Surge/Transient Protection

Voltage spikes are fast, short duration electrical transients (overvoltages) in the electric potential of a circuit. These are typically caused by lightning strikes, although power outages, tripped circuit breakers, short circuits, power transitions in other large equipment on the same power line, and malfunctions caused by the power company can also cause them.

For sensitive electronics, excessive current can flow if this voltage spike exceeds a material's breakdown voltage, or if it causes avalanche breakdown. In semiconductor junctions, excessive electrical current may destroy or severely weaken that device.

Equipment damage from surges and spikes can be prevented by use of surge protection equipment. Each type of spike requires selective use of protective equipment.