Protecting op amps against high voltage transients

Whenever high voltage is present in a system, arcs can cause damage through various mechanisms. One is to cause op amps in the system to fail.

Often, resistors, RC's, zeners, tranzorbs and the like are used. Here is another circuit protection technique to consider.

From the article referenced below,
"A reasonable approach disconnects the amplifier-output node from the output terminals for the period when the overload voltage exists on output terminals. "

http://www.edn.com/article/CA6486026.html