The typical residential customer doesn't know transients come from inside the home as well as outside. For example, the HVAC system that keeps the customer cool in summer and warm in the winter throws transients into the electrical system every time the AC cycles, the heat pump kicks on, or the electronic ignition lights the furnace. The electronic ignitions of gas ranges, dryers, and water heaters also generate transients.

This article was written to help home owners, contractors and insurance agents understand how to reduce the number of cases and severity of equipment damage caused by unavoidable surges that occur in the electrical system.