A surge protection device (SPD) includes a spark gap (SG) and in series to the spark gap (SG) a temperature-dependent resistance element (R) with positive temperature coefficient, wherein the spark gap (SG) has a certain holding current, wherein the resistance element (R) is sized such that when a switching temperature is reached, the current is limited such that the holding current of the spark gap is undercut and is switched off, and wherein the resistance element is sized such that in the case of a transient event, the switching temperature is not reached.