Since the AK series was designed as a premium competitor to MOV technology, it is useful to compare the two. This chart contrasts the features and benefits of the AK series and the HB series MOV which is very popular in industrial AC protection systems. Specifically, looking at the AK10-380C and the V271HV34. Both of these devices are suitable for use on a nominal 240V RMS AC line and they have VSO values. In comparing the peak pulse current values, the AK is rated for 10kA on an 8 by 20 waveform. The MOV can withstand a single 40kA hit. Such an energy pulse would surely destroy the AK device. But the MOV would essentially be at the end of its life as well. The MOV could withstand 10 of the 10kA hits, but probably not many more. This is where the AK device really shines. After 10 hits of 10kA, it would be as good as the day it was made. There would be absolutely no shift in its electrical characteristics after a hundred such hits or even a thousand. But even small hits will age the MOV. Bottom line is that eventually, the MOV will need to be replaced while the AK device may last forever. Another striking difference between the AK series and the MOV is their clamping voltages. During a 10kA, 8 by 20 surge, the voltage on the AK will rise to 520V. Under the same circumstances, the MOV will allow over 1000V to reach the protected circuitry. For a lot of delicate electronics found in todays high tech AC input circuits, the MOV may not be offering very much protection at all. Finally, the AK comes in a very compact package when compared with the MOV. The photos shown here are roughly to scale and see how massive the HB devices are. In some applications, size and weight do matter.