PPTCs Extend Protection To Line-Voltage Applications

Polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) devices traditionally provide resettable circuit protection against overcurrent and overtemperature conditions. Yet their low voltage ratings limit their application to secondary-side protection of power supplies and transformers.

The LVR Series of PolySwitch resettable devices expands their role to primary-side applications by increasing the PPTC's voltage ratings to 240 V ac, permitting their use at maximum voltages up to 265 V ac. As members of the Raychem Circuit Protection product line, the LVR Series PPTCs are available in hold currents ranging from 50 to 400 mA. Trip currents are generally specified at 2 to 2.5 times the hold current.

In production quantities, which are typically 250,000 pieces per year, pricing ranges from $0.20 to $0.34 per unit. Samples are available now with volume delivery in eight to 12 weeks.

Tyco Electronics, www.tycopowercomponents.com; (800) 227-7040.

See associated figure