Surge Protection

It is a popular misconception that it is Cooke County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) responsibility to protect its members’ appliances, electronics, and other equipment from lightning and power surges. Though members will see benefit from CCEC protecting their own equipment with lightning arrestors, it is not the utility’s responsibility to protect the home/business itself and its contents. It is impossible for CCEC to eliminate all risks simply because some surges are generated from inside the member’s own home.

What is a power surge?

A power surge is an electrical disturbance that results in an abnormal rise in voltage known as a spike. Power surges vary in magnitude and duration typically lasting for a few milliseconds and ranging from a few volts to several thousand volts. Any surge above an appliance’s or electronic device’s normal operating voltage generates an electrical arc inside the device causing excessive heat. The excessive heat will cause damage to the circuit boards inside the device, shortening the life span of the device.

Where do surges come from?

Every year billions of dollars are lost because of lightning and power anomalies. Surges are not caused by lightning only. Utility work, adverse weather conditions (such as ice and windstorms), or even something as simple as electric motor activity within a building (air conditioners, water wells, copiers, printers and refrigerators, for instance) can cause powers fluctuations. Animals and branches on power lines or an accident involving telephone poles all create dangerous and harmful voltages.