Metal Oxide Varistor

P. MARIAN

The Metal Oxide Varistor or MOV is a voltage dependent, nonlinear device that provides
excellent transient voltage suppression. The Metal Oxide Varistor is designed to protect various
types of electronic devices and semiconductor elements from switching and induced lightning
surges.
When exposed to high transient voltage, the MOV clamps voltage to a safe level. A

metal
oxide varistor absorbs potentially destructive energy and
dissipates it as heat, thus protecting vulnerable circuit
components and preventing system damage. Varistors can absorb part of a
surge.

About the MOV Metal Oxide Varistors

A MOV contains a ceramic mass of zinc oxide grains, in a matrix of other metal oxides (such as
small amounts of bismuth, cobalt, manganese) sandwiched between two metal plates (the
electrodes).
They can be connected in parallel for increased energy-handling capabilities.
MOVs can also be connected in series to provide higher voltage ratings or to provide voltage
rating between the standard increments.
A Metal Oxide Varistor remains non-conductive as a shunt mode device during normal operation
when voltage remains well below its clamping voltage. If a transient pulse (often measured in
joules) is too high, the device may melt, burn, vaporize, or otherwise be damaged or destroyed.

The varistors must on all accounts be connected parallel to the electronic circuits to be protected.

As Sivanand said on one article: A Metal oxide varistor SHOULD be used to protect the circuit
from HV spikes It has become mandatory and can be seen in all power supplies that works off
directly from mains.