Voltage
Definition and meaning of Voltage in real estate.
Voltage is the measure of electrical potential difference, or the electrical pressure that drives an electric current through a closed circuit.
In more detail
In residential electrical systems, voltage is analogous to water pressure in a plumbing pipe, where higher pressure pushes more water through. Standard residential electrical service in the United States typically enters the home at two hundred forty volts and is split at the circuit breaker panel.
This split provides both standard one hundred twenty volt circuits for general use and two hundred forty volt circuits for heavy-load appliances. Insufficient voltage can cause appliances to run hot, operate inefficiently, or fail prematurely, which is why inspectors check for voltage drops.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Electrical pressure, similar to water pressure |
| Standard split | 120 volts and 240 volts in US homes |
| Diagnostic concern | Voltage drop due to long wire runs |
The home inspector discovers a voltage drop in the garage outlets, indicating that the long wiring run from the main panel is causing electrical inefficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a voltage drop in a home?
Voltage drops are typically caused by running wires over long distances, using wires that are too thin, or overloading a circuit with too many devices.
How do I know if my home has a voltage issue?
Signs of voltage issues include flickering lights, appliances that lose power under load, or electronics that frequently restart.