Do most surge suppressors use the same technology?
No. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are the most widely used suppression device. They provide a fast response time and have high surge current capabilities within a relatively small package. Silicon Avalanche Diodes (SADs) are the closest to the ideal surge suppression device with very tight clamping curves and very fast response times, but SADs have limited current handling capability. Filter capacitors provide EMI/RFI attenuation for high frequency noise. Most manufacturers use either one or two of these technologies, but THOR SYSTEMS, INC. uses all three to create a hybrid design.
