Gas Tube Arresters (GTA)

Gas tube arresters (GTA) or gas discharge tubes (GDT) provide protection against voltage and current surges in electronic and electrical equipment. Surges can occur naturally or artificially. Natural surges may be the result of lightning or electrostatic discharge (ESD). Artificial surges result from induction loads and electric switches, and when devices are switched on and off. Gas tube arresters and gas discharge tubes are often used with telephones, optical transmission applications, alarm systems, modems, security systems, audio systems, and antennas. 

Gas tube arresters or gas discharge tubes are available in ceramic, glass, silicone, and porcelain. GTAs and GDTs are available in two and three electrode designs and can be surface-mounted or suitable for high-voltage applications. Two and three electrode gas tube arresters are a type of discharge tube used for surge protection. These GTAs can be coated in gold, carbon, or platinum with spark gaps and triggered spark gas. Two and three electrode gas tube arresters protect against high-energy surges. They can also be used with sensitive equipment and are useful in high-frequency applications. High-voltage gas tube arresters are also used in communication networks and with industrial and commercial electronics. 

Surface-mounted gas tube arresters are designed for surface mounting. These devices offer high surge current ratings with a low insertion loss. Surface mount arresters have a stable breakdown throughout their lives. They are ideal for protecting broadband circuits, communication systems, and industrial and commercial electronics. These GTAs and GDTs are also used in automotive, aerospace and military applications. High-voltage gas tubes are used in the protection of transformers and switch-gears. They provide the highest level of protection for industrial and commercial electronic equipment. Other types of gas tuber arresters or gas discharge tubes are also available. 

Some gas tube arresters or gas discharge tubes are equipped with fail-safe devices for situations when the GTA or DDT produces excess thermal energy. To prevent heat damage to the magazine or the arrester’s terminal block, the GTA is fitted with a back-up short-circuit fail-safe device. Installation of fail-safe devices into gas tube arresters should be done with care, as problems could result from creating a shorted condition.

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