Surge protectors are designed to protect computers, notebooks, peripherals and other equipment containing integrated circuits from sudden electrical power imbalances, particularly an increase in current voltage or surge. This can be caused by the mains power provider, malfunctioning electrical devices, or a lightning \spike\". This compact surge protector has an 1181 Joule energy rating and plugs into a conventional AC wall socket. It gives 3-line power protection through a single socket with a maximum spike amperage of 25, 000 Amps. There is also provision for telephone and DSL protection through the input/output socket provided. The excess power is isolated and diverted by means of Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and gas tubes."