Which device should be used to protect electronics from power surges and should be the only one plugged into a single duplex outlet?

• A. Extension Cord
• B. Power Strip
• C. Surge Protector
• D. Battery Backup

Answer: (C)

Surge protectors are designed to shield electronics from voltage spikes by absorbing or diverting excess energy before it reaches your devices. They sit between the wall outlet and your gear, providing a barrier so that the surge is handled at the outlet rather than in the equipment. Because the protection works best when the outlet feeds only the surge protector, this setup keeps every connected device safeguarded and avoids bypassing protection.

An extension cord only lengthens reach and offers no surge protection. A basic power strip might or might not include surge suppression, but without guaranteed protection it isn’t reliable for safeguarding sensitive electronics. A battery backup (UPS) adds power during outages and can include surge protection, but its primary role is to supply backup power rather than act as the standard surge shield for everyday use. Therefore, using a surge protector is the best choice for protecting electronics from power surges and ensuring proper protection right at the outlet.