Generally, smart TVs have inbuilt SMPS that maintain power stability and have a wide operating voltage range. So, smart TVs can survive voltage fluctuations and don’t really need a voltage stabilizer.
Voltage stabilizers, also known as “automatic voltage regulator” are usually connected to air conditioners, televisions, laboratory equipment or medical devices to protect them from voltage fluctuations.
But, do you really need a stabilizer for my Smart TV? I had the same question when I first bought my expensive TV. However, currently, I am living in a city apartment where voltage fluctuation is not a common issue, but still I want to protect my expensive TV.
This article covers everything that you should know about voltage stabilizers, when should you get one for your smart TV and where and why they are necessary.
What Is A Voltage Stabilizer?
Are you using an LED TV? And want to know whether you need a voltage stabilizer for your TV or not?
But, before you get to know the requirement of a stabilizer for your TV, it’s better to know what a voltage stabilizer is and what does it do?
The electric supply is never constant. While these fluctuations are not as severe as they once were, you can still find variations in their measurements. These oscillations may be tolerable within a vacuum, but when they interact with electronic devices, issues can arise.
Fortunately, a voltage stabilizer can provide a solution. It offers stability to the power flow and guarantees a steady current supply to appliances. This prevents damage to devices sensitive to voltage changes due to low or high-voltage currents.
Often referred to as an “automatic voltage regulator,” voltage stabilizers are commonly connected to air conditioners, televisions, laboratory equipment, medical devices, and more.
There are various voltage regulators available based on the type of application, the load needed, the stabilizing function, the feature set, etc.
Some are specialized regulators, while others are versatile and can be used on any home appliance or facility.
When Should You Use A Stabilizer For Your TV?
Here are the situations when you should use a stabilizer for your TV:
- If your region/area gets frequent power cuts.
- When there are frequent power fluctuations with your home power supply.
- Your TV doesn’t have in-built SMPS.
- You are using a high-end smart TV. (High-priced)
- When you run multiple heavy home appliances at the same time.
- You have high TV usage.
Why Are Voltage Stabilizers Necessary?
When I bought my first LED TV, I was wondering do I really need a stabilizer. I did my research and came to know that you only need a voltage stabilizer for your smart LED TV if you experience frequent voltage fluctuations at home.
Generally, a voltage fluctuation either increase or decrease the amount of voltage that goes to your device. Both can damage your home appliances.
Most electrical gadgets are engineered to manage a particular range of input voltage. Some do not need a consistent voltage, and some can even withstand fluctuating electrical currents better than others.
For example, certain devices can accommodate voltage fluctuations of up to 10 per cent above or below their specified voltage. While some might only tolerate fluctuations up to 5 per cent or even less.
You can experience voltage fluctuations for several reasons:
- Bad wiring – Improper wiring inside or outside your house causes voltage fluctuations.
- Overload – If you are using several appliances at the same time, it can overload your power supply, leading to a power short. This situation is often more prevalent in apartment buildings or communities where everyone shares a common power source.
- Use of High Power Appliances – Several home appliances use a small amount of power whereas others need more power. Home appliances such as mixture grinders, and air conditioners need more power to work.
- Short circuits – Sometimes, I have observed voltage jumping up and down quickly due to a malfunction or bust circuit.
If you are frequently encountering these issues, a stabilizer can protect your TV and ensure that it remains operational.
However, if you are unsure of the root cause of your voltage troubles, it might be beneficial to consult an electrician.
Why Do You Need A Stabilizer For Your Smart TV?
As I have mentioned above, you don’t need a stabilizer for your smart TV but I will still advise you to get one for your TV unit.
Why?
Your Location Matters
If you live in a region where the power supply is stable, you don’t have to get a voltage stabilizer at all. However, in the countryside, the voltage fluctuations are high and these are more than capable of destroying your TV’s built-in power surge protector.
At the same time, if your region experiences an unstable power supply or has shoddy wiring and hardware causing frequent blackouts and short circuits, a stabilizer is crucial for ensuring your smart television’s survival.
Power Surge
Your smart television can operate between voltage ranges of 170 to 270V (some might have a wider range), which means it can handle normal fluctuations without a stabilizer.
However, when it comes to surges caused by lightning strikes, your TV is at risk. (Check our another guide on Does Your Smart TV Need a Surge Protector)
Short circuits are equally dangerous. That’s why it’s highly recommended to invest in a voltage stabilizer with surge protection.
Even if lightning strikes and short circuits are uncommon in your area, having a stabilizer will give you peace of mind, especially if you have an expensive smart TV.
Can I Run TV Without A Stabilizer?
Yes, you can run a TV without a stabilizer. Generally, residential apartments have dedicated power transformers that help minimize power fluctuations.
In such cases, you may not need a stabilizer for your television.
Also, if you haven’t experienced significant voltage fluctuations and have been living in the same place for a while, you can use your television without a stabilizer.
Do Smart TVs Have Built-in Stabilizer?
Modern flat-screen smart TVs have built-in SMPS (switched mode power supply) that regulates voltage within an operating range.
But, for extra protection, you should use an external voltage stabilizer for your smart TV.
Today’s TVs are smarter and more advanced compared to the CRT TVs of the past. They not only excel in overall functionality but also offer efficient management of internal components.
People used to connect their CRT TVs to a stabilizer due to their limited voltage range.
So, even today if it’s not necessary, using one will protect your TV.
What Is SMPS?
SMPS (switched-mode power supply) is an electronic device that utilizes specialized circuitry to convert electrical energy from one form to another.
This conversion process enables the efficient transfer of electrical power with minimal losses, allowing for more powerful and cost-effective solutions than traditional linear power supplies.
SMPS technology has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its high efficiency and low power consumption.
SMPS is used in a variety of applications, ranging from consumer electronics and industrial equipment to medical devices and automotive systems.
In addition to its efficiency benefits, SMPS also offers improved reliability since it does not generate as much heat as linear power supplies. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require high levels of energy efficiency or where temperature control is essential.
Nowadays, LED-LCD and OLED TVs are equipped with SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply), for voltage regulation and current-limiting capabilities.
SMPS are not only found in televisions but also in DC motor drives, power amplifiers, computers, and various other electrical devices that require a highly efficient power supply.
You can learn more about SMPS in this video:
Did you know that Smart TVs have a wide operating voltage range, usually between 110V to 290V? Some TV brands, like Sony, offer a range of 110V to 240V. This means that your TV is protected from voltage fluctuations within that range.
If you live in a city, you probably won’t need a voltage stabilizer for your TV. However, if you reside in the countryside, where power fluctuations are common, a voltage regulator can be quite handy. It ensures that your TV remains safe and protected.
However, if you want a reliable device to regulate power for your home, regardless of your power situation.
Don’t want any regrets when it comes to enjoying your TV? Or looking for that extra peace of mind?
Then go ahead and connect a stabilizer to your TV set.
Should I Get A Stabilizer or UPS For My Smart TV?
UPS and Stabilizers are entirely different from each other in the way they work and are used. UPS stands for “uninterrupted power supply” and doesn’t regulate the voltage whereas stabilizers are used to regulate power supply.
If you live in an area where voltage fluctuations are common, you should get a Voltage stabilizer.
However, if your area gets frequent power cuts, a UPS can help.
Nowadays, hybrid UPS is available in the market which serves as a voltage stabilizer as well as acts as a power backup.
I use this Tripp Lite UPS Battery Backup Surge Protector and Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) for my TV and other electronic appliances.
This is really cool and comes with a 3-year warranty and Ultimate Lifetime Insurance coverage of $100,000 for the connected equipment.
Also, they are supported by Chicago-based Tech support.
Sometimes, even a blown fuse can lead to various issues on your TV. Read our blog How To Know If My TV Fuse Is Blown to know how to identify a TV's blown fuse and how to replace the fuse and fix the issue.
Can Low Voltage Damage Smart TV?
Low voltage can indeed damage a smart TV, but it is unlikely. Most modern smart TVs have built-in surge protection that prevents damage from sudden power fluctuations and spikes.
Even if the low voltage does cause damage, the warranty should cover such an event.
There are certain precautions you can take to protect your smart TV from low voltage as well:
- Make sure the power outlets and cables used to connect the TV are in good condition. Check for any frayed wires or other signs of wear and tear that could suggest an underlying issue with the wiring.
- Consider investing in a surge protector with built-in voltage regulation. This will help ensure any sudden power fluctuations are filtered out before they reach your TV.
- Ensure the power source is reliable and not prone to frequent outages or surges. If you are using an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy-duty one.
- Familiarize yourself with the TV’s voltage threshold so that you know what kind of voltages can damage it, and keep track of any warning messages that display onscreen.
How To Choose A Stabilizer For Your TV?
If you want to get a stabilizer for your television, you need to understand the purpose, specifications and the type you need for your home.
1. Purpose of the Stabilizer
You can’t use the same stabilizer will all your electronic devices at home. There are stabilizers that can work will several home appliances, at the same time, there are stabilizers that are designed to work on specific devices.
For example, a voltage stabilizer designed to work with a TV might not work with an air conditioner.
So, before you buy a stabilizer, check if it is compatible with the TV. And if you want to buy a stabilizer that can work well with other home appliances too, make sure it’s compatible with multiple devices, including TVs.
2. Stabilizer Specifications
A stabilizer can have different operating ranges. Make sure to look for stabilizers with operating ranges similar to the voltage fluctuations in your region.
Additionally, consider choosing a stabilizer that best suits your television’s power consumption. This guarantees optimal performance and protection for your TV setup.
3. Type of Stabilizer
Stabilizers can be passive as well as active – It Still Works.
Active stabilizers regulate voltage and either increase or decrease voltage as needed.
On the other hand, passive stabilizers protect appliances from voltage spikes but can’t boost voltage during under-voltage situations. The choice between the two depends on the fluctuations your area experiences.
Conclusion
Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are essential for efficient voltage regulation in LED-LCD and OLED TVs. Smart TVs have a wide operating voltage range that can protect the TV from voltage fluctuations within that range.
If you live in an area where power fluctuations are common, a Voltage stabilizer is a great way to ensure your TV remains safe and protected.
When choosing a stabilizer for your TV, make sure it is compatible with the device and has the right specifications and type of stabilizer suitable for your location.
Additionally, investing in a reliable hybrid UPS which serves as a voltage stabilizer as well as acts as a power backup can provide that extra peace of mind.
Now that you know all about voltage stabilizers for Smart TVs, you’re ready to enjoy your TV without any regrets.
Happy viewing!