Volt (V)
The volt defined, what one volt means in energy terms, the prefix scale from microvolts to megavolts, and the voltages used around the world.
Questions people ask
Why is mains 230 V in Europe and 120 V in the US?
Historical accident. The US standardised early on a lower voltage for lamp safety; Europe adopted a higher one later, which allows thinner cable for the same power.
Is 230 V the peak voltage?
No, it is the RMS value. The peak is about 325 V, which is what the insulation actually has to withstand.
Does this page work offline?
Yes, after the first visit. The service worker caches it, so the reference stays available with no connection.
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Last updated 22 August 2026