The straightforward response to such a question is that it depends on the circumstances. A voltage stabilizer is a protective device that protects your AC’s components from damage due to voltage fluctuations. If there are no voltage fluctuations, nothing is going to happen to your AC.
The inverter ACs available today come with features that can manage voltage fluctuations comfortably.
For example, the LG inverter ACs can handle voltage variations in the range of 120V to 290V.
Similarly, the Voltas Adjustable Inverter AC can operate in a wide operating range of 100V to 290V. This operating range is much more than what many voltage stabilizers work with.
Related: Inverter vs Non Inverter AC
Moreover, Voltas states that the minimum start-up voltage required to start the AC is around 100V. Therefore, people have the notion that a voltage stabilizer is not necessary for an inverter AC.
Let us consider a simple analogy. Do we not take medical insurance and pay thousands of rupees every year to insurance companies without claiming medical reimbursement for years together? Similarly, we pay insurance for our cars and two-wheelers (mandatory) but rarely claim it. Besides, we are happy that we do not get the opportunity to claim medical or vehicle insurance benefits. The voltage stabilizer is similar to insurance. It is a protection feature that could save your AC from significant repairs.
Yes, we agree that the latest inverter ACs can work at such extensive voltage ranges. But, you should also remember that there can be sudden voltage drops or surges much beyond these extended ranges.
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For example, a lightning attack can cause a massive voltage surge. In addition, there are examples of momentary but tremendously high input voltage surge during power supply resumptions. This momentary surge is more than enough to damage your AC and other electrical equipment.
Let us answer some simple questions now.
Is stabilizer required for LG Dual Inverter AC?
Is stabilizer required for Voltas Inverter AC?
However, one should also note that Voltas does not confirm whether the AC will switch off safely if the input voltage is below 100V or above 290V.
Is stabilizer required for Daikin Inverter AC?
The Latest Daikin JTKJ series 5 Star Inverter ACs have an inbuilt stabilizer with a wider range of 130 to 265V.
Is stabilizer required for Samsung Inverter Split AC?
The best Mainline Stabilizers from top brands like Vguard and Luminous have a working Range between 90V ~ 300V only.
Is stabilizer required for Lloyd AC?
Is stabilizer required for Blue Star Inverter AC?
Is stabilizer required for Hitachi Inverter AC?
Related: What is Stabilizer Free Operation
Verdict
You can note that all Air Conditioners do not provide information about the voltage range they support. However, these products promise ‘Stabilizer-free operations.’
If there are more voltage fluctuations at your place which is below or beyond the specified limit, Under such circumstances, it is better to safeguard your AC by spending a few thousand more on purchasing a high-quality voltage stabilizer that can work on an extensive voltage range from around 100V to 300V.
Only a few models like Vguard Vew 400 Plus and Vguard Vew 500 Plus have Working Range (Input) between 90V ~ 300V. So be careful while selecting the Stabilizer.
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Stabilizer can serve as insurance, primarily because this feature comes with a power supply cut-off switch that switches off the power supply if the input voltage drops below the range. Otherwise, it ensures that the AC receives 220V current, irrespective of the input voltage.
Source: LG, Samsung, mylloyd.com, BlueStarIndia