A power surge is a swift, significant spike in your home's electrical current. While the spike lasts only a fraction of a second, the damage it can cause is lasting, affecting the internal components of appliances and electronics. Such surges can be potent enough to fry circuits, melt plastic and metal parts, and even ignite electrical fires. Even if the immediate effects aren't evident, repeated exposure to minor surges can erode the efficiency and lifespan of your devices, leading to premature failure.

Power surges can arise from various sources, both external and internal. Externally, events like lightning strikes are the most potent surge creators, with a single bolt potentially carrying billions of watts of electricity. However, less dramatic occurrences, like utility equipment malfunctions or power line breakages due to fallen trees, can also lead to surges.

Internal sources are just as concerning. These occur multiple times a day without your knowledge. For instance, large appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units demand significant amounts of electricity when starting up and shutting down. This can send surges through the system, gradually wearing down other connected devices.