Any device designed to insure that continuous, usable current is supplied from available power. Depending on the type of device and the reason for its use, a power conditioner might be employed to achieve any number of effects, including smoothing of the rhythmic cycle of alternating current, prevention of energy loss to electromagnetic fields and heat, regulation of line voltage to close tolerances and provision of temporary backup power during brownouts or brief outages. Any device that offers one or more of these benefits could be referred to as a power conditioner.

Generally speaking, power conditioners do not protect against sudden, dramatic changes in voltage unless they are equipped with surge arresting or surge suppressing devices, and devices that do nothing but suppress surges or spikes are not usually considered sophisticated enough to be true power conditioners.

Power conditioners are used in energy distribution to insure smooth flow of current over high voltage transmission lines and to reduce energy losses from sporadic changes in current flow. They are used in offices and a variety of technical applications to improve the performance of sensitive devices ranging from recording devices to computers. Power conditioners can be used to prevent interference and hum on telephone, fax and modem lines, decrease levels of audible and visible noise produced by stereos and televisions, and minimize the level of electromagnetic radiation from household, commercial or industrial electric service.

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