In electrical terms, what does a higher voltage signify?

A higher voltage signifies a greater electric potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit. This means that there is more "push" or force available to move electric charges through a conductor. Voltage, measured in volts, indicates the potential energy per unit charge available to drive electrons through the system.

In practical terms, when voltage increases, it can lead to a higher current flow if the resistance in the circuit remains constant, following Ohm’s Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R) (I = V/R). Thus, a higher voltage provides the capability to push more electrons through the circuit, effectively increasing the current if other factors such as resistance do not change.

Understanding the concept of electric potential is critical in HVACR applications because devices operate differently at varying voltage levels, affecting overall performance and efficiency.