Capabilities and Limitations of Low Voltage Transient Suppressors

A myriad of transient suppressor types have been made available to the design engineer confronted with transient suppression requirements. The major categories include gas discharge tubes, metal oxide varistors and silicon junction avalanche devices. This paper reviews information defining significant device characteristics, along with discussing capabilities and limitations of the aforementioned types. It is intended that the results of tests reported in this paper be used as general information and to offer guidance for the design engineer In defining and selecting adequate protective devices as required for his specific applications.