2SC3326 - transistor with high Vebo (25V) - used by fluke as an avalanche diode.

2SC3326 datasheet

• Remove solder mask.
• Blunt maybe better than pointy, because the point breaks down / melts and tracks carbonise. Blunt spreads it out.
• Can calculate a rough guestimate for voltage / gap width.
• It will be over 1000V normally / probably.

Minimum looks like about 55V, minium available upper limit for spark starting more like 85V.

What is needed / useful to protect NMEA 2000 network from nearby lightning strikes, or even direct ones?

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/EMC%20Newsletter%20Issue%205.pdf https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/what-is-a-spark-gap-and-why-we-need-it-on-a-pcb/