RF surge suppressors are RF equipment protection devices that protects equipment against electrical power surges as well as electromagnetic pulses (EMP). They are also known as coaxial surge suppressors or RF lighting surge protectors. Applications for RF surge suppressors include protection of communication, electrical, and networking devices.

Operation 

The primary function of a RF surge suppressor is to protect electrical components from electrical power surges. It can also protect equipment from electromagnetic pulses (EMP). These devices rely on gas discharge tubes to complete protect against voltage and current surges in electronic and electrical equipment. 

Configurations 

RF surge suppressors are commonly made of gas discharge tubes and coaxial connectors in a single housing. RF surge suppressors are generally in-line and some have housing mounting options. The most prominent components of a RF surge suppressors are the gas discharge tubes that are located in the housing between the and coaxial connectors that determine the connection of the device into the system.

Specifications 

The follow specifications determine the functionality of a RF surge suppressor.

• Frequency: The frequency range the RF suppressor operates.
• DC power: The maximum DC power that the device can handle.
• DC energy absorption: DC energy absorption measures a surge suppressor's ability to absorb heat energy created by transient surges. Note that the Joule rating is not a part of IEEE or UL Standards.

Resources 

PolyPhaser — Coaxial RF surge suppressors