How is the voltage calculated for electrical devices connected in parallel?

When electrical devices are connected in parallel, they all share the same voltage. This means that the voltage across each device in the parallel circuit is equal to the voltage provided by the power supply. The rationale behind this is that in a parallel configuration, each device has its own direct connection to the power supply, allowing them to operate at the same voltage level regardless of the characteristics of the other devices in the circuit.

Because of this direct connection, the voltage measured across each device will match the output voltage of the power supply. This is essential for ensuring that all devices operate correctly and safely, as each device can draw the current it needs without affecting the voltage seen by the others.

In contrast, adding the voltage ratings of devices, dividing by the number of devices, or taking the average would not yield the correct voltage across the devices in a parallel circuit, as these methods do not account for the electrical principles governing parallel connections. Therefore, the understanding that the voltage remains consistent and equal to the power supply's output is foundational in electrical theory and crucial for designing and troubleshooting circuits.