Abstract: A multipole overvoltage protection system for a multiphase power supply system includes a first overvoltage protection element connected in a first leg of the power supply system and a second overvoltage protection element connected in a second leg of the power supply system. The second overvoltage protection element is coupled to the first overvoltage protection element so that the second overvoltage protection element ignites when the first overvoltage protection element ignites and the first overvoltage protection element ignites when the second overvoltage protection element ignites.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection device (1) with a first electrode (2) which has a first arcing horn (3), with a second electrode (4) which has a second arcing horn (5), with an air-breakdown spark gap (6) which is active between the arcing horns (3, 5), and with a housing (7) which accommodates the electrodes (2, 4), has the two arcing horns (3, 5) shaped and arranged relative to one another such that they diverge from a lower ignition area (8) to their outer ends (9, 10), so that the air-breakdown spark gap (6) widens outwardly, proceeding from the ignition area (8). The overvoltage protection device (1) has a current carrying capacity which is as high as possible and a high network follow current extinction capacity with an overall height which is as small as possible by the first arcing horn (3) being made in the shape of a truncated cone and the second arcing horn (5) being located concentrically around the first arcing horn (3).

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for diverting transient overvoltage, with two electrodes (3, 4), each of which has a current terminal (1, 2), an air-breakdown spark gap (5) between the electrodes (3, 4) and a housing (6) which holds the electrodes (3, 4). The overvoltage protection element with an air-breakdown spark gap (5), with reference to the operating voltage, the lightning surge current and network follow current carrying capacity behavior and the network follow current extinguishing behavior meets current requirements in a special way by the electrodes (3, 4) being located parallel to one another.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for diverting transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (3, 4), each of which has a current terminal (1, 2), an air-breakdown spark gap (5) between the electrodes (3, 4) and a housing (6) which holds the electrodes (3, 4). The overvoltage protection element with an air-breakdown spark gap (5), with reference to the operating voltage, the lightning surge current and network follow current carrying capacity behavior and the network follow current extinguishing behavior meets current requirements in a special way by the electrodes (3, 4) being located parallel to one another.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for diverting transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (3, 4), each of which has a current terminal (1, 2), an air-breakdown spark gap (5) between the electrodes (3, 4) and a housing (6) which holds the electrodes (3, 4). The overvoltage protection element with an air-breakdown spark gap (5), with reference to the operating voltage, the lightning surge current and network follow current carrying capacity behavior and the network follow current extinguishing behavior meets current requirements in a special way by the electrodes (3, 4) being located parallel to one another.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection system with an overvoltage protection element (1) and an ignition aid which triggers the overvoltage protection element (1), the overvoltage protection element (1) having two main electrodes (2, 3) and an air-breakdown spark gap (4) which acts between the main electrodes (2, 3). An overvoltage protection system having a relatively small and also largely constant operating voltage is implemented by there being an ignition circuit (5) with an ignition voltage output (6) as the ignition aid, the overvoltage protection element (1) having an ignition spark gap (7) which acts between the main electrodes (2, 3) with at least one ignition electrode (8) and the ignition electrode (8) being connected to the ignition voltage output (6) of the ignition circuit (5).

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for discharge of transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (2), a disruptive discharge-spark air spark gap (3) which acts between the electrodes (2), and a housing (4) which holds electrodes (2). Each electrode (2) has a connecting leg (5) and an arcing horn (6) which runs preferably at an acute angle to connecting leg (5). The arcing horns (6) are spaced from one another and together form the disruptive discharge-spark air gap. The overvoltage protection behavior of the overvoltage protection element (1) is improved by there being an arc splitter arrangement (23) which has a plurality of arc splitters (22) within housing (4) as well as by causing the disruptive discharge-spark air gap to be curved or angled through an arc of at least 10.degree. and less than 180.degree..

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for discharging transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (2), a disruptive discharge-spark air between the electrodes (2) and a housing (4) containing the electrodes (2). Each electrode (2) has a connecting leg (5) and an arcing horn (6) which runs at an acute angle relative to the connecting leg (5). The disruptive discharge-spark air gap is formed by facing surfaces of the arcing horns (6) of the electrodes (2), which are spaced from one another. In preferred embodiments, the arcing horns (6) of the electrodes (2), in their areas near the connecting leg (5), are provided with at least one hole (7) running therethrough which, preferably, has a diameter that is less than 2 mm.

Abstract: A power switch in which an arc is produceable in an arc area between electrodes which are moved apart upon opening the switch comprises a fixed electrode forming one electrode for the power switch and a movable electrode forming the other electrode of the power switch movable into and out of contact with the fixed electrode. A space is produced between the fixed and movable electrodes which forms an annular arc area. A magnetic field producing coil is positioned annularly about the arc area and is energized to form a magnetic field when the movable electrode is disengaged from the fixed electrode to produce a rotation of the arc formed between the two electrodes in the annular arc area. A driving device is connected to the movable electrode for moving it away from the fixed electrode and the movable electrode includes a piston portion which is movable into a compression chamber. The compression chamber includes at least one bore directed toward the annular arc area.