Yes, it is generally true that a power outage, by itself, won't cause damage to electrical appliances. However, a power surge can indeed be harmful to your devices.
Power Outage: When there's a power outage, the electricity supply to your appliances is simply cut off. As long as the outage is brief and doesn't result in sudden power restoration with a surge (known as a "blackout" followed by a "brownout"), your appliances should be safe. When the power comes back on, it usually does so gradually, giving appliances time to adjust.
Power Surge: A power surge, on the other hand, is a rapid increase in voltage above the standard electrical supply level. This can happen due to lightning strikes, downed power lines, or when high-power devices like air conditioners or refrigerators cycle on and off. Power surges can lead to an excessive amount of electricity flowing through your appliances, which may cause damage to sensitive electronic components.
To protect your electrical appliances from power surges, you can use surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Surge protectors act as barriers, redirecting excess voltage away from your devices. A UPS includes a battery that provides backup power during outages and can also protect against power surges.
It's worth noting that some electrical appliances, especially more sensitive and expensive devices like computers, televisions, and audio equipment, are more susceptible to damage from power surges. Therefore, investing in surge protection for such devices can be particularly beneficial.
In summary, while a power outage won't directly damage your electrical appliances, a power surge can pose a threat. Taking precautions like using surge protectors or UPS devices can help safeguard your valuable electronics from potential damage caused by power fluctuations.