A power surge is a sudden, transient increase in the voltage or current flowing through an electrical circuit. Power surges can occur for a variety of reasons, including lightning strikes, electrical faults, switching of heavy loads, and sudden changes in power demand.
Power surges can cause damage to electrical equipment, particularly sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. The high voltage or current can overload the circuits and cause components to fail, leading to costly repairs or replacement.
To protect against power surges, many people use surge protectors, which are devices designed to divert excess voltage away from the connected equipment. Surge protectors typically include a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or similar component that absorbs the excess voltage and redirects it to the ground.