If you're wondering what voltage is , you'll surely remember those science classes where you learned how electric circuits work. And it's a way to realize the importance of energy in our lives because, without it, we wouldn't be able to do most of our activities. Do you know what it is, how to measure it, and the types that exist? We'll give you a hand...
Over time, we forget many of the things we learn at school, unless you work in a sector related to electricity. However, there are some concepts that are very useful for everyday life. Voltage is one of them and that is why we indicate the main elements. This applies regardless of whether you are using a traditional electrical installation or a solar panel installation .
And don't worry, in this case there will be no exam or fight list of yemen consumer email ant to better explain to you what electric voltage is , how to measure it if you need to, and what it is used for .
What is voltage?
Let us remember that electricity is the flow of free electrons between atoms, essential for the existence of an electric current with a potential difference in the path through which they circulate.
Without voltage, electrons move, but they do so freely, without a determined direction. Only by applying tension or voltage, the electrons move in the same direction between two points and generate the current.
What is voltage used for?
Voltage has multiple uses, ranging from large businesses to the rooms in your home. The moment you see a power outlet, you already have clues...
The sockets have two holes and there is a difference of 230 V between them (this is how volts, the unit of voltage, are symbolised). This is normal in domestic electrical installations, although years ago they were 220 V. Obviously, in professional installations, the volts are higher because the function of voltage is that, to provide electric current.
Well, when you plug in the charger for your laptop or mobile phone, electrons begin to circulate between those two points, generating an electric current with a voltage of 230 V that energizes your device so that you can then take it with you and use it.
Knowing what voltage is allows you to better understand how everything that needs electrical power works.
Did you know that the voltage may vary depending on the country?
One problem that sometimes occurs when you travel for work or on holiday is that voltages and plugs vary from country to country. The plugs and sizes are different, but so are the wattages. To avoid this problem, we will tell you what the reference figures are around the world:
Europe: In almost all European countries, sockets have a capacity of 230 volts.
United States: In most cases, 110-120 volt outlets are used. This is also the case in Canada and other American countries.
Australia: Although officially 230V, 240V sockets are most often used.
China: The standard voltage used is 220 V. Specifically, they use plugs A, C and I.
Japan: One of the lowest voltages is used in the country, as the plugs are 100 V.