My understanding is there is a difference between spikes and surges.

TINAPO

A power spike is a brief increase in voltage which can cause cumulative
damage to electronic equipment but not to more mundane devices like
electric motors, transformers or heating elements.

A power surge is an increase in current which can cause overloading of
components which is death on electronic components and can gradually
ruin the more mundane devices, especially electric motors.

A surge protector does not protect against spikes and a spike protector
does not provide much protection against surges.

Some power companies (the one in OK does) provides protection for about $5
per month and will replace or repair any device which is damaged by either
type.

As far as what happened to Mr Brandt.  Probably one of the 220v wires
got tangled up with a 110v wire and ended up putting 220v current
in the 100v outlets for one circuit in the house at the expense of
the other 110v circuit.

Hope this was informative (and correct).

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