Knowledge of ZOV Varistor （1）

1、Introduction of ZOV varistor 
A "varistor" is a resistive device with nonlinear volt-ampere characteristics that is primarily used to clamp a voltage when the circuit is subjected to an overvoltage, absorbing excess current to protect sensitive components. The resistor material of the varistor is a semiconductor that is a voltage limiting type protection device. Using the non-linear characteristics of the varistor, when an overvoltage occurs between the two poles of the varistor, the varistor can clamp the voltage to a relatively fixed voltage value, thereby protecting the latter circuit. The main parameters of the varistor are: varistor voltage, current capacity, junction capacitance, response time and so on.

2、The working principle of ZOV varistor 
When the voltage applied to the varistor is below its threshold, the current flowing through it is extremely small, which is equivalent to a resistor with an infinite value. That is, when the voltage applied to it is below its threshold, it is equivalent to a switch that is off. 
When the voltage applied to the varistor exceeds its threshold, the current flowing through it surges, which is equivalent to an infinitely small resistance. That is, when the voltage applied to it is above its threshold, it is equivalent to a closed state switch.

3、Precautions of ZOV varistor 
(1) It must be ensured that when the voltage fluctuation is maximum, the continuous working voltage will not exceed the maximum allowable value, otherwise the service life of the varistor will be shortened;
(2) When a varistor is used between the power supply line and the ground, the voltage between the line and the ground may rise due to poor grounding. Therefore, a varistor with a higher nominal voltage than the line-to-line use is usually used.

4、ZOV varistor action
What is the use of varistor? The biggest characteristic of a varistor is that when the voltage applied to it is lower than its threshold "UN", the current flowing through it is extremely small, equivalent to a shut-off valve. When the voltage exceeds UN, its The resistance becomes smaller, so that the current flowing through it surges and the influence on other circuits does not change much, thereby reducing the influence of overvoltage on subsequent sensitive circuits. With this function, it is possible to suppress abnormal overvoltages that often occur in circuits and protect circuits from overvoltages.