What is the function of a surge protector?

A surge protector serves the important function of protecting electrical devices from voltage spikes, which can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power outages, or sudden changes in electricity usage. When a surge protector detects a sudden increase in voltage, it redirects the excess electricity to the ground, thereby preventing it from reaching and potentially damaging connected devices.

This protective mechanism is essential for safeguarding sensitive electronics, such as computers, televisions, and home appliances, which can be vulnerable to damage caused by these surges. Without a surge protector, high voltage spikes can result in immediate failure or long-term degradation of electrical components, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.

Other functions like providing backup power during outages, increasing the efficiency of devices, or monitoring voltage levels are not within the primary purpose of a surge protector. Instead, those functions are typically associated with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), energy-efficient devices, and voltage monitoring systems, respectively.