How does a MOV work. I am getting better at circuit components slowly but never heard of this part and trying to visualize how its wired- when you say parallel I visualize it as wired directly across the hot and neutral- like a direct short.... then wonder if that maies any sense at all as I could imagine plenty of smoke when it dies (which is about what it looks like happened).

Anyhow...

Awesome explanations all- Thank You!