Usually called a surgistor. 

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf
Of peter green
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 1:10 PM
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [EE] Dead Mystery Component

Brooke Clarke wrote:
> Hi:
>
> A computer monitor stopped working and had that smell.  After getting 
> it apart enough to have a look found this circular component cracked 
> almost into two parts and the PCB is charred on one leg.  It's at the 
> line input section of the mains power supply right next to a bridge 
> rectifier and large filter cap.  On the pcb below the part is what
looks like a schematic symbol in the form of a
> "Z".  Photo at:   http://www.prc68.com/I/HaT.shtml#CM
>
> What is it?  Do they fail, or is it likely something down stream is
shorted?
>
>   

I suspect it is a surge supressor.
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