FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER

Detailed explanation-1: -A voltage spike is a sudden increase in voltage that lasts for less than three nanoseconds. A sudden increase in voltage that lasts for three nanoseconds or more is called a voltage surge. They are harmful because they cause the wires in your electronic equipment to overheat.

Detailed explanation-2: -The majority of electronics and appliances in the U.S. can’t handle voltage above 169. But when a power surge occurs, it causes a flow of electricity that spikes above 169 volts, resulting in an arc of electrical current. This arc generates heat that is damaging to electronic components and circuit boards.

Detailed explanation-3: -Power surges are most often caused by power interruptions and changes in electrical draw including the demands of other equipment sharing the same power supply. When appliances with a heavy draw turn on and off they can cause surges in your system due to fluctuation in demand.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main cause of these voltage surges in power system are due to lightning impulses and switching impulses of the system. But over voltage in the power system may also be caused by, insulation failure, arcing ground and resonance etc.

Detailed explanation-5: -The power flowing through the typical wall outlet is considered 120 volt AC power. The voltage is not delivered at a constant 120 volts, however–it can fluctuate between 0 and 169 volts. During a damaging power surge, the voltage exceeds 169 volts.