Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically defending a site from lightning strikes are provided. The systems and methods involve dynamically altering electrostatic fields above the site and/or dynamically intervening in lightning discharges processes in the vicinity of the site.

Abstract: A surge arrester includes two side electrodes extending into an interior space formed by means of at least one insulating body and a central electrode. The end-side distance between the side electrodes is greater than the distances between a respective side electrode and the central electrode. The distance between the side electrodes is less than the distance between the end regions of the central electrode and a base of the side electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a lightning arrester capable of previously discharging charges charged depending on an approach of lightning before the lightning occurs, thereby preventing the lightning. The lightning arrester includes: a conductive rod installed at an upper part of an object to be protected from lightning and connected to a ground part; an insulator coupled with one end of the rod; a charge pipe having a cylindrical shape with pin-shaped projections extending inward therefrom and in which space charges are charged; and a charge rod inserted into the charge pipe and connected in the middle of the rod.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for discharging transient overvoltages with at least two electrodes, with at least one ignition element of insulating material located between the electrodes, and with an air breakdown spark gap which acts between the electrodes, when the air breakdown spark gap is ignited an arc being formed between the two electrodes. An overvoltage protection element is provided with an ignition element which can be produced especially easily, the ignition element being made and arranged such that, between the two electrodes, there is an area of weakened insulation (ignition area) and when there is a voltage on the ignition element, a discharge on the surface of the ignition element leads to a conductive connection between the two electrodes, the conductive connection having a low current carrying capacity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective plug (1) for a connection module (30), in particular in a terminal distribution box, comprising at least one surge arrester (5), a plastic housing (2), at least two connection contacts and at least one ground contact, it being possible, via the connection contacts, for the surge arrester (5) to be connected to connection contacts of a connection module (30), and it being possible, via the ground contact, for an electrical connection to be produced between the surge arrester (5) and a grounding rail (32) arranged below the connection module (30), the surge arrester (5) being arranged on a printed circuit board (4), the connection contacts being in the form of twin fork contacts (3), and the twin fork contacts (3) being formed with a stop (3c), which stops at a stop edge in the housing (2).

Abstract: A lightning protection device is provided. The device includes a lower field coupler, an upper field coupler, a lightning sensor, and a controller. The lightning sensor includes a differential voltage window comparator. The lower field coupler is capacitively coupled to the earth ground, and the upper field coupler is coupled to the local atmospheric electric field. If a ground potential rise (GPR) event occurs, the differential voltage window comparator trips. If the differential voltage window comparator trips or if a power line transient occurs, the controller disconnects the power phase, neutral, and ground wires to isolate sensitive equipment. In some embodiments, the controller also detects power line transients and disconnects the power, phase, neutral, and ground wires if a power line transient is detected.

Abstract: The voltage surge protection device comprises at least one input designed to be connected to an electric power supply system, at least one output designed to be connected to an electric circuit to be protected, and voltage surge limiting means connected between the inputs and outputs to protect said electric circuit against voltage surges able to be applied on the inputs. The voltage surge limiting means comprise bidirectional series electronic limiting means comprising at least two inputs/outputs connected in series with at least one of said inputs, and which are turned on when a low voltage drop occurs when a circulating current is lower than a current limiting value, and limiting said circulating current by increasing a voltage drop between said inputs/outputs.

Abstract: A method of converting atmospheric electrical discharge to a useable form of energy by arresting, storage and retransmission of lightning induced electrical discharge is disclosed. The invention discloses methods of deploying this technology even in isolated locations where no electricity infrastructure exists. Additionally, the potential for achieving in excess of 1 GWe of electrical power supply at costs orders of magnitude lower than fossil fuel or solar is also disclosed. Isolated collection units are disclosed. A method of deployment of these devices on individual cars and recharge stations is disclosed which in effect unplugs these automotive and recharge stations from the grid. This capability significantly decreases their dependence on the electricity grid infrastructure, enabling a much more enhanced rollout capability for the industry. The concept of Energy Dams is disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of insulation supports are provided around a zinc oxide component, and the zinc oxide component and a plurality of insulation supports are integrally molded into an insulation casing. The insulation casing has corrugations on its outer surface. A thin-thickness portion is provided between the corrugations. The thin-thickness portion is provided between the insulation supports.

Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a device that includes an assembly of a toroid and a rod with one or several pointed ends; and a filter system; wherein, around the pointed end or the pointed ends of the rod, an electrical field is formed with air ionization, wherein in the space around the toroid formation of electrical fields and air ionization are minimized, wherein the pointed end projects out above the toroid level, and wherein the filter system attenuates the electrical discharge of lightning rays. The device of the present invention is connected to a low resistance cable that goes to ground.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection arrangement for aircraft to protect an electric element from an overcurrent, the overcurrent protection arrangement including an overcurrent protection device designed for detecting the overcurrent of a current through the electric element to be protected via the overcurrent protection device in such a way that the current through the element to be protected does not exceed an upper current limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightning transmission element (1) which is fixed to a hub (21) of a wind generator and which is formed by a first conductor bar (2) which is fixed to a second insulating bar (5). According to the invention, a first end (4) of the lightning transmission element (1) is positioned opposite a metal strip (18) that is disposed at the root of each blade (10) of the wind generator at a first distance which enables a flashover of incident lightning at a point on a blade (10) of the wind generator, while a second end (3) thereof is positioned opposite a gutter (12) of a nacelle (13) of the wind generator at a second distance which enables a lightning flashover. The lightning is conveyed from the point on the blade (10) at which it is incident thereon to the earth through a series of conduction means including the lightning transmission element (1), said means preventing the lightning from striking the sensitive parts of the wind generator.

Abstract: Problems can be solved about reducing the maximum voltage, reducing the size and cost, and so on. According to the invention, three or more discharge units are connected in series between two conductors. Two or more clamping type overvoltage protective units (hereinafter referred to as “clamping units”) are connected in parallel to the discharge units except one or more of the discharge units. The overall operating voltage of the discharge units arranged in parallel to all the clamping units is set lower than any voltage obtained by subtracting from the operating voltage of each clamping unit, the spark-over voltages of the other discharge units connected in parallel to the clamping unit. The overall operating voltage of the discharge units connected in parallel to all the clamping units is set higher than the operating voltage of each discharge unit connected in series to any one of the clamping units.

Abstract: A device for protection against voltage surges, comprising: a first spark gap (E1); a first pre-triggering system (2), electrically connected to the first spark gap (E1), so as to enable its being primed; a control device (4) electrically connected to the first pre-triggering system (2) so as to activate same. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least a second spark gap (E2) mounted parallel to the first spark gap (E1), and electrically connected to a second pre-triggering system (3), such that the control device simultaneously activates the first and the second pre-triggering systems (2, 3), so as to trigger simultaneously the first and second spark gaps (E1, E2). The invention also concerns devices against voltage surges.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting electronic equipment intended to be connected to at least one first conductor of a communication line, including, between this first conductor and a second conductor of the line or the ground to which is connected the equipment to be protected, at least one first branch including, in series, a first capacitive element and a first voltage-threshold triggering element, a first resistive element being connected in parallel with the first capacitive element.

Abstract: A system for lightning-protection of an aircraft skin panel that includes a nonconductive skin panel substrate and a series of spaced apart electrically conductive strips embedded in and extending along an outer surface of the nonconductive skin panel substrate. A series of electrically conductive fasteners extend through the nonconductive skin panel substrate to affix it to the airframe of the aircraft. The fasteners are arrayed along peripheral regions of the nonconductive skin panel substrate. Each of the electrically conductive strips is in electrical communication with the aircraft airframe through at least one fastener located proximate each end region of each strip.

Abstract: An arrester assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a surge arrester, a disconnector attached to the surge arrester, and a mounting bracket disposed intermediate the surge arrester and the disconnector. The mounting bracket has a first end and a second end, the first end arranged and disposed for attaching the mounting bracket to a support. The mounting bracket further includes a collar extending away from the second end of the surge arrester to surround the disconnector and to provide a mechanical interface to resist rotational movement of the disconnector with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for lightning protection for a vessel or structure operated on a fluid such as water. In a specific embodiment, a sailboat mast or lightning rod collects the lightning charge and a flexible conductive wire is attached to the mast or lightning rod which goes over the side of the vessel. A grounding electrode has buoyancy so that the grounding electrode is substantially kept at the water surface. The grounding electrode and buoyancy may also serve to allow the grounding electrode to hydrodynamic plane at the water surface when moving through the water. The buoyancy place's portions of the grounding electrode both above or below the water line and the buoyancy keeps the electrode substantially positioned with respect to the water surface even if the vessel or structure is heeled.

Abstract: A structure for installing a lightning arrester between the cross arm mounted to the upper end of an electric pole and a power line is disclosed. A dead end clamp, the lightning arrester and an insulation reinforcing insulator are connected in series, an end of the insulation reinforcing insulator is connected to the cross arm by a shackle, a disconnector is connected to the voltage outlet portion of the lightning arrester, a grounding wire for diverting abnormal voltage to the ground is connected to the disconnector, and an insulation cover surrounds the dead end clamp and the voltage inlet portion of the lightning arrester.

Abstract: A lightning mitigation system for use on an aircraft employs parasitic capacitance associated with a motor/generator to dissipate voltage provided as a result of a lightning strike. The motor/generator includes a set of windings defined by an outer periphery and a case that surrounds the set of windings. A parasitic capacitance is defined by the airgap separating the windings of the motor/generator from the case. A motor controller is electrically connected to the set of windings and includes a filter circuit. The filter circuit includes an equivalent capacitance that is selected based on the parasitic capacitance associated with the motor/generator such that a lightning strike results in a large portion of the voltage being dissipated by the parasitic capacitance of the motor/generator.

Abstract: A power distribution system (300) is disclosed having a power source (302) with at least one circuit associated with a power line (310). The power line (310) is connected to an incoming power cable (312), which is further connected to a cable or conduit assembly (316) having at least one junction block. A surge protector (324) is pluggable into the junction block of the cable or conduit assembly (316). The surge protector (324) includes at least one male connector set (326) and an LED indicator (338).

Abstract: A housing encapsulating first and second terminals of a surge arrester disconnector becomes structurally weakened before activation of a disconnect device in the disconnector when the disconnector is exposed to heat, thereby preventing the disconnector from producing a projectile with a force sufficient to classify the disconnector as a hazardous material under Department of Transportation regulations.

Abstract: A surge protection circuit and a connector and an electronic apparatus using the circuit are provided. The connector includes a plurality of metal lines, a plurality of resistors, a ground metal, and a capacitor. Each metal line has a pointed end. There is a distance between the pointed end of the metal lines and a pointed end of the first end of each resistor corresponding to the metal line. The capacitor is coupled between the ground metal and second end of the resistors. Thus the surge endurance of product can be increased by the invention, and the damage to the internal components of product can be prevented.

Abstract: An electrical surge arrester includes an arrester block stack with a plurality of cylindrical surge arrester components arranged substantially coaxially to form a cylindrical stack of components having a longitudinal axis. First and second electrical conductive terminals are disposed at each end of the block stack and electrically coupled to the components. A spacer is disposed between each of the terminals and the plurality of cylindrical surge arrester components. A crimp pin is disposed in each of the metal terminals to plastically deform the terminals to compress the block stack. Rubber sheds can be directly molded around the device.

Abstract: In a composite electrical circuit protection device, thermal coupling between a planar PPTC element and a planar MOV element is controlled by insertion of a thermal mass material for regulating heat transfer from the MOV element to the PPTC element, such that a PPTC resistor hot zone forms consistently away from the planar major foil electrode confronting the MOV thereby regulating heat transfer from the MOV to the PPTC resistor.

Abstract: An earthing of an electronic circuit is disclosed in a device belonging to a low-voltage system with, for example, a maximum AC voltage of 1000 V or a maximum DC voltage of 1500 V in which the device is at the main voltage potential or is connected to the main voltage through a high-impedance coupling. An overvoltage protection of the interface between such an electronic circuit and a SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) circuit is also disclosed. The neutral point (COM) of the electronic device is coupled to protective earth (PE) through at least one breakdown-based overvoltage protector. The rated breakdown voltage of the overvoltage protector is higher than the voltage present across it in normal operating conditions but lower than the minimum dielectric strength of the component forming the interface between the electronic device and the SELV circuit.

Abstract: A surge arrester includes a device base, secured to a mounting rail and having a U-shaped receptacle, and at least one insert part having at least one surge voltage protection element and arranged in the receptacle of the device base. To provide a secure connection between the insert part and the device base, the insert part is locked in the receptacle by an arresting cap which is a component separate from the insert part and/or from the device base.

Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.

Abstract: An earthing device which needs not be buried under the ground is provided. The earthing device includes an earthing panel and a discharging device mounted inside the earthing panel. The discharging device includes at least one electrode plate, multiple discharging electrodes coupled to the electrode plate, and catalyst filled between the discharging electrodes. Since an earth electrode needs not be buried under the ground, it requires less construction costs, time and area, and environmental pollution (especially, soil pollution) does not happen. Further, the earthing device can be simply and economically installed regardless of place.

Abstract: A discharge gap device includes a first discharge pattern connected to a first wiring pattern and a second discharge pattern connected to a second wiring pattern which is electrically insulated from the first wiring pattern and the first discharge pattern, the second discharge pattern projecting from the second wiring pattern. The first and second discharge patterns are opposed to each other, and a gap between the first discharge pattern and the second discharge pattern is set to a predetermined interval, so that the discharge gap device discharges a lightning surge or static electricity from the gap. The first discharge pattern includes a first side face which confronts the second discharge pattern, the second discharge pattern includes a second side face which confronts the first side face, and the first side face and the second side face are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrester in which energy during discharge is not concentrated in one point and which has good responsiveness to overvoltage. The arrester is provided with an energy absorber 3 that absorbs energy when a lightning strike occurs, and a pair of conductive electrodes 1 and 2. Between the pair of conductive electrodes 1 and 2, two air gaps 9 are formed in series, between the conductive electrode 1 and the energy absorber 3, and between the conductive electrode 2 and the energy absorber 3. The two air gaps 9 include planer gaps.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pulse protection circuit having wave filtering functions, composed of an LEMP protection circuit and a fast response protection circuit, and a filter is series-connected on a signal transmission route, and is utilized to provide impedance in effectively preventing electromagnetic pulses caused by lightning (LEMP) or other electronic weapon (NEMP, HEMP, PEMP) interferences. In addition, it is capable of suppressing electromagnetic pulses at specific frequencies, thus, raising the capability of electronic elements in resisting against electromagnetic pulses. Furthermore, said filter is made of high-temperature-super-conduction (HTSC) material, so that when said HTSC material of said filter is subject to a sudden infusion or invasion of said electromagnetic pulses, it is switched to a high impedance state in a very short period of time in effectively restricting currents passing through said filter, hereby avoiding the damages of a communication system.

Abstract: A liquid immersed surge arrester that protects electrical equipment includes a module assembly. The module assembly includes at least one varistor and a pre-impregnated composite around the at least one varistor. The liquid immersed surge arrester also includes contacts on opposite ends of the module assembly with which the module assembly is connected to electrical equipment to be protected and to electrical ground. The liquid immersed surge arrester also includes a tank that houses the module assembly and the contacts. A fault-tolerant protection device for protecting electrical equipment includes a surge arrester to protect electrical equipment from damage during periods of voltage above a normal operating range. The fault-tolerant protection device also includes a surge durable fuse element to disconnect the surge arrester after failure of the surge arrester to allow unprotected operation of the electrical system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a structural adhesive film that includes a conductive scrim layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for producing a structural adhesive film includes providing a first resin adhesive layer. The first resin adhesive layer is configured to bind to a first carbon fiber ply. The method also includes providing a second resin adhesive layer. The second adhesive layer is configured to bind to a second carbon fiber ply. The method also includes providing a conductive scrim that is embedded between the first resin adhesive layer and the second resin adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the conductive scrim is infused with resin adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a varistor which comprises three parallel ceramic layers. Each of the ceramic layers has two electrodes on both sides thereof. Four leads are properly arranged between and outside surfaces of the ceramic layers to contact with these electrodes. By further providing one or two wires to connect these leads, the three- or single-phase power sources can be protected in a safer manner.

Abstract: A transient voltage suppression (TVSS) device is disclosed. The device comprises a surge module connected to a base module that connects the surge module to an electrical buss. The base module has a disconnect switch that allows the surge module to be isolated from the buss when the switch is off and connected to the buss when the switch is on. In this manner, maintenance or replacement of the surge module can be performed safely without removing power from the buss.

Abstract: A lightning protection or internal surge device designed to suppress surges on electrical transmission or distribution lines by expending some of the excess energy in the form of corona discharge in both wet and dry conditions. The device is a very thin (of diameter not exceeding 0.1 mm) conducting wire, fiber, filament, or a bundle of such filaments, or a yarn or woven or knitted fabric made of such fibers or wires which is wound around a live conductor or ground wire forming a coil. When the coil is exposed to the fields created by the voltage surges on the line or ground wire it enhances corona losses on the line thereby damping/suppressing the surges as well as prolonging the front time of the surge to reduce its steepness.

Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.

Abstract: A MOV includes a MOV body, a first lead, a thermal cut-off fuse, a second lead and a silver electrode area. The MOV of the present invention employs the silver electrode area formed on and electrically coupled to the MOV body, thus the MOV has a lower inductance, which accordingly, enables the MOV to have a high and sound thermal conductivity. Hence, the MOV can fleetly and perfectly transfer heat to the thermal cut-off fuse in case of over-voltages, thus enabling the thermal cut-off fuse to cut off the power more quickly.

Abstract: A means for harvesting local energy and using it to generate local electric power is disclosed which uses as its energy source P-Static charge generated on the external surfaces of aircraft flying through the earths atmosphere or generated on the external surfaces of electrically ungrounded objects immersed in the wind and subjected to the impact of charge generating ingredients contained in the atmosphere or wind. The P-Static charge is collected and stored in a high voltage rechargeable capacitor storage unit at several thousand volts with energy removed from the storage unit as needed and converted to low voltage DC or AC power which, in turn, is used to power local, low power consumption electronic chips and devices. Data measured by the chips or devices is relayed wirelessly back to a receiver located within the aircraft or object with the wireless transmitter also powered by the P-Static Electrical Power System.

Abstract: A lightening conductor (10) for lightning protection of structures (37), particularly of mobile structures (37), comprises a conduit (18) connected to a mast (12) and provided for dissipation of a lightning current. The mast (12) is telescopable so that the height of the lightening conductor (10) can be individually adapted to local conditions and is transported conveniently.

Abstract: Protection is provided against electrical surges resulting from Electrical Over Stress conditions, e.g., when interfacing circuits with powered connections. An EOS shunt is activated for as long as the EOS condition exists. EOS protection using an EOS shunt in accordance with the principles of the present invention remains activated by a voltage threshold trigger as long as necessary. In a disclosed embodiment, an EOS shunt includes a voltage threshold detector that detects a voltage on a power bus with respect to a ground rail exceeding a predetermined amount, e.g., 5 volts in a device powered at 3.3 volts. During the EOS event, a path between power and ground comprising a transistor is turned on.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for lightning protection for a vessel or structure operated on a fluid such as water. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, a sailboat mast or lightning rod serves to collect the lightning charge and a flexible conductive wire is attached to the mast or lightning rod which goes down over the side of the vessel and to the water level. A grounding electrode is at the end of the wire and has a buoyant material on or near the grounding electrode such that the grounding electrode is substantially kept at the surface of the water. The grounding electrode and buoyancy may also serve to allow the grounding electrode to hydrodynamic plane at the water surface if the vessel or structure is moving through the water.

Abstract: There is provided a surge absorber which has excellent chemical stability in a high-temperature region upon a sealing process and main discharge and has a long life span, by applying an oxide layer having excellent adhesion to a main discharge surface. A columnar ceramics in which conductive coating films are separately formed via a discharge gap, a pair of main discharge electrode members which face each other and are in contact with the conductive coating films and a barrel-shaped ceramics in which the columnar ceramics is enclosed together with sealing gas are included, and a glass member is enclosed in the barrel-shaped ceramics.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection device for use in power supply, especially low voltage systems, is described, with a housing (2), a first electrode (3), at least one second electrode (4), an arc chamber (5) within the housing (2) between the two electrodes (3, 4), and with a breakdown spark gap between the two electrodes (3, 4), an arc forming between the electrodes (3, 4) when the breakdown spark gap is ignited. In order to more reliably prevent the occurrence of a grid follow current and re-ignition of the breakdown spark gap in the overvoltage protection device, at least one outflow and cooling channel (6) is formed in the housing (2) through which the hot plasma from the arc chamber (5) can emerge, the outflow and cooling channel (6) extending in the lengthwise direction of the housing (2) and being helical.

Abstract: A base station protector assembly for protecting telecommunications related equipment and other associated sensitive electrical components from transient voltage and current surges includes a housing unit, a main printed circuit board disposed within the housing unit, header connectors mounted upon the main printed circuit board, an auxiliary printed circuit board mounted to the main printed circuit board via the header connectors, a plurality of surge protector networks, input side connector devices coupled to an unprotected side for connecting to incoming transmission lines, and output side connector devices coupled to the protected side for connecting to customers' electrical equipment to be protected. Each of the plurality of surge protector networks are mounted on the main and auxiliary printed circuit boards and are interconnected between the unprotected side and the protected side.

Abstract: An anti-surge power adapter comprising: a transformer; a pair of copper sheets which, with a certain gap between themselves, is connected between said transformer and the power input terminal or on the said transformer to release instantaneous surge. The present invention features low cost, simple process and high reliability, and only requires two copper sheets or a PCB or other insulating board with copper sheets to be connected in the circuitry. The anti-surge power adapter uses copper sheets to release instantaneous high voltage, features quick response and can withstand an instantaneous high voltage of 6-17 KV. This invention is applicable to linear or switching power adapter.

Abstract: An electrical meter includes a voltage input, a current input, a measurement device and a surge protection apparatus. The measurement device generates electrical power consumption measurements based upon the voltage input and the current input. The surge protection apparatus may include an inductor, a resistor and a positive temperature coefficient device (PPTC). A protective barrier is provided to physically isolate the surge protection apparatus from other components of the meter.

Abstract: A device (1) for protecting an electrical installation (2) from overvoltages, including at least one protection component (3), and disconnection element (4) capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of the protection component from the installation by moving from a closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein the device (1) has at least one first fuse element (7) and one second fuse element (8) capable of holding the disconnection element (4) in the closed configuration, and wherein the disconnection element (4) includes at least one first contact surface (4A) and one second contact surface (4B) substantially intersecting with one another and to which the first and second fuse elements respectively adhere when the disconnection element (4) are in the closed configuration, to distribute the stresses exerted on the fuse elements and reinforce the mechanical strength of the disconnection element.

Abstract: A electrostatic discharge suppression device including an electrostatic discharge reactance layer having a first side and a second side, a first electrode coupled to the first side and comprising a first extension projecting towards a first distal end of the device, and a second electrode coupled to the second side and including a second extension projecting towards a second end of the device, such that the first extension and the second extension overlap to form an electrode overlap area, wherein during an electrostatic discharge event, an electric current is passed between the first and second extensions through the electrostatic discharge layer in the electrode overlap area.