What is a surge protector?

A surge protector is specifically designed to safeguard electrical devices from voltage spikes, which can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power surges from the utility grid, or sudden changes in electricity demand. When a surge occurs, the protector diverts the excess voltage away from the connected devices, preventing damage that could result from an overvoltage situation.

This function is critical because many electronic devices, like computers and televisions, are sensitive to fluctuations in voltage. By absorbing or redirecting the high voltage to ground, a surge protector helps to ensure the longevity and proper operation of your valuable electronics.

The other choices refer to different functions: reducing energy consumption relates to energy-saving devices; controlling electrical flow is characteristic of circuit breakers or switches; measuring electrical output pertains to multimeters or ammeters. These functions do not align with the primary purpose of a surge protector, which is focused on protecting against voltage spikes specifically.