---
title: "What Is Surge? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A surge is a short spike in voltage above the normal level. It can damage or wear out electronics and appliances."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/surge
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/surge-protective-device) diverts the extra energy. Protection works best in layers, from the panel to the plug. See [surge protection and home safety](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/surge-protection-and-home-safety).

[Daniel Electric can helpWhole-house surge protector installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/whole-house-surge-protector)

## Related terms

-   [Surge protective device](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/surge-protective-device)
-   [Whole-house surge protector](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/whole-house-surge-protector)
-   [Joule rating](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/joule-rating)
-   [Clamping voltage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/clamping-voltage)

## Sources

1.  [Belkin: What is a surge protector and how to choose one](https://www.belkin.com/products/product-resources/surge-protectors/)
2.  [Leviton: Whole House Surge Protection](https://leviton.com/products/commercial/surge-protection/whole-home-surge-protection)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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