A surge protection apparatus or method for opening a surge path upon failure of a surge protection element as a short. The surge protection device may include a switch controlled by a solenoid or other switch controlling component that changes a position of the switch if the surge protection element fails as a conductive element. A first position of the switch is configured to allow transmittal of a signal from a signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to a ground connection. A second position of the switch is configured to prevent transmittal of a signal from the signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to the ground connection. A delay may be added between the changing of the switch position after the surge protection element fails as a conductor. Visual or other notifiers may indicate when the switch is in the second position.