The success or failure of a transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS) device to protect your critical equipment is determined by the technology utilized within the component.
There are four standard technologies used by surge suppression devices:
- Gas Tube Arrestor
- Selenium Plates
- MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor)
- SAD (Silicon Avalanche Diode)
Utilizing the IEEE C62.41-1991 1.2X50 microsecond, 6000 volt wave form to evaluate the electrical characteristics of these technologies, the following results were determined.
Gas Tubes
The gas tube arrestor rated at 230 Vpk is designed to short circuit the line during suppression with a response time of over 100 nanoseconds. In testing, it did not respond at 230 Vpk. The actual discharge level exceeded 700 Vpk due to the time it takes to respond. Additionally, the voltage dropped to approximately 10 volts for the duration of the surge. Another negative aspect of this technology creates a fault condition or no power to the load. Thereby the result is a sag or other anomaly.
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