What is the primary role of a surge protector?

The primary role of a surge protector is to protect against voltage surges. Voltage surges can occur due to various factors, such as lightning strikes, sudden changes in electricity usage, or faults in the power grid. When these surges happen, they can cause significant damage to electronic devices and appliances by overwhelming their circuitry. A surge protector works by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, ensuring that they receive only the safe levels of electricity required for their operation. This vital function helps to prevent costly repairs or replacements of sensitive equipment and extends the lifespan of electronics that are vulnerable to these sudden fluctuations in power.

The other options address different functions that are not the primary role of a surge protector. For instance, backup power systems are designed to maintain electrical supply during outages, while extending the power supply and regulating electricity usage relate to broader energy management but do not specifically mitigate the risks associated with voltage surges.