Multi-spark gap

A multi-spark gap for an overvoltage protector, comprising:

• multiple electrodes, and insulation elements arranged between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes are arranged in facing pairs each of which forms an individual spark gap, the individual spark gaps being connected in series,
• two electrically conductive contact elements, between which the electrodes are arranged, so that a first contact element makes electrical contact with a first of the electrodes, and the second contact element makes electrical contact with the last of the electrodes of the multi-spark gap, and
• a control circuit for controlling the ignition behavior of the multi-spark gap, wherein the control circuit has multiple control elements which are connected to the electrodes, except for the first electrode,
• wherein a distance x1 between the first electrode and an adjacent second electrode, which together form a first of the individual spark gaps, is larger than respective distances x2 between the other pairs of electrodes which form additional individual spark gaps,
• wherein an ignition aid for igniting a first individual spark gap is provided, which aid has at least a resistive ignition element and a voltage-limiting element, and
• wherein the ignition element is connected to an electric-arc combustion chamber of the first individual spark gap and is electrically connected on one side to the first electrode and on another side is connected to the second contact element via the voltage-limiting element.