Nominal Voltage

Nominal voltage is the named, approximate voltage level that identifies and classifies electrical systems, devices, or batteries, such as a 12V battery or a 120V outlet. Rather than the exact, instantaneous voltage, the nominal voltage provides a reference point for normal operation, where the actual operating voltage will often differ slightly and may measure a different value when fully charged. In batteries, the nominal voltage represents the average voltage during a discharge cycle, instead of the peak or maximum voltage.