What do transient voltage surge suppressors minimize?

Transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) are designed specifically to minimize line surges and spikes that can occur in electrical systems. These surges are sudden increases in voltage that can happen due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid. When these surges occur, they can damage sensitive electronic equipment, disrupt operations, and lead to costly repairs or replacements.

The primary function of TVSS is to redirect the excess voltage away from the equipment it is meant to protect, allowing only the normal operating voltage to pass through. This is achieved through the use of components that can absorb or deflect the energy from the surge, thus ensuring the connected devices operate safely and effectively.

Other options, while related to electrical systems, do not accurately represent the primary role of transient voltage surge suppressors. For example, electrical noise can be addressed by other means such as filters, while voltage drops and circuit overloads are associated with different issues that do not involve surge protection directly.