Abstract An overvoltage protection device consists of a number of parallel connected columns containing nonlinear resistance stacks between upper and lower spark gap stacks. The spark gap stacks provide arc extension by magnetic effect. Cross-impedances are arranged between the columns for transferring ignition pulses. The spark gaps, nonlinear resistors and connecting members for the cross-impedances are so dimensioned and arranged that the impedance increase of a column after ignition in comparison with the impedance increase of one or more subsequent ignited columns is so great that the current through the first column is less than a value corresponding to its lowest current carrying voltage. The cross-impedances may be connected between the bottom of an upper spark gap stack and the top of a lower spark gap stack.
Overvoltage protection device comprised of a plurality of parallel-connected columns containing nonlinear resistors and spark gaps promoting arc extension by magnetic effect, and crossimpedances arranged between the columns for transferring ignition pulses between the columns in which the spark gaps, nonlinear resistors and connecting members for the cross-impedances are so dimensioned and arranged within the different columns that the impedance increase of a column after ignition in comparison with the impedance increase of one or more subsequently ignited columns is so great that the current through the first mentioned column is less than a value corresponding to the lowest current carrying voltage of this column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Overvoltage protection device comprised of a plurality of parallel-connected columns containing nonlinear resistors and spark gaps promoting arc extension by magnetic effect, and crossimpedances arranged between the columns for transferring ignition pulses between the columns in which the spark gaps, nonlinear resistors and connecting members for the cross-impedances are so dimensioned and arranged within the different columns that the impedance increase of a column after ignition in comparison with the impedance increase of one or more subsequently ignited columns is so great that the current through the first mentioned column is less than a value corresponding to the lowest current carrying voltage of this column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, in which the ignition delay between the columns is determined by the cross-impedances together with the impedance of the spark gaps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Overvoltage protection device according to claim 2, having shunt impedances comprising capacitive elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, in which in at least one of the columns the spark gaps are so dimensioned that their arc voltage is higher than in the other columns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
Overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, in which in at least one of the columns the spark gaps are so dimensioned that the rate of increase speed of their arc voltage is higher than in the other columns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
Overvoltage protection device according to claim 1, in which the cross-impedance is connected geometrically and also electrically when not in operation, to the same point on the spark gap in each stack.