Varistors and MOVs are both protection elements, mainly used for circuit overvoltage protection. However, there are differences between the two in terms of materials, operating principles, and usage scenarios.
Varistors are voltage-controlled components that can produce a change in resistance when passing current.
Advantages:Fast response time, can withstand high pulse current.
Disadvantages:Higher leakage current, sensitive to temperature.
Varistors are commonly used to suppress arcing, electrical noise, surges, and to protect circuits from overvoltage and overcurrent.
MOVs, or Metal Oxide Surge Arresters, are gas discharge tubes designed to operate under overvoltage conditions.
Advantages of MOVs: Higher arc extinguishing capability
Disadvantage: longer response time
MOVs are usually used in parallel in circuits to prevent overvoltage or overcurrent conditions.
In common combinations.
Varistors are usually used in conjunction with circuits such as microprocessors, large-scale integrated circuits, precision electronics and communications equipment to suppress electrical noise and protect electronic components from overvoltage and overcurrent.
MOVs are commonly used in electric power, communications, electronic equipment and other fields, as line protection and overvoltage suppression devices.
Varistors and MOVs are widely used in the electronics industry, the choice of which components to use depends on the specific application scenarios and needs.