As a non-expert in such things, I always lumped both arrestors and suppressors into one catagory. I do know that there are really only two basic types: clamps and crowbars. Clamps being MOV's or silicone devices that limit the transient voltage to some level; crowbars being gas or carbon block arrestors, silicone avalanche devices or SCR type devices which bring the transient voltage down to something close to zero when they operate.... There are also fuseable links, of course, and some hybrid devices, but I have no idea which are considered suppressors and which are arrestors. Maybe someone out there can make the differentiation, but as I said, to me they are all clamps, crowbars, or fuseable links.....
Best Regards, Michael Hopkins Manager, EMC Technologies Thermo Electron Control Technology Division EMC & ESD Simulation Systems One Lowell Research Center Lowell, MA 01852 Tel: +1 978 275 0800 ext. 334 Fax: +1 978 275 0850 [email protected] One Thermo, committed to integrity, intensity, innovation and involvement From: Gary McInturff [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, December 12, 2003 12:05 PM To: EMC-PSTC (E-mail) Subject: Surge suppressor versus surge arrestor? Apparently I'm clueless (something many have suspected). Is there a difference between a surge suppressor and a surge arrestor? Does on just reduce the transient voltage level and the other absorb or change to heat/light etc. Maybe a carbon block versus a gas discharge tube for example. Until now I've never given it much thought until asked by another person. Thanks Gary
