The present invention relates to an overvoltage protection circuit (1) for protecting the electronics of a motor, in particular of an EC motor, against overvoltage pulses, with two protective devices (FS1, FS2) arranged in series connection between two connections (10, 20), wherein a resistor (R1) or (R2) is connected in parallel to each of the protective devices (FS1, FS2) and at least one capacitive element (C1) is provided in parallel connection to the first protective device (FS1), wherein the overvoltage protection circuit (1) has, between the connections (10, 20), at least a first (lower) and a second (higher) breakdown voltage point at a voltage U.sub.Z1 or U.sub.Z2 dependent on the voltage change over time k=(dU/dt) of a voltage U.sub.GA at the connections (10, 20).

A multi-spark gap having both a high power-follow current extinguishing capacity as well as a relatively low protective level in which a distance x.sub.1 between a first electrode and an adjacent second electrode, which together form a first individual spark gap, is larger than respective distances x.sub.2 between other adjacent electrode pairs of additional individual spark gaps. The distance x1 is at least 0.5 mm and the distances x2 of the additional individual spark gaps are at most 0.2 mm. Additionally, an ignition aid for igniting the first individual spark gap is provided, which aid has at least a resistive ignition element and a voltage-limiting element, wherein the ignition element is connected to an electric-arc combustion chamber of the first individual spark gap and is electrically connected on the one side to the first electrode and on the other side via the voltage-limiting element to the second contact element.

A spark gap assembly that includes a first spark gap segment and a second spark gap segment electrically connected in series with the first spark gap segment. The first spark gap includes a first spark gap and a first grading circuit electrically connected in parallel with the first spark gap. The second spark gap segment includes a second spark gap and a second grading circuit electrically connected in parallel with the second spark gap.