What type of circuit would typically require surge protection?

Surge protection is essential for critical electronic circuits because these circuits often contain sensitive components that can be easily damaged by voltage spikes or transient surges. Such surges can occur due to various factors, including lightning strikes, switching activities, or power fluctuations in the electrical grid. These voltage transients can cause irreversible damage or degradation to electronic devices, resulting in malfunction or failure.

In critical applications, such as those found in telecommunications, data centers, medical equipment, or industrial controls, protecting against these surges is paramount. Implementing surge protection devices (SPDs) helps maintain the integrity and reliability of these systems, ensuring their continued operation and safeguarding against data loss or equipment damage.

Other types of circuits, such as low-voltage DC circuits, high-voltage transmission lines, and basic lighting circuits, may have some level of robustness against surges but typically do not require the same level of sophisticated surge protection as critical electronic circuits. While surge protection can be beneficial for these circuits as well, it is the critical electronic circuits that demand it the most due to their sensitivity and the potential consequences of failures.