What is an RC Snubber?

A snubber is a device that is used to limit (or “snub”) voltage transients in electrical systems. In an electrical system where there is a sudden interruption of current flow, there can be a corresponding significant rise in voltage across the device.

When is a RC Snubber recommended?

When using an external relay.

Why is a RC Snubber recommended?

When you turn off the supply to a coil, such as the one within a relay that closes its contacts, it discharges a massive voltage spike many times greater than the supply voltage.  When you add an RC snubber, it absorbs the energy discharged from the coil, preventing a voltage spike that could damage other devices such as cooking power circuits or weld the contacts on the switch that powered it.

Recommend RC Snubber Specs:

• Resistance: 100Ω
• Capacitance: 0.1µF
• 250 VAC

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