An overvoltage protector for an electrical consumer in a motor vehicle, includes an input for connection to the electrical system of a motor vehicle, an output for connection to the electrical consumer to be protected, and a ground terminal which is connected via a line to a branch point between the input and the output, wherein at least one component that blocks below a threshold voltage and conducts above the threshold voltage, and a switch connected in series with the component are located in the line, wherein the switch is controlled by a control circuit that closes the switch when a voltage spike occurs and subsequently reopens it.