Bourns has added four metal-oxide varistor families identified as MOV-07DxxxKC, MOV-10DxxxKC, MOV-14DxxxKC and MOV-20DxxxKC. The manufacturer describes them as MOVs with copper-based electrodes.
The announcement is relevant because the electrode system is part of a varistor’s construction, manufacturing process and long-term reliability evidence. However, the material change alone does not prove that a new part is a drop-in replacement for an existing MOV with a similar voltage code or disc diameter.
What Bourns announced
The four listed families cover the familiar 7 mm, 10 mm, 14 mm and 20 mm radial-disc formats. The new suffix is important: engineers and buyers should use the complete part number and current revision of the manufacturer’s documentation rather than assuming that all MOV-xxD series share identical ratings.
Why the electrode change matters
Electrode material can influence the manufacturing route, termination interface, process control and qualification evidence. It may also support a different cost or supply-chain strategy. Those possible benefits should be separated from electrical performance claims. The official announcement identifies the construction change, but selection still depends on the exact device ratings and test conditions.
What engineers should verify
- Maximum continuous AC and DC operating voltage, including high-line tolerance.
- Varistor voltage and tolerance at the specified reference current.
- Clamping voltage at the stated current and waveform.
- Single-pulse and repetitive surge-current ratings, including the 8/20 μs test condition.
- Energy rating, pulse duration, temperature derating and expected duty cycle.
- Body dimensions, lead spacing, coating, flammability information and assembly limits.
- Safety approvals and the exact scope of any recognition or certification.
What purchasing teams should compare
A new electrode system is also a document-control issue. Before approving a substitution, compare the full manufacturer part number, datasheet revision, material declaration, approval file, country of origin where relevant, product-change notification requirements and lifecycle status. A matching disc size and voltage marking are not enough.
Reference: Bourns New Products — MOV-xxDxxxKC series, 2026-08-28
