Surge Suppressors

The surge
suppressor is a type
of varistor, metal
oxide.

There many shapes

and sizes of varistors
depending on
voltage and current
demands.

How the Surge Suppressor Works

A surge suppressor is a voltage dependent

variable resistor.

When disconnected or operating at a normal

voltage level the surge suppressor has a very
high resistance, near infinity.

How the Surge Suppressor Works

When a surge or spike causes voltage rises above a

predetermined point. The resistance of the suppressor
begins to fall. This is know as clamping voltage.

As long as the voltage on the line stays above

clamping voltage the suppressor allows current to flow
through it shunting the excess voltage.

Testing Surge Suppressors

To test a varistor by the book requires

equipment that you will not likely find on
a production platform.

However there are ways to determine

whether or not the surge suppressor is
the cause of problems in your generator