Disclosed is a method for limiting the voltage applied to a component in a radio frequency path (RF path) of a radio frequency excitation system. According to the method, a radio frequency signal (RF signal) is tapped at a first random point of the RF path, and energy is withdrawn from the RF path when the RF signal tapped at the first point or a value proportional to the tapped RF signal exceeds a reference value, resulting in the component being protected against excess voltages due to disturbances.