IEC 61643-311:2001

Gas discharge tubes (GDTs) are used for applications up to 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c. in communication or signalling circuits. They are defined as a gap, or series of gaps, in an enclosed discharge medium other than air. They are designed to protect apparatus or personnel, or both, from high transient voltages. This standard does not specify requirements applicable to complete surge protective devices, nor does it specify total requirements for GDTs employed within electronic devices, where precise coordination between GDT performance and surge protective device withstand capability is highly critical.