When electricity first became common, homes and buildings had no protection against power surges. Lightning strikes and unstable power lines often damaged equipment. Early protection methods were basic, usually involving fuses and grounding, which could stop fires but did little to protect sensitive devices.

As electrical grids improved and electronics became more common, engineers developed surge arresters for industrial and utility use. These devices diverted excess voltage safely into the ground, protecting large equipment like transformers and generators.

The invention of the metal oxide varistor (MOV) changed everything. MOVs could quickly absorb excess voltage, making it possible to create compact, affordable surge protectors for homes and offices. This is when surge protectors started looking like the power strips we recognize today.

With computers, TVs, and gaming systems becoming common, surge protectors became a household necessity. Safety standards improved, and features like:

• Indicator lights

• Circuit breakers

• Phone and cable line protection

became common.

Modern surge protectors now include:

• Automatic shutoff when protection wears out

• Whole-house surge protectors installed at breaker panels

These designs reflect the growing need to protect sensitive, expensive electronics.