SUGGESTED TEST METHODS FOR METAL-OXIDE VARISTORS

摘要

Metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) are surge protection devices that are commonly used to protect electronic circuits and systems from voltage or current surges. MOVs are nonlinear resistors that are typically installed across the load that they are protecting. They act like a high impedance to the load and transform to low impedance when subjected to an overvoltage or overcurrent, subsequently conducting the transient to ground. MOVs are typically used in consumer appliances, uninterruptible power supplies, surge strip outlets, street lighting controls, and other electrical and electronic systems that may be damaged when subjected to a transient overvoltage or overcurrent. Because of the non-linear characteristics of MOVs, some of the electrical performance parameters that are commonly measured are frequently difficult to obtain accurately. As a result, many MOV users are constantly seeking information from the manufacturers and experienced users of these devices. This paper will attempt to provide assistance to the circuit and system designers that desire to incorporate MOVs as surge protection into their designs.