay Systems– This feature allows the stabilizer to get sufficient time so that the current flow can be balanced during a sudden power failure.
• Overload Protection– This feature allows the protection of the refrigerator during a short circuit or burn out during an overload.

Most of the stabilizers for refrigerators come with a warranty of 3-5 years to ensure that you enjoy protection for your refrigerator for a long time. You need to pick a stabilizer that is specially made for home appliances such as a refrigerator.