High voltage surge protection element for use with CATV coaxial cable connectors

A method for providing an alternate path to ground of a high voltage surge carried by a coaxial cable in a CATV distribution system, prior to the surge passing through a coaxial cable connector having an input end, a body portion defining an internal cavity, an electrical component positioned within the cavity, and an input pin extending forward from the electrical component toward the input end and electrically connected to a central conductor of the coaxial cable, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning an electrically conductive ring-shaped surge protective element entirely within said cavity and physically and electrically connected to said body portion of said connector;
• and where said ring-shaped surge protective element is configured to surround and to not make physical contact with an input pin;
• and
• maintaining an air gap of predetermined size between said surge protective element and said input pin.

A high voltage surge protection device adapted for use in a CATV system that includes a coaxial cable having a central conductor, an outer conductor concentrically positioned in surrounding relation thereto, and a dielectric layer disposed between the central and outer conductors, said surge protection device comprising:

• a housing having an input end and a body portion that defines an internal cavity;
• an electrical component positioned entirely within said cavity;
• an input conductor that provides electrical contact between said input end and said electrical component;
• an electrically conductive, surge protective element positioned between said input end and said electrical component, and in electrical contact with said body portion;
• and
• wherein said surge protective element includes a ring shaped portion that surrounds said input conductor, said ring shaped portion not in physical contact with said input conductor;
• and wherein said ring shaped portion is in physical and electrical contact with a shoulder formed within said body portion of said housing.

A method for providing an alternate path to ground of a high voltage surge carried by a coaxial cable in a CATV distribution system, prior to the surge passing through a coaxial cable connector having an input end, a body portion defining an internal cavity, an electrical component positioned within the cavity, and an input pin extending forward from the electrical component toward the input end and electrically connected to the central conductor of the coaxial cable, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning an input pin that provides electrical contact to an electrical component located within a cavity defined by a body portion of a connector;
• positioning an electrically conductive ring-shaped surge protective element, made entirely of one conductive material, entirely within said cavity so that it surrounds said input pin and so that it physically and electrically connects to said body portion of said connector;
• and
• maintaining an air gap of predetermined size between said surge protective element and said input pin.