What is Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)?
What is an MOV? Metal Oxide Varistors AKA MOVs are electronic devices designed to suppress surges in electrical and electronic circuits. A Metal Oxide Varistor is a non-linear surge suppressor device, which is used to suppress sudden, high abnormal voltage transients or surges, especially during the power ON of a switch or natural thunder lightening situations. This is mostly used in sensitive electronic circuits to make them safe against such catastrophic occurrences. MOV is a non-polar device, which means you can connect it with any side. It is a voltage dependent device, which means this device will react to the changes in voltage conditions. Therefore, MOV is specified to trigger whenever the rated voltage magnitude across their connections is exceeded. The voltage rating at which an MOV may be defined to fire and short the transient to the ground is called its ‘clamping voltage’ . For an example, if the clamping voltage rating of an MOV is 420V then i