Do you need a voltage stabilizer for an LCD TV?

When purchasing technical equipment or household appliances, including televisions, sellers advise using them together with voltage stabilizers. The essence of their joint work is to extend the life and service conditions of the TV.

Many consumers have not used voltage stabilizers for years and their equipment works without interruption. But once the voltage inside the network goes beyond the permissible limit, the equipment burns out.

In such cases, the question arises: does an LCD TV need a stabilizer?

What is a TV stabilizer and what does it do?

A TV stabilizer is an electrical device for converting voltage. It has an input and output that are designed to adjust the output voltage within a given range.

The stabilizer is an intermediary between electrical appliances and the general electrical network of the house. It protects home appliances from breakdowns due to unstable voltage surges.

An unstable voltage value is supplied to the stabilizer at the input. It may fluctuate or come in spurts. Inside the stabilizer, its value is transformed and then changed within the required range. This ensures safe operation of the electrical network and also protects devices from damage due to power surges.The output voltage is always equal to the specified parameters and is supplied to the electrical appliance continuously at the required voltage.

Is it worth buying

Many new TV models already have built-in stabilizers, so-called “autovoltages”. They protect the electrical network from interference created by the device itself. But it does not protect against general power surges in the network.

All modern household appliances, especially new generation TVs, are equipped with switching power supplies. They continue to function over a wide input voltage range. Their instructions for use indicate the voltage amplitude at which no damage to the device will be caused. Typically it varies from 110 to 250 units.

REFERENCE! If the voltage supply to the outlet is irregular or its value is unstable, you should expect two scenarios.

The first is that the input voltage is too low. If the voltage is too low, the TV will simply turn off. Emergency cessation of work will not entail any consequences. As soon as the voltage returns to the operating range, you can use the device again.

The second option is a voltage surge above the permissible value. This is the worst option. In such cases, a special element built into the TV input - a varistor - is damaged.

A varistor is a semiconductor resistor. Its operation and stability completely depends on the input voltage. A sudden voltage surge above the desired level will lead to a short circuit.

When the varistor is damaged, the fuse blows and the TV circuit is deactivated. A damaged fuse can be replaced, and the circuit itself will autonomously return to working condition after some time.But excessive overload inside the device will each time worsen its performance and performance.

Pros and cons of such a purchase

The advantages of the stabilizer can be considered point by point:

1. The entire electrical network will be controlled by a stabilizer and balanced in the required range - about 220 Volts. All jumps and fluctuations will be smoothed out, and at the output will be converted into a stable voltage.
2. Safety and durability of equipment. Many devices are sensitive to sudden changes in voltage. This leads to breakdowns and malfunctions. The stabilizer will prevent such emergency situations.
3. Acceptable price. Due to its affordable price, many consumers can afford to purchase a stabilizer for their TV without damaging their wallet.
4. Among the disadvantages, one can highlight the demanding nature of stabilizers regarding operating conditions. They can only be installed in dry places that are protected from dust and moisture. Any such interference will quickly cause the device to malfunction.

The size of the stabilizer and its need for constant cooling can also add problems. The greater the load on the device, the larger its dimensions and the more it will heat up. Proper cooling will protect it from malfunctions.

Despite the foresight of manufacturers and their attempts to secure the operation of devices, power surges can damage the equipment. The consumer remains to decide whether it is necessary to minimize the risks of equipment failure.

REFERENCE! There is a good alternative to a voltage stabilizer. This is a UPS - an uninterruptible power supply. It protects the power grid from interference and provides various technological devices with reliable, continuous, even power.

In using the equipment, you can do without a stabilizer, but any voltage surge beyond the working upper limit will lead to breakdown of all or individual parts of the device.