Surge Suppression Devices

A surge suppressor is a device inserted in the alternating current (AC) utility line and/or telephone line to prevent damage to electronic equipment from voltage “spikes” called transients. A more accurate term for this type of device is “transient suppressor.” A typical surge suppressor is a small box with several utility outlets, a power switch, and a 3-wire cord for plugging into a wall outlet. Surge suppressors should be used as a matter of habit with all semiconductor-based electronic and computer hardware, including peripherals such as printers, monitors, external disk drives, and modems.