SIRIUS 3RT2 contactors/contactor assemblies   
2.7 Accessories 
  SIRIUS Innovations 
174  System Manual, 01/2011, A8E56203870002-03 
RC circuit with varistor 
Varistors (voltage-dependent resistors) limit the maximum level of the overvoltage, as they 
become conductive above a certain threshold voltage. Shower discharges occur up to that 
level, in a similar way to those seen with the magnet coil without an RC circuit, but they do 
not last as long overall. Unlike an RC element, varistors do not reduce the rate of the voltage 
rise. Varistors can be used for DC- and AC-operated contactors. 
 
 
Note 
Varistors extend the contactor's OFF time by around 2 to 5 ms. 
 
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Figure 2-28  RC circuit with varistor (AC/DC operation) 
Voltage peaks still occur. They are truncated at around 400 V and do not last as long overall 
(approximately 50 μs). 
 
 
Note 
Oscillogram is truncated; voltage drops to zero after around 3 ms.