---
title: "What Is Voltage? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit. U.S. homes are commonly served at 120/240 volts."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage-drop). Voltage is not the same as [amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage). Do not test voltage inside a panel yourself. Call a licensed electrician. See [panels and service upgrades](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panels-and-service-upgrades).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage)
-   [Wattage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wattage)
-   [Voltage drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage-drop)
-   [Service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)

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