The invention relates to a ceramic component (e.g. a varistor) comprising a protective layer (4) made of ceramic materials, which contain small amounts of lead and which are based on perovskite structures, whereby the lead is completely or partially replaced by bismuth. Titanates are also considered which comprise a structure of phases of the Aurivillius type, whereby no lead whatsoever is present. Additionally considered are compounds which have pyrochlore structures and which contain bismuth and, optionally, an element of the rare earths. The ceramic component is resistant against the acids used during the electrodeposition of the contact layers (SMD capability) due to the provision of the protective layer (4) that contains small amounts of lead.