VOC stands for open-circuit voltage, the voltage measured at the terminals of a power source when it is disconnected from any load. Because no current is drawn, there is no voltage drop across the internal resistance of the device. It is a primary specification for batteries, solar panels, and power supplies to determine the absolute maximum voltage they can apply to a circuit.
Heard on the job
Check the VOC on that solar panel before hooking it up to the charge controller, it might exceed the input limit.
Insider tip
Never size a component's voltage rating based on the nominal operating voltage. Always use the VOC to ensure the part survives the moment before the load kicks in.
Also heard as
- open-circuit voltage