Surge protectors work in consumer units by diverting excess voltage and current away from sensitive electronic devices and appliances, protecting them from damage. They do this by using metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes (GDTs) that are designed to absorb or redirect electrical surges.
When a power surge occurs, the voltage of the electrical current increases dramatically for a short period of time. This sudden increase in voltage can damage or destroy electronic devices and appliances that are plugged into the outlet.
A surge protector in a consumer unit is designed to detect when there is a surge in the electrical current, and then it immediately diverts the excess voltage away from the connected devices. This is typically done by either grounding the excess voltage or absorbing it using the MOVs or GDTs mentioned earlier.
By diverting the excess voltage away from the connected devices, a surge protector can help prevent damage to electronics and appliances, saving consumers the cost and hassle of having to replace them. It’s important to note, however, that surge protectors are not foolproof and cannot protect against all types of power surges or electrical issues. It’s still a good idea to unplug sensitive electronic devices during thunderstorms or other situations where there may be a risk of a power surge.