Abstract: A surge absorbing device with protection function to protect a circuit from overvoltage and overcurrent, comprising a gap or microgap surge absorbing element and a lower melting point metal wire connected therewith. A plurality of gap or microgap surge absorbing elements to the circuit to be protected, and each of the lower melting point metal wires respectively corresponding to each of gap or microgap surge absorbing elements being in contact with all of the gap or microgap surge absorbing elements.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting a semiconductor circuit or a telephone communication line from a lightning surge or overvoltage or overcurrent condition. The circuit incorporates a two-terminal surge absorbing device arranged in parallel with the circuit or line to be protected, a thermistor having a high positive temperature coefficient, arranged in series to the circuit or line, between the electric source and the surge absorbing means, and a resistor connected in series with the circuit or line.

Abstract: A protective structure for a surge absorber which is composed of the surge absorber, connecting means for connecting the surge absorber to an electronic device and means for protecting the surge absorber as well as the electronic device from fire caused by a continuous overvoltage. The surge absorber protecting means is composed of a first electroconductive spring member which does not deteriorate from heat generated by repeated transient surge voltages to which it might be subjected. This spring member may be connected to a communication line and is movable between a first spring-loaded position wherein it connects the electronic device and the surge absorber to the communication line and a second non-spring loaded condition wherein the connection is broken. Also included are release means for releasing the first member from its first spring-loaded position which release means is activated by heat generated from a continuous overvoltage.