What happens to electrical devices during a power surge?

During a power surge, electrical devices experience a sudden increase in voltage that exceeds their normal operating levels. This excess voltage can cause various types of damage to internal components of the devices, such as overheating or melting of wires, damage to semiconductors, and failure of circuit boards. Many devices are designed to handle a specific range of voltage, and when that threshold is exceeded, they can malfunction or break down entirely.

It is important to note that power surges can occur due to several factors, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or sudden increases in electricity use within a local grid. This potential for damage is why many people use surge protectors to safeguard their electronic devices. In summary, during a power surge, the risk is primarily that devices may become damaged due to the excessive voltage.