Lightning protection component

A lightning protection component, comprising at least one main input capable of transmitting a lightning signal, at least one main output for connection to equipment (T) to be protected from the lightning signal, a branch output for connection to a dissipation circuit (M), a direct line connecting the main input to the main output, and a branch circuit which is fitted between the direct line and the branch output and which is provided with at least one branch switch having an open state in which the branch output is isolated from the direct line and a closed state in which the lightning signal is conducted from the direct line toward the branch output,

• wherein the at least one branch switch is a microelectromechanical system enclosed in a cavity with a gas at constant controlled pressure, and
• wherein the microelectromechanical s stem comprises a moving contact forming the control input and two fixed electrodes, the moving contact being arranged so as to be moved from a position separated from the electrodes to a position in contact with the electrodes, under the action of an electrostatic force generated by a voltage present in the control input.