Voltage-spike & Voltage-surge

Voltage-spike & Voltage-surge

These two electro-dynamic words are often misunderstood. Yes, they are similar in one respect that they refer to a very short-term increase in voltage and can damage the semiconductor devices and hence valuable electrical appliances. These are transient over voltage or electrical impulses having high energy and induced into the circuit from external sources. Any sudden increase in voltage that lasts less than 3 nanoseconds is called to be voltage spike. On the other hand, the voltage-surge is also a sudden increase in voltage but it last at least 3 nanoseconds or it may exists for long.

 The most common source for these phenomena that are disruptive to electrical equipment can be the electrical switches. When we off switch of any appliance, the voltage used by that is not consumed longer and voltage is in rest system rises, i.e., a surge. Other sources can be lightning, static electricity, overload on a circuit. When lightning strikes wire it gives energy and hence voltage rises quickly. Static electricity also causes spike and surges. If an object having static electricity, comes in contact with a circuit, it increases its voltage level causing a spike or surge.

 Now, talking about overload on a circuit. If too many electrical appliances are plugged in same socket that causes a surge/spike that socket gets damaged. If we talk of any other most influential source that creates chance or indeed give rise to a spike or surge is magnet or anything that forms magnetic fields. A rapid formation or decay of a magnetic field that may induce energy in nearby circuit can create spike or surge. An example of this can be the sudden interruption of flow of energy/electricity in a coil induces a spike high in frequency.

There are devices available in market that can protect your valuables from these two disruptive electrical phenomena. These devices are surge protection devices and transient voltage suppressors. These devices are to protect you from sudden increase in voltages that lasts for short duration. A commonly used form of surge protector is stabilizers.

As a responsible consumer of electrical appliances we should be awared about the things which can deteriorate longevity of devices.

Written by
Ankit Yadav