A2oz

What is the difference between a power surge and a power spike?

Published in Electronics 2 mins read

A power spike is a sudden, brief increase in voltage lasting for a very short time, typically just a few nanoseconds. In contrast, a power surge is a longer-lasting increase in voltage, often lasting for milliseconds or even seconds.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature Power Spike Power Surge
Duration Nanoseconds (billionths of a second) Milliseconds to seconds
Voltage Very high, often exceeding 6000 volts Higher than normal, but usually lower than a spike
Impact Can damage sensitive electronics Can damage sensitive electronics, but less likely than a spike

Examples:

  • Power Spike: Lightning strikes are a common cause of power spikes. A lightning strike can send a huge surge of electricity through the power grid, instantly damaging sensitive electronics.
  • Power Surge: Turning on a large appliance like a refrigerator or air conditioner can cause a power surge as the appliance draws a large amount of electricity.

Solutions:

  • Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are designed to absorb excess voltage and protect your electronics from both spikes and surges.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS provides backup power in case of a power outage and can also protect against spikes and surges.

Related Articles