Product Description
LP-230A – Arc-Gas Lightning Transient Voltage Surge Protector
The LP-230A Arc-Gas Lightning Transient Voltage Surge Protector is a high-performance coaxial surge protector designed to help protect sensitive radio equipment from damaging transient voltages, lightning-induced surges, and static buildup on outdoor antenna systems.
Using Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) technology, commonly referred to as arc-gas protection, the LP-230A provides a controlled path to ground when a voltage disturbance exceeds the GDT's breakdown threshold. This helps divert the transient away from the connected radio equipment while maintaining very low signal loss during normal operation.
The LP-230A is designed for radio systems operating from DC to 1500 MHz and features 50-ohm impedance, making it suitable for a wide range of RF applications.
How GDT Arc-Gas Protection Works
When a voltage transient reaches the GDT's specified sparkover or breakdown voltage, the gas inside the hermetically sealed cartridge ionizes and the device enters arc mode. In this condition, the GDT effectively creates a low-impedance path between the coaxial line and ground, diverting the surge energy away from the connected radio equipment.
After the transient has passed, the GDT returns to its normal high-resistance state, allowing the RF signal to continue operating normally.
Field-Replaceable GDT Cartridge
One of the important advantages of the LP-230A is its field-replaceable GDT cartridge. If the cartridge has been degraded or damaged by repeated or severe transient events, the cartridge can be replaced without removing and replacing the entire coaxial surge protector.
A GDT cartridge can gradually weaken over time, potentially resulting in reduced breakdown voltage and insulation resistance. A particularly strong lightning event may also cause the cartridge to fail. An abnormal increase in SWR can be an indication that the protector or GDT cartridge should be inspected and replaced.
Installation Recommendations
For effective surge protection, proper grounding is essential.
- Use a #10 AWG or larger solid copper grounding conductor where appropriate for the installation.
- Connect the protector's grounding terminal to a properly installed ground system.
- Install the ground rod outdoors and as close as practical to the point where the coaxial feedline enters the structure.
- Use a quality ground-rod clamp to bond the grounding conductor to the ground rod.
- Keep the grounding conductor short and direct, avoiding unnecessary bends or loops.
- Follow applicable electrical, building, and lightning-protection codes for your installation.
Specifications
| Product Type | Arc-Gas Coaxial Lightning Surge Protector |
| Protection Technology | Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) |
| Frequency Range | DC–1500 MHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Insertion Loss | < 0.1 dB |
| Maximum Power | 100 Watts |
| Discharge Voltage | 230 VDC |
| RF Connectors | N-Female × 2 |
| Grounding | Dedicated Ground Terminal |
| GDT Cartridge | Field Replaceable |
Applications
The LP-230A is well suited for:
- Amateur / Ham Radio Stations
- HF, VHF and UHF radio systems
- Base-station transceivers
- Commercial two-way radio systems
- Outdoor antenna installations
- RF communications equipment
- Antenna feedline static protection
- Equipment protection from transient voltage events
Product Benefits
- DC–1500 MHz frequency coverage
- 50-ohm RF design
- Very low insertion loss (<0.1 dB)
- 100-watt maximum power rating
- 230 VDC discharge voltage
- N-Female connectors
- Field-replaceable GDT cartridge
- Helps protect sensitive radio electronics from antenna-line transients
- Compact inline coaxial configuration
LP-230A — dependable arc-gas/GDT protection for RF antenna systems where protecting valuable radio equipment is essential.
Important: A coaxial surge protector is one component of a complete lightning and grounding system and cannot guarantee protection from a direct lightning strike. Proper grounding and installation are critical to effective surge protection.
Other Details
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Product Reviews
2 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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I can only hope...
That I never have to find out whether it works or not!
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Like insurance, hope I never need it!
Not sure how to review a lightning surge protector. I plugged my coax into it just fine. Guess you don't know if it works until lightning strikes! Kudos to ARS as I had ordered the wrong unit and they caught it by seeing that the one I ordered didn't match other items in my order (coax jumpers). Thanks for being watchful and calling me to ask if I meant to order the wrong item. Much appreciated!
