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Overview Metal Oxide Varistors

Metal oxide varistors
Metal oxide varistors

A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) is a semiconducting ‘clamping’ device which, under normal operating conditions has a very high resistance, but when the voltage across the varistor exceeds its rated value, the varistor’s resistance decreases, and enables any overvoltage to be safely diverted to earth.  These are bipolar, non-linear resistors, with a symmetrical voltage/current characteristics curve and a resistance value which decreases as the voltage increases. Features include:

  • High Energy and Current withstand capability.
  • Low clamping Voltage
  • Fast Response (typically 5 nanoseconds)
  • Suitable for AC and DC applications
  • Bipolar operation
  • Very low leakage current

AN Wallis is a leading designer and manufactuer of MOV, one of only a handful within Europe, producing Metal Oxide Varistors and MOV Assemblies for a wide range of industries and applications. A selection of our MOVs can be seen here, but  if you cannot find the Metal Oxide Varistor or MOV assembly you require for your application, please contact our technical team..

European electrical AC voltages are classified in terms of Low Voltage = LV, Medium Voltage =MV and High Voltage = HV, and 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

A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) is a semiconducting ‘clamping’ device which, under normal operating conditions has a very high resistance, but when the voltage across the varistor exceeds its rated value, the varistor’s resistance decreases, and enables any overvoltage to be safely diverted to earth.  These are bipolar, non-linear resistors, with a symmetrical voltage/current characteristics […]

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