Varistor Products
High Energy Radial Lead
RoHS Pb
C-III Varistor Series
Additionally, all 20mm C-III devices are listed to the “Permanently
Ordering Information
Connected” category (10kA) of UL1449, by Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc.
C-III series Varistors are shipped standard in bulk pack with straight
leads and lead spacing outlined in the package dimensions on page 4-
13. Contact your Littelfuse sales representative to discuss the non-stan-
dard options outlined below.
As a measure of the inherent device capability, samples of the 20mm
V130LA20C devices were subjected to a worst case repetitive transient
surges test. After 100 pulses, each of 3kA, there was negligible change
in the device characteristics. Changes in the clamping voltage, measured
at 100 amps, of less than 3% were recorded (Figure 9). Samples of the
14mm Series V175LA20C were subjected to repetitive surge occurrences
of 750A. Again, there was negligible changes in any of the device
characteristics after 2000 pulses (Figure 10). In both cases the inherent
device capability is far in excess of the expected worst case scenario.
For Lead-free and RoHS compliant parts add the letter ‘P’ after the base
part number and before any option as shown in the ordering example
below.
ex: V150LS20CP
2
V300LS40CPX745
300
250
200
150
100
V130LA20C
Other Options
Base Part #
+ Optional Suffix
V XXX LA XX C
P
VARISTOR
P: LEAD-FREE AND
RoHS COMPLIANT OPTION
V
RELATIVE ENERGY INDICATOR
(One or Two Digits)
M(AC)
130V to 1,000V
0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
TIME (HOURS)
SERIES DESIGNATOR/
LEADSTYLE DESIGNATOR
LC = Crimped and Clipped
LS = Straight
o
FIGURE 8. HIGHTEMPERATURE OPERATING LIFE 125 C
FOR 1000 HOURS AT RATED BIAS
LT = Crimped
LU = Under Crimped
500
V130LA20C
3kA (8/20µs)
AC Bias Reliability
450
The C-III series of metal oxide varistors was designed for use on the AC
line. The varistor is connected across the AC line and is biased with a
constant amplitude sinusoidal voltage. It should be noted that the definition
of failure is a shift in the nominal varistor voltage (VN) exceeding ±10%.
Although this type of varistor is still functioning normally after this
magnitude of shift, devices at the lower extremities of VN tolerance
will begin to dissipate more power.
400
350
(RATED FOR 80 PULSES)
300
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
NUMBER OF SURGES
Because of this possibility, an extensive series of statistically designed
tests were performed to determine the reliability of the C-III type of varistor
under AC bias combined with high levels of temperature stress. To date,
this test has generated over 50,000 device hours of operation at a tempera-
ture of 125oC, although only rated at 85oC. Changes in the nominal varistor
voltage, measured at 1mA, of less than 2% have been recorded (Figure 8).
FIGURE 9. TYPICAL REPETITIVE SURGE CURRENT
CAPABILITYOF C-III SERIES MOVs
600
V175LA20C
750A (8/20µs)
Transient Surge Current/Energy
Transient Capability
The transient surge rating serves as an excellent figure of merit for the C-III
varistor. This inherent surge handling capability is one of the C-III varistor’s
best features. The enhanced surge absorption capability results from
improved process uniformity and enhanced construction. The homogeneity
of the raw material powder and improved control over the sintering and
assembly processes are contributing factors to this improvement.
550
500
450
400
350
300
(RATED FOR 1600 PULSES)
In the low power AC mains environment, industry standards (UL, IEC,
NEMA and IEEE) all suggest that the worst case surge occurrence will be
3kA. Such a transient event may occur up to five times over the equipment
life time (approximately 10 years). While the occu rences of five 3kA
transients is the required capability, the rated, repetitive surge current for
the C-III series is 80 pulses for the 20mm units and 40 pulses for the
0
200 400
600
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 2000
NUMBER OF SURGES
FIGURE 10. TYPICAL REPETITIVE SURGE CURRENT
CAPABILITYOF C-III SERIES MOVs
55
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