In a message dated 02/10/2000 7:59:51 PM Central Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: > Hello all, > > We use a significant amount of MOV's (TH) in our products and have just been > told by the supplier that we are the only ones in the U.S. that has the > leads prepped with a kink just below the meniscus. We use the kink for a > standoff and a holder into the PWB as they are manually inserted and there > is no cut-n-clinch action to hold them in. > > I cannot believe we are the only people in the U.S. to order MOV's in this > manner. I know there is validity to the purpose of the kink, and I don't > believe we are that far out in left field when it comes to technology on the > production line! > > Looking for feedback on how others are dealing with MOV's and the issue of > keeping them in the board during process. > > Thank you all in advance! > > Richard Hamilton > Clemar Mfg. / Rain Bird > [log in to unmask] Hi Richard! This is another acronym that I'm not familiar with, so I did a search, I found out what that means; "MOV-Metal Oxide Varistor" I also learned some other stuff...things that are not too good about MOV's, one such article is below: Surge suppressors may cause Fires The Oregon State fire marshal has received several reports of power surge protectors failing due to a faulty electronic component that deteriorates over time and begins to act like a heating device. These faulty units can create enough heat to melt their plastic casing and possibly cause a home or office fire. The recent fire next to the Hollywood theater in Portland as well as two fires in Washington state have been linked to these faulty power surge protectors. The common characteristics of the faulty power surge protectors include the following: a. Beige or gray in color, b. "on" and "off' switch, c. six or seven outlets, d. low cost, selling for $10 or less, e. plastic casings marked "Made in China" or "Assembled in China," f. may not have any name brand indicated on the plastic casing,, and g. commonly sold at discount stores in packages of two or more. One of the main components of a power surge suppressor is a metal oxide varistor (MOV) that is designed to limit power current surges or spikes that can cause damage to electronic equipment. This electric surge is dissipated as heat. The problem found with some MOV components made in China is that over an 18 to 24 month time period the materials used begin to break down. As the MOV ages, its operating characteristics change, and it can become more sensitive and dissipate more heat. This process continues until the MOV deteriorates to the extent that it conducts continuously and becomes a heating element. Users must understand that the MOV is working, and thus deteriorating all the time it is plugged in. The fact that nothing is plugged into it, or any device plugged into it is turned off, has no bearing on the deteriorating process. If the case is made of plastic, this process eventually causes the plastic to melt and burn. A plastic power surge protector that catches fire while lying on a carpet or next to a Computer can create an extremely hot, toxic and fast-spreading fire in a very short time. It should be noted that most power surge suppressors are designed for personal computers and peripherals that draw two to eight amps but are often incorrectly used as extension cords for small appliances such as space heaters, televisions, stereos, etc., which can draw 12 amps or more. Owners of computers or other expensive electronic equipment are advised to protect their property from AC power voltage spikes by investing in power surge protectors with an energy rating, of at least 240 joules. These units, costing between $25 and $100, will protect equipment from more than power surges; they may prevent an electrical fire from destroying a home or business. Source: IAEI News, September-October 1997 The other stuff I learned is at this link: http://www.tao.com/zero/truth.html Hope I didn't start up any problems, but this is stuff that's out there on the 'NET... -Steve Gregory- ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################