Which of the following describes a surge suppressor?

A surge suppressor is defined primarily by its ability to manage excess voltage. When electrical surges occur—often due to lightning strikes, power fluctuations, or other sudden increases in voltage—the surge suppressor works to absorb this excess energy. By doing so, it protects connected devices from potential damage that could be caused by these surges, such as circuitry failure or component overheating.

The role of a surge suppressor specifically targets the transient spikes in voltage that can compromise electronic devices. This is critical in safeguarding valuable equipment, ensuring longevity and reliable functioning. The process of absorbing excess voltage typically involves the use of components like metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes, which activate during a surge event and redirect or dissipate the excess energy safely.

In contrast, devices that increase voltage, filter noise, or regulate current flow serve different purposes. While they may contribute to the overall integrity and efficiency of an electrical system in various ways, they do not fulfill the primary function of a surge suppressor, which is to absorb and mitigate sudden surges in voltage.