Surge protectors come in various types, including metal oxide surge protectors, line-type metal oxide surge protectors, gapless line-type metal oxide surge protectors, fully insulated composite jacketed metal oxide surge protectors, and removable surge protectors.

Main types of surge arresters include tube-type, valve-type, and zinc oxide surge arresters, etc. Each type of surge arrester operates on a different principal, but their working essence is the same; that is, to protect communication cables and equipment from damage.