  In this paper we demonstrate the capability of high voltage varistors and gas
discharge tube arrestors for use as surge protection devices in liquid argon
time projection chamber detectors. The insulating and clamping behavior of each
type of device is characterized in air (room temperature), and liquid argon
(90~K), and their robustness under high voltage and high energy surges in
cryogenic conditions is verified. The protection of vulnerable components in
liquid argon during a 150 kV high voltage discharge is also demonstrated. Each
device is tested for argon contamination and light emission effects, and both
are constrained to levels where no significant impact upon liquid argon time
projection chamber functionality is expected. Both devices investigated are
shown to be suitable for HV surge protection applications in cryogenic
detectors.
