A protected electric circuit, and method of protecting a protected circuit is provided. The circuit comprises at least one sensitive device wherein the sensitive device operates at a device voltage and has a maximum voltage capability. At least one light emitting diode electrically connected with the sensitive device wherein the light emitting diode has a first trigger voltage wherein the first trigger voltage is above the device voltage and below the maximum voltage capability. When any said extraneous energy above the first trigger energy is experienced the light emitting diode emits photons thereby converting at least some of the extraneous energy to photon energy.