What kind of protection does a surge protector offer to electrical circuits?

A surge protector is specifically designed to guard electrical circuits against voltage spikes, which can occur due to various factors such as lightning strikes, power surges from the utility company, or sudden changes in electrical loads. When a voltage spike occurs, the surge protector diverts the excess voltage away from the connected devices, preventing damage that could result from these unexpected increases in electrical current.

In contrast, short circuit protection focuses on preventing damage caused by a fault where current flows through an unintended path, often resulting in high current levels. Overload protection is intended to stop current flow when the load exceeds the safe capacity of the circuit. Ground fault protection detects imbalances in electrical current that could indicate a ground fault, which can also pose significant risks. Therefore, the unique function of a surge protector in shielding against sudden voltage spikes distinguishes it from the other protective mechanisms mentioned.