What is a protective device that limits surge voltages by discharging or bypassing surge current?

A surge arrester is specifically designed to limit surge voltages by providing a path for the surge current to discharge or bypass. This protective device operates by clamping the voltage to a safe level, allowing excess energy from electrical surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or grid switching, to safely flow to the ground or away from sensitive equipment. By doing so, the surge arrester protects electrical systems and devices from damage.

In contrast, a grounding electrode primarily connects a system to the earth, but it does not actively limit surge voltages. A current limiter is designed to restrict the flow of current under fault conditions but may not specifically address voltage surges. A voltage regulator, while it maintains a constant voltage level, does not function to protect against surges directly. Therefore, the surge arrester is the best choice, as it directly relates to managing and mitigating the risks associated with voltage surges.