Application Design Center - GFCI/AFCI

AC Line Protection

Solutions

• Metal Oxide Varistor

Design Notes:

Protection Application:

Products that are directly connected to the AC line may be exposed to large surge transients (lightning, load switching, etc.).

Solution Description:

For surge protection, an MOV should be selected based on the expected severity (energy, voltage and peak pulse current) of the transient surge. The specific family (C-III, UltraMOV or LA) can be determined after the surge severity is understood. A GFCI that is built-in to an appliance might also include a current-limiting device, but a general usage GFCI should allow over-current conditions to be handled by the branch circuit breaker or fuse in the service panel.

Companion Solutions:

Does not apply.

Regulatory Issues:

Standards will vary depending on the product to be protected.

Unique Features:

Does not apply.

Application Warnings:

Does not apply.