What electrical component is commonly used to prevent voltage spikes in a circuit?

The selection of surge protector as the correct answer is based on its specific function in electrical circuits. Surge protectors are designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes, which can occur due to various factors such as lightning strikes, power surges from utility companies, or sudden changes in electricity demand. They work by diverting excess voltage away from the connected device and either grounding it or redirecting it, thus preventing damage to sensitive electronic equipment.

In contrast, while capacitors can smooth out voltage fluctuations and store energy temporarily, they do not specifically address voltage spikes. Fuses are safety devices that break the circuit when excessive current flows, but they do not mitigate voltage spikes. Resistors are used to limit current flow or divide voltages within a circuit but do not have protective capabilities against voltage surges. Therefore, surge protectors are the specialized component sought when the goal is to guard against potentially damaging voltage increases in electrical circuits.