What the 1500W peak pulse rating means for your protection design
The 1.5KE160C-B: At that power level the diode clamps a 6.9 A transient to 229.95 V maximum, which keeps downstream semiconductors inside their avalanche rating. The 136 V reverse standoff voltage means the diode stays transparent on a nominal 120 VAC or 125 VDC rail, only conducting when the line exceeds the 144 V minimum breakdown threshold. That gap — 8 V between standoff and breakdown — gives margin for normal ripple and tolerance without nuisance clamping.
Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Littelfuse has marked the 1.5KE160C-B as obsolete. The DO-201AA axial package is through-hole, so board spins to a surface-mount alternative require layout changes. If you hold a last-time-buy inventory, store the reels dry — the bulk packaging has no moisture barrier, and the axial leads are solderable as-received.
Temperature range and deployment context
The 175°C TJ ceiling means it can sit next to a hot power resistor or in an engine-bay enclosure without derating the peak pulse power — the 1500 W rating holds across the full temperature band. Power line protection is not enabled (the diode is intended for signal and DC bus clamping, not direct AC mains primary protection). For AC mains you would stack a downstream fuse or PTC ahead of the TVS.