Multi-function fail-safe arrangements for overvoltage gas tubes

Abstract

Disclosed herein are gas tube arrestor configurations employing multiple-function fail-safe elements which coact with the gas tube arrestor to define both a fusible path for fail-safe shorting and grounding of the arrestor in the event of certain forms of excessive overloads, as well as ionization gaps to provide backup overvoltage protection in the event of gas tube failure. In the illustrated embodiments, annular fusible rings are coaxially coupled to the gas tube housing in such a way as to provide, when fused, a short circuit connection between electrodes, the fusible rings also including pole face sections for defining an ionizable gap which functions as a backup air gap protector should the gas tube fail, e.g. because of a gas leak. Novel modular arrangements embodying the foregoing for use in central office and residential applications are also illustrated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.