What is the term for sudden increases in electrical current?

The term "current surges" refers to sudden increases in electrical current that exceed normal operational levels. These surges can occur due to various factors, such as equipment malfunctions, lightning strikes, or the sudden connection or disconnection of electrical loads. Understanding current surges is crucial for managing electrical systems, as they can pose significant risks to both people and equipment, potentially leading to damage or dangerous conditions.

In contrast, fault current pertains specifically to an abnormal electrical current that flows through a circuit when there is a fault, such as a short circuit. Transient faults are temporary disruptions in the electrical supply that can cause brief spikes in current but are not necessarily the same as general current surges. Inductance is a property of electrical circuits that can affect how current behaves over time but does not specifically denote a sudden increase in current. Therefore, the most accurate term for sudden increases in electrical current is "current surges."