What is a Varistor? reading varistor codes

reading varistor codes

Hi Everyone,

I am currently trying to understand how to used a Triacs
for AC control application and come across this component
which is call a varistor. I am quite curious about this component
and would like to seek further advise from anyone of you
who have been using the varistor component.

Does a typical varistor look like a capacitor packaging?
Can I say that it's resistance across changes according to the voltage across.?
Is this correct?

Is the attached a capacitor or a varistor?
103M, 500V
How do I interpret the reading printing on this package?

The schematic say it is a 0.01uF capacitor
but I am wondering if it is a varistor?
I have search the web on varistor and they all look like
a capacitor flat round shaped in blue packaging.

What are the common use for such a component,
besides being used for voltage protection?

Thank you everyone for your guidance.
Siong Boon

capa varistance wiki

The figure shown is not a varistor, it is a capacitor 0.01uF/500V.

For the varistor go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varistor

ENJOY!

varistor 103m

Varistor " voltage dependent resistor".
Usually negatives higher voltage lower resistence.

Re: What is a Varistor?

This is not cap , but a varistor as pointed out already. The common use is to prevent your devices with high voltage surge. In some case from fast transient, too.

Re: What is a Varistor?

dipnirvana said:

This is not cap , but a varistor as pointed out already. The common use is to prevent your devices with high voltage surge. In some case from fast transient, too.

Click to expand...

It is a capacitor just look at the silk screen below the capacitor, there is 0.01 written, which is exactly 103 code of the value of a capacitor, written on the capacitor and the M is for tolerance for +/-20%. Below 500V means thw working voltage. Whereas on a MOV or varistor no such thing written except for voltage or a reference number.

ENJOY!