Surge rating and clamping performance
Rated for 1500W (1.5kW) peak pulse power under the 10/1000µs waveform — this is the energy the part can absorb in a single transient event without failing. The 6.9A peak pulse current (Ipp) at that waveform gives the design engineer a direct number for fuse coordination and PCB trace sizing. The breakdown voltage minimum of 152V means the device starts conducting between 152V and the clamping ceiling, protecting downstream 120V-rated bus components.
Bidirectional configuration and temperature range
A single bidirectional channel protects lines that swing both positive and negative relative to ground — common on AC signal lines or differential data pairs.
Supplied in a B, Axial package (through-hole), the 1N6171A mounts with leads through plated holes and soldered on the opposite side. This package style handles higher surge currents than equivalent SMD parts because the lead frame and body dissipate heat into the board copper and air. The axial lead form also allows vertical or horizontal mounting depending on board layout constraints.