Abstract: A device (1) for discharging an electrical overvoltage includes an overvoltage discharge unit (10) having a non-linear current/voltage characteristic at least in sections. A first terminal electrode (16) of the overvoltage discharge unit (10) is connected to a high-voltage terminal (18) of the device (1). A second terminal electrode (22) of the overvoltage discharge unit (10) is connected to a low-voltage or ground terminal (24) of the device (1). The overvoltage discharge unit (10) is surrounded, at least in sections, by an insulating body (20). A cutting element (40) is connected to the low-voltage or ground terminal (24) and is disposed close to a high-voltage section of the overvoltage discharge unit (10). The cutting element cuts into the insulating body (20) when the insulating body (20) distends as a result of an electrical overload, enabling an are to be sparked and stabilized between the high-voltage section and the cutting element (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for discharging an electrical overvoltage, comprising an overvoltage discharge unit (10) having a non-linear current/voltage characteristic at least in sections, wherein a first terminal electrode (16) of the overvoltage discharge unit (10) is connected to a high-voltage terminal (18) of the device (1) and a second terminal electrode (22) of the overvoltage discharge unit (10) is connected to a low-voltage or ground terminal (24) of the device (1), and wherein the overvoltage discharge unit (10) is surrounded, at least in sections, by an insulating body (20), characterized in that the device (1) has a cutting element (40), which is connected to the low-voltage or ground terminal (24) of the device (1) and is disposed close to a high-voltage section of the device (1), in particular close to a high-voltage section of the overvoltage discharge unit (10), which cutting unit cuts into the insulating body (20) in the event of the insulating body (20) distending as a result of a