Transients may be generated outside of the home or business by lightning, other utility customers, car accidents, animals, and even normal utility switching operations. There are three main categories of Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS); Main Disconnect Panel or Meter Base, frequently referred to as "whole house" (type C), Sub-Panel or Distribution Panel (type B), and point-of-use plug-in (type A). These three types may be used individually, or together, depending upon the requirements of a particular situation.
Although you may be unfamiliar with the term power quality (PQ), you are likely to be aware of the consequences of PQ problems. Technically speaking, power quality refers to the degree to which the electricity you use in your business is free of disturbances that can cause electricity-consuming devices to malfunction or fail. Losing critical computer data to a blackout or experiencing damage to process or medical equipment caused by a lightning strike are just two examples of how these problems can affect your business.