Amateur radio

50Ω N‑Female Lightning Surge Protector (N‑F to N‑F, DC–3 GHz)

4.4 12 reviews 2 min read

50Ω N‑Female Lightning Surge Protector (N‑F to N‑F, DC–3 GHz)

4.4/ 5

Average of 12 reviews

  • 5 9
  • 4 1
  • 3 1
  • 2 0
  • 1 1

Brand Riotaxy

Product review

This lightning surge protector is built for 50 ohm coaxial systems and shipped as a single unit: one N‑female to N‑female arrester with a replaceable gas discharge element.

Construction uses a nickel‑plated brass outer body for mechanical durability and corrosion resistance. The center and outer contacts are brass with silver plating to preserve conductivity, and a Teflon (PTFE) insulator maintains stable dielectric properties. The assembly has been subjected to a 48‑hour salt spray test to confirm resistance to corrosion in harsh environments.

Electrical and RF characteristics: the protector is specified for 50 Ω impedance, handles frequencies up to 3 GHz, and contributes under 0.2 dB of insertion loss. VSWR is rated at ≤1.2 across the stated band. Dielectric withstand voltage is 2500 V (RMS). Contact resistance is low (center ≤1 mΩ, outer ≤1 mΩ), insulation resistance is ≥5000 MΩ, and mechanical durability exceeds 500 mating cycles. Operating temperature range is −40 °C to +85 °C.

The surge element is a replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube designed to clamp high‑energy transients. For the arrester to perform as intended, install it as close as possible to the equipment you want to protect—commonly at the point the coax enters a building—and bond the protector to a low‑impedance ground. Additional protection can be achieved by placing a second unit near the antenna. This device is intended to reduce damage from lightning‑induced surges on amplifiers, signal boosters, receivers and other 50 Ω RF equipment, offering HF/VHF/UHF protection with minimal signal degradation.

Pros

  • Very low insertion loss (<0.2 dB) up to 3 GHz
  • Durable plated brass construction with PTFE insulator
  • Replaceable 90 V gas discharge element

Cons

  • Requires a separate low‑impedance ground connection
  • Supplied as a single unit (one arrester only)
  • Gas tube will eventually need replacement after transients

VerdictThis compact N‑female surge protector delivers very low signal loss while offering sacrificial surge protection via a replaceable 90 V gas tube. Its plated brass construction and PTFE dielectric keep RF performance stable up to 3 GHz with VSWR typically ≤1.2. It will not substitute for a full lightning protection system — a solid, low‑impedance ground connection and placement close to the equipmen

Reviews

  1. FC 4/5

    Does the job

    Installed it where needed and it functions as expected for my application.

  2. Lee Turnage III 5/5

    Solid value and workmanship

    I've purchased several of these for different installs and they've been reliable. Build quality feels sturdy and they've held up in the field.

  3. Robert Czajewski 5/5

    Easy to add inline

    Slides into existing coax runs without fuss and hasn't introduced any obvious loss or noise.

  4. Dave King 5/5

    Good construction, watch threads

    Solidly built. I returned mine only because I ordered the wrong thread variant and then got the correct one.

  5. Derek 5/5

    Comforting to have around

    I keep one installed and haven't had any issues. It's nice knowing there's an extra layer of protection.

  6. Cliente Kindle 5/5

    Funciona bien

    Buen producto, cumple la función esperada en mi instalación.

  7. Random guy 3/5

    Photo led to confusion

    The listing imagery suggests multiple pieces; only one unit shipped to me.

  8. Kyle McCulloch 1/5

    Advertising shows two but one sent

    Product photos display two arrestors, yet the package contains a single device. Images appear illustrative rather than quantitative.

  9. EE 5/5

    Well made, grounding is essential

    Feels robust for the cost and shows low VSWR through UHF. To work properly it must be bonded to a low impedance ground, ideally at the building entry or to a ground rod. The gas tube is sacrificial and will need replacement after significant transients.

  10. Bob S. 5/5

    Provides peace of mind more than proof

    Hard to tell if it will stop a direct strike, but it serves as a protective layer in my antenna feed. I treat it as insurance for my radio gear.

  11. PortBlair Airport, Airports Authority of India 5/5

    Arrived without issues

    Received the unit and it performed as described, no problems.

  12. Matt 5/5

    Useful as a bulkhead adapter for ADS‑B

    Works great as a weatherproof bulkhead interface for ADS‑B antennas. I don't rely on arresting in my attic mount, but it hasn't affected reception and has been stable for months.

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