MOV Metal Oxide Varistor Datasheet

Metal Oxide Varistor

APPLICATION EXAMPLE
• TV/VCR/White Goods Office Equipment Motor Control
• Transformer (Primary Protection)
• Instrumentation Automotive (Primary/Secondary Protection) Noise Suppression
• Power Supply
• Transient Voltage Suppressor AC Power Strip AC Distribution Panels ESD Protection

A MOV is a Metal Oxide Varistor. Varistors are voltage dependent, nonlinear devices which have an electrical behavior similar to back-to-back Zener diodes. The varistor's symmetrical, sharp breakdown characteristics enable it to provide excellent transient suppression performance. When exposed to high voltage transients, the varistor impedance changes many orders of magnitude - from a near open circuit to a highly conductive level - and clamps the transient voltage to a safe level. The potentially destructive energy of the incoming transient pulse is absorbed by the varistor, thereby protecting vulnerable circuit components and preventing potentially costly system damage.

What is a MOV Made Of?
The varistor is composed primarily of zinc oxide with small additions of bismuth, cobalt, manganese and other metal oxides. The structure of the body consists of a matrix of conductive zinc oxide grains separated by grain boundaries which provide P-N junction semiconductor characteristics.

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