How a Surge Protector Works (Metal Oxide Varistor)

How a common surge strip works explained by GE Global Research Engineer Bill Morris. The GEMOV surge suppressor was developed first in 1973 by John D. Harnden Jr., François Martzloff, and William G. Morris in Schenectady, NY. This revolutionized power control for all computers and semiconductor devices. The device was put into production by 1976. Hundreds of millions were produced within a few years. Morris investigated the relationship of crystal size to volts and resistance.  Work started with the Thyristor and Zener Diode.

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