What power protection device would be most suitable for a PC technician's workstation to protect against power spikes?

A surge protector is specifically designed to protect electronic devices, such as a PC technician's workstation, from power spikes by diverting excess voltage away from connected equipment. Power spikes can occur due to various factors, including lightning strikes, power outages, or equipment malfunctions, and they can cause significant damage to a computer's components.

Surge protectors work by channeling unwanted surge voltage through a grounding wire, limiting the voltage that reaches the equipment. They often incorporate a fuse or circuit breaker to prevent electrical overload. In environments where computers and sensitive electronic equipment are used regularly, surge protectors provide an essential layer of defense against unexpected surges, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the devices connected to them.

While an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers additional benefits such as battery backup during power outages, it is primarily designed to provide uninterrupted power rather than specifically manage spikes in voltage. Voltage regulators stabilize voltage levels, preventing fluctuations rather than absorbing spikes, and power inverters convert DC power to AC power but don’t offer protection against surges. Therefore, for protecting against power spikes at a workstation, a surge protector is the most suitable choice.