Metal Oxide Varistor: Clamping Voltage 130V to 1500V

Q: What is the typical lifespan of a Metal Oxide Varistor?

An MOV can last 5-10 years under normal conditions, but degrades with each surge event; it should be replaced after significant surges or as part of preventive maintenance.

Q: Can MOVs be used in DC circuits?

Yes, MOVs are suitable for both AC and DC applications, with specifications adjusted for the specific voltage and current requirements.

Component Specifications

Definition

A Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) is an electronic component with nonlinear resistance characteristics, primarily composed of zinc oxide and other metal oxides. It functions as a voltage-clamping device that protects sensitive electronic equipment from voltage spikes and transient surges by rapidly decreasing its resistance when the voltage exceeds a specific threshold, thereby diverting excess current away from the protected circuit.

Working Principle

The MOV operates based on the voltage-dependent resistance of its zinc oxide grains. At normal operating voltages, it exhibits high resistance (megohms), allowing minimal current flow. When a voltage surge exceeds the clamping voltage, the grain boundaries become conductive, drastically reducing resistance to milliohms, which shunts the surge current to ground and limits the voltage across the protected device.

Materials

Zinc oxide (ZnO) with small percentages of bismuth, cobalt, manganese, and other metal oxides, encapsulated in epoxy or ceramic housing with metal electrodes (typically silver).

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Response Time	<25 nanoseconds
Clamping Voltage	130V to 1500V
Energy Absorption	10J to 5000J
Peak Current Rating	1kA to 100kA
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage	85V to 1000V AC/DC

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

IEC 61643-11, UL 1449, ISO 9001

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Surge Protection Device

Electrical safety component that protects LED tunnel lights from voltage spikes and transient surges

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Thermal runaway under continuous overvoltage
Degradation after multiple surges
Short-circuit failure mode
Leakage current increase over time

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Repeated surge events exceeding energy rating
Failure: Cracking or catastrophic short circuit
Mitigation: Implement redundant protection circuits and regular inspection

Trigger: Continuous overvoltage beyond maximum rating
Failure: Thermal runaway leading to fire hazard
Mitigation: Use thermal fuses and temperature monitoring

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

±10% clamping voltage, ±20% energy absorption

Test Method

IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity test, UL 1449 third edition

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Metal Oxide Varistor

1 company lists this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

VETENG

Dongguan, Guangdong, CN

Also makes: Temperature Sensor Probe, Temperature Probe, Power Supply (Battery)

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Listed there as: “Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)”
View source page ↗ veteng.com · checked 2026-09-03

View profile Send enquiry

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

Related Components

Terminal Base

A terminal base is an insulating support structure that holds and organizes electrical terminals in motor terminal blocks, providing secure connections and circuit management.

Contact Plate

A conductive plate in motor terminal blocks that establishes electrical contact between conductors.

Marking Strip

A durable marking strip used for terminal identification in motor terminal blocks to ensure proper electrical connections and safety compliance.

Gland Body

A gland body is the main housing component of an aluminum cable gland that provides mechanical protection and environmental sealing for electrical cables entering enclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lifespan of a Metal Oxide Varistor?