IEEE C62.42.1-2016

C62.42.1-2016 is a technical standard for gas discharge tubes (GDTs), addressing their role in power, energy, and industrial applications where surge protection and controlled discharge behavior matter. It is relevant to designers and buyers who need a clear reference for component characteristics, performance expectations, and testing-related context. For equipment using GDTs in protective circuits, C62.42.1-2016 helps support more consistent selection, evaluation, and specification of these devices in practical engineering work.

C62.42.1-2016 overview

This standard focuses on the technical context of gas discharge tubes, which are commonly used to divert transient overvoltage events away from sensitive circuits. C62.42.1-2016 provides a structured reference for understanding these components within electrical and electronic systems, especially where protection, reliability, and repeatable behavior are important. In product and engineering workflows, it can help align design expectations, comparison of device characteristics, and documentation around GDT use in compliant system architectures.

Typical use cases

C62.42.1-2016 is typically relevant in surge protection designs for power interfaces, industrial control equipment, communications hardware, and other systems that may be exposed to transient electrical stress. It may also be used when evaluating GDTs for circuit protection modules, grounding-related protection schemes, or equipment that needs controlled discharge paths. The standard is useful when engineers, procurement teams, or test labs need a shared technical basis for selecting and reviewing gas discharge tube components.

Why this standard matters

For organizations working with GDTs, C62.42.1-2016 supports clearer design control and more consistent component assessment. Using a defined standard can reduce ambiguity during procurement, testing, and specification review, especially when protection performance and system robustness are important. It also helps teams compare products on a common technical basis, which may improve compatibility and reduce risk in equipment exposed to transient events. In regulated or repeatable engineering environments, that consistency is often valuable.

• Gas discharge tube reference document
• Surge protection component context
• Power and industrial applications
• Design, testing, and procurement support