Littelfuse V12ZU2 Varistor: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Littelfuse V12ZU2 is a 12.5 V, 250 A disc varistor designed for transient voltage suppression in through-hole applications. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance requirements. Active alternatives from Littelfuse maintain identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility while offering current product status and supply availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Varistor Voltage (Typical)	12.5 V
Current - Surge	250 A
Maximum AC Volts	6 V
Maximum DC Volts	8 V
Energy	1.2 J
Capacitance @ 1 MHz	6100 pF
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C to 85°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Disc 10mm
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the V12ZU2 is based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching. All substitute parts maintain identical specifications across the following critical parameters:

Varistor voltage range: 9 V (Min) to 16 V (Max), with 12.5 V typical
Surge current capacity: 250 A
Maximum AC and DC voltage ratings: 6 V AC / 8 V DC
Energy absorption: 1.2 J
Capacitance: 6100 pF @ 1 MHz
Operating temperature: -55°C to 85°C
Mounting configuration: Through hole, disc 10mm package
Regulatory compliance: ROHS3 compliant

Substitute parts differ only in series designation (ZS, ZT, ZU) and packaging format (bulk vs. tape & reel). These differences do not affect electrical performance or mechanical fit.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Status	Packaging	Varistor Voltage (Typ)	Surge Current	Energy	Operating Temp	Inventory
V12ZU2	Littelfuse Inc.	ZU	Obsolete	Bulk	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	1054 Pcs
V12ZU2P	Littelfuse Inc.	ZU	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	924 Pcs
V12ZU2PX2855	Littelfuse Inc.	ZU	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	802 Pcs
V12ZS2P	Littelfuse Inc.	ZS	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	1069 Pcs
V12ZS2PX2855	Littelfuse Inc.	ZS	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	982 Pcs
V12ZT2P	Littelfuse Inc.	ZT	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	899 Pcs
V12ZT2PX2855	Littelfuse Inc.	ZT	Active	Tape & Reel	12.5 V	250 A	1.2 J	-55°C ~ 85°C	958 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For applications currently using the obsolete V12ZU2, direct substitution is supported by the following active alternatives:

Primary Recommendation: V12ZU2P This part maintains the same series designation (ZU) as the original component. The only difference is packaging format (tape & reel vs. bulk), which does not affect electrical or mechanical performance. This option provides the closest functional equivalence.

Alternative Options: V12ZS2P, V12ZS2PX2855, V12ZT2P, V12ZT2PX2855 These parts represent parametric equivalents across different series designations (ZS and ZT). All maintain identical electrical specifications, voltage ratings, surge current capacity, and thermal operating range. Series variation does not impact circuit performance or mechanical compatibility in through-hole applications.

Compliance Status All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. The original V12ZU2 is also ROHS3 compliant, ensuring regulatory continuity across substitution.

Supply Availability All substitute parts are classified as active products with current inventory levels ranging from 802 to 1069 pieces, providing reliable supply for production and maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can V12ZU2 be directly replaced with V12ZU2P? A: Yes. V12ZU2P is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The difference is packaging format: V12ZU2 is supplied in bulk, while V12ZU2P is supplied in tape & reel format. Both are through-hole disc 10mm components with 12.5 V typical varistor voltage and 250 A surge current capacity.

Q: What is the difference between V12ZU2P, V12ZS2P, and V12ZT2P? A: These parts differ only in series designation (ZU, ZS, ZT). All three maintain identical electrical performance: 12.5 V typical varistor voltage, 250 A surge current, 1.2 J energy absorption, and -55°C to 85°C operating temperature. Series variation does not affect circuit functionality or mechanical fit in through-hole applications.

Q: Are the X2855 variants (V12ZU2PX2855, V12ZS2PX2855, V12ZT2PX2855) equivalent to non-X2855 versions? A: Yes. The X2855 designation indicates a specific packaging or manufacturing variant but does not alter electrical specifications. All X2855 and non-X2855 versions maintain identical varistor voltage, surge current, energy rating, and operating temperature range.

Q: What does "tape & reel" packaging mean for through-hole components? A: Tape & reel packaging is a standard format for automated assembly processes. The component is mounted on a carrier tape wound on a reel, enabling high-speed pick-and-place machine compatibility. The component itself remains a through-hole disc 10mm varistor with identical electrical and mechanical properties to bulk-packaged versions.

Q: Is the obsolete status of V12ZU2 a concern for substitution? A: No. The V12ZU2 is obsolete, but all recommended substitutes are active products with current manufacturing and supply. Substitution to active parts ensures long-term availability and supply chain continuity. All substitutes maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Q: Do all substitute parts meet the same regulatory requirements? A: Yes. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected, matching the regulatory status of the original V12ZU2. This ensures compliance continuity across substitution.

Q: Can I mix different series (ZU, ZS, ZT) in the same circuit? A: Yes. Since all series variants maintain identical electrical specifications for varistor voltage, surge current, energy absorption, and operating temperature, they are interchangeable from an electrical standpoint. Series designation does not affect circuit performance.

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