Patent ID: 7532450

Claim:
Overvoltage protection means, comprising: a first electrode, a second electrode, a breakdown spark gap having a discharge space formed between the electrodes, an arc forming between the electrodes within the discharge space when the breakdown spark gap is ignited, and a housing which holds the electrodes, wherein the discharge space is configured in a manner which runs at least one of partially transversely and partially opposite a direction of an electrical field of a prevailing line voltage so that a distance to be overcome by the arc between the two electrodes has a component that is transverse relative said direction of the electrical field; and wherein the discharge space extends from a radially outer area of the face of one of the electrodes to a diametrically opposite radially outer area of the face of the other of the electrodes, portions of the faces of the electrodes other than said diametrically opposite radially outer areas being shielded relative to said discharge space by at least one of an insulating material and a resistance material.