What are transients in electrical systems?

Transients in electrical systems refer to sudden changes in voltage or current that occur for a short duration. These changes can happen due to various factors, such as switching operations, faults, or lightning strikes. When a transient event occurs, the values of voltage and current can deviate significantly from their normal operating ranges, which may lead to equipment malfunction or damage if they are not managed properly. Understanding transients is crucial for designing protection systems and ensuring the reliability of electrical installations.

The other options do not accurately describe transients: constant current flows indicate stable electrical conditions rather than the quick fluctuations seen in transients, repeating cycles of power delivery refer to steady-state conditions in alternating current systems, and electrical signals generated by harmonics involve steady but distorted waveforms rather than the sudden spikes characteristic of transients.