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.
