⚡ Varistor Voltage Response Simulator

Observe how varistor resistance changes with applied voltage

Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)

MOV

Applied Voltage: 120V

0V 200V 400V

Applied Voltage

120V

Resistance

10MΩ

Current Flow

0.012mA

Varistor Rating

275V MOV

Operating Mode

Normal Operation

High resistance - minimal current flow

Voltage vs. Resistance Characteristic

⚡ How Varistors Work:

Voltage Dependent: Resistance automatically changes based on voltage
Normal Operation: Very high resistance (megaohms) - acts like open circuit
Overvoltage Protection: At threshold voltage, resistance drops dramatically
Clamping Action: Becomes conductor and diverts excess current to ground
Self-Recovering: Returns to high resistance when voltage normalizes
Zinc Oxide Core: Metal oxide semiconductors provide voltage-dependent behavior

🛡️ Varistor Applications:

Surge Protection: Protects electronics from voltage spikes
Power Supplies: Guards sensitive circuits from transients
Lightning Protection: Diverts dangerous voltage to ground
ESD Protection: Shields against electrostatic discharge
Motor Protection: Suppresses voltage spikes from inductive loads

📊 Varistor Ratings:

Voltage Rating: Maximum continuous operating voltage (e.g., 275V)
Clamping Voltage: Voltage at which varistor starts conducting
Energy Rating: Maximum surge energy it can absorb (Joules)
Peak Current: Maximum surge current capacity (kA)