4.3-10 Male to N Male Lightning Arrester - DC - 3 GHz

Product Overview

The 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester is an inline RF surge-protection device for 50 ohm coaxial lines from DC to 3 GHz. It is used at antenna feeders, radio entries, and other cable runs where lightning-induced or switching transients could reach RF equipment. A replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube provides the protective element. It remains at high impedance during normal service, allowing the RF path to operate with a stated insertion loss of 0.2 dB; during a surge, it ionizes and routes transient energy toward ground.

The 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester combines 4.3-10 male and N male interfaces in one device, supporting N-to-4.3-10 interconnects without an extra adapter. Its GDT structure is suited to low-capacitance, low-loss RF paths, and the tube can be serviced after a major event without replacing the entire arrester.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: The 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester uses a 90 V gas discharge tube rated at 10 kA for an 8/20 us surge waveform. The serviceable tube provides the discharge route when a transient exceeds its operating threshold.
• Grounding Path: A side ring terminal connects to the earth bar. Use a short, direct, low-inductance ground lead so surge energy has an effective path away from RF equipment.
• Body: The inline body uses machined brass with corrosion-resistant plating and can be located in a cable path, at a panel, or near a bulkhead grounding point.
• Connector Interface: 4.3-10 male and N male interfaces connect to standard RF cable assemblies. Apply the relevant connector torque guidance during installation.

The 4.3-10 interface is especially relevant where compact, high-density radio connections are used, while the N interface supports common RF feeder and equipment connections.

Reference Technical Specifications

The following reference values describe the stated configuration of this 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester. Confirm the final production configuration before specifying the device for a particular project or installation.

These values are provided as reference information for this protection family and should be verified against the final production configuration and the requirements of the RF system.

Engineering Comparison

• Compared with a quarter-wave stub: A quarter-wave design is frequency-specific, while this 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester is specified from DC to 3 GHz for broader RF-line use.
• Compared with a diode-based protector: Diode protection uses a different clamping approach; this GDT configuration is specified with 0.2 dB insertion loss and 220 W reference power handling.
• Compared with a DC-block device: A DC block interrupts continuity, whereas this arrester provides a ground route for surge energy through its discharge element.

Applications

• N to 4.3-10 Interconnect and Hybrid Sites: The 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester can be placed in mixed-interface RF paths where the antenna line and radio-side connection use different connector families.
• Tower and Rooftop Installations: It can be installed near a cable entry, shelter, or cabinet boundary when a defined earth-bar connection is available for the transmission line.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: The DC to 3 GHz reference range supports installations that need one protection interface across multiple applicable radio bands without retuning a narrowband device.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: The device can also be positioned at an equipment input to help manage transients coupled onto longer coaxial runs before they reach radio modules or RF instrumentation.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: Connect the grounding lug to the earth bar using the shortest practical conductor. A long or poorly routed lead increases inductance and can reduce the effectiveness of the intended surge path.
• Mounting: Install the inline body where the cable route enters the protected area, with the grounding lug arranged for a direct connection. Keep the 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester within the scope of the site's lightning-protection design.
• Torque and Sealing: Tighten each interface according to the applicable connector guidance. Where the connection is exposed outdoors, use suitable weatherproofing measures at the RF connector interfaces.

OEM and B2B Support

• Configuration Review: Confirm the connector combination, discharge-voltage requirement, grounding arrangement, and RF range against the final system design.
• Cable Integration: Plan the cable assembly, interface direction, and mounting position together to avoid unnecessary adapters or long ground leads.
• Project Documentation: Confirm the final production configuration and any project-specific documentation requirements before installation.

FAQ

Q: When should the gas discharge tube be replaced?

A: The 90 V tube is stated for a 10 kA 8/20 us surge waveform. Following a major surge event, inspect and test the device according to the maintenance procedure used for the installation. If the tube does not meet the required hold-off or leakage condition, replace the serviceable element before returning the line to operation.

Q: Will the 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester affect a DC to 3 GHz RF signal?

A: The reference configuration lists 0.2 dB insertion loss and a maximum VSWR of 1.25 across the stated passband. Confirm the final device data against the specific frequency plan, connector condition, and system requirements before deployment.

Q: Can this arrester be used indoors?

A: Yes. The 4.3-10 Male to N Male lightning arrester may be used at an equipment-side cable entry or another point in the RF path where a suitable earth connection is available. Installation location and grounding should follow the overall protection layout for the site.