Abstract: A current limiter arrangement particularly adapted to be positioned at a substation of an electrical power system for limiting the fault current for a predetermined period of time to permit protective devices positioned downstream in the network to clear the fault. If the fault is not cleared and the fault persists for a predetermined period of time the current limiting arrangement acts as a circuit breaker to open the load circuit. The arrangement includes an SCR bridge having a superconducting coil connected across two nodes. A novel gate pulse firing circuit generates two pulses per ac cycle for application to the gates of the SCR's of the bridge at 90.degree. and 270.degree. of each 360.degree. cycle and is ON at all times to provide for prompt dc charging of the super conducting coil with no ac load current and non-fault conduction of ac current at less than the maximum current limit.