lightning arrester

American  

noun

1. a device for preventing damage to radio, telephonic, or other electric equipment from lightning or other high-voltage currents, using spark gaps to carry the current to the ground without passing through the device.

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lightning arrester British  

noun

1. a device that protects electrical equipment, such as an aerial, from an excessive voltage resulting from a lightning discharge or other accidental electric surge, by discharging it to earth

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Etymology

Origin of lightning arrester

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

A lightning arrester no bigger than a quart-size fruit jar receives the bolt, discharges it harmlessly through its coils.

From Time Magazine Archive

Proper Functions:—A fuse is not a good lightning arrester.

From Cyclopedia of Telephony & Telegraphy Vol. 1 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by Miller, Kempster

Stumbling through the débris that covered the floor, Bucks made his way to the operator’s table and put his hand up to cut in the lightning arrester.

From The Mountain Divide by Both, Armand

Of course on an indoor aerial there’s no need of a lightning arrester.

From The Radio Boys at the Sending Station Making Good in the Wireless Room by Chapman, Allen

Don't fail to use a lightning arrester, or better, a lightning switch, for your receiving set.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)