e2v GXH19/2A 2-Electrode Spark Gap
e2v Technologies
New product
e2v GXH19/2A 2-Electrode Spark Gap | Marine Surge Protection Device | Tank Gauging & Hazardous Area Instrument Protection
The e2v GXH19/2A is a 2-electrode gas discharge spark gap / surge protection device used in electronic circuits that require high-energy transient protection, overvoltage discharge, and electrical isolation stability. In marine applications, components of this type are commonly found inside or alongside tank gauging systems, radar level gauge electronics, cargo monitoring circuits, intrinsically safe barriers, alarm interface modules, and hazardous area instrumentation where sudden voltage surges can damage sensitive electronics.
The GXH series is designed to discharge high transient voltages safely by creating a controlled spark-over path once a defined breakdown voltage is reached. This protects downstream boards, transmitters, interface circuits, and monitoring electronics from damage caused by switching surges, lightning-induced spikes, or abnormal high-voltage events.
For marine engineers and technical purchasers, the GXH19/2A is not just a small electronic spare; it is a critical protective component that can determine whether a tank gauging channel, radar level input, alarm loop, or instrumentation card survives a transient event.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports marine customers looking for e2v GXH19/2A spark gaps, surge protection spare parts, marine automation components, tank gauging spares, hazardous area instrumentation parts, and replacement electronic protection devices for shipboard systems.
e2v Technologies
(now part of Teledyne e2v)
United Kingdom
2-Electrode Spark Gap / Gas Discharge Surge Protection Device
The e2v GXH19/2A is a sealed 2-electrode spark gap designed to protect circuits from transient overvoltage. It remains non-conductive during normal operation. When the voltage across the device rises above its spark-over threshold, the gas inside ionizes and the device becomes conductive, diverting the surge away from sensitive equipment. After the surge has passed, it returns to its high-resistance state.
In simple terms, it acts like a sacrificial high-speed surge discharge path that protects important electronics from being destroyed by abnormal voltage spikes.
This type of component is especially relevant in marine tank gauging and hazardous area systems, where long cable runs, exposed deck instrumentation, bonded tank structures, and harsh electrical environments increase the risk of transient surges.
The e2v GXH19/2A is valued because of the following technical and operational features:
It is built to absorb and discharge high-energy voltage spikes that would otherwise damage instrument electronics, control boards, or communication circuits.
The device is engineered to spark over at a defined voltage band, giving predictable surge protection performance in sensitive equipment.
Its small cylindrical form allows it to be installed in compact instrument modules, surge boards, or protection assemblies used in marine automation and tank gauging systems.
During a surge event, the GXH19/2A provides a low-impedance path for the transient current, reducing the energy seen by downstream electronics.
This family of spark gaps has been used in rugged environments where reliability under electrical stress is essential.
Marine cargo systems and deck instrumentation often operate in potentially hazardous zones. Spark gap protection devices are frequently used to improve the electrical survivability of such circuits.
Although the GXH19/2A is a compact device, its construction is specialized. Typical internal or functional elements include:
In practice, the ship engineer will usually see it as a replaceable protection component fitted on a board, protection assembly, surge interface, or electronic monitoring module rather than as a serviceable internal part.
The working principle is straightforward but very important:
Under normal system voltage, the spark gap stays non-conductive and does not interfere with the signal or circuit operation.
If a transient surge or abnormal high voltage appears across the protected line, the gas inside the spark gap ionizes at the defined spark-over threshold.
The device then becomes conductive and diverts the surge current safely away from the protected electronics.
Once the surge is gone and the voltage falls back to normal, the spark gap returns to its insulating state.
This simple action can protect:
While the GXH19/2A itself is an electronic protection component rather than a complete marine instrument, it is highly relevant to shipboard systems such as:
Used in or around:
Useful for protecting circuits connected to:
May be used in:
Particularly relevant where:
On board ships—especially tankers and offshore units—one surge event can damage:
If the spark gap protection device has failed, degraded, or been bypassed, the next surge may pass straight into expensive electronics. That is why marine engineers often keep these “small parts” under the same priority as much larger spare modules.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can help customers source hard-to-find surge protection parts, tank gauging spares, radar gauge components, alarm system boards, and marine automation electronics when OEM spare chains are difficult or expensive.
Although spark gaps are passive devices, they can still fail or degrade in service. Common issues include:
The device may look normal but no longer provide reliable spark-over protection. This means the circuit is unprotected against future surges.
Symptoms may include:
If the device has been overstressed, it may partially short, leak current, or disturb the circuit it is supposed to protect.
Possible symptoms:
Mechanical damage, age, mishandling, or vibration may compromise the device.
Check for:
Using the wrong spark-over rating or wrong physical type can cause serious system reliability issues.
Possible result:
The spark gap may be healthy, but the surrounding board or terminal area may be contaminated, reducing insulation quality.
Possible symptoms:
When working on a tank gauging or monitoring system that may involve surge protection components like the GXH19/2A, check the following:
Although the GXH19/2A itself is generally not a “maintenance” item in the usual sense, the surge protection assembly and surrounding instrument circuit should be included in preventive inspection routines.
Marine vessels continue using components like the e2v GXH19/2A because:
For older but still operational marine systems, availability of correct small electronic spares is often just as important as availability of main display panels or transmitters.
It is a 2-electrode spark gap / gas discharge surge protection device used to protect electrical and electronic circuits from transient overvoltage.
Not exactly. It is a component used inside or alongside marine electronic systems, especially where surge protection is needed for sensitive instrumentation.
It may be found in or associated with:
Some gas discharge / spark gap technologies use controlled internal radioactive priming to stabilize spark-over behavior. Handling, transport, and disposal must follow applicable manufacturer and regulatory guidance. Always treat such parts as specialized industrial components.
Yes, if the system design allows individual replacement and the exact part number/specification is confirmed. Replacement should only be done by qualified personnel familiar with the protected circuit and OEM requirements.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support inquiries for GXH19/2A spark gaps, similar surge protection parts, tank gauging spares, and marine automation electronics, subject to stock and sourcing availability.
The e2v GXH19/2A is a 2-electrode spark gap surge protection device used to protect sensitive marine and industrial electronics from transient overvoltage. In marine service, it is relevant to tank gauging systems, hazardous area instrumentation, cargo monitoring electronics, and other shipboard automation circuits where surge protection is essential for reliable operation.
Below are useful technical references for understanding this type of component. Availability of model-specific OEM manuals for discrete spark gaps is often limited compared with complete instruments, but the following documentation is useful for technical evaluation and safe handling:
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment
• Bangladesh • China
• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com
0
BDT 0
BDT 0
BDT 0
BDT 0
Marine Equipment Supplier