sudden electrical surge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden electrical surge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected increase in electrical power, often causing disruptions or damage to electrical devices. Example: "The sudden electrical surge caused the computer to shut down unexpectedly, resulting in data loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The water company said an electrical surge had knocked a pump station off line.

The New York Times

Manchester Airport said an electrical surge caused by thunderstorms had caused some delays.

BBC

"But it transpired that they had been caught up in a sudden electrical storm.

BBC

Lightning can cause an electrical surge that can damage these devices.

Huffington Post

Safe Current is a start-up business offering a family of electrical surge arrestors and surge protectors to consumers.

Bplans

Another way to protect a home against electrical surges is to install a whole-house surge suppressor at the electrical panel.

The New York Times

The protons could also short-circuit satellites or even induce electrical surges leading to widespread blackouts.

The New York Times

Powerful geomagnetic storms can affect communications signals and spark electrical surges in power grids, NASA officials said.

Huffington Post

Step-wise current extraction is a common process done to accommodate a sudden power surge during an operation.

Electrochimica Acta

Nomura, the biggest broker, had a sudden 20% surge in new accounts.

The Economist

Let's hope for a sudden mysterious surge of energy, and then normalcy again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices against potential damage from a "sudden electrical surge".

Common error

Avoid using "sudden electrical surge" to describe a gradual increase in voltage or power. This phrase specifically refers to rapid, unexpected spikes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden electrical surge" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific event, relating to power fluctuations, as mentioned by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden electrical surge" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an abrupt and unexpected increase in electrical power. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability and the importance of understanding its implications for electrical safety. While examples are currently missing from Ludwig's database, the phrase is readily understood and used in various contexts. It's crucial to use surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices. The lack of real-world examples, according to Ludwig, suggests the opportunity for further exploration and documentation of this term's usage in diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected power surge

Replaces "electrical" with the more general term "power", implying a broader scope of energy surge.

transient voltage surge

Replaces "sudden electrical" with a more technical term, specifying the temporary nature of the voltage spike.

power spike

Simplifies the phrase to its most essential elements, focusing on the sudden increase in power.

voltage transient

Focuses on the voltage aspect of the surge, highlighting the temporary change in voltage.

surge in electricity

Reorders the words slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

electrical overvoltage

Uses a more formal term to describe the excessive voltage.

momentary electrical overload

Emphasizes the temporary nature and the overload aspect of the surge.

rapid electrical transient

Highlights the quick and fleeting nature of the electrical event.

abrupt electrical discharge

Focuses on the discharge aspect, implying a sudden release of electrical energy.

instantaneous voltage spike

Combines the concepts of instantaneity and voltage increase.

FAQs

How can I protect my electronics from a "sudden electrical surge"?

Use surge protectors, which are designed to absorb excess voltage and prevent damage to your devices.

What causes a "sudden electrical surge"?

Common causes include lightning strikes, power outages, faulty wiring, and the activation of high-power appliances.

What's the difference between a power surge and a power spike?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a power spike is typically a shorter and more intense increase in voltage than a "power surge".

Can a "sudden electrical surge" cause a fire?

Yes, a surge can generate excessive heat in electrical components, potentially leading to a fire if the surge is large enough and safety mechanisms fail.