Voltage is electrical pressure or force that pushes current through a circuit. The pressure is measured in volts. The symbol V (for example, 12 V) is used in circuit diagrams to denote voltage. The letter E (Electromotive force) is also used for voltage. Voltage can be compared to the pressure necessary to push water through a metering valve.
Low voltage to a lamp will cause the lamp to glow dimly. This can be caused by low source voltage (discharged battery or low alternator output) or by high circuit resistance resulting from a poor connection. Resistance from a poor connection or poor ground is an additional load in the circuit. The additional load reduces voltage available to push current through the load device. Before making any meter measurements, review Ohmโs Law.