Our hybrid multi-stage protectors are superior because multiple barriers of components stand between damaging over-voltage and your sensitive electronics. The Solid State multi-stage technologies are carefully selected components that are application specific and are among the reasons E CLIPS’ performance is superior to that of all others. Be assured, we use the most current means to provide you with the highest quality surge protection devices available using proven performance through technological advances in design.
SAD’s are used as a surge protection component for multiple reasons. Diodes are designed to limit over-voltage conditions. They can dissipate high amounts of transient power in a short period of time. The advantages of SADs are low clamping voltage capabilities with negligible degradation yet they also possess a low energy-handling capability and therefore work best if combined with other technologies (see below). For an SAD to be used successfully in a given situation, three conditions apply: 1) The equipment must require a low clamping voltage; 2) the SAD must be able to survive in the particular atmospheric environment; and 3) the SAD must be installed in such a way as not to compromise the component’s performance level. E CLIPS engineering and product design team puts this valuable technology to work for you in the best possible configurations using the criteria above.
MOV’s are semiconductors that protect electronic components and systems from transient over voltage conditions. These clamping devices contain a matrix of zinc oxide grains positioned between two metal plates which serve as electrodes. The boundaries between grains form diode junctions which allow current to flow in only one direction. As a rule, metal oxide varistors exhibit highly non-linear current-voltage characteristics. They have high resistance at low voltages and a low resistance at high voltages. Unlike diodes, metal oxide varistors degrade as they absorb repeated transients and are best combined with other technologies. MOVs provide fast response times, low operating voltages, low capacitance, nominal current draw and low clamping voltage.
Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) refers to materials that experience an increase in electrical resistance when their temperature is raised. Materials which have useful engineering applications usually show a relatively rapid increase with temperature, i.e. a higher coefficient. The higher the coefficient, the greater an increase in electrical resistance for a given temperature increase.
This effect can be used to create resettable fuses, often as part of a semiconductor. As the temperature rises, nearing danger levels, the resistance increases, so less current flows, thereby protecting the vulnerable equipment that receives the current flow.
Gas tube arresters (GTA) or gas discharge tubes (GDT) provide protection against voltage and current surges in electronic and electrical equipment. Surges can occur naturally or by numerous other means of origin. Natural surges may be the result of lightning or electrostatic discharge. Other surges frequently result from induction loads, electric grid switches, motors, compressors, etc. Gas tube arresters and gas discharge tubes are often used with voice / data, optical transmission applications, alarm systems, modems, security systems, audio systems, and antennas.
Gas tube arresters or gas discharge tubes are produced in ceramic, glass, silicone, and porcelain. GTAs and GDTs are available in various electrode designs and can be surface-mounted and are well suited for high-voltage applications. Electrode gas tube arresters are a type of discharge tube used for surge protection. These GTAs can be coated in gold, carbon, or platinum with spark gaps and triggered spark gas. Electrode gas tube arresters protect against high-energy surges. They can also be used with sensitive equipment and are useful in high-frequency applications. High-voltage gas tube arresters are also commonly used in communication networks and with industrial and commercial electronics.
A thermal cutoff is an electrical safety device that interrupts electrical current flow when heated to a specific temperature. A thermal fuse is a cutoff which uses a one-time fusible link. Unlike the thermostat which automatically resets itself when the temperature drops, the thermal fuse is more like an electrical fuse: a single-use device that cannot be reset and must be replaced when it fails or is triggered. A thermal fuse is most useful when the overheating is a result of a rare occurrence, such as failure requiring repair (which would also replace the fuse) or replacement at the end of service life.
One mechanism is a small meltable pellet that holds down a spring. When the pellet melts, the spring is released, separating the contacts and breaking the circuit. The Microtemp G4A series from Therm-o-disc, for example, use pellets made of Copper, Beryllium, and Silver.
Thermal fuses are usually found in heat-producing electrical circuits. They function as safety devices to disconnect the flow of current to the heating element in case of a malfunction (such as a defective thermostat) that would otherwise allow the temperature to rise to dangerous levels, possibly starting a fire.
Unlike electrical fuses or circuit breakers, thermal fuses only react to excessive temperature, not excessive current, unless the excessive current is sufficient to cause the thermal fuse itself to heat up to the trigger temperature.
The technologies referenced above have their own inherent unique characteristics and strengths, when used individually. E CLIPS’ Staff is comprised of decades of engineering and real-world experience to develop pioneering designs that result in products that are not only unique on the outside but also within.