A surge protector is a device that protects electronics in your home from power surges. Power surges can damage or destroy your electronics; TV, computers, LED lighting, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, speaker systems, lighting control systems, and air conditioners are all susceptible to damage from surges.
There are many options when it comes to surge protection but the two most common are whole home surge protection and end use surge protection.
whole home surge protection can be installed in the homes electrical panel and will protect the homes electronics.
end use surge protection can be installed between the wall plug and the piece of equipment to be protected.
some end use surge protection is specifically designed for air conditioning equipment and when installed can automatically disconnect the A/C for a short period of time so no damage can be done to the equipment.
All surge protection whether it be whole home or end use should be monitored, maintained and replaced with in manufacturer recommendations. Also it is important to note that surge protection is not there to guard against lighting strikes.