1. Switching type: Its working principle is to present a high impedance when there is no instantaneous overvoltage, but once the response to lightning instantaneous overvoltage, its impedance suddenly becomes low, allowing lightning current to pass. When used as such device, the device includes: discharge gap, gas discharge tube, thyristor, etc.

2. Voltage limiting type: Its working principle is high impedance when there is no instantaneous overvoltage, but with the increase of surge current and voltage, its impedance will continue to decrease, and its current-voltage characteristics are strongly nonlinear. Devices used for such devices include zinc oxide, rheostat, suppression diode, avalanche diode, etc.

3, shunt or choke type (1)

Diverting type: In parallel with the protected equipment, low impedance to lightning pulse, high impedance to normal operating frequency.

Choke type: in series with the protected equipment, it presents high impedance to lightning pulse and low impedance to normal operating frequency.

The devices used for such devices are chokes, high-pass filters, low-pass filters, quarter-wavelength short circuits, etc.