Electrician Year 1 Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Test Preparation

The standard voltage supplied to most residences by local utilities in North America is typically 120 V for general-purpose outlets. This voltage is used for most household appliances, lighting, and electronic devices. However, some larger appliances, such as dryers, stoves, and water heaters, often require a higher voltage for efficient operation, which is usually provided at 240 V.

This dual-voltage system allows for the use of 120 V for regular household needs while supporting the additional power requirements of larger appliances at 240 V.

When considering the other options, 480 V is typically used in industrial settings, rather than residential applications, and 360 V is not a standard residential voltage level. Hence, while 240 V is an important voltage level for larger appliances, it is not the primary voltage supplied to typical household outlets.