Editing Varistor (section)

== Comparison to other transient suppressors ==
Another method for suppressing voltage spikes is the [[transient-voltage-suppression diode]] (TVS). Although diodes do not have as much capacity to conduct large surges as MOVs, diodes are not degraded by smaller surges and can be implemented with a lower "clamping voltage". MOVs degrade from repeated exposure to surges<ref>{{cite book
 | title = Winn L. Rosch Hardware Bible
 | edition = 6th
 | author = Winn L. Rosch
 | publisher = Que Publishing
 | year = 2003
 | isbn = 978-0-7897-2859-3
 | page = 1052
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=S90OaKQ-IzMC&pg=PA1052
 }}</ref> and generally have a higher "clamping voltage" so that leakage does not degrade the MOV. Both types are available over a wide range of voltages. MOVs tend to be more suitable for higher voltages, because they can conduct the higher associated energies at less cost.<ref name=Brown2004>{{cite journal|last=Brown|first=Kenneth|title=Metal Oxide Varistor Degradation|journal=IAEI Magazine|date=March 2004|url=http://www.iaei.org/magazine/2004/03/metal-oxide-varistor-degradation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719023317/http://www.iaei.org/magazine/2004/03/metal-oxide-varistor-degradation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-03-30}}</ref>

Another type of transient suppressor is the gas-tube suppressor. This is a type of [[spark gap]] that may use air or an [[inert gas]] mixture and often, a small amount of [[radioactive]] material such as [[Ni-63]], to provide a more consistent breakdown voltage and reduce response time. Unfortunately, these devices may have higher [[avalanche breakdown|breakdown]] voltages and longer response times than varistors. However, they can handle significantly higher fault currents and withstand multiple high-voltage hits (for example, from [[lightning]]) without significant degradation.