What is the purpose of a surge protector?

A surge protector is designed specifically to guard electrical devices against voltage spikes, which can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes or power surges from the electrical supply. When a surge occurs, the surge protector functions by redirecting excess voltage away from connected devices, effectively minimizing the risk of damage. This is essential because most electronic equipment is sensitive to voltage fluctuations and can fail or become less reliable if exposed to higher-than-normal voltages.

The other choices address different aspects of electrical systems. Energy efficiency relates to reduced power consumption and operational costs, while increasing current capacity pertains to the ability of a system to handle larger amounts of electrical current safely. Enhancing signal strength is relevant in communication systems, where the clarity and quality of signals can be improved. However, none of these functions align with the primary role of a surge protector, which is solely focused on safeguarding devices from harmful voltage spikes.