41. GDT Operation & Characteristics

Question.4

The datasheet for a Littelfuse CG90L GDT (DigiKey: CG90L) specifies:
Nominal Impulse Discharge Current = 20 kA (8/20 µs), 5 shots
What does 20 kA (8/20 µs), 5 shots mean in practice?

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The GDT can safely carry 20,000 amperes of continuous current
The GDT can survive 5 surge pulses of 20 kA peak, each lasting microseconds — not continuous current
The GDT can interrupt up to 20 kA fault current, similar to a fuse breaking capacity
The GDT conducts 20 kA during normal operation and resets after 5 cycles