摘要:
An overvoltage protection device includes first and second electrically conductive electrode members (130, 120) and a varistor member (110) formed of a varistor material (172) and electrically connected with each of the first and second electrode members. The overvoltage protection device has an integral fail-safe mechanism operative to electrically short circuit the first and second electrode members about the varistor member by fusing the meltable member (140) in the overvoltage protection device (134) by using an electric arc. The overvoltage protection device further includes an electrically insulating spacer member (144) electrically isolating the fusing metal member (140) from the electrodes; the electric arc disintegrates the spacer member and extends across the gap (G1, G3 and G2) to fuse the meltable/fusing member (140).