Current-limited spark gap for transient protection
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsMilton D. Bloomer, Francois D. Martzloff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
High voltage transients are effectively clamped by means of a spark gap, in parallel connection with a load to be protected, and having a capacitor in series with the parallelled load-spark gap combination. The series capacitor limits follow-through current through the spark gap to a level permitting survival of the spark gap. Where the load is an incandescent lamp, the spark gap is formed by shaping the lamp internal lead structure, such that an additional external spark gap component is not required.
Claims13
A method for providing protection to a load from transients appearing between first and second line conductors providing operating power to the load, comprising the steps of:
- providing a spark gap having a predetermined ionization potential;
- providing a reactive component in series with the spark gap, said reactive component having a reactance selected to limit any follow-through current through the ionized spark gap to a magnitude survivable by the spark gap;
- and
- connecting only the reactive element and spark gap in series combination between said line conductors.
Apparatus for protecting a load component from a transient appearing between first and second line conductors providing operating power to said load, comprising:
- a spark gap having a predetermined ionization potential;
- and
- a reactive element in series connection only with said spark gap between said first and second line conductors;
- the reactance of said reactive element being selected to limit any follow-through current through the ionized spark gap to a predetermined magnitude selected to allow said spark gap to survive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.