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A device that shields computer and other electronic devices from surges
in electrical power, or transient voltage, that flow from the power supply.
| A surge protector works by channeling the extra voltage into the outlet\'s grounding wire, preventing it from flowing through the electronic devices while at the same time allowing the normal voltage to continue along its path. Electrical surges can damage computer equipment by burning its wires or gradually over time wearing down the device’s internal components and even wipe out any saved data. Surge protectors can also protect telephone andcable lines as these also carry electric current. |
| A surge is defined as a voltage increase that lasts for as little as three nanoseconds (one nanosecond is one billionth of a second), and significant damage can be done in that minisculeamount of time if the voltage surge is strong enough. |
| A spike – which lasts for only one or two nanoseconds – can also do its share of damage, especially when several spikes occur repeatedly over an extended period. |