A device for protecting an electronic circuit and an electric power supply from unduly high electric energy, the device comprising a circuit board, spaced- apart first and second sets of spaced-apart first and second soldering surfaces, first and second strip conductors on the circuit board defining first and second, separate current paths for connection to the electronic circuit and the power supply, respectively, the first and second strip conductors being electrically coupled to the first and second soldering surfaces, respectively, of each set, a protective component having connectors, solder attaching the connectors of the component to the first and second sets of soldering surfaces, and a prestressed spring connected with the circuit board and engaging the component so that upon a softening or melting of the solder the spring moves the component away from and out of contact with at least some of the soldering surfaces.