The Micro-Arc spark gap series are designed for electrical transient protection and energy release in applications where miniaturized packaging is necessary and small transient currents are anticipated. They may also be used where a large one time energy release is required, for example, in the initiation of explosive detonations. They offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 1 x 10E9 ohms and capacitance of less than 1pF. Surge capability is 1000 amperes (8 x 20 usec waveshape).
The spark gaps are available in a DC breakdown voltage range from 90 to 2000 volts except for the half and quarter sizes which are limited to an upper limit of 1000 and 500 volts respectively. Note: Voltages are available thru 1650V on MCQ and thru 2000V on MCH series provided adequate over-potting is utilized by the customer. Units normally stocked are as follows. Other breakdown voltages are available on request.
The convenient physical size of the Milli-Arc series of spark gaps and their 10,000 ampere (8 x 20 usec waveshape) discharge capability make this series the most suitable for general purpose transient protection. They also may be used for energy release in exploding bridgewire applications and in various vacuum tube grid circuits for tube arc protection. Insulation resistance is greater than 109ohms and capacitance is less than 2 pF. Milli-Arc tubes are available in breakdown voltages from 90 to 4500 volts (MLH), 8500 volts (MLF). Units normally stocked are as follows. Other breakdown voltages available on request.
Milli-Triarc spark gaps are designed for electrical transient protection of balanced pair communications lines. Their three-electrode design provides a discharge path from each line to ground in addition to a line-to-line path for metallic surges. They may also be used for triggered applications where an adequate trigger pulse is available.
When installed on balanced pair lines, where symmetrical surge voltages are anticipated on each line pair, this three electrode series provides for a rapid sympathetic breakdown of the opposite line electrode to ground following the initial line to ground breakdown. The delay, t2-tl shown in the diagram below, is considerably shorter with this series of spark gaps than that found where two separate two electrode spark gaps are used. The milli-triarc type tube also provides line-to-line surge protection. These tubes are capable of a 10,000 ampere (8 x 20 usec waveshape) surge. Insulation resistance is greater than 1 x 10E9 ohms. Capacitance is less than 2 pF.
Normally, stocked units are as follows. Other breakdown voltages to 2000 volts are available on request.
The Deci-Arc tubes are for protection in circuits where high energy transients are anticipated and where size 18 AWG or larger wire sizes are used. They have a 20,000 ampere (8 x 20 usec waveshape) capability and may be used in combination with suitable series resistance for protection on both AC and DC power circuits. Capacitance of these tubes is less than 10pF and initial insulation resistance is greater than 10 ohms.
The spark gaps are available in DC breakdown voltage ranges from 230 to 10,000 volts. Units normally stocked are as follows. Other breakdown voltages available on request.
The Deka-Arc series of spark gaps is designed for heavy duty electrical transient protection. Their 40,000 ampere (8 x 20 usec waveshape) capability makes them suitable for many direct lightning stroke protection applications and for power line protection when used with appropriate series resistances. They may also be used in circuits where long life is desired under repetitive pulse conditions. Capacitance of these tubes is less than 10 pF and initial insulation resistance is greater than 1 x 10E9 ohms. Tubes are available in DC breakdown voltage ranges from 230 to 10,000 volts. Units normally stocked are as follows, other voltages available on request.
