Metalenoxidevariatoren

Metalenoxidevariatoren, often abbreviated as MOV, are electronic components used to protect electrical circuits from voltage surges. They are a type of variable resistor, specifically a varistor, whose resistance decreases as the voltage across it increases. This property makes them ideal for clamping transient overvoltages to safe levels.

MOVs consist of a metal oxide material, typically zinc oxide, sandwiched between two conductive electrodes. When the voltage across the MOV is below its threshold voltage, it exhibits very high resistance and draws negligible current. However, if the voltage exceeds the threshold, the metal oxide particles become conductive, and the MOV rapidly draws a large current, effectively diverting the surge energy away from the protected circuit. This action prevents sensitive components from being damaged by sudden voltage spikes.

The primary application of metalenoxidevariatoren is in surge protection devices for power lines, electronic equipment, and industrial machinery. They are commonly found in power strips, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and industrial control systems. The effectiveness of an MOV is determined by its energy rating, clamping voltage, and response time. While effective, MOVs can degrade over time with repeated surge events and eventually fail, requiring replacement. They are a cost-effective and widely used solution for transient voltage suppression.