GB/T 2900.12-2008Electrotechnical terminology - surge arresters,low-voltage surge protective devices and components (English PDF)

2.1 Surge arrester

Device designed to protect electrical apparatus from high transient voltage and to limit the duration and frequently the amplitude of follow-current. The terminology "surge arrester" includes any external series gap which is essential for the proper functioning of the device as installed for service, regardless of whether or not it is supplied as an integral part of the device.

Note 1: Surge arresters are usually connected between the electrical conductors of a network and earth although they may sometimes be connected across the windings of apparatus or between electrical conductors.

Note 2: Surge arresters sometimes are also known as overvoltage protector or surge divider.

2.2 Surge protective device

SPD Device that is intended to limit transient overvoltages and divert surge currents. It contains at least one non-linear component.

Note: Surge protective device is also known as surge protector.

2.3 Metal-oxide surge arrester without gaps

Surge arrester having non-linear metal-oxide resistors connected in series and/or in parallel without any integrated series or parallel spark gaps.

Note: Metal-oxide surge arrester without gaps is sometimes also known as metal-oxide surge arrester or MOA, and gapless arrester.

2.4 Metal-oxide varistor gapped surge arrester

Surge arrester composed of metal-oxide resistors and spark gaps connected in series and/or parallel.

2.5 Non-linear resistor type gapped arrester

Surge arrester having a single or a multiple spark-gap connected in series with or parallel with one or more non-linear resistors.

Note: The non-linear resistor type gapped arrester is sometimes also known as gapped surge arrester.