The invention relates to a surge arrester having a cage design, and to a method for its production. According to the invention, during extrusion-coating or encapsulation of a module comprising two end fittings (3) and a plurality of varistor blocks (1) and at least one reinforcing element (9) in order to form the outer housing (5), first through-holes (11) for the reinforcing element (9) thereof are sealed with silicone. For this purpose, second through-holes (15) are provided in the end fittings (3), through which the silicone runs during casting or spraying, and enters the through-holes (11) from the outside, in order in this way to seal them against water and moisture.