Surge Protector

Hello. I am a Surge Protector. I look like a long, special strip with lots of little homes for plugs. You can plug in your television to watch cartoons or your night light to feel safe in the dark. All your electronic friends need sparkly power to work. This power is called electricity, and it travels through long cords. But sometimes, the sparkly power gets a little too wild and sends a big surprise down the cord. That's when I come in to help.

I was born a long, long time ago. A very kind man named Harold Kopp made me. On May 5th, 1980, he saw that all the new toys and computers needed a bodyguard to keep them safe. He knew the wild, sparkly power could sometimes send a big 'ZAP!' that might hurt them. So, he gave me a very special superpower. My secret job is to be a guard. I watch the electricity all day and all night. If I see a big, surprising 'ZAP!' coming, I jump in front and catch it before it can hurt your favorite things. I am very brave.

Today, I am a quiet guardian in your home. I sit near the wall and make sure everything is okay. When a big storm rumbles outside and the lights flicker, I am ready. I take the 'ouch' from the extra electricity so your television and video games don't get a tummy ache. I love my job. It makes me feel so happy and proud to keep all your electronic friends safe. Now you can play and watch your favorite shows without a single worry, because I am always on guard.