Circuit Protection Selection Guide
Consult this guide to learn about circuit protection considerations and the solutions Littelfuse offers. Tables help match products with applications.
Reduce the risk of damage from short-lived and unpredictable voltage surges by installing durable gas discharge tubes (GDTs). The plasma-filled overvoltage protection devices absorb large amounts of current and redirect it to ground without producing frequencies that could incapacitate nearby components. These characteristics make GDTs essential surge protective devices for outdoor telecom equipment prone to lightning strikes. Littelfuse offers a broad selection of leaded and surface mounted GDTs for many applications. Each boasts a minimal footprint and low weight, and our squared GDT is among the smallest available.
Gas discharge tubes dissipate voltage transients through a contained plasma gas. They have high insulation resistance plus low capacitance and leakage to ensure minimal effect on normal operation of equipment.
Littelfuse devices offer a small footprint and are available in leaded and surface mount configurations, with high surge handling capability. We offer both low surge GDTs and medium surge GDTs. Their fast response to transient over-voltage events, and ability to dissipate large amounts of energy, translates into reduced risk of equipment damage. The amount of energy dispersed by gas discharge tubes makes them a good choice for lightning surge protection, particularly for telecomm equipment located in outdoor structures.