What device is commonly used to prevent current surges in electrical systems?

A surge protector is specifically designed to safeguard electrical systems and devices from voltage spikes or current surges. These surges can occur due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or other electrical anomalies, which can cause significant damage to sensitive equipment. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, ensuring that they remain protected from unexpected increases in electrical current.

In contrast, while transformers, breakers, and capacitors play important roles in electrical systems, they do not offer the same level of protection against surges. Transformers primarily adjust voltage levels between circuits, breakers are used to interrupt the flow of electricity in case of overloads or short circuits, and capacitors store electrical energy for various purposes but do not inherently protect against surges. Therefore, the surge protector is the most appropriate device for preventing current surges specifically.