This standard contains the German version of the European Standard EN 61643-311:2013 and is identical with the International Standard IEC 61643-311:2013. It describes performance requirements and test circuits and methods for gas discharge tubes with two or three electrodes which are used for applications up to 1 000 V ac or 1 500 V dc in communication or signalling circuits and consist of a gap or series of gaps in an enclosed discharge medium other than air. The requirements and methods are concerned with the service conditions and the mechanical and electrical requirements for the above-mentioned protection devices and the marking of the devices.