A line protection system described herein provides reliable electro-mechanical connections between system components, reduces mechanical stresses on a disconnector, assures more effective disconnection of a failed arrestor, and is lower in cost than existing systems. The line protection system includes a surge arrestor, a disconnector coupled to the surge arrestor, and a line lead coupled to the disconnector. The line lead generally is a high strength cable and/or the line protection system generally does not include a shunt bypass assembly. Upon exposure to a high voltage condition, the disconnector actuates and separates the line lead from the system.