What is a power surge/spike and how can a surge protector help?

Surge protectors add another layer of protection to connected equipment. Most damage done by overvoltage “power events” can be caused by one of two things. Either shorter duration transients (spikes) or longer duration high-voltage transients (surges) entering electronic devices via power lines. Surges and spikes can reach up to 6000 Volts. Typical microchips found in a computer, telephone, TV, stereo and other electronic equipment are sensitive to voltage irregularities.