The answer to 'how does surge protection work' is that surge protectors use specialized components to divert and dissipate sudden spikes in electrical current, known as power surges, to prevent them from damaging your electronic devices. Surge protectors contain metal oxide varistors (MOVs) that act as voltage-dependent resistors, allowing normal voltage to pass through while redirecting excess voltage to the ground wire. This helps protect your expensive electronics, appliances, and other connected devices from being fried by lightning strikes, power outages, or other unexpected electrical disturbances.
Surge protectors come in different forms, including power strips, wall plugs, and whole-home systems installed at the main electrical panel. They are an essential safeguard for any home or office with sensitive electronic equipment that you want to keep safe and functioning properly.