Abstract: A novel gap type surge absorber is disclosed. The surge absorber comprises a plurality of carbon thin films isolated from each others at short distances attached to the surface of an insulating body and one material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy and a conductive adhesive as an electrode fixed to each of the plural carbon thin films. The surge absorber is an element based on a new mechanism that when a surge voltage reaches a prescribed value, a discharge is generated owing to emission of electrons between the carbon thin films and thereby a creeping discharge is initiated between the electrodes. The surge absorber has a small electrostatic capacity as well as a small discharge lag and is capable of cutting off a follow current.