2037-20-A

Gas Discharge Tube Arresters (GDT)

Gas discharge tube arresters (GDTs) are essential surge protection equipment designed specifically for electrical equipment and electronics. They provide protection against electrical surges of high voltages and transient voltage spikes created by lightning or other sources. GDTs are generally installed at the source of the surge (in the vicinity of electrical equipment and electronic components) to protect them against the occurrence of a large amount of energy.

GDTs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Typically, they are made of metal and filled with a synthetic gas such as nitrogen. The gas becomes highly ionized when a surge passes through the GDT and conducts the surge current, redirecting it to ground before the surge can damage the equipment. The gas also dampens the voltage, absorbing the energy by releasing a limited amount of current.

As a surge passes through the GDT, the gas becomes highly ionized and conducts the surge current and redirects it back to earth. The current then passes through the components of the arrester until it is finally grounded. At the same time, the gas inside the GDT absorbs the energy from the surge, releasing a limited amount of current back to the component. This process is known as “clamping” and helps protect the equipment from excessive damage.

GDTs are typically used to protect electrical equipment and electronics in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can also be used in telecommunications networks, broadcast systems, and microwave transmitters/receivers. GDTs are usually connected in series between the power source and the device, creating a pathway for the energy to flow from the source to the ground before it can cause any damage. This pathway helps mitigate damage caused by short-term surge events.

Since GDTs are filled with a specific gas, their functionality is dependent on the gas. Different gases have different conduction and absorbency rates, and the right gas should be chosen accordingly, depending on the application it will be used for. In order to increase their effectiveness, GDTs can be paired with other surge protection devices, such as varistors and metal oxide varistors.

GDTs are commonly used to protect computers, telephones, circuits, data centers, industrial process control systems, instrumentation, avionics systems, motor control centers, and electrical appliances. They provide effective and reliable protection against the harmful effects of unpredictable power surges, spikes, and transients. In conclusion, GDTs are a cost-effective solution for protecting equipment from harmful surges. With the proper selection and installation, GDTs can ensure the safety and reliability of any electrical system.