Power and utility
Voltage
Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit. U.S. homes are commonly served at 120/240 volts.
OSHA defines the voltage of a circuit as the greatest root-mean-square difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit. It also explains that nominal voltage is a label for a voltage class, such as 120/240 volts. The actual voltage can vary within a range that lets equipment work.
The same power needs less current at a higher voltage. A loss along a long wire run is voltage drop. Voltage is not the same as amperage. Do not test voltage inside a panel yourself. Call a licensed electrician. See panels and service upgrades.
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