Help Identify burned cap

[rducharme]

I have a GE power supply for a refrig. The capacitor on it is burned out. The writing on the green capacitor (disk with 2 leads going down) about 1/2 inch in size is:

TNR
15G211K
3D21 (maybe 3021).

Any ideas who makes this or where I can get a replacement?

Robert

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Help Identify burned cap

That's a metal oxide varistor (MOV): TNR is the series; 15G211K is the part number; GE may be the mfr of the MOV.

[rducharme]

Re: Help Identify burned cap

Thanks for the info. Now to find out how to get one ordered
Robert

[bushytails]

Re: Help Identify burned cap

It's unlikely the mov is the cause of it not functioning, unless the only symptom is blowing the line fuse.

More likely there was a lightening strike / other power surge which toasted both the mov and something else...


--Randy

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Help Identify burned cap

MOVs are rated to be able to absorb a certain amount of energy. If a lightning strike or an inductive surge (motors) exceeds that energy rating, it'll fry or fly. But there's another failure mode with MOVs. Every time an MOV clamps a surge, it deteriorates a little. The clamp voltage gradually decreases until the MOV starts conducting under normal line conditions and fries itself. Depending on the operating environment and how carefully the device energy rating is chosen, this can take quite a few years (hopefully longer than the life of the appliance or electronic device). WRT alternatives, gas discharge tubes absorb energy a little better, but are slower (letting some of the surge through), and TVS diodes are a little faster than MOVs, but can handle less energy.