Why are surge protectors used in electrical installations?

Surge protectors are essential components in electrical installations because they serve to protect devices from voltage spikes and surges. These voltage spikes can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power outages, or the sudden switching of electrical loads. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, surge protectors act by diverting the excess voltage away from sensitive electronic equipment, thereby preventing damage that could lead to equipment failure or reduced lifespan. This protective function is crucial in safeguarding valuable appliances and machinery, ensuring they operate reliably within their designated voltage ranges.

In contrast, improving power factor, providing additional power, or measuring electrical load are functions unrelated to the primary purpose of surge protection. Power factor correction involves managing the phase difference between voltage and current to enhance efficiency, while additional power provision relates to supply demands, and load measurement focuses on assessing how much energy is being consumed. None of these functions pertain to the specific role of surge protection in an electrical system, which is primarily about managing unexpected spikes in electrical voltage.