Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

What does voltage measure in an electrical system?

1. Electrical Resistance

2. Electrical Power

3. Electrical Current

4. Electrical Pressure

The correct answer is: Electrical Pressure

Voltage measures electrical pressure in an electrical system. It is the force that pushes electric charges through a conductor, much like water pressure pushes water through a pipe. In essence, voltage represents the potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit, determining how much energy is available to move electric charge. Understanding voltage is crucial for home inspectors because it directly influences how electrical systems operate. A higher voltage indicates a greater potential for current to flow, which can affect the performance and safety of electrical installations. This concept is foundational in assessing the electrical safety and functionality of homes during an inspection. In contrast, the other concepts mentioned—such as electrical resistance, power, and current—are related but distinct. Resistance refers to how much a material opposes the flow of electric current, power indicates the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced, and current measures the flow of electric charge. Familiarity with these terms helps in understanding how they interact with voltage in an electrical system, but they do not specifically define what voltage measures.