The potential problems that can be encountered in the absence of an overvoltage protector are as follows.
• Leakage of toxic substances as a result of halted measuring-control systems in chemical and nuclear facilities.
• Damage and failures due to loss of control of robotic systems.
• Damage and failures in medical electronic devices and life support units used in hospitals.
• Cease of communication due to damage in telephone switchboards.
• Renewal of expensive equipment due to damage.
• Cease of production in factories (especially in sites where computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) is performed).