Electrical IBEW Practice Test 2026 - Free IBEW Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of a surge protector is to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. These voltage spikes, often referred to as surges, can occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or sudden increases in voltage from the power supply. When a surge occurs, it can cause damage to sensitive electronic components in devices, leading to hardware malfunctions or complete failure.

Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, ensuring that they receive a consistent voltage level that is safe for operation. This protection mechanism is crucial for safeguarding household electronics, appliances, and industrial equipment, which are typically designed to function within specific voltage ranges. By preventing surges from reaching these devices, surge protectors help extend their lifespan and maintain their functionality.

Other options, while potentially relevant to electrical systems, do not accurately reflect the primary role of surge protectors. For instance, increasing electrical supply, lowering energy costs, or enhancing circuit efficiency are not direct functions of a surge protector, making them less relevant in the context of this question.