What is the primary function of a surge protector?

The primary function of a surge protector is to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the power grid. When these spikes happen, they can cause significant damage to sensitive equipment, including computers, televisions, and other electronics.

A surge protector works by diverting excess voltage away from the protected devices and into the ground, thus preventing the high voltage from reaching and damaging the electronics. This protective measure is crucial for maintaining the longevity and functionality of electrical devices, which are often vulnerable to sudden changes in voltage levels. It is designed specifically to ensure that connected devices remain safe from these potentially harmful electrical phenomena.

The other options mention functions that are not relevant to surge protectors, such as increasing electrical supply, monitoring usage, or providing backup power, which are related to different electrical systems and devices but do not pertain to the specific role of a surge protector.