In article m, David Nebenzahl wrote:

And really, how else could a transformer fail spectacularly, other than
an overload, except by there being some kind of massive overvoltage
surge (what people incorrectly call a "power surge")?

Actually, transformer cores do "wear out". And when then do,
they do overheat which can lead to spontaneous fire/explosion.

However, if multiple transformers failed in the same area
there was clearly some precipitating event. Most likely
a lighting strike but there are many other potential causes.

Fortunately, it's rare to experience the kinds of fluctuating
voltages you observed. The system is generally designed to
deliver a relatively clean supply or none at all. And it
does work that way most of time.

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