To keep everything smooth: a few facts about 220 V voltage relays for home

Tags:Lighting

It is impossible to imagine the life of a modern person without electrical energy, this applies to all spheres of our life - from work in production and at home to personal troubles and time spent during leisure hours. Everyone knows that during the operation of electrical networks and power equipment there are emergencies, for protection from which devices are used, everyone knows. there are circuit breakers or fuses in every apartment or country house. But few know that power surges in electrical networks are also dangerous for household appliances and other equipment. To prevent such unpleasant situations, 220 V voltage relays for the home are used, and it is about them that will be discussed in this review.

Voltage monitoring relays are of different designs and differ in the type of installation, connection scheme and setting parameters

The content of the article

1 Voltage relay - what is it and what is it for
2 Principle of operation
3 Control and additional capabilities of the device
4 Classification and types
- 4.1 By connection type
- 4.2 By the number of phases
5 What you need to know when choosing
6 How to connect - general recommendations
7 Connection diagrams and settings for popular models
8 At what price to buy a 220 V voltage relay for home - price overview
9 Video: how to choose a voltage relay

Voltage relay - what is it and what is it for

A voltage control relay is a technical device designed to secure the operation of devices and equipment connected to the electrical network from possible voltage surges, both in the direction of its increase and decrease below the permissible values. A decrease in the voltage level negatively affects the operation of household appliances and electronics, and an increase above the permissible limits can generally lead to their breakdown. The voltage relay reacts to such changes and disconnects the internal distribution network of an apartment or house from external electrical networks.

Principle of operation

The operation of this type of monitoring device is based on measuring the voltage values in the external supply network. When the values fall below the set or exceed the upper set limit, the relay opens its power contacts, thereby disconnecting the consumer's network from the external power supply.

Scheme of connection to a single-phase power supply network of an apartment or house

After a certain time period, the device automatically closes the power contacts and supplies power to the internal power supply network. To prevent the cyclicity of repeated switching on of the power unit, the device has a turn-on time delay (delay interval), which can be set by the manufacturer or set manually. If the voltage level after disconnection does not establish in the specified values, the device will not close the power contacts.

Control and additional capabilities of the device

To control the work, buttons or adjusting screws are placed on the outer surface of the case, by means of which the upper and lower limits of the operating voltage are set.

Appearance of the Zubr brand relay with decoding of control buttons

In addition, the device can be equipped with a light indicator of the presence of voltage in the internal network, a digital display displaying the current value of this parameter, and also have a memory function that allows you to display the parameters of the last of the shutdowns performed.

Classification and types

Voltage relays are classified according to:

location and installation;
the number of phases of the electrical network.

By connection type

There are three ways to place and install such devices, which determine the type of their connection to the electrical network:

Voltage relay plug-socket.

Model "RN-116" type plug-socket

This type of placement allows you to control the voltage supplied to only one consumer connected to the plug-socket unit. In this case, the voltage applied to the other load elements is not monitored or controlled.

Voltage relay-extension.

This type of electrical equipment is an extension cord equipped with a built-in monitoring relay. When using it, you can power a group of household appliances and devices, thereby protecting them from power surges.

In this case, the main limitation of use will be the maximum permissible power of the connected devices, determined by the magnitude of the load current.

Model "Bison P616Y"

Voltage relay for DIN rail mounting.

This is the most functional option for placing such protection elements and is due to the fact that a relay of this design is installed in the main switchboard (MSB), the input distribution device (ASU) or the lighting panel, thereby it becomes possible to protect the entire electrical network of an apartment or a country house. The main condition for choosing when installing in this way will be the correspondence of the power of the device, the total power of the connected load.

Related article:

What is a relay, areas of application, diagram of an electromagnetic product, main technical characteristics, main types and their purpose, manufacturers and models - in our material.

By the number of phases

Everyone knows that electrical networks are single-phase and three-phase, respectively, and electrical devices are designed for these voltage classes. Single-phase control relay is a device designed to operate in electrical networks for various purposes with an operating voltage of 220 Volts. The design and placement of such protective equipment are discussed above.

Model "RNPP-301" mounted on a DIN rail

Three-phase models are installed in the ASU or main switchboard of a country house (cottage), if their power supply scheme provides for connection via a three-phase circuit with a voltage of 380 volts.

In this case, it is possible to protect the entire internal power supply network, as in the case of using a voltage relay installed in the lighting (apartment) panel.

What you need to know when choosing

The main parameters influencing the choice of a particular model of a protective device are:

technical characteristics - phase and maximum allowable current;
type of control - electromechanical or digital;
version - type of installation and design of the device (plug-socket, extension cord, DIN rail);
availability of additional features;
reliability - device brand and manufacturer brand.

Monitoring relays with electromechanical control type

The maximum permissible current is the most important technical parameter that determines the possibility of using a voltage relay to connect a particular load. When choosing such a protection device, you should take the model one step higher (according to the standard current range) than the automatic protection installed on this section of the electrical network. So, if the circuit breaker has a current setting of 16 Amperes, then the protection relay must be rated for 25 Amperes. This is due to the fact that the value indicated on the protection relay reflects the values of the operating current, and not the maximum permissible in the operation mode. The type of control determines the ease of use, as well as the ability to visually display the current voltage value in the electrical network. Electromechanical models are equipped with trimming resistors, with the help of which the upper and lower thresholds are set.

Digitop Vp-32a with digital control type

Digitop Vp-32a model with digital control type

Digital counterparts have an LED screen on which you can monitor the voltage values in the online mode, and the thresholds are set using the buttons. Additional features that the monitoring relay can be equipped with are: indicators for the presence of voltage in the load circuit and a temperature sensor, as well as various mounting options available on a particular model (DIN rail, self-tapping screws, etc.).

Related article:

How to choose a 220V voltage stabilizer for your home. You are familiar with the problem of power outages, which is manifested in the flashing of lights. In the article we will talk about how to choose the right 220 V voltage stabilizer for your home in order to forget about this problem once and for all?

How to connect - general recommendations

In the case of using models of the "plug-socket" voltage relay and the "extension cord" voltage relay, there are no difficulties with their connection, because for this, a conventional plug connection is used.

Placement in a flush type lighting panel

In the case of using a relay installed in a switchboard or cabinet, certain rules should be observed to facilitate the maintenance and operation of such devices:

The relay is always installed after metering device.
It is recommended to install a protection device in front of the relay, which has a current setting lower than the used relay (by 20-30%).
Availability of additional means of protection (RCD, stabilizers and others) will make the operation safer.
The location should be chosen in such a way that it was possible to make settings for the device, as well as to visually control its operation.

Accommodation in the dashboard

Connection diagrams and settings for popular models

Domestic and foreign manufacturers of electrical devices produce various models of voltage relays designed for home use.

The most popular in this category of products are brands such as Zubr and PH, UZM and ABB, and DigiTop.

Devices of the Zubr brand

This brand of devices is produced by Donetsk company DS Elêtronics, its assortment includes models that are installed on a DIN rail, as well as types of voltage relay "plug-socket" and "relay-extension". Models for plugging in are designed for a rated current of 16 Amperes, while others are designed for different values: 16/25/32/40/50/63 Amperes, which corresponds to the standard current rating scale.

Protection and control devices of the Zubr brand mean reliability and ease of use

Compliance with the rated and maximum allowable current for the brand relay "ZUBR" (RBUZ) are shown in the following table.

Model	Rated current, Ampere	Maximum allowable current, Ampere
D16	16	25
D25 / D25t	25	30
D32 / D32t	32	40
D40 / D40t	40	50
D50 / D50t	50	60
D63 / D63t	63	80

Models designed for installation on a DIN rail have three control buttons:

upper - to set the maximum response threshold;
bottom - to set the minimum values;
average - to set the reclosing time.

The factory preset reclosing time is 3 seconds. The memory of the device remembers all the set values, and even with prolonged power outages, all settings and settings will be saved. The connection diagram of the voltage relay of the Zubr series is shown in the following figure.

Wiring diagram for single-phase voltage monitoring relay ZUBR (RBUZ) series

Connection diagram of a single-phase voltage monitoring relay of the "ZUBR" (RBUZ) series

Distinctive features of the models of this manufacturer are:

step of adjustment of actuation voltages - 1 volt;
step for adjusting the time of repeated operation - 3 seconds;
the presence of the letter "t" in the model designation indicates the presence of thermal protection against internal overheating;
the relay width is 53 mm, which corresponds to three modules on a DIN rail.

Thanks to the convenient mounting and the ability to visually control the values in real time, the brand is deservedly popular among professionals and ordinary users, as evidenced by their reviews.

Feedback on the model "ZUBR D63":
Read more on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_2108442.html

Another review of the ZUBR D63 model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_2034684.html

For clarity, let's see what indicators and elements the average statistical voltage stabilizer for home.

Appearance of voltage relay RN-113 with indication of control elements

RN series

Devices of this brand are produced by LLC NEKM (Russia) and are sold under the TDM ELECTRIC trademark. A distinctive feature of these relays, and these are models such as RN-111, RN-113 and RN-111M, is that they are designed for a rated current of 16 Amperes. If it is necessary to connect a larger current load, it is necessary to install an additional contactor, into the control circuit of which these relays are connected. The RN-113 voltage relay connection diagram is shown in the following figure.

Scheme for connecting a RN-113 brand relay to an electrical network with a load of various power

The letter "M" in the model designation indicates the presence of a light indicator board. The measurement error is 1−2 Volts from the actual values.

Feedback on the RN-113 model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5959027.html

One more aboutCall for the RN-113 model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6008151.html

UZM series

This line of voltage relays is produced by the Meander electrotechnical company (Russia), it includes models UZM-51M, UZM-50M and UZM-16.

Appearance of the UZM-51M model with the designation of control elements and settings of operating modes

Distinctive features of this series of devices are:

lack of a digital scoreboard;
to adjust the operating modes, rotary controls are installed with a step of 5 Volts to set the upper limit of operation and 10 Volts - for the lower one;
the operating state of the relay is indicated by light indicators;
restarting has only two settings - these are 10 seconds and 6 minutes;
the relay width is 35 mm, which, when installed on a DIN rail, corresponds to two modules.

The connection diagram of the UZM-51M is very simple, which is another feature of this model.

Devices brand "DigiTOP"

The DigiTOP brand belongs to the Ukrainian company Energohit, whose product line includes various instruments for monitoring and measuring various electrical parameters (current, voltage, power, etc.). In the category of voltage monitoring relays, there are single-phase and three-phase models with different current characteristics, designed for installation on a DIN rail, as well as models of the "socket-plug" relay type.

Voltage relay brand "DigiTOP"

Models providing installation on a DIN rail are available in several modifications:

V-Protector.

Distinctive features of this modification are:

protects only against power surges;
have built-in thermal protection;
installation is possible only indoors, because the operating temperature range starts from + 5˚С.

VA-Protector.

This series differs from other modifications and models of other manufacturers in that it combines voltage and current relays.In addition, the distinctive features of the series are:

the screen displays the current values of voltage and current;
when the current load is exceeded, the relay switches it off;
in short-circuit mode, shutdown occurs in 0.04 seconds, in long-term overload mode - after 10 minutes of operation in a similar mode.

Voltage relay switching circuit "DigiTOP"

Feedback on the DigiTOP V-protector model:
Read more on otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_1640976.html

Another review about the DigiTOP V-protector model:
Read more on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_3289308.html

Devices of the ABB brand

The world famous brand ABB (Asea Brown Boveri Ltd) belongs to a Swedish-Swiss company specializing in the production of electrical equipment and information technology.

Single-phase voltage monitoring relay ABB CM-ESS.2S

Among the models of low-voltage control and protection devices intended for domestic use, there are ABB single-phase voltage relays for operation in different operating modes:

ABB CM-EFS.2S - with time relay and supply voltage 24-240 V, alternating or direct current;
ABB CM-ESS.1S - designed to operate in different ranges of regulated voltage (3-30.6-60, 30-300, 60-600 V), in networks with a voltage of 24-240 V AC or DC.

Connection diagram and functions of voltage relay switches CM-ESS.1S and CM-EFS.2S

At what price to buy a 220 V voltage relay for home - price overview

220 V voltage relays for home can be bought in stores and retail chains specializing in the sale of electrical equipment, as well as on the Internet, where a fairly wide selection of such products is also presented. The prices for the 220 V voltage relays for the home considered in this article are given in the following table, as of the II quarter of 2018, when they are sold through the Internet resources.

Picture	Model	Average cost (as of May 2018), rubles
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D16	1640
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D25 / D25t	2000
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D32 / D32t	2300
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D40 / D40t	2600
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D50 / D50t	2900
	"ZUBR" (RBUZ) D63 / D63t	3200
	"TDM ELECTRIC" RN-101M	2620
	"TDM ELECTRIC" RN-111M	1800
	"TDM ELECTRIC" RN-102	1600
	"Meander" UZM-51M	2620
	"Meander" UZM-50M	1800
	"Meander" UZM-16	1600
	"DigiTOP" Vp-16AS	1900
	"DigiTOP" MP-63A V-Protector	5020
	"DigiTOP" VA-32A VA-Protector	2770
	"DigiTOP" VA-63A VA-Protector	3790
	"ABB" CM-EFS.2S	6463

The variety of offers on the electrical products market allows you to choose a model in accordance with the technical requirements for these devices in different price ranges.