Surge protectors are devices designed to protect electronic equipment from unwanted power surges or spikes. These voltage irregularities are caused by many factors such as lightning, large appliances turning on, home wiring problems, and problems with a local power provider. A surge protector works by diffusing the unwanted voltage using one of two devices: a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or a gas discharge arrestor (GDR) . The MOVs are placed inside the surge protector to "absorb" any excess voltage and then act as a "shunt" resistor to divert the excess current to the ground. Surge protectors are more than just power strips to give you additional usable outlets; they are an affordable way to protect your electronics from random power surges.
Here are some key points about surge protectors:
- Surge protectors are designed to protect any device with a standard AC plug from potentially damaging and disruptive power surges, voltage spikes, and line noise transferred through an electrical outlet.
- Surge protectors should not be confused with power strips, which do not provide protection against voltage surges and spikes.
- Surge protectors should be labeled as a surge protective device or similar on their nameplate, and the manufacturers documentation will identify it as a surge protector or surge suppressor and provide specifications for the level of surge protection provided.
- Surge suppressors should be used as a matter of habit with all semiconductor-based electronic and computer hardware, including peripherals such as printers, monitors, external disk drives, and modems.
- Surge protectors safeguard electrical devices in your home in the event of power spikes and surges by detecting the excess current and safely diverting it through the house’s grounding path.
In summary, surge protectors are essential devices that protect electronic equipment from unwanted power surges or spikes caused by various factors. They work by diffusing the unwanted voltage using one of two devices: a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or a gas discharge arrestor (GDR). Surge protectors should be used as a matter of habit with all semiconductor-based electronic and computer hardware.
