What protects against lightning strikes by limiting surge voltages?

The term "surge arrestor" specifically refers to a device designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes, such as those caused by lightning strikes. When lightning strikes nearby, it can induce high voltage surges into electrical systems. The surge arrestor acts as a protective mechanism by diverting this excessive voltage away from sensitive equipment, allowing it to safely dissipate to the ground. This helps to limit the surge voltage that could otherwise damage electrical components.

Surge arrestors are commonly used in various electrical systems, especially in high-voltage applications, where the risk of lightning strikes and electrical surges is significant. They employ a non-linear resistor that activates when the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, effectively clamping the voltage to a safe level and protecting downstream devices from harm. This functionality is crucial in maintaining the reliability and longevity of electrical installations.

While terms like surge suppressor and surge protector are often used interchangeably, the surge arrestor is specifically tailored for handling high-energy transients, making it the correct choice for this question. The option referring to a surge reflector does not pertain to surge protection and is not relevant in this context.