answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Surge protectors contain a semiconductor device that in some ways is similar to a special kind of fuse which constantly monitors the incoming voltage for "spikes" of very high voltage which, if not suppressed, could "zap" or destroy the equipment it is protecting.

Computers, televisions - and similar expensive and/or very fragile consumer electronics equipment - is worth protecting from damage from high voltage spikes by using a surge protector.

If the incoming voltage exceeds the rated "highest allowed voltage" of the semiconductor device, it instantly reacts to "clamp" the voltage - doing which may or may not blow the surge protector's internal fuse - thus, protecting the end-user's equipment from permanent damage by the "high voltage spike".

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

It works by using a large capacitor to temporarily store the incoming power, and release it at a steady rate. Think of it like a tapped water barrel being fed by a rainfall. The amount of water entering the tank depends on how much rainfall there is, but the water coming out of the tank exits the tap at a constant, steady rate.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does a surge protector work?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences
Related questions

Once a surge protector has done its work how do you reactivate it after a surge?

Reactivation of a surge protector is normally not necessary if your protector has taken a hit. Typically a protector will continue to work without the ned to reactivate it.


Do you need a surge protector for LCD TV?

I'd be a good idea, but it isn't necessary. On the off chance that there is a power surge and the surge protector on your house doesn't work it will protect it.


Will any surge protector work properly in both 110 and 220V?

No, not every surge protector will work properly in both 110 and 220V. Some surge protectors are designed to work with both voltages but others support just one.


What if surge protector had high resistance?

If a surge protector had a very high resistance at all voltages, the wires in the surge protector would short out. It would kick off the protector and make it useless. A new surge protector would need to be purchased.


Does this power conditioner work as a surge protector as well?

Yes, power conditioners are very often surge protectors as a side benefit.


Is it safe to plug an air conditioner to a computer surge protector?

It will very likely damage the surge protector


Is a surge protector used for electrical fouls?

a surge suppressor or protector protects your equipment from spikes on the electrical line.


What should homeowners purchase to protect their devices from future problems such as this?

A surge protector, Apex. :D


Will a surge protector last longer if it's unplugged from the wall outlet during an electrical storm?

Possibly, but that's kind of missing the whole point of a surge protector. The surge protector exists to protect the things that are plugged into it. If you're not using those devices anyway during the storm, sure, go ahead and unplug the surge protector... but you could also have just unplugged the devices themselves from the wall and not bought a surge protector in the first place. Also, storms don't directly damage surge protectors. Stopping surges damages surge protectors. If there's no surge, it doesn't matter if the surge protector is plugged in or not.


What is the function of an APC surge protector?

The function of an APC surge protector, or any surge protector is to protect your electric goods from electrical surges. One could find more information on their website, if further information is required.


Will the surge protector resume operation with a blown fuse?

If the fuse in a surge protector is blown it will not resume operation unless the fust is replaced.


How does a surge protector help maintain a computer system?

I dont think it protects the system, it just keeps your computer for blowing up when there is a power surge. What the surge protector does is it takes "the hit" from the surge and that fries instead of the computer.