Spark Gap Tubes

Spark Gap Tubes

Spark gap tubes, also known as spark gaps or lightning arrestors, are electronic devices that are used to protect electrical equipment from high voltage surges. These surges can be caused by lightning strikes or by the switching of high voltage equipment, and can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic equipment. Spark gap tubes work by providing a path of least resistance for the surge to follow, thereby protecting the equipment from damage. Spark gap tubes consist of two electrodes separated by a small gap, typically a few millimeters in size. When a high voltage surge is applied to the electrodes, a spark jumps across the gap, creating a short circuit that allows the surge to bypass the equipment being protected. Once the surge has passed, the spark gap returns to its normal state, ready to protect against the next surge. Spark gap tubes are commonly used in high voltage applications, such as power transmission and distribution systems, as well as in industrial and scientific equipment. They are also used in some types of radio transmitters, where they help to protect the transmitter from damage caused by lightning strikes or other high voltage events. While spark gap tubes are effective at protecting against high voltage surges, they do have some limitations. They are not effective at protecting against low voltage surges, and they can only handle a limited number of surges before they need to be replaced. Additionally, they can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interfere with nearby electronic equipment.

lightning arrestors, high voltage surges, short circuit, power transmission, electromagnetic interference

— Eric Walker

CITATION : "Eric Walker. 'Spark Gap Tubes.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/spark-gap-tubes?E=398766 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"