Washington Administrative Code(WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Electrical Practice Exam

Surge protectors are primarily designed to provide voltage spike protection. This is crucial because electrical devices are vulnerable to sudden increases in voltage, which can occur due to events such as lightning strikes or power surges from the electrical grid. These spikes can damage sensitive electronic components; therefore, surge protectors act by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, ensuring that they receive a stable voltage level and thereby protecting their internal circuitry from damage. In contrast, overcurrent protection is typically addressed through circuit breakers or fuses, which disconnect the power supply if the current exceeds a specified limit. Ground fault protection focuses on detecting leakage currents that can create safety hazards, while thermal protection is concerned with preventing overheating conditions in wiring or devices. Each of these protections serves a different purpose, underscoring the specialized role of surge protectors in safeguarding electronic equipment from voltage irregularities.