varistor

[danial stocks]

>
>Is it possible to stabilize your mains power by using a varistor? Can you
>build this into your mains distibution board?
>

No, a varistor is a surge absorbing device. a device for 240V mains usually 
only becomes active @ about 260V, [similar margin on 110V I imagine] - as 
such, it will absorb abnormally high voltage spikes which could damage 
equipment, but it is not intended to be continuously conducting current.. it 
is connected across the mains, and as such, what you are suggesting would be 
a shunt regulator for essentially the entire mains power distribution 
circuit you are connected to.. even with a varistor connected mains vtg will 
be able to fluctuate up a bit and down a lot..

If you wanted to connect one across the mains board, then I would thing you 
need a really huge one, and preferably fireproof.. If you have a look at a 
'pole pig' mains distribution transformer, you will often see a set of big 
porcelain devices bolted to the pole near the trans, with connectors on each 
end - lightning arrestors - these are really huge varistors

Cheers,
Dan
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