What is a Surge?
Also referred to as “spikes,” electrical surges are brief, sudden rises in voltage.
What Causes a Surge?
Lightning is one of the most obvious causes of power surges. Direct lightning strikes can transfer millions of volts of electricity, overpowering almost any surge protector. It is impossible to protect against direct lightning strikes. Surges can be caused by indirect lightning strikes or by faulty home wiring or grounding. They can also be transmitted through cable television and telephone lines. Unavoidable problems can sometimes occur along the electric distribution system. AEC maintains 2,700 miles of
line and occasionally weather, animals, motor vehicles, tree limbs, and other events beyond our control may interfere with the steady flow of electricity along those lines.
What is a Blink?
A blink and a surge are not the same thing. A blink is a brief power loss that indicates one of AEC’s system protection devices has momentarily interrupted power in order to protect an entire section of the system. These devices and these blinks protect your home, your appliances, and your electronic components—as well as those of your neighbors. Blinks indicate that the AEC system is working properly.
What is Surge Protection?
Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage either back into the system or to the ground. AEC’s Surge Block program defends your home, your appliances, and your sensitive electronic equipment with two levels of protection: a meter base adapter and an 8-plug outlet. For maximum protection, members should have both devices.