Both a line conditioner and a surge protector are important parts of modern electronics. They protect the inner workings of devices, often without users even realizing. Many people go the extra step of placing these devices between the wall outlets and connected devices to create an additional layer of protection.
A line conditioner modifies voltage as it passes through. Some systems require very tight or nonstandard power tolerances. These devices use line conditioners to alter the power to meet their requirements. They are also a common method of prolonging the lifespan of electric devices, as the properly formed electricity creates less wear of the internal parts of the device.
Most electric systems have line conditioners built into them. These units are usually very small and integrated right into the circuit board inside the device. They monitor the voltage moving across the board and keep it within tolerance. Larger line conditioners exist, ranging from small ones in high-end surge protectors all the way to car-sized industrial units connected to factory machines.
Surge protectors prevent power overloads. When power exceeds a certain amount, they stop it from passing through. Different surge protectors do this in different ways, but the most common method is creating a shunt to a ground wire.
This connection to the ground only happens when the power is prevented from passing through the unit; otherwise, the unit would constantly waste electricity. If a surge protector is improperly plugged in, such as through a two- or three-pronged adapter, it cannot send power to the ground. In this case, the surge protector may overload and catch on fire or even send the surge through to the connected device.
It isn't unusual for a line conditioner and a surge protector to exist in the same unit. Since these systems both work on passing voltage, it is logical for them to exist together. Some systems only possess a very advanced line conditioner that works as a surge protector when needed; this is common in battery backup systems. In either case, both a line conditioner and a surge protector are important aspects of safe electric device use.
