A protector block assembly interfaces a plurality of subscriber lines to communication equipment, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) modems. The assembly has a protector block into which surge protection modules are plugged. Each surge protection module limits the current that may pass from a respective subscriber line to communication equipment protected by the assembly. When plugged into the protector block, the surge protection modules are oriented such that crosstalk interference from the protector block is canceled thereby reducing the amount of crosstalk introduced by the protector block.