Replacement in the field is quite easy, and the only tool required is a screwdriver.
Should a severe lightning hit occur, the ceramic gas tube Arc-Plug™ Cartridge Pill will short to ground protecting your equipment. The pill will remain shorted however (unlike its recovery to open circuit condition after a less severe hit or transient) and must be removed or replaced in order to continue operation.
Note: The Alpha Delta Model D-4 Arc-Plug™ Cartridge Pill is designed to reduce the hazards of lightning induced, or other high voltage induced surges. This device, however, will not prevent fire or damage caused by direct lightning strike to an antenna. power lines or other structure.
Alpha Delta D4 Coaxial Switch Replacement Arc-Plugs® are direct replacements for Alpha Delta Coaxial Switch model Delta-2, Delta -2BN and Delta-4 series switches. As when used in Alpha Delta Coaxial Switches, D4 Replacement Arc-Plugs® are rated at 1,500 watts CW and SSB PEP, ICAS, at an SWR under 2:1.