Abstract: Electrical distribution apparatus, such as a pad-mounted electrical distribution transformer, which has an electrically grounded tank or casing. A surge arrester assembly includes a housing, and a draw-out surge arrester having first and second insulatively spaced electrical contacts, with the draw-out surge arrester being removably disposed in the arrester housing. The arrester housing has first and second insulatively spaced metallic end members, with the first metallic end member functioning as a mounting structure for mounting the arrester housing in a tank opening, and as an electrical contact which automatically connects the first electrical contact of the draw-out surge arrester to the grounded tank of the apparatus to be protected. The second metallic end member of the housing electrically connects the second electrical contact of the draw-out surge arrester to an electrical circuit point within the tank to be protected against voltage surges.