A novel gap type surge absorber. The surge absorber comprises a plurality of conductive ceramic thin films formed on the surface of a molded insulating body and separated from each other by an extremely narrow gap, electrodes composed of a metallic material fixed to both ends of the plural conductive ceramic thin films and an inert gas sealed between the electrodes. The surge absorber is based on a two-stage discharge mechanism consisting of a discharge due to electrons emitted between the conductive ceramic thin films when a surge voltage is applied to the electrodes and a following creeping discharge generated between the electrodes. The surge absorber has a prolonged life and a good annealing characteristic as well as a very small discharge lag and a small electrostatic capacity and is excellent in cutting off a follow current.
