Surge Protection

5 minutes 5 Questions

Surge protection devices are designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges, which can occur due to electrical storms, power outages, or other disturbances on the power grid. Voltage surges can cause damage to sensitive electronic components, resulting in data loss, reduced performance, or complete system failure. Surge protectors work by diverting or suppressing excess voltage, typically using metal oxide varistors (MOVs), to a ground line, preventing damage to connected devices. It is important to use surge protectors for computer systems and other sensitive electronic equipment to avoid potential damage and costly repairs.

Guide to Surge Protection in CompTIA A+

What is Surge Protection?
Surge Protection is a safeguarding technique used in electronics to protect devices/appliances from voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can occur due to sudden changes in power like power outages, tripped circuit breakers, or lightning strikes.

Why is it important?
Devices without surge protection are at risk of damage from excess voltage. Over-voltage can damage or destroy circuits and components within electronic devices.

How does it work?
Surge protectors work by limiting the voltage supplied to an electrical device. During a voltage spike, the protector diverts the extra electricity into the grounding wire, which protects the connected devices from over-voltage.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Surge Protection
1. Understand the basic working mechanism of Surge Protectors.
2. When answering questions, focus on the keywords such as ‘grounding wire’, ‘voltage spike’ and ‘diverting excess electricity’.
3. Use real-life examples to explain concepts such as the effects of sudden power outage. Don't memorize, understand the concept.
4. Practise multiple possible questions about Surge Protection to get acquainted with the format and language of the questions.

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Question 1

A technician replaces a computer's power supply after it was damaged by a power surge. What should they suggest to the customer to prevent future damage?

Install a more powerful power supply Reduce the computer's power consumption Avoid using the computer during storms Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Correct Answer: Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

The best answer is to use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS provides battery backup power to the computer during power surges or outages, allowing for a safe shutdown and preventing damage to sensitive components like the power supply. Avoiding computer use during storms is not always practical and does not guarantee protection. Reducing power consumption would not prevent damage from power surges. Installing a more powerful power supply does not address the root issue of unexpected power fluctuations. Therefore, recommending a UPS is the most effective solution to protect against future power surge damage.

Question 2

A small office frequently experiences power surges during storms. Which of the following is the best recommendation for protecting their electronic devices?

Switch off the circuit breaker Unplug devices during storms Wrap devices in aluminum foil Install surge protectors on all devices

Correct Answer: Install surge protectors on all devices

Installing surge protectors on all devices is the best recommendation for protecting electronic devices in an office that frequently experiences power surges during storms. Surge protectors are designed to absorb excess voltage and prevent it from damaging connected devices. Unplugging devices during storms can help, but is not always practical or reliable. Wrapping devices in aluminum foil does not provide effective surge protection. Switching off the circuit breaker would cut power to the entire office, which is disruptive and unnecessary when surge protectors can handle the issue at the device level.

Question 3

A laptop user is working in a public location and is concerned about potential power surges. What should they use for their laptop's power?

A portable surge protector An extension cord Battery power only Share power with another device

Correct Answer: A portable surge protector

A portable surge protector is the best choice for a laptop user working in a public location who is concerned about potential power surges. Surge protectors are designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes and power surges that can damage sensitive components. Using a portable surge protector allows the user to safely connect their laptop to a power outlet while providing an extra layer of protection against unexpected power fluctuations. An extension cord alone does not offer surge protection and may even increase the risk of damage if the cord is low quality or overloaded. Relying solely on battery power limits the user's working time and is not a practical long-term solution. Sharing power with another device is not recommended, as it can lead to power issues and potential damage to both devices.

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