What voltage reading should you expect to see on the multimeter connected to C and E in a circuit?

In a standard electrical system, particularly in North America, the voltage reading across the circuit between the common (C) and the energized (E) connections is typically 120 volts alternating current (VAC). This is the standard voltage for most household appliances and outlets.

In situations where a multimeter is used to measure voltage between these two points, a reading of 120 VAC suggests that the circuit is operating as expected for residential use, which is crucial for safely providing power to a wide range of devices.

The other voltage levels, such as 240 VAC, 60 VAC, or 12 VAC, are not standard voltages utilized in typical home circuits for outlets and would indicate different types of systems or equipment not usually found in normal household use. For example, 240 VAC might be seen in specific high-power appliances like electric dryers or ranges, while 12 VAC is commonly associated with low-voltage systems, such as landscape lighting or doorbell transformers. Understanding these voltage types helps in identifying the correct application and safety standards in different contexts.