Abstract: A current limiter for high voltage utilizes the high migration velocity of an arc for rapidly inserting at least one pair of resistive runner rails upon a short-circuit in a circuit. To be able simultaneously to fulfil the demands for a high energy absorption capacity and sufficient resistance per unit of length of the runner rails, the runner rails are made of a relatively thin, insulated tape of an electrically conductive material, which is folded and packed to form a solid resistance package. Between the two runner rails in each pair of rails there extend two parallel walls of insulating material, which form between them a narrow gap for the arc. The magnetic field in the gap is reinforced with the aid of a magnetic core and/or current loops.