Bourns introduces the GMOV series of overvoltage protection components

     Bourns introduces the GMOV series of overvoltage protection components. Bourns' innovative hybrid design combines its patented and space-saving FLAT technology gas discharge tube (GDT) with metal oxide varastor (MOV) to create a compact and enhanced overvoltage protector that will be a direct replacement for standard 14 and 20 mm MOV.

     Bourns' new GMOV series is an enhanced protection solution that helps overcome the damage and catastrophic failures that can occur during transient surges or temporary overvoltages that exceed their maximum rating for individual MOV. The GDT is used to isolate the MOV from the line voltage, thus keeping it "on call, not running continuously", thereby protecting it from transient and temporary overvoltage spikes that typically damage the MOV over time. Another significant advantage of combining the two technologies is that GMOV has ultra-low leakage current (< 0.1μA) to help eliminate heat damage caused by leakage current. The result is a more reliable protection solution with almost zero standby power consumption.

     Overvoltage protection prevents unstable power system switching or lightning surges from damaging the system. MOV is currently a common overvoltage protection element, but in harsh and uncontrolled environments, they are prone to degradation and failure problems. Thermal runaway status can lead to failure, and therefore also determines the life of the MOV, thermal runaway can also make the MOV increased risk of becoming a fire hazard, so the design usually requires additional fuses or hot break devices to ensure safety.

     Bourns GMOV components cost-effectively improve application reliability by providing predictable failure modes, which eliminates the need for indicating circuits and expensive thermal protection MOV components. Another advantage is that GMOV protectors help eliminate the need for more expensive and higher performance MOV to meet UL1449 leakage testing. Best of all, GMOV™ components offer increased safety and longer life overvoltage protection against additional voltage hazards compared to MOV alone.

     The Bourns GMOV element is now available in 14 and 20 mm versions with a maximum continuous operating voltage rating of 45 Vrms to 320 Vrms. The maximum surge current rating for 14 mm is 6 kA, while the maximum surge current rating for 20 mm is 10 kA. The Bourns GMOV series is UL 1449 Type 5 certified and RoHS compliant