Importance

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Abstract

A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit, comprised of a voltage sensitive element having a predetermined voltage rating, the voltage sensitive element increasing in temperature as voltage applied across the voltage sensitive element exceeds the voltage rating. Terminals are provided for electrically connecting the voltage sensitive element between a power line of an electrical circuit and a ground or neutral line of the electrical circuit. A normally closed, thermal switch is electrically connected in series with the voltage sensitive element between the power line and the voltage sensitive element, the thermal switch being thermally coupled to the voltage sensitive element wherein the thermal switch moves from a normally closed position to an open position to form a gap between the thermal switch and the voltage sensitive element when the temperature of the voltage sensitive element reaches a level indicating an over-voltage condition. A non-conductive barrier that is operable to move into the gap when the thermal switch moves to an open position, the barrier preventing line voltage surges from arcing between the thermal switch and the voltage sensitive element.

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First Claim