This is due to the longer period of time in which the electric circuit must deal with the excessive power. While these may at first value sound like identical phenomena they are in fact considered rather different, on account of their longevity.Ī sudden rise in voltage lasting three nanoseconds or more is generally classed as a “voltage surge” while a spike more typically refers to shorter-lived increases in power.Īs a result while both phenomena can be disruptive in a system and cause considerable damage, generally speaking voltage surges are considered more damaging. In terms of short-term increases in voltage being supplied to a system we can think of both “voltage surges” and “voltage spikes”. Unsurprisingly, for such a disastrous process, it is wise to use some form of surge protection, so as to mitigate the risks that power surges can cause. The damage caused by voltage surges can be serious enough in the home however when the effects are felt in a wider industrial scale they can even more disastrous, affecting expensive machinery and even whole sections of the power grid. As a result, power surges can be seen as one of the “silent killers” of electronic devices. It is also important to note that minor voltage surges can frequently go unnoticed where these do not cause immediate failure, the owner may not be aware that their computer or other electronic device is being degraded on a consistent basis. Over time this repeated overheating can lead to “electronic rust” and eventual failure of devices. One common example of the damage that can be caused by excessive voltage involves the rapid heating – and subsequent cooling – of electrical wiring. However even small voltage surges are capable of causing damage over an extended period of time. Sudden, severe voltage surges like those experienced as a result of lightning can cause almost immediate and total failure of electronic devices, requiring expensive repair work or replacement. Generally speaking the greater these voltages are, and the longer the period over which they are experienced, the greater the damage will likely be.
Unfortunately, in cases where devices are subject to higher voltages than they are designed for, damage can occur. Home / Voltage Surges: Causes and Control Voltage Surges: Causes and ControlĮlectrical devices are designed to handle specific voltages.