What safety measure is commonly implemented in electrical installations?

Implementing surge protection devices is a critical safety measure commonly used in electrical installations. These devices are designed to protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes, which can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power outages, or switching activities in the power network. Without surge protection, sensitive electronic equipment may be damaged or rendered inoperable, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Surge protection devices effectively divert excess voltage away from the equipment, ensuring that the system remains functional and reducing the risk of fire or electrical shock hazards that could arise from overvoltage situations.

In contrast, using thicker wires might increase the current-carrying capacity of an installation but does not directly address voltage spikes. Reducing the number of circuit breakers can lead to reduced safety by not providing enough protection and isolation for different circuit sections. Increasing transformer sizes relates more to handling power capacity than directly mitigating electrical hazards like voltage surges. Therefore, the implementation of surge protection devices stands out as a vital strategy for enhancing the safety and longevity of electrical systems.