surge protector

[/sɜːrdʒ prəˈtɛktər/]
nounpl: surge protectors
protetor de sobretensão
1. An electrical device that protects connected equipment from voltage spikes and electrical surges by diverting excess current to ground
I plugged my computer into a surge protector to prevent damage from power fluctuations.
Pluguei meu computador em um protetor de sobretensão para evitar danos causados por flutuações de energia.
2. A power strip or extension cord with built-in surge protection capabilities
The surge protector has six outlets and two USB ports for charging devices.
O protetor de sobretensão tem seis tomadas e duas portas USB para carregar dispositivos.
In Brazil, surge protectors (filtros de linha) are essential due to frequent power fluctuations and thunderstorms that cause voltage spikes. They are commonly found in homes and offices protecting valuable electronics. The term 'filtro de linha' is often used colloquially even when referring to simple power strips. In the USA, surge protectors became increasingly popular following widespread computer adoption in the 1990s and are considered standard safety equipment.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
surge suppressorpower strip with surge protectionSPD (Surge Protective Device)voltage protector

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
protetor de sobretensão
most common and formal term
General Brazilian
filtro de linha
commonly used term for power strips with surge protection
São Paulo
protetor de surtos
alternative regional usage
Portugal
protetor de picos de tensão
European Portuguese term

Related Words

power stripextension cordcircuit breakerelectrical outletvoltage regulatorUPS (uninterruptible power supply)

Related Idioms & Phrases

to surge ahead (idiom: to move forward rapidly, unrelated to the electrical device)
power surge (related electrical phenomenon)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →