Surge protectors contain a small disc called an MOV (metal oxide varistor). MOVs don't clamp down when there is a sustained electrical overload, only for anomalies like spikes. Though MOVs can ...
The most common method is the use of a metal oxide varistor (MOV), which acts like a pressure relief valve to divert the surge to neutral and/or ground. However, shunt mode methods can be problematic.