Voltage

The numerical value of the electrical potential between two points in a circuit. Voltage can be explained using a liquid analogy: a high pressure hosepipe would be considered high voltage, whilst a slow-moving stream could be compared to low voltage.

In the UK, a voltage supply of 240 volts is used, whilst in the majority of Europe, 230 V is the norm. North and South American homes are normally wired with 110 and 220 volt lines. The 110 volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits, whist the 220 volt power is usually used for the cooker, hot water heater and dryer.