120 VAC stands for **120 Volts Alternating Current**.
- **120 Volts (V)** is the voltage level. Voltage is the "pressure" that pushes electrical current through a circuit. In this case, it's 120 volts.
- **Alternating Current (AC)** means the direction of the electrical current changes periodically. In most homes, the electricity supplied is AC, meaning it switches direction back and forth many times per second (in the U.S., this is typically 60 times per second, or 60 Hz).
In short, 120 VAC is the standard voltage for electrical outlets in most homes in North America, used for things like lighting, appliances, and small devices.