With the frequent occurrence of voltage fluctuations in the Philippines, it only makes sense for us to buy an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) to protect our appliances. This is especially important for a refrigerator as it is in use 24/7 and so has many chances to be afflicted by a voltage fluctuation.
In this buying guide, we will discuss how to choose the best AVR model for your refrigerator.
Does your refrigerator need an AVR?
Because AVRs are rather expensive, sometimes the cost-benefit analysis wouldn’t work out especially if you have a relatively inexpensive refrigerator model.
AVRs should be used for refrigerators that have sensitive electronics. This includes inverter models, and those that have features like Door-in-Door and water dispensers.
For non-inverter refrigerators, freezers, and beverage coolers, you can get away with not having an AVR. Instead, you should invest in a power on delay with a built-in power surge protector. This is cheaper than buying an AVR.
However, if you live in an area with an inconsistent power supply, you should consider purchasing an AVR even if your refrigerator is a basic model.
Note: as a rule of thumb, the more expensive your refrigerator is, the more it will make sense to protect it with an AVR.
How to choose the best AVR for your refrigerator
After you determine your need to buy an AVR for your refrigerator, you need to determine which kind you should purchase. Here are some guideline:
Servo-motor type vs. Relay-type AVR
There are two types of AVRs in the market: servo type, and relay type.
A servo-motor type AVR uses mechanical parts to regulate the input voltage. This results in a very accurate voltage regulation that keeps the voltage at a steady 220V. However, they can be expensive.
Meanwhile, a relay type AVR is simpler; it uses an electronic circuit to maintain the voltage at 220V. This is less accurate than a servo-motor type AVR, but it gets the job done. Also, they are relatively inexpensive compared to the former.
You can certainly make do with a relay type AVR. But if you can afford a servo-motor AVR, we recommend that you do.
Determine the total wattage of your refrigerator
Using the wrong capacity AVR for your refrigerator can be disastrous as your fridge can constantly trip the AVR or cause it to burn out.
For appliances that use a motor (like a refrigerator’s compressor), the AVR’s capacity should be three times as much as the refrigerator’s rated wattage. This is to account for the surge in power after the compressor starts up.
For example, if your refrigerator has a rated input of 205W, a defrosting input of 150W, plus a 10W lamp, you should add them all together then multiply by 3.
(205W + 150W + 10W) * 3 = 1,095W AVR capacity requirement
AVRs range from 500W all the way up to 5,000W. If you are unsure which to get, you can contact a representative from AVR manufacturers in the Philippines to ask about the best AVR model for your refrigerator.
Other features to consider
To get the most bang for your buck, you should look for AVR models with the following features:
1. Built-in surge protector
AVRs can handle power surges well, but for extremely strong ones, those that have a built-in surge protector can shut off the refrigerator just in case.
2. Fuses and circuit breaker
The AVR itself needs to be protected from power surges. A fuse pops when it detects a surge. This stops the electricity from reaching the AVR and the refrigerator. You should purchase AVRs with easily replaceable fuses – this allows you to switch out a fuse when one of them pops because of a surge.
3. Power on delay function
A built-in power on delay also automatically turns on the refrigerator after 3-5 minutes after a power outage to ensure that the power stabilizes before being used by the refrigerator.
4. Built-in transformer
If you’re using an imported refrigerator, or if you bought a Japanese surplus model, you need a transformer so that you will be able to use a refrigerator that uses 110V. Some AVRs have a built-in transformer that converts the standard 220V power supply in our sockets into the 110V that those imported refrigerators can use.
Our recommendation
We recommend the brand Stavol, as they offer affordable servo-motor type AVRs. And guess what, their models also have a built-in surge protector, power on delay function, and 110V transformer!
| Capacity | Model | Surge Protection | Power on Delay |
Price |
| 500W | SVC-500VA | Yes | Yes | Check on Lazada |
| 1000W | ST1000 | Yes | Yes | Check on Lazada |
| 1500W | ST1500 | Yes | Yes | Check on Lazada |
| 2000W | ST-2000VA | Yes | Yes | Check on Lazada |
Conclusion
Refrigerators are expensive upfront but will last you decades if you take care of it right.
I highly recommend that you should invest in power protection equipment such an AVR to protect your investment and to prolong the usable life of your refrigerator. However, buying an AVR without studying your refrigerators requirement can disastrous; Using the wrong capacity AVR for your refrigerator can constantly trip the AVR or cause it to burn out. If the cost is too prohibitive, you should invest in a power on delay with a surge protector instead.
Miguel Mores worked for 5 years as a member of the product management team for a home appliance company in the Philippines. He started 101appliance to answer the most common customer questions that he has encountered during his time in the industry. He now works in the digital marketing field and manages a small online bookstore on the side.
Pede po ba 1000 watts na AVR sa refrigerator na ang input ay 80 watts balak ko kasi bumili ng AVR.
Yes, it is generally safe to use a 1000W AVR for an 80W Ref. However, I encourage you to ask the manufacturer of the refrigerator or the AVR to get a clearer picture.
Hope that helps!
Good day. May I know what is the WATTS rating of Panasonic NR-BC360XSPH 11.3 cu. ft. Two Door Bottom Freezer No Frost Inverter Refrigerator and what AVR is appropriate? Thank you.
Following on this since we have the same specs of ref. Hoping Sir Mores will reply asap. TIA
Good day po Sir new Ref ko power consumption nya is 915 watt, ilan capacity ng AVR bbilhin ko? 1500 watt ba capacity ng AVR bilhin ko?
Hi! Just want to make sure if ilang watts po na AVR ang dapat sa inverter refrigerator with rated power input of 120 W, a defrosting input of 120 W and 2W led lamp. I read from other site that I can compute the safe capacity by VxAx3 formula. Thanks in advance.
Can I use a 220v AVR for a refrigerator with a 94w rated power input?
Hi Ruel. I think you are confusing voltage with wattage. Wattage is the one used to measure the capacity of the AVR and thus should be the one measured against the rated power output of your refrigerator.
As for the voltage, 220V is the standard in the Philippines, though there are AVRs with built-in 110V transformers for Ref models that were from Japan/US.
Our new ref is rated 230 Volts, 60 hz, but the AVR output is less than 220 V (about 218). Will this damage the inverter?
Am planning to buy a frost fee ref with a rated power input of 70 W.Can I use a 500 W AVR for the ref only?
thank you.
*I mean frost free ref…
thank you..
Am planning to buy a frost free ref with a rated power input of 70 W. Can I use a 500 W AVR for ref only?
thank you.
same here sir a have a new ref inverter panasonic 70w, can i use 500w avr? TIA sa reply
Just got a samsung side by side. Based on your calc, it will need 1,404 watts of power. Is a 1500watt AVR good or do i need to go up to 2000watts?
Hi! Do you mean to say that its rated power is 1,404W? Or has this been multiplied by 3 already?
Hi Po, based on specs, the ref I am planning to buy is 170 watts. No mention of lamps or defrosting. Is it safe to get the 500watts avr? Thank you.
Hi! I suggest getting a 1000W instead, as a 500W may get overloaded as 170 multiplied by 3 is already 510 and assuming that you will need 10W more for the lamp.
Hello, the ref I am planning to buy is 170 watts. No mention of lamps and defrosting. Do you thing 500watts avr is sufficient? Thank you.
Sir, ilang watts po b dapat gamitin ko n AVR? Specification po ng ref ko ay Rated Current (1.4A),Defrost Input(150-178W),Def.Elment Input(150-178W).
Rated Voltage 230V
Rated Frequency 60Hz
Rated Power Input 167W
Rated Current 1.2A
Energy Consumption 1.40kW-h/24h
Hi po Sir!
Ano po dapat ko bilhin na AVR para jaan po sa Fujidenzo Showcase Chiller ko po Sir,
Thankyou po Godbless!
SIR TANONG LANG PO…MALAKAS PO AND CONSUMPTION PAG MAY AVR ANG REFRIGERATOR???1500 PO ANG AVR NAMIN…SALAMAT PO
Hello, Sir! May inverter ref po ako na may rated power input of 125 watts connected tp a 20amp dedicated circuit breaker. Ok lang po ba na ang gamitin ko pong AVR ay 1,000 watts? Do I still need to plug the AVR to the dedicated 20amp circuit breaker? Salamat po sa pagtugon….
Hello
Safe po ba gumamit ng 1000watts na avr for
Chiller rated input 116.5watts
Freezer 130watts
Times 3 total of 739.5watts total required wattage.
Salamat
ano po dapat bilhin ko avr or ups kasi nasa isang apartment ako naka tira marami kaming gumagamit nang kuryente baka ma damage yung ref ko
Rated V-230V
Rated Frequency-60hz
Max light power input-10w
Power input-140w
ano po dapat bilhin ko na AVR or UPS please help thank you
I have a heavy-duty industrial blender that’s rated at 1,500 watts. What kind of AVR (i.e., what capacity) should I purchase for this? Thank you.
Hi,can i use 500w avr,for 85w input inverter refrigerator
Good day sir , i recieve window type inverter 115v
With rated 12A
14400btu/h.w
Hndi ko alam ilang h.p nya pero sabi ng online L.G cs agent – u.s nasa about 5hp sya
Pero kung i bebase sa 220v specs ng LG aircon sa pinas nasa 2.hp lang haha
Anu po kayang safe na rated AVR pedeng gamitin
Hi Miguel, randomly stumbled upon your website. Super appreciate it! Nice work. Contents are relevant, and your explanations are straight to the point, clear and concise. More power to you!
Hi can u please give me some advice in whitch a.v.r to use/buy.i have a new sanden inverter bottle chiller on 220.240v.watage 50hz 1.21a 182w and 60hz 1.21a 182w……..and a sanden chest freezer 220v watage 50/60hz rating 145.total power 155.please advise thank you.
RATED VOLTAGE- 230V
RATED FREQUENCY- 60Hz
RATED CURRENT- 0.6A
RATED INPUT- 82W
POWER INPUT OF LAMP- 10W
Puwedi napo ba Ang 500w po Jan reply Po sir