What exactly is the difference between a surge protector and a fuse? Can a fuse protect the electronic devices from lightning instead of surge protector?

OK, this is Mohan Rajaratnam’s definition of a Surge suppressor.

but this device (an Inductor) … impedes the rapid changes in the current.

These are simplified answers to the original question, and does not change anything I wrote above.

What are the reasons for people being banned from social media sites like Twitter and Instagram? Why is it considered a big deal?

This is where this question deviates from being a 'generic' question, and becomes more specific.

the problem then depends on "how fast does the fuse operate?".

What does a fuse do?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is now available for purchase in the US - GSMArena.com news - GSMArena.com

At least they know the answer if they wanted it.

This is a high voltage low current spike that comes down the line because of the power poles being struck, and the voltage suppressors activating on the primary side of the transformer.

Now when you have a certain ac resistance, then a current flows in a loop.

Wanda Sykes delivers epic 26-minute acceptance speech, mentions every other winner at event and speaks up for trans people - CNN

what exactly is a ‘surge’ protector?

a photo is worth a thousand words.

An AC voltage/ current source, and an ac inductive load.

What is your secret to glowing skin?

[image of Common-mode choke]

There are three different concepts here that are getting confused.

One

Stock Market News, June 3, 2025: Nasdaq Moves Higher; OECD Cuts U.S. Growth Outlook - WSJ

(Dc diagram shown, AC is similar).

nine

It also is a device that limits the change in current flow.

Why can't flat-Earthers create an agency like NASA to explore Earth to prove it is flat? What's preventing them from doing so?

The third is lightning and “how it gets conducted into a home.”

(There is no concept of polarity, in the loop because the current changes direction 100 to 120 times a second (power frequency).

Once the voltage goes over 0.0650 volts, then this fact can be used to amplify the difference, and turn the circuit breaker off , furthur down the line. Essentially that is what a RCD/GFCI does, it compares the incoming current, to the outgoing current, and if the difference between the two currents is over 5mA, then it trips the circuit breaker.

Can I use the LEG PRESS to build muscle?

Barnstars:

This device then solves the entire problem.

This is an electronic circuit designed to clamp voltages so that the Voltage Potential that appears at the outlet is never going to exceed the nominal value.

Can I fix a fridge leak myself, or should I call a pro?

Edit 2024–10.

This is where the MOV conducts again, and dissipated the energy.

Here is a simplified AC power diagram.

MIT Breakthrough: Star-Shaped Brain Cells Could Be the Secret Behind Human Memory - SciTechDaily

But it can get overloaded, and no longer works.

The MOV will conduct when the voltage exceeds 50% of line voltage.

P = e* I, so since I is 16 amps, then the voltage dropped is 1/16 volt or 0.0650 volts.

What is a narcissist grandmother like, with her grandchild?

He then asserts :

There are two important concepts here.

When the current is 200% of the rated value , it will “go open” (the link metal melts) and protect the device.

Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for June 2025? - Push Square

A circuit breaker is similar, but is resettable.

This is the picture of an electronic coil of wire wound around a core of magnetic material.

If the nominal power is 4,000 watts then the current at 230volts is 16 amps.

ESA supports Moon mission carrying first European rover - European Space Agency

But… the neutral is now “floating” because of the 1 ohm resistance.

These devices are installed between the “hot” and “neutral” and protective ground.

2024–10–10[John johnson John Johnson ]

At the secondary, it is 1000 times less.)turns ratio). If it gets hit with a 100,000 volt bolt of lightning then the voltage arrestors conduct and clamp the voltage down to line voltage, ( but a small amount leaks down the line). This is the problem.

[old diagram got deleted by accident]

Can the fuse protect the electronic devices from lightning instead of a surge protector.

At one ohm, the resistor has a maximum of 1 watt power.

Because the load is inductive, the current lags the voltage.(by a bit).

This is a photo where a lightning bolt took out a home's complete mains distribution box, and a lot of electronic gear as well.

What is lightning?

2024–10–14 [Omar Gharbi Omar Gharbi ]

but I think this circuit , shows a few more pieces.

so, the loop of wire then, when put together with another loop reduces the ‘noise’ on a power line.

“ … to protect building, lightning arrestor, is provided above building and directly connected to earth.”

2024–10–11 [Bobby Sanchez Bobby Sanchez ].

Upvotes:

One is “what exactly is in a ‘surge protector’ ? ”

“ A fuse is a device which protects the (circuit) against overload and short circuit.”

2024–10–00 [ Ammar Mahdi ] Ammar Mahdi

This one hit behind the barn.

But during the surge, the fuse will not blow if it is a longer duration and lower value )10 to 50%).

This is 'the assistant's answer'

It seems Mohan does not understand the difference between a comment and an Answer.

Is the question then , "why buy a surge supressor, if the fuse alone protects the electronic circuits from a lightning bolt?".

There is no harm in having the surge suppressor along with the fuse in the circuit. The fuse will not open up until the current melts the link. This will take time, and in the interim, that jolt will get transmitted into the power supplies.

2024–10–11 [Victor Olarewsju Victor Olarewaju ]

The bolt then partially travels down the line to your home.

So, it’s possible that these devices from Trip Lite have addition suppression devices, these ones seem to be sturdy.

2024–10–16 [ OO OLAOYE OYEBODE ]

A fuse is a non-resetable over current circuit protector.

“ A surge suppressor is the one which is connected at the input supply so that when there is a sudden change voltage it bypasses thereby protecting the (circuit) and electronic components”

eight

He then describes the function of a fuse.

The other is “what does a “fuse” do?”

Would individual surge supressors have save this equipment? most likely, since the surge supressor would take the jolt instead of the electronic components.

2024–09–27 [ Mohan Rajaratnam Mohan Rajaratnam ] . Thinks you can get free electricity from nothing : Mohan Rajaratnam's answer to Is it possible to generate free electricity at home using a magnet or other low-cost methods? If so, how does it work?

So, the voltage could go up to 500 volts, and the fuse will not open up.

Fuses, on their own, then operate much slower than the MOV variable resistance, during the lightning strike.

For this case there are devices called Metal oxide varistors (MOV).

So combined with a device called a MOV or Metal-oxide-resistor, then forms the 3rd part of a “surge suppressor “.

In schematic diagrams this is the symbol for a fuse:

Lightning arrestor is a spark-gap device, and can be installed anywhere. What is important, is that the wire is thick enough to withstand the lightning bolt and conduct the energy away from the building.

so, what happens?

He then describes Rainy Season and Lightning.

I post the exact comment here.

And this is the problem alone. Is the power supply in the equipmemt designed with a lightning strike in mind? Some yes, others, no.

It’s been three xxx five werks, and there has been no response to my follow on query on his Commment to my answer.

Mohan forgets that a fuse is a one-time device, and needs to be replaced if it is tripped.

First Sentence: