What is a surge?
A surge is a sudden, quick increase in voltage. Though usually small and unnoticed by you, over time these surges can damage sensitive electronic equipment. In an average home, these small surges can occur many times a day.
A voltage surge can be caused by equipment in your home or office such as refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, copier machines, laser printers, hair dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and power tools—just to name a few. A surge can be caused by a storm or single lightning strike near your home and cause serious damage to your electronics. Power lines and utility poles damaged by animals, fallen tree limbs and car accidents can also cause surges.