Sags also reduce the efficiency and life span of electrical equipment, particularly motors. Also referred to as an impulse, a spike is an instantaneous, dramatic increase in voltage. Akin to the force of a tidal wave, a spike can enter electronic equipment through AC, network, serial or phone lines and damage or completely destroy components. Spikes are typically caused by a nearby lightning strike. Spikes can also occur when utility power comes back on line after having been knocked out in a storm or as the result of a car accident.
Spikes cause catastrophic damage to hardware and loss of data.
When this equipment is switched off, the extra voltage is dissipated through the power line. Smart-UPS Model 660. Power Event Definitions and Causes and Effects. PC Magazine . Powerpal Model 650.