Abstract: Provided is a gas switch triggered by an optical pulse introduced by an optical fiber, which solves the problem of the existing electrically-triggered gas switch and laser-triggered gas having a complicated trigger system, being insufficiently reliable and having a higher cost due to the pulse amplitude/laser beam energy having higher requirements. The gas switch triggered by an optical pulse introduced by an optical fiber includes at least one trigger gap and one self-breakdown gap; each trigger gap is connected in parallel to a photoconductive switch, and an optical fiber is correspondingly provided for introducing an optical pulse for triggering.

Abstract: The present invention provides an online monitoring circuit of the series compensation spark gap divider return circuit. Said series compensation spark gap divider return circuit includes a voltage equalization link and a voltage sampling link. Said voltage link includes the capacitor C which series said voltage equalization link. Said online monitoring circuit includes the voltage sampling input module, series compensation current input module and the compare module. Said sampling voltage input module after amplified the voltage of the two ends of the series capacitor C converts it into direct current signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for protecting various purpose facilities against damages when they are exposed to an intensive action of atmospheric electricity, in particular to means for protecting buildings and structures against lightning. The active lightning conductor comprises a housing with a cover, an active lightning-receiving unit connected in series to a high-voltage impulse generator excited by an external lightning-induced magnetic field, and to a contact element of a grounding system. The generator comprises at least two charging resistor circuits as well as a multiunit arrester made as at least one capacitive discharge circuit composed of in-line alternating capacitors each of them having two charging plates with arresters. The charging circuit resistors are divided into two groups the resistors of one of them being connected to the upper capacitor plates and the resistors of the second group being connected to the lower capacitor plates.

Abstract: A configuration includes a surge arrester. The surge arrester includes first and second connecting terminals. At least one connecting terminal is connected to an electrically conductive connecting path to contact the surge arrester. The connecting path is mounted in a universally jointed manner.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus, which is immovable in a facility, comprises plural electric circuits. Each electric circuit has one or more resistance elements and is connected to each input terminal connected a power source. The electric circuits are arranged positionally closely with each other. In each electric circuit, a desired functional circuit is connected in series to the resistance element, and a protection circuit is connected in series to the resistance element and connected in parallel with the functional circuit. A discharge member is provided in each electric circuit and arranged between each input terminal and the functional circuit. The discharge member includes a discharge gap which allows the discharge member to face with the discharge member of an adjacently arranged electric circuit. The discharge gap discharge deliberately to the adjacently positioned discharge member when a voltage applied to a selected electric circuit exceeds a predetermined voltage value.

Abstract: A filter for an HVDC system. The filter includes a capacitor and a reactor arranged in an indoor location having a first space for erecting filter components. The first space includes a high voltage area and a low voltage area defining a first electric potential direction.

Abstract: A series spark gap is triggered such that in parallel with partial spark gaps (1, 2) of the series spark gap there are coupled first voltage distribution means. Further, at least in one partial spark gap (1, 2) there is arranged an additional electrode (10) whose voltage is set to a given level by means of second voltage distribution means. The voltage level of the additional electrode (10) is changed by disturbing the voltage distribution of the second voltage distribution means. Thus the spark gap between the main electrode (6a, 6b) of the partial spark gap (1) and the additional electrode (10) will be ignited. Capacity of the second voltage distribution means is lower than that of the first voltage distribution means and consequently the voltage acting over the first voltage distribution means does not change significantly.

Abstract: A microwave generator includes a resonator which has two mutually opposite resonator electrodes formed with a spark gap device that breaks down when an ignition voltage is applied. In order to provide the microwave generator with increased power, in which the resonator can be operated at relatively high ignition voltages or field strengths, the spark gap device has at least two spark gaps connected in series.

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 multichannel spark-gap with multiple intervals for use in pulsed high-power generators of the LTD family. The spark-gap includes a sealed chamber, two discharge electrodes connected to electrical connecting elements, and a number of intermediate electrodes arranged uniformly inside the sealed chamber. One of the intermediate electrodes is called triggering electrode and is connected to triggering elements enabling the spark-gap to be fired. The triggering electrode further includes integral pipes enabling a gas to be distributed inside the chamber, so as to improve the voltage strength of the spark-gap. The spark-gap is characterised in that the negative discharge electrode includes a corona effect device equipped with needles whereof the geometry is adapted to compensate for the differences in shape between the negative discharge electrode and the immediately adjacent intermediate electrode so as to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the potentials inside the sealed chamber.

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 overvoltage protection means having a first electrode (1), a second electrode (2), a breakdown spark gap between the two electrodes (1, 2), and a housing (3) which holds the electrodes (1, 2). When the breakdown spark gap is ignited, an arc (4) is formed between the two electrodes (1, 2) within the discharge space (5) which connects the two electrodes (1, 2). The overvoltage protection arrangement has an especially high line follow current extinguishing capacity, but can nevertheless be easily built, and the discharge space (5) is made such that it runs at least partially transversely and/or opposite the direction of the electrical field of the prevailing line voltage so that the distance to be overcome by the arc (4) between the two electrodes (1, 2) has a transverse component relative to the electrical field.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrostatic discharge protection includes a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace. The first conductive trace defines a first conductive periphery and is deposited on a first surface. The second conductive trace defines a second conductive periphery and is deposited on a second surface. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface by a gap distance and in parallel relation so that a spark gap is defined by the gap distance between the first conductive periphery and the second conductive periphery.

Abstract: A microwave generator (11) has a parallel connection of series connections of uncontrolled discharge spark gaps (13) and charge storage means (12) which are charged up by way of charging resistors (17) and an inductor (19) common to all parallel connections, from a high voltage generator (26), until the respective spark gaps (13) short-circuit by way of arcs and the storage means (12) are discharged again by way of the inductor (19). The oscillating short-circuit currents which thus occur in stochastic steep-edged manner and which are superimposed on each other in the inductor (19) are emitted by way of an antenna (21) connected in single-pole manner thereto in the form of a high-energy microwave spectrum which is wide-band in accordance with the arc switching speed, with a spectral key point which is determined by the inductor (19).

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: In order to simplify the mountability of electrode terminals in the form of band-like clips on either two-electrode or three-electrode arresters, the clips are resiliently fashioned in a circumferential direction. When such a clip axially projects beyond a foot part of the respective end electrode, the projecting region in a three-electrode arrester can be part of a short-circuit device which electrically connects to the middle electrode, potentially in combination with an auxiliary discharge path.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for diverting transient overvoltage, with two electrodes (3, 4), each of which has a current terminal (1, 2), an air-breakdown spark gap (5) between the electrodes (3, 4) and a housing (6) which holds the electrodes (3, 4). The overvoltage protection element with an air-breakdown spark gap (5), with reference to the operating voltage, the lightning surge current and network follow current carrying capacity behavior and the network follow current extinguishing behavior meets current requirements in a special way by the electrodes (3, 4) being located parallel to one another.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for powering a cold cathode fluorescent lamp of an electronic display device comprising: a rectifier coupled to a source of AC power for producing a rectified DC output voltage, a power factor correction circuit receiving the rectified DC output voltage and providing an increased voltage DC bus voltage, an electronic switching circuit comprising at least one electronic switch for switching the DC bus voltage to provide a switched voltage for driving a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, the switched voltage being provided to the lamp through an output stage comprising a resonant LC circuit; and an electronic ballast control circuit for controlling a switching operation of the electronic switching circuit, the electronic ballast being provided in a housing for the electronic display device.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for diverting transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (3, 4), each of which has a current terminal (1, 2), an air-breakdown spark gap (5) between the electrodes (3, 4) and a housing (6) which holds the electrodes (3, 4). The overvoltage protection element with an air-breakdown spark gap (5), with reference to the operating voltage, the lightning surge current and network follow current carrying capacity behavior and the network follow current extinguishing behavior meets current requirements in a special way by the electrodes (3, 4) being located parallel to one another.

Abstract: A high voltage switch, including: first and second electrodes having electrode surfaces; an electrically non conductive tube having an outer surface connecting the electrode surfaces; an electrically non conductive wall surrounding the tube and forming an enclosure in which the electrode surfaces and the outer tube surface are sealed; an ionizable material in the enclosure, an electric field being created in the enclosure responsive to application of a high voltage potential across the electrodes; and, an electrically conductive member adapted for movement in the tube between a first position substantially inside the enclosure and a second position substantially outside the enclosure, the electrically conductive member distorting the electric field when moved into the first position and causing an ionized current flow path between the electrode surfaces. A plurality of such switches can be ganged for simultaneous and/or sequential operation.

Abstract: As a reserve series gap for a gas-filled three-electrode diverter, an arrangement is used that consists of two disk-shaped electrodes arranged axially behind one another with the same outer diameter and of an insulating foil arranged between these electrodes, these three parts being held together by means of a shrink tube. When such a reserve series gap is associated with an end electrode of a three-electrode diverter, the reserve series gap can also serve as a movable contact element of an overload path, given an appropriate design of the foot of the end electrode and the outer-lying electrode and upon combination with a fusible pellet.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection element for discharge of transient overvoltages, with two electrodes (2), a disruptive discharge-spark air spark gap (3) which acts between the electrodes (2), and a housing (4) which holds electrodes (2). Each electrode (2) has a connecting leg (5) and an arcing horn (6) which runs preferably at an acute angle to connecting leg (5). The arcing horns (6) are spaced from one another and together form the disruptive discharge-spark air gap. The overvoltage protection behavior of the overvoltage protection element (1) is improved by there being an arc splitter arrangement (23) which has a plurality of arc splitters (22) within housing (4) as well as by causing the disruptive discharge-spark air gap to be curved or angled through an arc of at least 10.degree. and less than 180.degree..

Abstract: A surge arrester (1) for high voltage has a porcelain housing (2) with safety shields (3, 4, 7, 8). In the central area along the longitudinal axis of the surge arrester (1), safety shields (3) with a larger diameter may alternate with safety shields (4) having a smaller diameter. The surge arrester (1) has blow-out apertures (5) at its ends, and gas under high pressure flows out of these apertures in the event of a-short-circuit current. To protect the safety shields from damage, the safety shields (7, 8) that are closest to the blow-out apertures (5) are constructed with smaller diameters than the other safety shields.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit package includes features forming an electrostatic charge distribution network having nodes which are defined by the electrical contact leads of the package for the semiconductor circuit, and which are effectively connected with one another by spark-gaps. In one embodiment electrical leads of the package are provided with pointed protrusions lying in the plane of the electrical leads. Accordingly, an inadvertent electrostatic discharge is distributed throughout the semiconductor circuit at safe voltage levels determined by the characteristics of the spark gaps of the charge distribution network.

Abstract: A pseudospark switch performs the rapid commutation of high electric currents at moderately high voltage, with minimal statistical uncertainty in the delay between triggering and commutation. The switch includes multiple parallel pseudospark channels, the channels being arranged radially. The switch is triggered by an injection of electrons from an auxiliary discharge present in a common hollow cathode region of the pseudospark channels. Structures within the cathode inhibit spontaneous firing of the switch. In particular, the operating voltage of the switch is greatly increased by the presence of an axial stabilizing electrode element inside the hollow cathode, which stabilizes the open circuit state of the switch. A bias electrode within the hollow cathode provides further stabilization when held at positive potential and enhances triggering when biased negatively relative to the hollow cathode.

Abstract: A spark gap arrangement capable of handling lightning includes a first spark gap with a relatively high-resistance insulating layer having a relatively short spark-over path, and at least one second spark gap which, compared to the first spark gap, has a relatively low-resistance insulating layer with a relatively long spark-over path, the second spark gap being electrically connected in series to the first spark gap.

Abstract: A discharge relay electrode is located between terminal electrodes of a gap-type surge absorber. In a microgap embodiment of the invention, a conducting film on a surface of an insulating tube is split by two circumferential gaps spaced apart longitudinally. The discharge relay electrode is positioned between the two gaps. In a gap type surge absorber, the discharge relay electrode is positioned within the insulating tube midway between the end electrodes, substantially filling the cross section of the tube, and dividing the interior of the tube into a plurality of chambers. For both types of surge absorbers, the discharge relay electrode is effective to relay discharge between the terminal electrodes.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit package includes features forming an electrostatic charge distribution network having nodes which are defined by the electrical contact leads of the package for the semiconductor circuit, and which are effectively connected with one another by spark-gaps. In one embodiment electrical leads of the package are provided with pointed protrusions lying in the plane of the electrical leads. Accordingly, an inadvertent electrostatic discharge is distributed throughout the semiconductor circuit at safe voltage levels determined by the characteristics of the spark gaps of the charge distribution network.

Abstract: A surge absorber has an insulating body having a flat surface on which a pair of electrically conductive thin-film terminal electrodes and, therebetween, one or more electrically conductive thin-film discharge electrodes of a predetermined shape or shapes are formed. Micro discharging gaps are present between each of the terminal electrodes and any of the discharging electrodes adjacent thereto and between any of the discharging electrodes adjacent to each other. The discharging electrodes are typically arranged in a row and column pattern. A thermostatic fuse may be provided on the opposite side of the insulating body from the side of the flat surface on which the terminal and discharge electrodes are present. The substantial part of the surge absorber is hermetically sealed in an enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a gas such as an inert gas.

Abstract: An arrangement for forced triggering a spark gap at a voltage below self-ignition voltage, which spark gap is divided into at least two sub spark gaps arranged in series, whereby voltage division components are connected in parallel with the sub spark gaps for effecting voltage division between the sub spark gaps. In order to obtain a forced triggering arrangement which is simple and reliable in operation, an element which is controlled to adopt a high-impedance or low-impedance state is arranged in series with the voltage division components, whereby the element, when adopting the high-impedance state, changes the voltage division between all the spark gaps so that one of the two series connected spark gaps arranged in parallel therewith is ignited.

Abstract: The surge protector includes a device for connecting a transmission line to ground in the event of excess voltage or current, to protect communications equipment. A thermal sensitive element, located proximate the device, provides an independent, permanent path to ground, before the device can heat to a level where it may fail in the open circuit state. The element is a grounded conductive rod of nickel-titanium alloy which has a configuration memory. The rod normally has an arcuate configuration with a portion spaced from the transmission line contact associated with the device. It will assume a straight configuration, connecting the transmission line contact to ground, if the device overheats. Thermal failsafe protection for protective devices associated with ring and tip conductors, respectively, can be provided with a single thermal sensitive element.

Abstract: A gas-discharge surge arrester that can be manufactured at a low cost and suitable for automatic bulk processing. The surge arrester includes an insulator which comprises a small ceramic tube. A tin coating is applied to the electrodes, and an annular protective coating is applied to the ceramic insulator having a thickness of at least 1 mm. This protective coating is formed from an acid-resistant and heat-resistant colorant or varnish which is continuous in the axial direction of the surge arrester. The protective coating may form part of the identification of the surge arrester. For example, the identification may be in the form of a reverse imprint in the protective coating. In addition, tin-coated leads can be coupled to the electrodes.

Abstract: The switch has a gas discharge chamber, in which two electrodes, namely a cathode (11) and an anode (12), are contained, which are spaced a distance (d) apart and are separted from each order by an electrically insulating wall (9a) made of ceramic material or of glass. The cathode (11) is formed with a hole (5). The electrodes (11, 12) are joined to the insulating wall (9a) by a tight metal-ceramic joint or fused joint. The gas discharge chamber is filled with an ionizable low-pressure gas under such a pressure p that the product p.times.d has such a value that a gas discharge between the electrodes (11, 12) will be fired in response to a voltage applied thereof which is disposed in that branch of the firing voltage-pressure characteristic in which the firing voltage descreases as the pressure rises.

Abstract: An electric fence controller (20) interconnected to electric fence terminals (136, 138) by a three terminal spark gap arrangement (140) one terminal (142) being interconnected to the fence hot terminal (136), a second terminal (144) being interconnected to the fence ground terminal (138) and a third terminal (146) being interconnected to utility ground (48). High voltage surges on the electric fence will thus be diverted either to the local fence ground terminal (138) or to the utility ground (48) whichever ground has the least resistance to ground thereby assuring an effective ground so as to prevent damage due to lightning strikes.

Abstract: A gas filled surge arestor has at least one external air back-up gap comprising two spaced electrodes(7a,2 or 7a,3), one (7a) of which has at least one sharp edge or corner (9) adjacent the other electrode (2 or 3). The said one electrode (7a) is resiliently urged towards the other electrode and is coated with an insulating material (8) which prevents the two electrodes from being in direct contact and hence short circuiting. The arrangement is such that, although the sharp edge or corner (9) on said one electrode has a covering of insulating material, it is also separated from the other electrode by an air gap.

Abstract: Series capacitor equipment is connected into an electric power transmission line (L) and has a capacitor bank with a first part (CO) series-connected with a second part (C1-Cn) with variable capacitance. For protection against overvoltages, a first spark gap protective means (GO, T, TE) is connected across the first part, and a second spark gap protective means, connected in series with said first spark gap protective means, is connected across the second part of the bank. The point of connection (A) of the spark gap protective means is connected to the point of connection (B) of the bank parts through a resistor (R). The first spark gap protection means is adapted to be ignited at a predeternined level of the current in the power transmission line, the voltage drop across the resistor (R) then causing said second spark protective means (G) to become ignited.

Abstract: A trigger circuit for a spark gap chain with at least two series-connected spark gaps, of which at least one is provided with at least one trigger electrode, includes a resistor chain which is connected in parallel with the spark gap chain and comprises at least two series-connected resistor groups. That of the resistor groups which is connected in parallel with the spark gap provided with a trigger electrode comprises a voltage-dependent resistor, built up of zinc oxide varistors, which is connected in series with a linear resistor. The voltage across the linear resistor is supplied to the trigger electrode of the spark gap for ignition of the spark gap when this voltage amounts to a pre-determined value. The spark gaps are primarily intended to be utilized for overvoltage protection of series capacitors.

Abstract: An overvoltage arrester for high surge currents having an increased useful life while maintaining suitable electrical properties comprising a pair of electrodes secured to an insulator housing in confronting, spaced relation to provide a discharge gap, the electrodes being covered with a metallic activation compound comprising metallic barium aluminum dispersed in a matrix of metallic aluminum, the matrix being fused onto the confronting surfaces. Additional metal additives may be embedded or alloyed with the metals of the activation layer.

Abstract: For switching high voltages, high frequencies and at high numbers of switching actuations, a gas discharge structure is provided which is composed of a series circuit of two or more individual arresters which comprise electrodes of copper and which are filled with gas which is at least partially composed of hydrogen. The gas discharge path is suitable for switching frequencies in the kHz range.

Abstract: An arrester for use under oil in an electrical apparatus, the arrester comprising a first contact assembly, a plurality of valve blocks, a second contact assembly, and a conductive cement serially electrically connecting the first contact assembly, each of the plurality of valve blocks, and the second contact assembly. The arrester also includes a thin insulative inert to oil coating completely covering the plurality of valve blocks, the coating and the cement permitting electrical separation of the valve blocks in the event of electrical destruction of the valve blocks.

Abstract: A device for protecting a circuit against flashovers due to an overvoltage, which device includes first and second controllable arc discharge members connected in series with one another and in parallel with a current path of the circuit which is to be protected against flashover, and ignition control components connected for causing an arc discharge to be produced in the first member in response to the appearance of a current which exceed a selected value in the current path and for causing an arc discharge to be produced in the second member in response to the production of an arc discharge in the first member.

Abstract: A protector module (30) for protecting the conductors of a telephone loop cludes a pair of protector assemblies (40-40') which are supported within a common housing (32). A gas tube voltage protection subassembly (42) of each protector assembly is connected electrically to a grounding subassembly (44) for causing current associated with excessive voltage surges to be conducted to ground. A first electrode includes a portion which extends through annular dielectric and metallic members and an opening of an open-ended metallic container (93) to engage a shunting element (62) of a current protection subassembly (41). The superimposed annular members are held in engagement with the first electrode at a substantially constant pressure by axial forces applied by turned-in portions (109--109) of a side wall of the metallic container. The shunting element is supported at one end of the line pin in an initial position by a fusible material.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a voltage surge arrestor for use with an electric device having a component to be protected from a voltage surge. The arrestor comprises at least first and second electrodes, and a spacer connected to the electrodes and mounting the first and second electrodes in spaced relation. The electrodes have portions which are spaced relatively close to each other and form a gap therebetween, and a gravity movable member is in the space between the electrodes and movable by gravity into and out of the gap, thereby changing the voltage breakdown level in the gap. The arrestor further includes a voltage and current limiting block connected to one of the electrodes. The movable member may be electrically conductive or a dielectric member, and it may be liquid or solid.

Abstract: A surge protection device which provides multiple back-up and tends to fail closed circuit or shorted is disclosed. The primary surge protection is provided by a gas break-down tube set to operate at one voltage level. A secondary or back-up surge protection is provided to operate at a higher voltage by means of a flat ceramic member sandwiched between the top of the tube and a cap that is affixed over the tube and ceramic member. The cap is sealed to the tube and the spacer end encloses a volume of air which is thus protected from moisture and dust. Upon failure of the gas tube, the back-up unit shorts surges across the shortest path between the cap and tube top, which path is adjacent a dielectric wall formed by the member. Discharge via this path tends to vaporize metal in the enclosed volume which upon redeposit on the ceramic surface tends to permanently short across that surface so that the device tends to fail closed circuit.

Abstract: An overvoltage arrester having power connectors at its opposite ends is provided with an insulating housing that encloses a stack of coaxially arranged cylindrical varistors at least partially embedded in insulating material. An annular space is provided between the insulating material and the interior wall of the housing and is filled with an electrically insulating, heat-conducting material. The housing is protected from bursting in the event of the occurrence of an electrical flash-over along the varistor stack by a pressure relief duct that extends along the varistors between the power connections.

Abstract: A three element gas tube type subscriber pair protector module in which the gas tube serves as both a momentary surge protector and a heat responsive means directly operable upon a pair of fusable elements. The number of component parts has been minimized, permitting low manufacturing cost and simplified assembly.

Abstract: A triggered spark gap discharger having a small auxiliary gap in the trigger pulse path. The auxiliary gap provides ultraviolet radiation to liberate electrons at the trigger probe and allow prompt firing of the trigger gap and primary gap, particularly in aged discharger units.

Abstract: A lightning arrester comprises nonlinear resistance discs 2 stacked within a ceramic casing 1, with annular metal cover rings 3, 4 being fixed to the opposite outer ends of the casing. Conductive plates 5, 19 having reduced thickness rupturable central portions are sealed to the inner ends of the casing, with the lower plate 19 being insulated from the lower ring 4 by an insulating ring 20. An ammeter 16 is connected between the conductive plate 19 and ground by a lead wire 21 passing through the ring skirt but insulated therefrom, whereby only leakage current passing through the nonlinear resistance discs is sensed.

Abstract: A lightning diverter strip is provided with button elements in the form of diamond-shaped conducting segments which arranged longitudinally on the strip in spaced-apart relation, with the sharp corners of each of the button conductive elements in longitudinal alignment with each other and with the opposite corners presented along the edges of the strip. The spacings of the conductive elements at the corners may be varied so that some of the elements are spaced more closely together than are other ones of the elements, to provide a lightning diverter strip having a lower break-down voltage potential.

Abstract: A surge arrester comprises two or more surge arrester units which are electrically series-connected between a top terminal and a bottom terminal. Each surge arrester unit comprises a stack of metal oxide varistor blocks, the latter being distributed within the surge arrester so that the number of varistor blocks per unit length in the surge arrester unit which is nearest the bottom terminal is less than in the surge arrester unit which is nearest the top terminal. This enables a more even temperature distribution to be achieved throughout the length of the surge arrester especially in the case where the surge arrester is located where it is subjected to long-term external fouling or pollution.