VOLTAGE SURGE Meaning and
Definition
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Voltage surge refers to a sudden and temporary increase in the electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit, usually exceeding the normal or expected range. Commonly known as a power surge or electrical surge, it is characterized by a rapid rise in voltage that typically lasts for a short duration, usually transient in nature. Voltage surges can occur due to various factors, including power grid disturbances, lightning strikes, switching operations, or faulty electrical equipment.
Such surges can pose a significant risk to electrical and electronic devices connected to the circuit, potentially causing damage, malfunction, or even complete failure. The excessive voltage can overload sensitive components, leading to their overheating or burning out. Therefore, surge protection measures are crucial to safeguard devices from these abrupt voltage spikes.
Different types of voltage surge can be encountered, classified based on their source and magnitude. Common examples include transient surges, which are short-duration voltage spikes resulting from lightning, switchings, or sudden changes in load. Another type is the voltage sag, where the voltage drops below the expected level momentarily. Higher magnitude surges may be caused by power grid disturbances and are often referred to as power surges.
Overall, a voltage surge refers to the sudden and brief increase in electrical potential difference, which can potentially damage electrical and electronic devices if not properly protected. Robust surge protection devices such as surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are used to suppress the voltage surges and safeguard equipment from any potential harm.
Common Misspellings for VOLTAGE SURGE
- coltage surge
- boltage surge
- goltage surge
- foltage surge
- viltage surge
- vkltage surge
- vlltage surge
- vpltage surge
- v0ltage surge
- v9ltage surge
- voktage surge
- voptage surge
- vootage surge
- volrage surge
- volfage surge
- volgage surge
- volyage surge
- vol6age surge
- vol5age surge
- voltzge surge
Etymology of VOLTAGE SURGE
The etymology of the word "voltage surge" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Voltage: The term "voltage" dates back to the early 19th century and is derived from the Latin word "voltus", meaning "to turn". The Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, known for inventing the electric battery, is honored by having the unit of electric potential named after him. Hence, "voltage" refers to the electric potential difference or electromotive force in a circuit.
2. Surge: The word "surge" comes from the Latin verb "surgere", which means "to rise, to surge, or to spring up". It entered English usage in the 16th century and is commonly associated with sudden movements or increases in a flowing medium (e.g., water or air).
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