How does a surge protector work?

A surge protector is a device that protects electrical devices from power surges or electrical surges. Power surges can occur when there is a sudden increase in voltage in an electrical system, which can damage or destroy electronic devices. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from the devices they are protecting, ensuring that they receive a steady and safe amount of electricity.

How does a surge protector work?

A surge protector, also known as a surge suppression device or transient voltage surge suppressor, is designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges. It works by diverting excess voltage away from the devices and into the grounding wire or the electrical outlet’s grounding wire.

Here is a step-by-step explanation of how a surge protector works:

1. Monitoring the voltage

A surge protector constantly monitors the voltage of the electrical system it is connected to. It measures the voltage and compares it to a predetermined threshold. If the voltage exceeds this threshold, the surge protector activates and starts diverting the excess voltage.

2. Diverting excess voltage

When a surge protector detects a voltage spike or surge, it diverts the excess voltage away from the devices it is protecting. It does this by using metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes (GDTs) that are connected between the power line and the ground line.

When the voltage exceeds the threshold, the MOVs or GDTs become conductive and provide a low-resistance path for the excess voltage to flow through. This diverts the excess voltage away from the devices and into the grounding wire or the electrical outlet’s grounding wire.

3. Absorbing the excess voltage

The MOVs or GDTs in a surge protector absorb the excess voltage by converting it into heat. They have a high resistance when the voltage is below the threshold, but their resistance decreases significantly when the voltage exceeds the threshold.

As the excess voltage flows through the MOVs or GDTs, they heat up and dissipate the excess energy as heat. This prevents the excess voltage from reaching the devices and causing damage.

4. Resetting after a surge

After a surge, surge protectors need to be reset to resume their protective function. Some surge protectors have a reset button that needs to be pressed, while others automatically reset after a certain period of time.

Types of surge protectors

There are different types of surge protectors available, each offering varying levels of surge protection. Here are some common types:

1. Plug-in surge protectors

Plug-in surge protectors are the most common type and are designed to be plugged directly into a wall outlet. They typically have multiple outlets, allowing you to protect multiple devices simultaneously. Plug-in surge protectors are suitable for protecting small electronics, such as computers, televisions, and gaming consoles.

2. Whole-house surge protectors

Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the main electrical panel of a house or building. They provide surge protection for the entire electrical system, including all the outlets and devices connected to it. Whole-house surge protectors are recommended for areas prone to frequent power surges or lightning strikes.

3. Surge protector power strips

Surge protector power strips are similar to plug-in surge protectors but are designed in a strip format. They have multiple outlets and are often used to protect devices in areas where there are limited wall outlets, such as offices or entertainment centers.

Benefits of using surge protectors

Using surge protectors offers several benefits, including:

• Protection against power surges: Surge protectors safeguard electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges, preventing damage or destruction.
• Extended device lifespan: By diverting excess voltage, surge protectors help extend the lifespan of electronic devices by preventing damage caused by power surges.
• Convenience and flexibility: Surge protectors provide multiple outlets, allowing you to connect and protect multiple devices simultaneously.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your electronic devices are protected from power surges can give you peace of mind, especially during storms or in areas with unstable electrical systems.

Conclusion

A surge protector is a crucial device for protecting electronic devices from power surges or electrical surges. By diverting excess voltage away from the devices and into the grounding wire, surge protectors ensure that electronic devices receive a steady and safe amount of electricity. Whether it’s a plug-in surge protector, a whole-house surge protector, or a surge protector power strip, using surge protectors offers numerous benefits, including protection against power surges, extended device lifespan, convenience, and peace of mind.