Abstract: An overvoltage protecting element comprises a hollow cylinder of an insulating material, a pair of electrodes sealed to the opposite ends of the cylinder, and a pair of conductive layers disposed on the inner wall of the cylinder so as to be located opposite to the respective electrodes and each having a projection which extends toward the electrode. The conductive layers are of the band type, and one or more projections are provided on a part thereof. In order to prevent deterioration of insulation resistance by repeated discharge, the conductive layers are provided at positions which are electrically insulated from the two main electrodes.