The voltage threshold for triggering a Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) varies depending on the specific characteristics of the GDT, the gas mixture inside, and the design of the device. However, in general, the triggering voltage for most GDTs ranges from several hundred volts to a few kilovolts.
Gas Discharge Tubes are designed to protect electronic equipment and circuits from transient overvoltage events, such as lightning strikes or voltage surges. When the voltage across the GDT exceeds its triggering threshold, it breaks down the gas within the tube and creates a low-resistance path for the excess voltage to be safely redirected to the ground. This protects the sensitive components of the circuit from damage.
The exact triggering voltage can vary due to factors like the specific gas mixture inside the GDT, the tube's dimensions, and the manufacturing quality. Manufacturers usually specify the triggering voltage range for their GDT products in their datasheets. It's important to refer to the datasheet of the specific GDT you're using to determine its triggering voltage characteristics.