Voltage Stabilizers & Regulators

Another important content to be used along with your electrical appliances is the voltage regulator. A voltage regulator performs the functions of both voltage converter as well as voltage stabilizers.

The first task of the voltage regulator is to convert the voltage into that particular voltage as required by the appliances. For this purpose, it will step up or step down the voltage as required. If the voltage variation is just between 10-20V then the appliances can function normally. However, if the variation is large like from 110-220V or so, then the voltage regulator has to initiate proper change in order to avoid damage to the equipments.

Another task of the voltage regulator is to convert the AC power into DC power to be supplied to the electrical appliances. Some appliances may require a constant input of uniform current and alternating current supply can sometimes damage it. Hence, it must be converted into direct current (DC) to avoid damage to the appliances.

The other task of the regulator is to stabilize the voltage between certain upper and lower specified limits. In certain countries or regions of a country, there might be constant fluctuations in the voltage of current supplied. For instance, if the voltage of the power supplied in that country or region varies between 75-130V, the voltage regulator stabilizes it to 110V. Similarly, if the voltage varies between 180-260V, it is stabilized to 220V.

In most cases, AC to DC converters are installed within the appliances and there is no need for supplementary additional of these converters. However, since the option is available in the voltage regulators it can be used without trouble. Since voltage regulator also stabilizes the voltage of the current supplied, it is very beneficial as it can serve dual purposes.

A common example of a high voltage regulator is the UPS used to supply power to the computers. It converts AC power to DC and supplies uniform voltage current to the computer. At the same time, it also stabilizes the current and keeps it protected from the fluctuations and hence prevents damage to it.