Transient Suppression on 120 Volt Power Circuits.
Abstract:
A transient voltage pulse is a rapid increase or decrease in the instantaneous amplitude of the power frequency sine wave. The occurrence of these pulses on 120 volt power distribution circuits may be detrimental to the operation of electrical or electronic equipment. Transient suppression is provided by filters and circuit shunting devices. The most effective circuit shunting devices are gas discharge devices, semiconductor breakdown diodes, and varistor devices. The metal oxide varistor offers the best combination of power and energy absorption, peak let-through voltage, clamping ratio, cost, and available voltage ranges. The SCEPTRE Circuit Analysis Program is used to analyze the performance of the Zener breakdown diode, the silicon-carbide varistor, the selenium thyrector, and the metal oxide varistor in actual circuit applications.