1.

varistor

A varistor is a type of resistor with a significantly non-ohmic current-voltage characteristic. The name is a

portmanteau of variable resistor*, which is misleading since it is not continuously user-variable like a
potentiometer or rheostat, and is not a resistor but in fact a capacitor. Varistors are often used to protect
circuits against excessive voltage by acting as a spark gap.

The most common type of varistor is the metal oxide varistor, or MOV. This contains a mass of zinc oxide
grains, in a matrix of other metal oxides, sandwiched between two metal plates (the electrodes). The
boundary between each grain and its neighbour forms a diode junction, which allows current to flow in
only one direction. The mass of randomly oriented grains is electrically equivalent to a network of back-to-
back diode pairs, each pair in parallel with many other pairs. When a small or moderate voltage is applied
across the electrodes, only a tiny current flows, causes by reverse leakage through the diode junctions.
When a large voltage is applied, the diode junctions break down because of the avalanche effect, and a
large current flows. The result of this behaviour is a highly nonlinear current-voltage characteristic, in
which the MOV has a high resistance at low voltages and a low resistance at high voltages.

The principal components used to reduce or limit high voltages can include one or more of the
following electronic components:

 Metal oxide varistor – The metal oxide varistor (MOV) contains a material, typically granular zinc
oxide, that conducts current (shorts) when presented with a voltage above its rated voltage.
[2]
 MOVs typically limit voltages to about 3 to 4 times the normal circuit voltage by diverting
surge current elsewhere. MOVs have finite life expectancy and "degrade" when exposed to a
few large transients, or many more smaller transients. [6] MOVs may be connected in parallel to
increase current capability and life expectancy, providing they are matched sets (MOVs have a
tolerance of approximately 20% on voltage ratings). "Degrading" is the normal failure mode.
MOVs that fail shorted were so small as to violate the MOV’s "Absolute Maximum Ratings".
[7]
 MOVs usually are thermal fused or otherwise protected to avoid short circuits and other fire
hazards.[2] A circuit breaker is different from the internal thermal fuse. If a surge current was so
excessively large as exceed the MOV parameters and blow the thermal fuse, then a light found
on some protectors would indicate that unacceptable failure. Adequately sized MOV protectors
will eventually degrade beyond acceptable limits without a failure light indication. [8] MOVs are
the most common protector component in AC power protectors.