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.
Selenium Plates
Selenium suppressors rated at 130 VRMS are voltage dependent, nonlinear devices. The total number of plates placed in series achieve a specific voltage rating. Response-time claimed is tens of nanoseconds. Testing shows clamping at 460 Vpk and diminishing to 210 Vpk in 40 microseconds. The variation in voltage is a function of the suppressed current
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