jännitteensuojus

Jännitteensuojus, also known as a surge protector or surge suppressor, is an electrical device designed to protect electronic equipment from voltage spikes. These voltage spikes, or surges, are brief but significant increases in voltage that can damage or destroy sensitive electronics. Surges can be caused by various factors, including lightning strikes, power outages, and the switching of large appliances.

A jännitteensuojus works by diverting excess voltage away from the connected equipment. Most surge protectors contain Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) or similar components that act as a voltage-sensitive switch. When the voltage across the MOV exceeds a certain threshold, its resistance drops significantly, creating a low-resistance path for the excess voltage to flow to the ground wire. This effectively shields the connected devices from the damaging surge.

Jännitteensuojaukset are commonly found in power strips that offer protection for multiple outlets, but they can also be integrated into individual power adapters or installed directly into a building's electrical system. The effectiveness of a surge protector is often measured by its joule rating, which indicates how much energy it can absorb before failing. A higher joule rating generally signifies better protection. It is important to note that surge protectors do not protect against overvoltage from faulty wiring or brownouts (prolonged periods of low voltage).