Abstract: A transient surge suppression system utilizes a negative resistance voltage breakdown device such as a gas discharge tube or a semiconductor device such as a SIDAC in series with a resistance element, preferably a non-linear resistance element, such as a varistor or Zener diode, to limit the amplitude of voltage transients applied to electrical equipment being protected. The breakdown device breaks down when a sufficiently high amplitude voltage transient is applied thereto, and the resistive element serves to protect the breakdown device from damage by excessive follow-on current. If a non-linear resistance device is used as the resistance element, the voltage across the combination is reduced at high currents. Several units may be cascaded to achieve sequential breakdown of multiple devices to thereby share the surge current among several devices and to reduce the dynamic impedance of the circuit and to multiply power dissipation capacity of the transient voltage surge suppression system.