Results for tag: "Metal Oxide Varistors"

[[Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs)]] are semiconductor devices that protect electronic equipment and electrical systems from voltage spikes. Within the context of [[electrical switches]], MOVs serve as crucial components in safeguarding circuits from transient voltage surges, which can result from lightning strikes, switching loads, or power line disturbances. When the voltage across an MOV exceeds its threshold, the varistor rapidly changes its resistance from a very high stand-by value to a very low conducting value, clamping the transient voltage to a safe level and thereby protecting sensitive electronic components. MOVs are commonly integrated into power strips, surge protectors, and as part of the circuitry within various types of electrical switches, including those in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. They are essential in ensuring the reliability and longevity of both the switches themselves and the devices controlled by those switches. Some companies that operate in the MOV market include Littelfuse Inc., Panasonic Corporation, General Electric, Eaton Corp., Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, and Toshiba Corporation. These enterprises engage in the manufacture, supply, and development of metal oxide varistors, contributing to advancements in the field of circuit protection and electrical component technology. Show Less Read more