A protector for telecommunications lines has an elongated housing with a ground bar extending up one side. End webs extend from the opposite ends of the ground bar across the housing, and a central web extends from the bar also across the housing. A protection device composed of an overcurrent device and an overvoltage device extends between each end web and the center web, the devices on a common axis. In a particular arrangement a ground spring is attached to the ground bar at the side of the housing for connecting with a suitable housing of a protector field in a connector unit. Detent means can be provided to provide for positive partial withdrawal of a protector.