How-To Guide – Testing Gas Discharge Tube Based Coaxial Arrestors To Verify Functionality and Performance!

Example Wireless Installation

Here at NexTek we often receive questions about testing arrestors, such as:

• How do I know if a coaxial arrestor is still operational, especially after it has been installed or used in the field for some time?
• Is there a way to test them for proper operation, other than a visual check or waiting for a failure which affects Radio Performance?

NexTek Surge Protectors – A Production Batch

Have you ever wondered if it was possible to test a Gas Discharge Tube based surge arrestor to check for damage and ensure it’s continued functionality?  Testing resistance to ground with a multimeter is only moderately useful, and this process will not get the GDT inside to activate or “fire” which is the only way to be sure that he protective element is functional and ready to handle the next surge (lightning, static, or EMP) event!

Testing a GDT Arrestor for Operation Voltage

This week we are proud to share a short White Paper that covers how to test a Gas Discharge Tube based coaxial arrestor to ensure that it is functioning properly.  Using a current-limited high voltage DC Power supply and multimeter in combination, or a specialized tool which measures the “activation voltage” of GDTs and other voltage-limiting components like diodes or MOVs, it is possible to verify the operation of any GDT based arrestor.

If you would like to learn more, follow the jump and open the Technical Note below.  As always, get in touch with us directly if you have any questions at all!

Featured Technical Note – Testing Gas Discharge Tube Based Arrestors (.PDF)

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