Surge Protector

What does Surge Protector mean?

A surge protector is a Device designed to protect electronic equipment from voltage spikes and surges induced by external electrical events. These surges can originate from various sources, including Lightning strikes, power grid anomalies, and faulty wiring.

Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from sensitive electronic components and grounding it safely. They typically incorporate transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes or metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which are semiconductor devices that conduct excess voltage to the Ground when the voltage exceeds a specified threshold. This prevents the surge from reaching and damaging the connected electronic devices.

Applications

Surge protectors play a crucial role in protecting technology today due to the widespread use of sensitive electronic equipment. These devices are particularly essential in areas prone to power outages, lightning strikes, or electrical grid disturbances.

Key applications of surge protectors include:

• Protecting home electronics: Surge protectors are commonly used to safeguard home appliances such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles from voltage spikes caused by lightning or power surges.
• Industrial and commercial applications: Surge protectors are employed in industrial settings to protect critical equipment, such as servers, data center infrastructure, and medical devices, from electrical surges that can cause Downtime and data loss.
• Portable electronic devices: Surge protectors are available in compact and portable forms specifically designed to protect laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices from voltage spikes when connected to electrical outlets.

History

The history of surge protection dates back to the late 19th century with the advent of electrification and the proliferation of electrical appliances. Early surge protectors were crude devices that simply disconnected equipment from the power source during a surge.

In the 1950s, the development of Silicon-based semiconductor devices, such as TVS diodes and MOVs, led to the creation of more sophisticated surge protectors that could dissipate excess voltage without disconnecting the equipment.

Over the years, surge protectors have evolved significantly, becoming more compact, efficient, and reliable. They have become an essential component of modern electrical systems, providing protection for sensitive electronic equipment against voltage spikes and surges that can cause damage and downtime.