What is the role of a surge protector?

The role of a surge protector is primarily to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. Voltage spikes, also known as surges, can occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or the sudden switching of large electrical loads. These surges can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic components within devices, potentially leading to malfunction or complete failure.

Surge protectors work by temporarily diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, either by using components like metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes that shunt the excess energy to the ground. This protection helps to ensure that the voltage levels remain within safe limits, thereby extending the lifespan of the devices and maintaining their operational integrity.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a surge protector. Improving energy efficiency pertains to reducing energy consumption, while increasing current flow relates to enhancing the supply of electricity to devices. Balancing load is concerned with distributing electrical demand evenly across circuits to prevent overloads. None of these functions align with the primary purpose of a surge protector.