Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit assembly for electronically actuating triggerable surge arresters, such as spark gaps, multi-electrode gas arresters, or similar means. At least one power semiconductor is activated by a switching stage upon detecting a surge event, and the output side of the power semiconductor is connected to a trigger input of the surge arrester. According to the invention, the switching stage is designed as a control and analysis unit for detecting transient surge events and has first a pulse detection stage which allows a detection of pulses in a level-sensitive or increase rate-dependent manner and second a microcontroller or similar means for evaluating events. The output side of the microcontroller leads to the control input of the power semiconductor, and a quick-switching rectifier is provided between the output of the power semiconductor and the trigger input of the surge arrester.