Getting a power surge can be a real problem for an electronic device. Lots of different devices are susceptible to power surges and they can happen at anytime. Generally them will only last for a few milliseconds and usually the transformer in your power supply will filter this. Sometimes with high voltage there can be issues trying to insulating it and keeping it away from integrated circuit for example, which can have a dramatic effect on equipment.
Most of the time power that's delivered to any electronic device is stable and constant. But, it's not like that all the time due to many different reasons. We can get power surge occurs and this happens when our normal flow of electricity is interrupted and when it's then started again. It's can also happen when there's some sort of strange occurrence within the electrical energy system. So what can cause this problem? There are many different events that can happen some are natural and some not so. Lighting strikes can really cause major issues, if this happens it can cause a power surge in the system and depending where this happens can really affect issues.
In your own home there are a number of appliances that can also cause power to surge. If you have a refrigerator because this can switch on and off as the motor requires that can also cause the power to spike at times. Most of the time this is not an issue but if this starts to divert electricity you may get highs and lows in your home. The main fuse box is in place to prevent this and in most cases works fine. If at anytime you find this is tripping then it's time to call in the experts to try sort your problem for you.
A switching power supply is designed so it can convert AC in DC voltage. This is usually a drop down voltage from 240 volts to 12 volts, 9 volts or 5 volts for example. Many companies for example will use a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for any critical equipment that they need to make sure works all the time if there are any power issues. In home many people will use a surge protector between the power socket and their computer equipment or anything else that uses a PSU.
To be safe trying an ensure you have a surge protector in place if your using any type of electronic equipment.