A subscriber pair protector module of gas tube type in which the heat coil assembly is supplemented by the provision of a planar fusible member placed in direct contact with the gas tube elements to provide a heat sink for a limited period of time to protect the module until the heat coil assembly becomes operative, thereby preventing damage to the synthetic resinous housing element of the module which would interfere with its subsequent removal. An improved gas tube element is also disclosed having recesses disposed in the end surfaces thereof to prevent total shorting action by the heat coil element until the planar fusible member has melted. An improved gas tube element is also disclosed having recesses disposed in the end surfaces thereof to prevent total shorting action by the heat coil element until the planar fusible member has melted.