How can you protect sensitive electronic equipment from overvoltage?

Using voltage suppressors or surge protectors is an effective method for protecting sensitive electronic equipment from overvoltage conditions. Voltage suppressors, such as transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS), are specifically designed to absorb and dissipate excess voltage spikes that can occur due to lightning strikes, power surges, or other electrical disturbances. They work by clamping the voltage to a safe level, thereby preventing damage to connected equipment.

Surge protectors typically contain components like varistors or gas discharge tubes that can quickly respond to rapid changes in voltage, diverting any excess voltage away from the sensitive devices they are protecting. This is crucial for electronic equipment, which often has low tolerance for voltage variations and can be easily damaged by surges, resulting in failure or reduced lifespan.

Transformers, while useful for changing voltage levels and providing isolation, do not specifically address overvoltage protection in the same way as voltage suppressors do. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed primarily for overcurrent protection; they can disconnect the circuit when they detect a fault but do not provide the immediate clamping and suppression that surge protectors offer in case of voltage spikes. Therefore, using voltage suppressors or surge protectors is the most targeted approach for safeguarding sensitive electronics against over