Question:

How does an electrical surge work?

How Does an Electrical Surge Work?

There are two common types of electrical surges or power spikes that can affect your electrical panel, bus plugs and electric appliances. It is important to know how they can affect your electrical system and anything plugged into it. One type of surge comes from a lightning strike. The lightning hits nearby and causes an increase or "spike" in the electrical charge coming through your power lines.

Another common power surge is caused by appliances connected to your power system. Any unit which has a compressor (or other high-powered components such as a motor) may cause a power surge when the compressor switches on or off. Have you ever noticed the lights dimming for a moment or two when the air conditioning unit turns on? That is an example of a power surge. It may not be enough to trip a circuit breaker bus plug, but it can damage some sensitive computer equipment or stereo gear--one reason why you can't rely on your bus plugs alone to avoid damage from surges and power spikes. Computer and home theater gear should always be connected to surge protectors, because some power spikes aren't strong enough to trip the breakers or blow the fuses in your bus plugs.

Electronic devices are much more delicate, sensitive and expensive than the older equipment ever was, which is why protecting them is very important.

All
surge protectors are not the same. Pick a surge protector system that
balances price with the cost of losing data or expensive electronic
equipment. The general rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for,
so look for a quality product.

Circuit Breakers Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fusible switch?

What is a circuit breaker?

What are specialty bus plugs?

How does an electrical surge work?

What is a whole house surge protector?

Can I install a whole house surge protector myself?

What should I do with my old circuit breakers?

Can I padlock my circuit breakers?

What should I know about circuit breaker locking systems?

What is a dual-pole circuit breaker?

Why does a dual pole circuit breaker work?

How many circuit breakers can I add to my breaker box?

What can I do if I am running out of room in my breaker box?

What is an FPE air circuit breaker?

What are "mains"?

Is there still an electrocution hazard with the mains turned off?

Why do my new circuit breakers keep tripping?

What is a low voltage circuit breaker?

How do I reset my GE circuit breakers?

Can I use a different brand for replacement circuit breakers?

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

What information do I need to purchase a replacement motor starter?

Why is my motor starter noisy?

Why does my motor starter click but not turn on?

Why does my motor starter turn over slowly?

How can I tell if my motor starter is bad?

Can I use a manual motor starter as a disconnect switch for maintenance purposes?

What is an AFCI circuit breaker?

Why do I need AFCI Circuit Breakers?

What is a counterfeit Square D circuit breaker?

What is the National Electrical Code?

What is an electrical code test?

Where can I get electrical code training?

What is electrical grounding?

How dangerous is electrical wiring?

My mains are off. Am I safe from electrocution?

What should I know about high voltage electrical safety?

Do I really need an upgraded circuit breaker panel?

Can a damaged appliance cause my Seimens breakers to trip?

Will installing a circuit breaker other than the type specified in the manual void my warranty?

Can I recycle my circuit breakers?

What is an electric switchboard?

What is an electronics fuse?

What is a fuse holder?

What is an LED toggle switch?

What are momentary switches?

What is a semiconductor fuse?

What is a snap switch?

What should I do if I have counterfeit electrical supplies?

Where can I find more information on counterfeit electrical products?

Should I buy re-certified power circuit breakers?

What happens to re-certified or re-conditioned circuit breakers?

What is retrofitting?

What happens to my old gear?

How do I install a transformer?

What is an industrial transformer?

What should I do when taking delivery of a large transformer?

What issues should I be aware of for large transformers?

What is a linear transformer?

What is a voltage transformer?

What is a continuity tester?

How can I test a wall socket to see if it is causing my circuit breaker to trip?

What are used circuit breakers good for?

Should I buy reconditioned circuit breakers?

Can I use a flashlight to see my circuit breaker panel during installation of new breakers?

What would happen if my circuit breaker did not trip?

What are "replacement only" circuit breakers?

What should I do to protect my electrical system in case of a flood?

What should I do if the area near my breaker panel is flooded?

I smell something burning and see sparks. Is this my electrical system?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Circuit Breakers Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sheri Ann Richerson