What might be an indicator of a malfunctioning surge protector?

Frequent voltage fluctuations affecting the motor is a clear indicator of a malfunctioning surge protector. Surge protectors are designed to provide a buffer against voltage spikes and unauthorized surges, which can lead to equipment damage or failure. If a surge protector is functioning properly, it should stabilize the voltage supplied to the motor and prevent fluctuations from causing disruptions in performance. However, if there are frequent voltage fluctuations, it suggests that the surge protector is not effectively doing its job, potentially allowing harmful surges to reach the motor.

Improvement in motor performance or a decrease in operational costs would likely suggest that the system is running efficiently and may indicate proper functioning of the surge protector. Similarly, increased safety measures in the system do not directly relate to the performance of a surge protector but are more about overall safety practices rather than identifying issues with electrical protection.