What is a Littelfuse Metal Oxide Varistor?
A metal oxide varistor, or MOV, is a voltage dependent, nonlinear device that provides excellent transient voltage suppression. When exposed to high transient voltage, the metal oxide varistor 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. Littelfuse metal oxide varistor devices are made primarily of zinc oxide with small amounts of bismuth, cobalt, manganese, and other metal oxides. 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.
