What are MOV's & why are they used in surge protection?
An MOV is a bipolar, non linear resistor, with a symmetrical voltage / current characteristics curve and a resistance value which decreases as the voltage increases.
A semiconducting device which 'clamps' an effective resistance at a specified voltage.
We provide varistors with:
- High Energy and Current withstand capability.
- Low clamping Voltage
- Fast Reponse (typically 5 nanoseconds)
- Suitable for AC and DC applications
- Bipolar operation
- Very low leakage current
- Relatively inexpensive per Joule
Important Information when referring to Voltage Levels
The European electrical AC voltages are classified in terms of Low Voltage (LV), Medium Voltage (MV) and High Voltage (HV)
The International Electrotechnical Commission has classified the voltages into the following levels (IEC 60038).
Voltage Level | Code | Voltage Rating |
Low Voltage |
LV |
up to 1000V |
Medium Voltage |
MV |
1000V to 35kV |
High Voltage |
HV |
35kV to 230kV |
Extra High Voltage |
– |
above 230kV |