Safety devices
Surge
A surge is a short spike in voltage above the normal level. It can damage or wear out electronics and appliances.
Belkin defines a power surge as a spike in voltage that pushes a device's electric flow past its designed threshold. Leviton notes that many events, from utility work to air conditioners and washers and dryers cycling on and off, cause small surges inside a home every day, not only lightning. Small surges can shorten the life of equipment over time.
A surge protective device diverts the extra energy. Protection works best in layers, from the panel to the plug. See surge protection and home safety.
Related terms
Sources
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