Computer modeling was used to confirm the applications which require surge protection and to verify that surge limiters installed within the switchgear will provide this protection. The basic phenomena which cause vacuum-switchgear-related surges are reviewed, and the need for surge limiters is discussed. Also described is the design of these surge limiters. Information and performance data for their applications are provided. The potential sources of switching overvoltages are reviewed and the basic requirements of surge limiters are described. >