That would be a “power strip”- but the surge protectors do have rather little in them all the same. The varistors are where the magic is- and they’re basically about the size of a grape. Or a coin.
They use a variable resistance circuit- usually metal oxide varistors. When the supply is at the correct voltage, it just goes through them. When it’s too high (a surge,) the resistance increases and excess voltage is sent out a fork to ground
When nothing is connected, the capacitors used to smooth power spikes will leak some current and draw power that way
Side note, if you ever want to get real mad about paying money for something open up a cheap surge protector or power conditioner 😹
Just empty shell with low grade solder and cheap wiring?
That would be a “power strip”- but the surge protectors do have rather little in them all the same. The varistors are where the magic is- and they’re basically about the size of a grape. Or a coin.
Surge protectors don’t use capacitors.
They use a variable resistance circuit- usually metal oxide varistors. When the supply is at the correct voltage, it just goes through them. When it’s too high (a surge,) the resistance increases and excess voltage is sent out a fork to ground