Overvoltage protection spark gap assembly and method for operating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly and a method of operating the overvoltage protection spark gap assembly. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly comprises a first overvoltage protection spark gap (1) having a first main terminal (1a) and a second main terminal (1b), and a second overvoltage protection spark gap (1') having a third main terminal (1a') and a fourth main terminal (1b'). The first main terminal (1a) can be connected to a first voltage line (S1) of a supply network via a first terminal contact (A1), and the fourth main terminal (1b') can be connected to a second voltage line (S2) of the supply network via a second terminal contact (A2). The second main terminal (1b) and the third main terminal (1a') are electrically connected to each other. The first conductive probe device (K2) is introduced at or near the worn portion (38) of the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1) such that, in the case of a certain degree of wear, the first conductive probe device (K2) is in electrical contact with the arc (41) in the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1). The second overvoltage protection spark gap (1') has a second conductive probe device (33) in electrical contact with the arc in the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'). The first conductive probe device (K2) and the second conductive probe device (33) are electrically connected to each other via an actuation device (28; 4'') which outputs an actuation signal (S) to actuate a disconnection device (A; 7, 8, 11, 12) if the current flow or a corresponding part of the current flow in the current path between the first conductive probe device (K2) and the second conductive probe device (33) meets a defined criterion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly and a method for operating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] An overvoltage protection spark gap that uses the principle of hard gas to generate high pressure to avoid or extinguish a follow-current is known from German Patent No. 102005024658. For example, POM (polyoxymethylene) is used as the hard gas-releasing material. Such an overvoltage protection spark gap suffers from wear under arc load. When the wear of the hard gas-releasing material exceeds a certain limit, its ability to extinguish a follow-current is reduced.

[0003] German Patent Application No. 102011051738 discloses an overvoltage protection spark gap with diverging electrodes, in which the distance between the opposing electrode surfaces is kept narrow in the ignition region and widens in the travel region, so that the pulse current load is substantially limited to the ignition region, while the follow-on current from the main conductor travels along the diverging electrodes in the travel region, and the arc of the follow-on current from the main conductor is split and extinguished in a quench chamber.

[0004] WO 2015 / 028436 describes a spark gap with an aging detection unit, which has a first discharge electrode and a second discharge electrode spaced apart from the first discharge electrode, and when a certain voltage is reached between them, an arc discharge is formed along the discharge gap between the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode. The discharge gap is at least partially surrounded by an electrically insulating material, which has a conductive portion at at least one point, and the conductive portion is damaged by the effect of the arc discharge. The aging of the spark gap can be determined by measuring the flow rate, resistance, or capacitance of the conductive portion.

[0005] A (safety) fuse is typically connected as a separate component upstream of the spark gap as an SPD (Surge Protection Device) to interrupt the follow current from the mains if the SPD fails or wears out. The (safety) fuse and the SPD can be housed in the same housing. This has the following drawbacks:

[0006] (1) To ensure a corresponding discharge capacity (8 / 20, 10 / 350), the upstream (safety) fuse must be selected to be correspondingly large, which in the event of a fault will result in a large follow-on current from the mains and therefore a large load on the system.

[0007] (2) If a worn SPD presents a certain impedance and limits the current slightly, the tripping of the (safety) fuse connected upstream may be delayed (significantly) and the thermal stress on the installed components may be large. In addition, the charge removal section may deteriorate over time in such a way that it limits the follow-on current from the mains but cannot extinguish the arc. In this case, the thermal load on the entire current path may be large.

[0008] (3) The dimensions of the conductor cross section must be configured to accommodate the large currents corresponding to the loads mentioned in (1) and (2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 102005024658 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102011051738 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 028436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention provides an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly as claimed in claim 1 and a method for operating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly as claimed in claim 11.

[0011] Preferred developments are set out in the respective dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The essence of the present invention is to monitor the degradation of the functional capability of the overvoltage protection spark gap, for example due to aging or overload, and to disconnect it in a timely manner, for example by operating a safety fuse device or a mechanical switch device.

[0013] The idea of ​​the present invention is to detect, as a first criterion, a specific degree of wear of the first overvoltage protection spark gap by a first conductive probe device introduced into a worn portion of the first overvoltage protection spark gap so as to electrically contact an arc in the first overvoltage protection spark gap at a specific degree of wear, and to detect, as a second criterion, the entry of an arc into the second overvoltage protection spark gap by a second conductive probe device electrically contacting the arc in the second overvoltage protection spark gap, and to disconnect the first terminal contact from the first main terminal and / or the second terminal contact from the fourth main terminal when both the first and second criteria are met.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the first overvoltage protection spark gap has a hard gas-releasing material as a wear portion in at least one region, into which a first conductive probe device is inserted so as to be enclosed within said region and positioned at a predetermined distance from the arc region of the associated arc chamber, thereby enabling reliable monitoring of wear of the hard gas-releasing overvoltage protection spark gap.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first overvoltage protection spark gap has, in at least one region, as a wear part, in particular an electrically conductive hard gas-releasing material, in the vicinity of which the first electrically conductive probe device is inserted so as to be located outside said region and at a predetermined distance from the arc region of the associated arc chamber.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first overvoltage protection spark gap has an electrically insulating material as a wear portion in at least one region, into which the first conductive probe device is inserted so as to be enclosed within said region and positioned at a predetermined distance from the arc region of the associated arc chamber, thereby enabling reliable monitoring of wear of overvoltage protection spark gaps having insulating regions.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second overvoltage protection spark gap has first and second diverging electrodes terminating in a quench chamber having a plurality of quench plates arranged in parallel, and the second conductive probe device is disposed between or electrically connected to two adjacent quench plates (21c).

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second overvoltage protection spark gap has in at least one region a hard gas-releasing material into which the second conductive probe device (K20) is inserted so as to be located in the arc region (41) of the associated arc chamber (40).

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second overvoltage protection spark gap comprises an arc chamber surrounded by an insulator region, through which the second conductive probe device is introduced into the arc chamber.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the disconnecting device comprises a safety fuse device which is triggerable by an actuation signal and which is connected between the first main terminal and the first terminal contact.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the disconnecting device comprises a mechanical switch device connected between the first main terminal and the first terminal contact.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuation device comprises a current limiting resistor and an indicator fuse connected in series in said current path between the first and second conductive probe devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the drawings, similar or functionally identical elements are indicated with the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 designates a first overvoltage protection spark gap having first and second main terminals 1a and 1b, and reference numeral 1' designates a second overvoltage protection spark gap having third and fourth main terminals 1a' and 1b'.

[0027] The first main terminal 1a can be connected to a first voltage line S1 of the supply network via a first terminal contact A1, and the fourth main terminal 1b' can be connected to a second voltage line S2 of the supply network via a second terminal contact A2.

[0028] The second main terminal 1b and the third main terminal 1a' are electrically connected to each other such that the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 and the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1' are connected in series.

[0029] In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1' can be triggered via a triggering device 50 connected between the first and second voltage lines S1, S2.

[0030] A safety fuse device 8, which can be triggered by the bridge igniter 7, is connected between the first main terminal 1a and the first terminal contact A1. In this example, the inherent safety feature of the safety fuse device 8 serves to disconnect the spark gap assembly in the event of wear or aging, as will be described below.

[0031] On the one hand, the bridge igniter 7 may be connected to the first main terminal 1a and, on the other hand, to the second voltage line S2 via a current-limiting resistor 12 and a switch device 11 that can be controlled by an actuation signal S.

[0032] Thus, the components 7, 8, 11, 12 form a disconnecting device A for disconnecting the first terminal contact A1 from the first main terminal 1a.

[0033] The first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 corresponds in principle to an overvoltage protection spark gap with hard gas arc quenching, as known from DE 102005024658. Furthermore, the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 has a first conductive probe device K2 introduced into the electrically insulating wear portion 38 of the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1, so that in the event of a certain degree of wear, the first conductive probe device K2 electrically contacts the arc 41 in the arc chamber 40 between the main electrodes 35, 36 of the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1. The first probe device K2 is connected to the outside via a terminal line K2'.

[0034] The first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 has a wear portion 38 in at least one region that degrades over time as a result of being burned by an arc when exposed to the arc. The region 38 can be made of, for example, POM (polyoxymethylene). A first conductive probe device K2, such as a wire or conductive strip, is initially inserted into the region 38 and positioned a certain distance from the arc region 41 of the arc chamber 40 within the region 38, wrapped in the hard gas-releasing material and positioned within the sandwich structure of the region 38.

[0035] When the hard gas-releasing material in region 38 is burned by arc 41 up to first conductive probe device K2, first conductive probe device K2 makes electrical contact with arc 41 in first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 and taps its potential.

[0036] The second overvoltage protection spark gap 1' is a horn gap, as known, for example, from DE 10 2011 051 738 A1. In particular, the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1' has first and second diverging electrodes 21a, 21b. In the ignition zone Z, the distance between the first and second diverging electrodes 21a, 21b remains small, while in the travel zone L, the distance between the first and second diverging electrodes 21a, 21b increases. The first and second diverging electrodes 21a, 21b terminate in a quench chamber 25, which has multiple quench plates 21c arranged in parallel.

[0037] In other embodiments (not shown), the electrode or baffle plate may terminate some distance below the quench chamber, in which case the arc will quasi-bridge the distance to the quench chamber by its expansion.

[0038] The second overvoltage protection spark gap 1′ has a second conductive probe device 33, which is also, for example, a wire or conductive strip, that makes electrical contact with the arc in the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1′. In this example, the second conductive probe device 33 is disposed between two adjacent quench plates 21c.

[0039] The first conductive probe device K2 and the second conductive probe device 33 are electrically connected to each other via an actuating device 28, 4'', which in this case comprises a current limiting resistor 28 and an indicator fuse 4''.

[0040] The actuation device 28, 4″ is configured to detect a current flow or a corresponding portion of the current flow in the current path IV between the first conductive probe device K2 and the second conductive probe device 33 when the region 38 of the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 is worn.

[0041] The actuating device 28;4'' is configured such that the indicator fuse 4'' outputs an actuation signal S for actuating the disconnecting device A if the detected current flow or a corresponding portion of the current flow meets a specified criterion.

[0042] 1 are preferably located in the plug-in portion of a two-part device (not shown): the base portion (mounting, terminal contacts, etc.) and the plug-in part (spark gap).

[0043] The purpose of the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1' is primarily to limit and interrupt follow currents from the mains in the event of "aging / wear." This behavior corresponds to the essential function of a fuse connected upstream in prior art installations. The occurrence of such an event is detected by the actuating device 28, 4'', which sends an actuation signal (electrical, mechanical, ...) A to the downstream effect chain. This effect chain ultimately implements electrical isolation with corresponding dielectric strength between the base part and the plug-in part. As a result, the spark gap assembly is disconnected from the supply network. The above-mentioned operating modes are achieved by the characteristic time-related coordination between different spark gap technologies.

[0044] On the one hand, the present technology overcomes the disadvantageous aspects of the prior art described at the beginning, and on the other hand, it requires less space, time and individual components for installation, which also reduces the probability of failure in the installation.

[0045] In normal operation, the series connection of the first and second overvoltage protection spark gaps 1, 1' is set to a conducting state by the triggering device 50 in the event of an overvoltage event. The first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 limits the follow current from the mains and extinguishes the arc before it can enter the quench chamber 25. The current path IV remains inactive.

[0046] When the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 reaches its wear limit, it can no longer restrict the follow-on current from the mains, a predetermined breakdown point in the region 38 is activated, and the first probe device K2 reaches the potential from the arc 41.

[0047] However, as the follow current from the mains continues to flow / increase, the arc now flows into the quench chamber 25 of the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1'. As a result, in this case the follow current from the mains is limited / extinguished. This is accompanied by the activation of probe current path IV. Since the "path" according to probe current path IV is initially the most attractive for the current / arc, it will in any case at least partially divert and activate the operating device 28, 4'' and therefore the disconnecting device A.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1" having first and second main terminals 1a", 1b" does not have a trigger. With appropriate dimensions, it is possible to omit the trigger device 50, thus further reducing the number of components.

[0050] In addition, in the second embodiment, the actuation signal S acts directly on a mechanical switch device MS as a disconnecting device A' instead of the safety fuse device 8 connected between the first main terminal 1a and the first terminal contact A1.

[0051] Otherwise, the second embodiment is configured in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1''' having first and second main terminals 1a''', 1b''' does not have a horn gap, but instead has an overvoltage protection spark gap also with hard gas arc quenching.

[0054] The second overvoltage protection spark gap 1''' has a second conductive probe device K20 installed in an electrically insulating wear portion 38' of the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1''', made of, for example, POM, so as to be in electrical contact with the arc 41 in the arc chamber 40 between the main electrodes 35, 36 of the second overvoltage protection spark gap 1'''. The second probe device K20 is connected to the outside via a terminal line K20'. The second conductive probe device K20 is installed deep in the region 38' so that the potential of the arc 41 always reaches it. In this way, an AND link between the aging of the first overvoltage protection spark gap 1 and the entry of the arc 41 into the second overvoltage protection spark gap can be reliably generated. Otherwise, the structure of the second conductive probe device K20 corresponds to that of the first probe device K2.

[0055] In this third embodiment, a current path IV runs from the first probe device K2 through the actuator 28, 4'' to the second probe device K20.

[0056] Otherwise, the third embodiment is configured in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first overvoltage protection spark gap 101 having first and second main terminals 101a, 101b does not have a hard gas release region, but instead has an arc chamber 40a surrounded by an insulator region 102 and located between the first and second main electrodes 35a, 36a.

[0059] A first conductive probe device K21 externally connected to the current path IV via a terminal line K21' is introduced into the insulator region 102, which is subject to wear in a similar manner to the hard outgassing region 38.

[0060] The second overvoltage protection spark gap 1'''' having first and second main terminals 1a'''', 1b'''' similarly has an arc chamber 40b surrounded by an insulator region 202 and located between the first and second main electrodes 35b, 36b.

[0061] A second conductive probe device K220 externally connected to the current path IV via a terminal line K220' is introduced into the arc chamber 40b, and therefore constantly detects the entry of an arc into the arc chamber 40b.

[0062] Otherwise, the fourth embodiment is configured in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first overvoltage protection spark gap 111, having first and second main terminals 111a, 111b, includes a conductive hard gas-releasing region 38a that deteriorates over time as a result of arc burnout when exposed to an arc. Region 38a can be constructed of, for example, B-POM (black polyoxymethylene). The conductive hard gas-releasing region 38a surrounds an arc chamber 40b located between the first and second main electrodes 35b, 36b.

[0065] A first annular conductive probe device K22, externally connected to the current path IV via a terminal line K22', is introduced in a spaced apart manner through an air gap 70 into or near the conductive hard outgassing region 38a subject to wear.

[0066] If the first overvoltage protection spark gap 111 reaches its wear limit and the conductive hard gas release area 38a is burned away, it can no longer restrict the follow-on current from the mains and the first probe device K22 reaches the potential of an arc.

[0067] Otherwise, the fifth embodiment is configured in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with the aid of preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in various ways.

[0069] In particular, the invention is not limited to the illustrated actuation device which mechanically actuates the effect chain located downstream of the decoupling device, but can instead be implemented, for example, in a purely electronic manner.

[0070] The second conductive probe device need not be located between two adjacent quench plates, but may instead be electrically connected to the quench plates.

[0071] In the case of insulating hard gas-releasing materials, the first conductive probe device can also be inserted in its vicinity so that, in the case of a certain degree of wear, the arc of the first overvoltage protection spark gap reaches said probe device.

Claims

1. a first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) having a first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) and a second main terminal (1b; 101b; 111b), and a second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1"; 1"'; 1"') having a third main terminal (1a'; 1a"; 1a"'; 1a"') and a fourth main terminal (1b'; 1b"; 1b"'; 1b"'); It has said first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) can be connected via a first terminal contact (A1) to a first voltage line (S1) of a supply network and said fourth main terminal (1b'; 1b''; 1b'''; 1b'''') can be connected via a second terminal contact (A2) to a second voltage line (S2) of said supply network, the second main terminal (1b; 101b; 111b) and the third main terminal (1a'; 1a''; 1a'''; 1a'''') are electrically connected to each other such that the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) and the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1''; 1'''; 1'''') are connected in series; the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) has a first conductivity probe device (K2; K21; K22) introduced at or near a worn portion (38; 102; 38a) of the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111), and in the case of a certain degree of wear, the first conductivity probe device (K2; K21; K22) electrically contacts an arc (41) in the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111), and the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1"; 1'"; 1"") has a second conductivity probe device (33; K20; K220) electrically contacting an arc in the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1"; 1'"; 1""); the first conductive probe device (K2; K21; K22) and the second conductive probe device (33; K20; K220) are electrically connected to each other via an actuation device (28; 4'') configured to detect a current flow or a corresponding portion of the current flow in a current path (IV) between the first conductive probe device (K2; K21; K22) and the second conductive probe device (33; K20; K220), a disconnecting device (A; 7, 8, 11, 12; A'; MS) for disconnecting the first terminal contact (A1) from the first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) and / or the second terminal contact (A2) from the fourth main terminal (1b'; 1b"; 1b'"; 1b""); and the actuation device (28; 4″) is configured to output an actuation signal (S) to actuate the disconnection device (A; 7, 8, 11, 12) when the detected current flow or the corresponding portion of the current flow meets specified criteria.

2. 2. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1) has an electrically insulating hard, gas-emitting material as a wear portion (38) in at least one region into which the first conductive probe device (K2) is inserted so as to be enclosed within said region and positioned at a predetermined distance from the arc region (41) of the associated arc chamber (40).

3. 2. An overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 111) has, in at least one region, as a wear portion (38a), in particular a conductive hard gas-releasing material, near which the first conductive probe device (K22) is inserted so as to be located outside said region and at a predetermined distance from the arc region of the associated arc chamber (40b).

4. 2. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the first overvoltage protection spark gap (101) has an electrically insulating material as a wear portion (102) in at least one region into which the first conductive probe device (K21) is inserted so as to be enclosed within the region and positioned at a predetermined distance from the arc region of the associated arc chamber (40a).

5. 5. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1'') has first and second diverging electrodes (21a, 21b) terminating in a quench chamber (25) having a plurality of quench plates (21c) arranged in parallel, and the second conductive probe device (33) is disposed between two adjacent quench plates (21c) or electrically connected to the quench plates (21c).

6. 5. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1''') has a hard outgassing material (38') in at least one region into which the second conductive probe device (K20) is inserted so as to be located within an arc region (41) of an associated arc chamber (40).

7. 5. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly of claim 1, wherein the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'''') comprises an arc chamber (40b) surrounded by an insulator region (202), and the second conductive probe device (K22) is introduced into the arc chamber (40b) through the insulator region (202).

8. 5. An overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the disconnecting device (A) comprises a safety fuse device (8) connected between the first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) and the first terminal contact (A1), the safety fuse device being triggerable by the actuation signal (S).

9. 5. An overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the disconnecting device (A') comprises a mechanical switch device (MS) connected between the first main terminal (1a; 101a) and the first terminal contact (A1).

10. 5. The overvoltage protection spark gap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuating device (28; 4") comprises a current-limiting resistor (28) and an indicator fuse (4") connected in series in the current path (IV) between the first conductive probe device (K2; K21) and the second conductive probe device (33; K20; K220).

11. a first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) having a first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) and a second main terminal (1b; 101b; 111b); and a second overvoltage protection spark gap (1';1";1"';1"") having a third main terminal (1a';1a";1a'";1a"") and a fourth main terminal (1b';1b";1b"";1b""); It has said first main terminal (1a; 101a; 111a) can be connected via a first terminal contact (A1) to a first voltage line (S1) of a supply network and said fourth main terminal (1b'; 1b''; 1b'''; 1b'''') can be connected via a second terminal contact (A2) to a second voltage line (S2) of said supply network, 1. A method for operating an overvoltage protection spark gap assembly, wherein the second main terminal (1b; 101b; 111b) and the third main terminal (1a'; 1a''; 1a'''; 1a'''') are electrically connected to each other such that the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) and the second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1''; 1'''; 1'''') are connected in series, comprising: As a first criterion, a first conductive probe device (K2; K21; K22) is provided to electrically contact the arc (41) in the first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) in the event of a certain degree of wear. - detecting a specific degree of wear of said first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111) by means of a first conductivity probe device (K2; K21; K22) introduced into or in the vicinity of the worn portion (38; 102; 38a) of said first overvoltage protection spark gap (1; 101; 111); detecting, as a second criterion, the entry of an arc into said second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1"; 1"'; 1"") by a second conductivity probe device (33; K20; K220) that is in electrical contact with the arc in said second overvoltage protection spark gap (1'; 1"; 1"'; 1""); disconnecting the first terminal contact (A1) from the first main terminal (1a; 101a) and / or disconnecting the second terminal contact (A2) from the fourth main terminal (1b'; 1b''; 1b'''; 1b'''') if both the first criterion and the second criterion are met; A method comprising:

12. the first conductive probe device (K2; K21; K22) and the second conductive probe device (33; K20; K220) are arranged in a common current path (IV), detecting a current flow in said current path (IV) or a corresponding portion of said current flow; activating an actuation device (28; 4″) configured to output an actuation signal (S) to actuate a disconnection device (A; 7, 8, 11, 12) based on the detected current flow or the corresponding portion of the current flow in the current path (IV); The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the actuation device (28; 4'') actuates a mechanical and / or electrical effects chain.

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