A power surge is when the voltage rises above the normal flow of electricity through your home or business. In the United States, 120 volts is the standard voltage level. That means if the voltage in your home spikes above that level, your computer, television, home theater, and more could be damaged.
Spikes and surges are 2 forms of power fluctuations. Generally, a surge is defined as an increase that last more than three nanoseconds, and a spike as one that lasts less than that. No matter the length of the fluctuation, damage can result if your electronics are not properly protected.
The most common cause of power surges is lightning strikes, but surges can also be caused by birds, animals, and trees interfering with power lines, auto accidents involving utility poles, or appliances cycling on and off in your home. Very seldom is a power surge directly attributable to the failure of the electric cooperative’s equipment or power supply.