A device installed to protect equipment from voltage surges is known as what?

• A. Voltage regulator
• B. Lightning arrestor
• C. Surge protector
• D. Insulation barrier

Answer: (D)

Voltage surges are brief spike events that can damage equipment. A surge protector is the device designed to shield devices from these spikes by clamping the excess voltage and directing the extra energy away, usually through components like metal-oxide varistors. This keeps the voltage reaching connected equipment within safe limits.

A voltage regulator focuses on keeping the output voltage steady under varying load, not primarily on absorbing or diverting surge energy. A lightning arrestor (surge arrester) is meant to protect lines from lightning by diverting large surges at the service entrance, rather than protecting individual devices at the point of use. An insulation barrier is a physical separation meant to prevent conduction, not to handle transient surges.