Gas filled spark gaps are high energy, voltage controlled switching devices, unique in their ability to repeatedly switch currents of thousands of amperes. They are ideally suited for diverting large electrical surges caused by lighting, EMP and other sources of high voltage, high current transients.
Teledyne Reynolds' standard spark gaps are constructed using only the highest quality, high alumina ceramics that have been metallized and plated. The brazing and gas filling process is computer controlled, resulting in a brazed joint between the electrodes and the ceramic body that is rugged and reliable.
Except for 90 volt versions, all standard TRI spark gaps contain minute amounts (maximum of 10 μCi) of Tritium backfill gas. Each gas tube is identified with the international radiation symbol, H.
For additional information on Spark Gaps, please
Download PDF
Micro-Arc Series
The Micro-Arc (MC) series of spark gaps 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. Product features:
Outer diameter of
0.187" (4.75 mm)
Offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 109 ohms and capacitance of less than 1 pF
Surge current capability of
1,000 amperes (8 x 20 μsec waveshape)
Available in a DC breakdown voltage range from
90 to 2,000 volts except for the half (MCH) and quarter (MCQ) sizes which have an upper limit of 1000 and 500 volts, respectively
View Products
Milli-Arc Series
The convenient physical size of the Milli-Arc (ML) series and its 10,000 ampere (8 x 20 μsec 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 (EBW) applications and in various vacuum tube grid circuits for
tube arc protection.
Product features:
Outer diameter of
0.312" (7.92 mm)
Offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 109 ohms and capacitance of less than 2 pF
Surge current capability of
10,000 amperes (8 x 20 μsec waveshape)
Available in a DC breakdown voltage range from
90 to 4,500 volts ein the MLH series and
8,500 volts in the MLF series.
View Products
Milli-Triarc Series
The Milli-Triarc (MLT) series of spark gaps are
three-electrode versions of the Milli-Arc series and 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.
Product features:
O
uter diameter of
0.312" (7.92 mm)
Offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 109 ohms and capacitance of less than 2 pF
Surge current capability of
10,000 amperes (8 x 20 μsec waveshape)
Considerably shorter breakdown delay than that found where two separate two-electrode spark gaps are used
Available in a DC breakdown voltage range from
90 to 2,000 volts
View Products
Deci-Arc Series
The Deci-Arc (DCF) tubes are for protection in circuits where high energy transients are anticipated and where size 18 AWG or larger wire sizes are used. Product features:
Outer diameter of
0.500" (12.7 mm)
Offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 109 ohms and capacitance of less than 10 pF
Surge current capability of
20,000 amperes (8 x 20 μsec waveshape)
Available in a DC breakdown voltage range from
230 to 10,000 volts
View Products
Deka-Arc Series
The Deka-Arc (DKF) series of spark gaps are designed for heavy duty electrical transient protection. Their 40,000 ampere (8 x 20 μsec waveshape) capability makes them suitable for many
direct lightning strike 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. Product features:
Outer diameter of
0.750" (19.1 mm)
Offer a high insulation resistance of greater than 109 ohms and capacitance of less than 10 pF
Surge current capability of
40,000 amperes (8 x 20 μsec waveshape)
Available in a DC breakdown voltage range from
230 to 10,000 volts
View Products
