In article ,
"Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" lloydspinsidemindspring.com wrote:

fired this volley in news:4c748442-6ad7-43c0-
:

I think a thyrector (anything with rect in it) is for rectifying
current (acting like a diode).


I agree with that linquistic analysis, but am still a bit confused
because there are gas thyrectors that have no particular conduction
direction preference. They're used in AC surge suppression equipment.

The difference seems to lie in the fact that they are not externally
triggered, but potential triggered.

Not disagreeing, just still looking for information.

LLoyd

Thyratrons were gas filled tubes used for control of AC current. They
were the forerunner of SCR's.

Threctors were selenium devices used a protective devices to clip over
voltages.

Chuck P.