Understanding power disturbances

Surges can be caused by activities inside your home or business, or by disturbances on the utility system. Inside your home, surges can be caused by the normal operation of fluorescent lights and appliances with motors (refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and fans are good examples).

Utility disturbances are often caused by animals, trees, weather, or system switching operations. Most utility disturbances take form as momentary low voltage called "sags." Sags will generally not damage electronic equipment. Surge protectors will not help equipment during sags.

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