How Do Metal Oxide Varistors Work?
A Metal Oxide Varistor MOV is a blue or orange-coloured circular component that can be easily seen in any AC to DC Power Supply Circuit. The word “Varistor” is a combination of words VARI-able resi-STOR. So, the Metal Oxide Varistor can be considered as another type of variable resistor whose resistance changes based on the voltage across it. Hence, It shows non-linear volt-ampere characteristics. When a voltage higher than the threshold voltage is applied across a MOV, its resistance value decreases and it acts as a short circuit. Generally, MOVs are used in parallel with a fuse, to protect circuits from high-voltage spikes. It is known by the name of MOV when metal alloy granules are used whereas another type of varistor that is now widely used has Zn (Zinc) as the main material and it is called ZOV. Construction of MOV A varistor is made from ceramic, powders of metal oxides like zinc oxide and other oxides of cobalt, manganese, bismuth, etc. A MOV is composed primarily of zinc o