Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

What type of protective device is used for protecting against predictable anomalies and short-duration voltage spikes?

1. Surge protector

2. Fuse

3. TVSS

4. Transformer

The correct answer is: TVSS

The correct choice is a transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS). TVSS devices are specifically designed to protect electrical equipment from transient voltage spikes that are predictable, such as those caused by lightning strikes, power surges from utility companies, or switching operations in the electrical grid. These spikes can exceed the voltage rating of electrical devices and cause damage; thus, having a device that can effectively absorb or redirect these surges is crucial for safeguarding sensitive electronics and extending the life of electrical systems. While surge protectors also provide similar protection against voltage spikes, their function may be broader and less specialized than that of a TVSS, which is often utilized in conjunction with larger systems and installations. Fuses offer protection against overcurrents but do not specifically address voltage spikes. Transformers are used for voltage conversion and regulation but do not provide protection against transient anomalies. Therefore, the distinction of TVSS as the ideal solution for handling predictable voltage spikes makes it the correct answer in this context.