A protective circuit for protecting an electronic circuit from transient excess voltages, in particular, a series connection of at least two voltage-limiting circuit components being provided between a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal of an input of the protective circuit, each of the two voltage-limiting circuit components having at least one semiconductor element. The string portions are guided in holding elements on the inside of the head frame such that the string portions are positioned in a single plane forming the impact surface. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.