Abstract: The present invention is a surge protector circuit and method of protecting electronic equipment which do not load down a circuit at high frequencies and do not degrade a signal in high speed data transmission. A gas tube is connected in parallel with low capacitance diodes and an avalanche semiconductor device, such as a TVS. The diodes and the avalanche semiconductor clamp the voltage transient and allow the slower gas tube more time to fire, discharging the surge. The addition of the low capacitance diodes in series with the avalanche semiconductor, reduces the line-to-line and line-to-ground capacitances of the surge protector and keeps the surge protector circuit from loading down the rest of the circuit and degrading the signal.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge device adapted to be mounted to an electrical fixture wallplate is disclosed. The discharge device consists of a circuit having at least a resistor and preferably a non-linear discharge component mounted on an electrical fixture wallplate. Another embodiment has an electrical discharge circuit built within an electrical switch.

Abstract: An electrical service apparatus housing carries a plurality of line and load blade terminals and jaw contacts. Surge suppression elements are carried on a circuit board mountable within the housing and are connected to certain blade terminals and jaw contacts for conducting electrical surges to ground. Insulating barriers surround the jaw contacts and, also, fixedly position the circuit board in the housing. A switch element is energized when one of the surge suppression elements changes state and provides an externally transmittable signal indicative of the change in state of one of the surge suppression elements. An insulating safety shield surrounds the jaw contacts. A light transmissive guide carried on the shield has a first end disposed adjacent to a light source on the circuit board and an opposed second end visible exteriorly through the housing to provide an exteriorly visible indication of the state of the light source.

Abstract: In a lightning protection system for a wind power generation installation, a conductor ring 16 is provided on a wind mill vane 1 and at a rotor casing 6 incorporating a wind power generator 3 a zinc oxide element 18 is provided so as to face the conductor ring 16 with a spark gap 17, thereby, if a lightning in winter season which causes to flow a large current for a long duration time hits the wind mill vane 1, the wind power generation installation is effectively protected.

Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) having a fuse rated to withstand high transient surge currents is disclosed. The TVSS employs metal oxide varistors (MOV's) in close proximity to the fuse such that heat from failed MOV's is used to reduce the time required to blow the fuse. The fuse may be mounted to the metal bus connection of a MOV within a sand-filled or potted box containing the MOV's. Thus, the TVSS of the present invention utilizes a thermally assisted disconnect method which enhances the performance of the TVSS under unusual fault conditions.

Abstract: A method or system consistent with this invention for detecting if a thyristor failed open in an alternating current input phase of a load comprises measuring an instantaneous power delivered to the load during a cycle of the input; determining a peak power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; calculating an average power delivered to the load during the cycle of the input; and determining if the thyristor failed open by comparing the magnitudes of the peak power and the average power.

Abstract: To prevent lightning from destroying equipment in a housing structure, a shield structure is built within the housing structure for enclosing electrical conductors that may allow surge currents to be routed into the housing structure. The shielding structure is constructed of ferrous or non-ferrous metal and preferably of the same material as that of the ground plane of the housing structure to which the electrical conductors are mounted. A terminal cover strip for enhancing efficient grounding is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conventional cable connector, such as a UMTR (Universal Male Terminator type connector), that further comprises an element for protecting the electrical components positioned within the connector from high voltage surges. The surge protection element comprises a ring that is positioned in circumferentially surrounding relation to the input pin that carries the signal being transmitted by the coaxial cable. The ring includes at least one, and preferably three prongs that extend radially inwardly therefrom and terminate in close, but non-contacting relation to the pin. If a high voltage surge of electricity is carried by the coaxial cable transmission line, such as might occur if it is struck by lightening, a spark will be formed in the gap between the prongs and the cable due to the conductive composition of the surge protection element.

Abstract: An electrical surge arrester is manufactured by securing a stack of metal oxide varistor blocks between end terminations by passing a rod through through-holes in the varistor blocks and securing the ends of the rod to the end terminations. The through-holes are larger than the rod cross-section and a silicone rubber material is injected into the void which otherwise would exist between the rod and the interior surfaces of the through-holes in the varistor blocks. The silicone rubber material is also moulded around the exterior of the stacked varistor blocks and forms a shedded external housing for the arrester. The silicone rubber coatings on the varistor block internal and external surfaces effects a passivation function and means that the passivation coatings normally provided on the surfaces of varistor blocks by their manufacturers at significant cost can be omitted.

Abstract: A surge arrester includes a mounting bracket, a surge arresting element, an electrically conductive connector, and a fault disconnector. The mounting bracket forms a bracket cup. The surge arresting element is arranged to conduct in the presence of a surge. The electrically conductive connector is electrically coupled to the surge arresting element and forms a connector cup. The electrically conductive connector is received by the mounting bracket so that the bracket cup is received in the connector cup. The fault disconnector is arranged to disconnect the surge arresting element from an electrical line in the event of a fault, and the fault disconnector is housed within the housing formed by the connector cup and the bracket cup.

Abstract: There is provided a cable which retards lightning. The cable includes at least one internal conductor which may be a power conductor or a signal conductor. A choke conductor is wound about the internal conductor in the shape of a spiral. If lightning strikes near the cable or a device which is attached to the cable, such as an antenna, the choke conductor presents a high impedance to the current caused by lightning and will prevent the lightning current from flowing down the choke conductor, thus entering the internal conductor, thereby preventing damage to the internal conductor and any associated electronic equipment. Preferably, a shield is also wound about the internal conductor adjacent to the choke conductor in a direction opposite to the choke conductor, whereby the angle formed by the crossing of the choke conductor and the shield is approximately 90° to block the magnetic field component of the lightning discharge.

Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus that provide a simple structure for coupling multiple modules are disclosed. In general, such apparatus includes a substrate; a mounting post coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular to the substrate; and a transient voltage surge suppression module, wherein the module includes a non-conductive housing having a surge suppression circuit contained therein, and mounting means coupled to the non-conductive housing, the mounting means comprising a bore therethrough for slidably mounting the transient voltage surge suppression module on the mounting post, the bore having an internal profile corresponding to an external profile of the mounting post.

Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus are disclosed that equalize transient current sharing between multiple modules. In general, such apparatus includes first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules, each module having a non-conductive housing with a surge suppression circuit contained therein, and first and second electrically-conductive buses mechanically coupled to the non-conductive housing and electrically coupled to first and second terminals of the surge suppression circuit, respectively. A first bus coupler couples the first electrically-conductive buses of the first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules and a second bus coupler couples the second electrically-conductive buses of the first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules, whereby the surge suppression circuits in each of the first and second modules are electrically coupled in parallel.

Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor that can reduce, or eliminate, the possibility of failures due to electrical-arcing are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus having interconnecting status interfaces between adjacent stacked modules are disclosed. In general, such apparatus include first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules, the first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules being adapted to be interchangeably coupled in a stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional energy conditioner having architecture employed in conjunction with various dielectric and combinations of dielectric materials to provide one or more differential and common mode filters for the suppression of electromagnetic emissions and surge protection. The architecture allows single or multiple components to be assembled within a single package such as an integrated circuit or connector. The component's architecture is dielectric independent and provides for integration of various electrical characteristics within a single component to perform the functions of filtering, decoupling, fusing and surge suppression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge absorber provided with; a surge absorber element composed of a columnar non-conductive member and a conductive film formed dividedly via a discharge gap on a peripheral surface of the non-conductive member, a pair of sealing electrodes disposed at opposite ends of the surge absorber element and touching the conductive film, and a glass tube with opposite ends closed by the sealing electrodes, and the surge absorber element and an inert gas encapsulated thereinside. In the surge absorber of the invention, a face of each sealing electrode which contacts with the surge absorber element is formed in a concave shape symmetrical with a central axis of the glass tube. As a result the surge absorber element can be positioned in the center of the glass tube with high accuracy, the life span and the surge current capacity of the surge absorber can be improved, and low cost and small size becomes possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrostatic discharge protection device. A first gate structure for the electrostatic device is formed. A first lightly doped drain and a second lightly doped drain for the electrostatic discharge protection device is formed. A second gate structure for a data path transistor is formed. A third lightly doped drain and a fourth lightly doped drain for a data path transistor is formed, wherein the first lightly doped drain and the second lightly doped drain have a higher doping level relative to the third lightly doped drain and the fourth lightly doped drain.

Abstract: A suspension device for a line arrester in an air-insulated transmission line including two suspension parts which support the line arrester such that its longitudinal axis deviates from the vertical line. One of the suspension parts includes a disconnecting device which, when releasing, permits the line arrester a swinging motion under the influence of a force of gravity caused by the weight of the line arrester itself. And, one of the suspension parts includes a damping member which influences the line arrester with a force directed against the swinging motion during at least part of the swinging motion. The damping member may include a damping plate, one or more friction linings, or a flexible wire.

Abstract: A method and assembly for a spark gap. A plurality of resistors are positioned adjacent the spark gap for reducing the energy in the gap during electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a main element of a surge protector device and its fabrication method which uses breakdown phenomenon of a single high resistive film. A breakdown voltage and a place where breakdown occurs can be precisely controlled. The surge protector device changes from its non-conductive state to conductive state very quickly when a surge is induced and returns quickly to the non-conductive state when a surge is removed if said element is surrounded by oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protecting circuit for a semiconductor device is provided and includes a first circuit portion including an N-type MOS field effect transistor formed on a P-type silicon substrate and a P-type MOS field effect transistor formed on an N-type well in the P-type silicon substrate. The electrostatic discharge protecting circuit operates in a normal operating mode and an electrostatic discharge evaluation mode. In the normal operating mode, the N- and P-type MOS transistors operate as an output buffer connected to an internal circuit. In the electrostatic discharge characteristic mode, an electrostatic discharge signal is applied from an external source through a pad and switching devices included in a second portion of the electrostatic discharge protecting circuit connect a bulk terminal of the N-type MOS transistor to a ground voltage, thereby improving electrostatic discharge characteristics of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device according to the present invention is provided at an input or an output of a semiconductor integrated circuit for protecting an internal circuit of the semiconductor integrated circuit from an electrostatic surge flowing into or out of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The electrostatic discharge protection device includes: a thyristor; and a trigger diode for triggering the thyristor with a low voltage. The trigger diode includes: an n-type cathode high impurity concentration region; a p-type anode high impurity concentration region; and an insulator section for electrically insulating a silicide layer formed on a surface of the n-type cathode high impurity concentration region from another silicide layer formed on a surface of the p-type anode high impurity concentration region.

Abstract: A spark gap assembly includes two conductive spark gap points forming a spark gap. Two substantially identical, non-conductive, molded plastic pieces are clamped together to make a housing with at least one cylindrical receptacle for the spark gap points. Two conductive leads electrically contact the spark gap points and abut and electrically contact circuit board leads when the assembly is mounted on a circuit board. The housing pieces include at least one fastening hole and a fastener extends through the fastening holes when the pieces are assembled, thus clamping the together. The two pieces have at projections on the bottom that are received in holes on the board, thereby positioning the pieces.

Abstract: In the fabrication of a surge protector device which utilizes breakdown phenomena of a resistive film, a case which fixes metal bars in it, makes electrical contacts with said metal bars and contains oxidizing and refractory agents, a cap, metal bars and oxidizing and refractory agents are prepared in advance. In the fabrication process of said surge protector device using these elements, a step to control the force applied to said cap, said metal bars and said case so that the force applied to the interface between the resistive films and the mechanical contacts which form electrodes to said metal bars can be controlled. Automation process to fabricate the surge protector device will be realized and efficient fabrication of the precise surge protector device will be also realized. A surge protector device whose breakdown voltage is precisely controlled will be realized reproducibly.

Abstract: A surge protector assembly may be provided with three terminals, a gas discharge tube having a first conductive end and a second conductive end opposite the first conductive end, a pair of metal oxide varistors conductively connected to the ends of the gas discharge tube, and a pair of bracket arms associated with the ends of the gas discharge tube. The bracket arms are movable between a steady-state position in which they cause the first and second terminals to be conductively separated from the third terminal and a shorting position in which they cause the first and second terminals to be conductively connected to the third terminal. The bracket arms are spaced from the ends of the gas discharge tube by a first distance when they are in their steady-state positions and by a second distance when they are in their shorting positions, with the first distance being greater than the second distance, and the bracket arms are spring-biased towards their shorting positions.

Abstract: Spark-resistant structure for use with aircraft, including a sheet-shaped external element made of a composite material with an exterior face bearing an electrically conducting surface layer for dissipating lightning energy. The external element also has an interior face. The structure further includes a sheet-shaped internal element with exterior and interior faces. The interior face of the external element is least partially superimposed on the exterior face of said internal element. Each element has holes which are aligned with each other. The structure also includes a fixing structure for holding the elements together in a fixed position passing through the aligned holes and forming an alignment. The fixing structure electrically contacts the conducting surface layer. Additionally, a first electrically conducting strip is positioned under the conducting surface layer of the external element, and it extends longitudinally in a direction of the alignment of the fixing structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protector device, that is a device which protects other electronic devices from high voltage or large current, that is surge.

Abstract: A surge suppressor conducts heat from a surge protection component (SSC) through a heat conductive element, such as a copper pad, on a printed circuit board, to at least one thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open when the resistance of the SSC begins to decrease, resulting in an increase of heat generated by the SSC.

Abstract: The surge arrester has an arrester housing, two electrical power connections (16, 17) which are routed out of the arrester housing, and at least one varistor, which is arranged in the arrester housing (1, 2), is in the form of a disc and has two contact points which are provided on the end faces. The contact points are each electrically conductively connected to one of the two electrical power connections (16, 17).

Abstract: There is provided a cable which retards lightning. The cable includes at least one internal conductor which may be a power conductor or a signal conductor. A choke conductor is wound about the internal conductor in the shape of a spiral. If lightning strikes near the cable or a device which is attached to the cable, such as an antenna, the choke conductor presents a high impedance to the current caused by lightning and will prevent the lightning current from flowing down the choke conductor, thus entering the internal conductor, thereby preventing damage to the internal conductor and any associated electronic equipment. Preferably, a shield is also wound about the internal conductor adjacent to the choke conductor in a direction opposite to the choke conductor, whereby the angle formed by the crossing of the choke conductor and the shield is approximately 90° to block the magnetic field component of the lightning discharge.

Abstract: A gas insulated switching apparatus has lightning arrestors in a line side unit. Each lightning arrestor is mounted to be moved linearly into and out of connection with a corresponding conductor. Specifically, the cover which supports the lightning arrestor is disposed beneath the bottom plate of the vessel of the line side unit. The lightning arrestors are connected to a monitor of an operating device beneath the line side unit. Since the lower portion of the lightning arrestors are connected to the monitor, the length of the connection lines is made sufficiently short.

Abstract: A three-electrode-discharge surge arrester has two opposing discharging parts of a pair of line electrodes, defining a gap therebetween, and a ground electrode disposed between the two discharging parts and provided with a penetration hole in the center. Each of the two discharging parts has a substantially conical shape. In accordance with this substantially conical shape, each of inner surfaces of upper and lower parts of the penetration hole of the ground electrode is substantially funnel-shaped. Hence, oblique parallel gaps for a primary discharge are formed between the substantially funnel-shaped inner surfaces of the upper and lower parts of the penetration hole and the two substantially conical discharging parts. Also, parallel gaps for a secondary discharge are formed between peripheral parts of the ground electrode around the penetration hole and peripheral parts of the line electrodes. Each of the oblique parallel gaps is formed narrower than each of the parallel gaps.

Abstract: A surge protector for an electrical line is disclosed. The surge protector includes a pair of conductive pins respectively connectable to electrical lines. A first pin is soldered to a lead from a gas tube surge arrester. The lead is further fixed adjacent to the first pin and then attached to the second pin. A ground bracket having an opening is positioned between and connected with the other side of the surge arrester. As an electrical surge travels through the lines, the gas tube surge arrester begins to spark over, shunting overload conditions to the ground bracket. As the temperature begins to build, the solder flows, causing an open condition in which the surge arrester disconnects from the first pin, thereby eliminating the destructive effects of a prolonged electrical surge on the lines.

Abstract: Combination ground fault circuit interrupter/surge suppressor which provides overvoltage protection for AC power lines, coaxial transmission lines and communication lines without a separate ground conductor.

Abstract: A discharge counter relating to an operation of a lightening arrester to protect a power system and electric apparatus from overvoltage. This discharge counter includes a lightening arrester terminal, a grounding terminal, a nonlinear resistor connected between the lightening arrester terminal and the grounding terminal, a capacitor connected to the nonlinear resistance in parallel between the lightening arrester terminal and the grounding terminal, and a counter for counting the number of times a discharge current flows from the capacitor. Further, the counter is connected in parallel to the nonlinear resistance and capacitor. The nonlinear resistor includes a nonlinear material. That is, the nonlinear material is equal to a nonlinear resistance which includes zinc oxide as a main component and bismuth oxide and titanium oxide as a sub component, which have an excellent characteristic for the discharge counter.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for initiating and guiding an electrical discharge arc. This method preferably comprises the steps of: providing a laser beam through a predetermined gas comprising molecules amenable to vibrational excitation by a laser beam so as to cause vibrational excitation of the molecules and to define a beam path in a direction of desired electrical discharge; and propagating an electrical discharge arc so as to intersect the beam path, whereby the electrical discharge arc is directed along the beam path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lightning arrester, the method being of the type comprising steps consisting in making a stack of varistors (100), and in forming a cover (300) made of a composite material over the stack of varistors (100), said method being characterized by the fact that the step of forming a cover (300) made of a composite material consists in placing a woven fiber fabric (310) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100) and in contact therewith, in placing a flexible outer cover (400) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), and in injecting a material (350) suitable for impregnating the fiber fabric (310) into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible outer cover (400).

Abstract: The device comprises a three-pole lightning arrester, switch means having conductive blades, trigger means having a trigger fuse piece which is thermally connected to the lightning arrester, and conductor means which define input and output line terminals and a ground terminal. The conductor means provide links between the input terminals and the output terminals, between the line electrodes of the lightning arrester and the input terminals, and between a ground electrode of the lightning arrester and the ground terminal. The trigger piece maintains the blades in their first position until a heating limit temperature above which the piece melts and enables the blades to be resiliently returned to their second position. The trigger piece is made up of a recessed central body bearing against the lightning arrester, and of blade-retaining members positioned on either side of the central body so as to secure the blades to the trigger piece.

Abstract: A discharge gap device which is provided between an antenna input terminal or a secondary side earth and a commercial power source, or between the power lines of a commercial power source as a ground discharge countermeasure for electrical equipments such as a television set, a video cassette recorder, and a television and video compound device. The discharge gap device functions only as a discharge gap unit and has two conductors. Normally, the conductors are not electrically connected to each other, and upon application of over-voltage, discharge occurs between the conductors; that is, the conductors are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A patch cord and method for installing new hardware in a remote terminal of a telecommunications system. Hardware installed inside remote terminal cabinets require lightning protection systems to prevent damage from sudden power surges. The patch cord and method allow new hardware to be installed in the remote terminal using existing lightning protection systems.

Abstract: A gas-insulated semiconductor valve for high voltage power has an elongated valve stack with a plurality of semiconductor elements. The valve stack is provided with electrostatic shields for reducing the stresses on the insulating medium. The shields comprise a plurality of annular shields distributed along the longitudinal axis of the valve stack. The shields are arranged in planes which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stack and surround the valve stack. The curved part of each shield has a substantially constant radius of curvature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Atmospheric Energy Projection System for projecting electrical and thermal energy. The Microwave Facilitated Atmospheric Energy Projection System (MFAEPS) uses microwave energy at the resonant frequency or frequencies of oxygen and/or water to heat the atmosphere. This improves the potential conductivity of the air in the path of the microwave beam by heating the oxygen and water molecules in the air providing a favored pathway for breakdown. A voltage pulse generator discharges through an electrode positioned near the center of the microwave beam's recent path and creates an ionizing wave that follows the microwave beam's recent path. Alternatively, a laser can substitute for the electrode and project a high powered beam that is focused to create breakdown and thus create the ionizing pulse that travels down the favored pathway. The system can operate in an underwater environment operating at the resonant frequency of water.

Abstract: An electric power transmission line with protection devices against lightening overvoltages in the form of a lighting arrester with a surface discharge. Having a relatively long discharge path, the impulse lightening flashover does not lap over a power arc of operational frequency and, after passing of the lightening overvoltage impulse current, the line will continue a trouble-free operation without being disconnected. Simple and reliable arrester designs are disclosed among which are fittings with dielectric covers and insulators, integrating their direct functions with the lightening arrester's functions.

Abstract: A electrical surge protector includes a metal tube having a pair of non-conductive stoppers mounted within each end to form an enclosed cavity therebetween. A conductor wire extends the length of the tube along the axis of the tube and projects through the stoppers. Electrically conductive filings are disposed loosely within the cavity and are of a sufficient quantity to form an electrical bridge between the tube and conductor upon the occurrence of a voltage difference of a predetermined magnitude between the tube and conductor wire. The tube is serially connected to one conductor of a two conductor cable, and the conductor wire is connected to the second conductor of the two conductor cable, such that electrical signals will pass therethrough along each conductor of the two conductor cable. A shunt wire is electrically connected between the tube and earth ground, to shunt any electrical surges and equalize the voltages between the tube and conductor wire.

Abstract: This apparatus is a device that connects to electrical or electronic equipment that is to be protected from lightning. The device detects amplitude modulation radio frequency signals (electrostatic energy) emitted from an electrial storm, lightning, by a detector (2) which sends energy to signal a trigger relay (4) to activate an interval timer (6) and one of four alternate relay systems to disconnect the device and the equipment sought to be protected from a power source, antenna or other equipment. The device then provides power from a battery (16), thereby isolating the equipment sought to be protected from lightning damage for a predetermined interval of time. When the threat of lightnng damage has past, the device automatically reconnects and restores the device and the electrical or electronic equipment to the original power source.

Abstract: The Atmospheric Energy Projection System (AEPS) projects electrical/thermal energy using microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of oxygen. The radiation excites a column through the ambient atmosphere to a temperature such that air within the column is converted from an insulator to a conducting channel or focused medium. Electrical current is then applied to the channel to transmit an electric charge a predetermined distance. Rapid release of pulses of 60 GHz microwave radiation at a field strength below that for breakdown for the waveguide feeding the antenna or at the antenna aperture creates a channel without premature plasma generation. Once the channel is energized sufficiently, an electric charge is released into the channel and flows down it from the source to a solid the channel intersects. If no solid intrudes the charge diffuses harmlessly at the end of the heated channel as the channel cools back to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A surge arrester for high system voltages is provided. The arrester comprises an elongated column composed of a plurality of coaxially arranged valve units. The column is mechanically divided into an upper and a lower column part, and the two column parts are interconnected via a moment-limiting articulated member. The articulated member has an upper bearing plate with a concave sliding surface, which makes contact with a convex sliding surface of a lower bearing plate. The upper bearing plate is connected to the grounded stand of the arrester via tensionally prestressed, insulating links. The articulated member comprises a number of springs, adapted to the stiffness of the lower column part, to keep the two bearing plates correctly positioned relative to each other in the transversal direction.

Abstract: A surge arrester protection system includes a surge arrester, a first mechanism fixed on a first end of the surge arrester for directing arcs around the surge arrester and a second mechanism fixed on a second end of the surge arrester for directing arcs around the surge arrester. The first and second mechanisms each include a plurality of slots extending substantially radially therein. Additionally, a cap which covers a lower end of the arrester is used to catch material dripping from the surge arrester and a cap covering an upper end of the arrester is used to protect the arrester from animals and the elements.

Abstract: Suitable for retail sales or contractor installation, this low-cost, multi-configurable five-part modular system protects sensitive equipment from lightning damage more completely than the limited ability of surge protectors, in homes, boats, offices and industrial applications. A wall outlet connected module can function by itself as a very capable lightning arrestor for 120 VAC power connected equipment. It also can provide protection to surge protectors as well as other modules, if employed. In the other system modules, an AC connected detector control module and three singularly optional accessory modules, permit advance warning, timed interrupt of AC power as well as coaxial or phone line connection control. Reacting to electromagnetic energy bursts up to approximately two miles away, only very local lightning causes system timer operation, avoiding unnecessary shutdown and resetting of equipment.