Voltage-dependent electrical resistor (varistor) with particularly low varistor voltage, improved pulse-carrying capacity and high power absorption

The varistor having particularly low varistor voltage, improved pulse-carrying capacity and high power absorption comprises a body (1) formed as a tube made of ZnO-based oxide ceramic rendered semiconducting by additives and having metal coatings (2, 3) on the inside (6) and outside surface (7). The interior of the tubular body is filled with material (8) which has good heat conduction and which surrounds a metal current lead (4). The body (1) may have a round, elliptical or rectangular cross section or be constructed as a flat tube.