Several factors are pivotal to determining a washing machine’s power consumption, and one of them is Amperage, expressed as amps. But given that washing machines have varied capacities and energy requirements, how many amps does a washing machine use?
Ordinarily, a typical washing machine operating on a 12-volt circuit uses about 10-15 amps, depending on its wattage rating. However, high-capacity options may pull up to 20 amps, thus heavier power consumers.
To calculate the Amperage of your washing machine, it’s imperative that you know its wattage rating (expressed as watts) and circuit voltage (which ordinarily is 12 volts). I’ll share the formula for calculating that and a table you can refer to depending on your washer’s wattage rating.
We’ll also examine individual washing machines’ amperage requirements and most washers’ wattage. So, let’s dive in!
How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use?
A typical washer, like I mentioned, requires about 10-15 amps. While speaking of a standard washer, we consider an option with a wattage rating of 1200 – 1800 watts. Once you get to 2,000 watts, we no longer talk about a typical washing machine but a high-power consumer. In such a case, the washer may pull up to 20 amps.
Of course, that also means that washers with a wattage rating that’s less than 1200 watts exist, and if that’s the case, then you can expect them to draw much less Amperage. Some draw an amperage that is as low as five amps.
Remember, our figures are for the assumption that the washing machine runs on a 120-volt circuit, which is what a typical washing machine’s circuit is often about. If the voltage is different, it’ll indeed impact the Amperage and the general power consumption of your washing machine.
For example, you can expect the amperage requirement to be much less when the washer runs on a 240-volt circuit than on a 120-volt option.
Case Scenario
Suppose you have two washers; one requires a 240-volt circuit and another run on a 120-volt circuit. If these washers have the same wattage rating, for example, 1200 watts, then the first one will require 5 amps while the second one will need 10 amps.
Let’s see how I arrived at that by looking at the formula for calculating Amperage next.
How to Calculate a Washer’s Amperage?
To calculate a washing machine’s Amperage, one needs the circuit voltage rating (120V or 240V) and the washer’s wattage rating.
Here’s the general formula:
Amperage (In Amps) = Power Consumption (In Watts) ÷ Circuit Voltage (in Volts)
Let’s assume we are dealing with a standard washer (1200-1800 watts) running on a typical circuit (120 volts). If so, the amperage requirements will be as the table below shows.
| Power Consumption | Circuit Voltage | Washer’s Amperage |
| 1200 watts | 120 volts | 10.0 amps |
| 1300 watts | 120 volts | 10.8 amps |
| 1400 watts | 120 volts | 11.7 amps |
| 1500 watts | 120 volts | 12.5 amps |
| 1600 watts | 120 volts | 13.3 amps |
| 1700 watts | 120 volts | 14.1 amps |
| 1800 watts | 120 volts | 15.0 amps |
Note that if the circuit’s voltage wasn’t 120 volts but 240 volts, then the amperage requirement will be half of what’s shown in the table. That’s after putting the above-highlighted formula for calculating Amperage.
Note that you can also use the same formula to calculate the wattage of your washing machine if you know the Amperage. We shall talk about that later in this post.
What Factors Determine a Washer’s Amperage Requirements
Several factors are critical to a washing machine’s amperage requirements, and they include the following:
- Energy Efficiency – Energy-efficient washers generally use less power than non-energy-efficient options, drawing much less amperage.
- Cycle Setting – Bulk and heavy-duty cycles generally require more power than regular and delicate cycles, meaning they have a greater amperage rating.
- Load Size – A bigger load will require more power than a smaller one. The higher the power consumption (wattage), the more the Amperage.
- Voltage Rating – A higher wattage equals a higher amperage, but a higher voltage equals a lower amperage. In that case, you can expect washers running on 240-volt circuits (rare) to pull less Amperage than their 120-volt counterparts.
- Motor Power – Larger motors draw more power, pulling more amperage than smaller motors.
How Many Amps Does LG Washing Machine Use?
Most LG washing machines run on 10-15 amps. Some heavy-duty options, however, may draw more Amperage. Thus, confirming from the washer’s label, nameplate, or manual is crucial. And if you cannot get the information on either, check the manufacturer’s website or call LG directly. If you inquire from the manufacturer, have your LG washer’s model number with you for a quick response.
How Many Amps Does a Bosch Washing Machine Use?
Most Bosch washing machines run on a 10-amp or 15-amp and connect to a 120-volt circuit. A few other heavy-capacity options, however, require up to 20 amps. Nonetheless, confirming the washer’s energy requirement is essential, and you can do it from the nameplate, manual, or washer label.
You can equally ask Bosch or inquire from their website. Bosch may ask for your washer’s model number and so ensure you’ve it with you.
How Many Amps Does a Samsung Washing Machine Use?
A standard Samsung washer with a 1200-1800 watts wattage rating and running on 12 colts will require 10-15 amps. However, options with a much higher wattage rating will need more amps to match their higher energy consumption, sometimes up to 20 amps.
Thus, to be sure, it’s paramount to confirm the amperage and wattage rating from the washer nameplate, label, or user manual. You can also inquire from the manufacturer but ensure you have your Bosch washer’s model number for a quick reply.
How Many Amps Does A GE Washer Use?
You ordinarily expect a typical GE washer (one with an energy consumption rate of 1200-1800 watts) to draw 10-15 amps while running on a 12-volt circuit. If the washer is, however, a high-power consumer, you can expect it to pull more amperage, sometimes up to 20 amps.
To confirm your GE washer’s Amperage, check the nameplate, washer label, or user manual. You can also ask GE directly, but ensure you have the model number of your GE washer when you do.
How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use?
Typical washing machines require 1200-1800 watts per wash cycle and run on 120 volts. There are a few heavy power users, however, that can draw up to 2,000-2,400 watts per wash cycle.
Overall, front loaders are heavier power users than top loaders. Similarly, newer models tend to be more energy-efficient because they employ more advanced energy-saving programs and cycles.
To calculate the wattage, you must know the washer’s amperage and circuit voltage (often 120v). For example, if a washer runs on a 120-volt circuit and uses 10 amps, the wattage will be 1200 watts. That’s after multiplying the Amperage by the voltage.
If the same washer runs on a 20-amp circuit instead, the wattage requirement will be 2400 watts.
That brings us to this formula:
Wattage = Amperage (in Amps) X Circuit Voltage (in Volts)
People Also Ask
1. How Much Current Does a Washing Machine Use?
A standard washing machine consumes about 1200-1400 watts per wash cycle and draws in 10-15 amps while running on a 120-volt circuit. Heavy-power users, however, require 2,000-2,400 watts to pull up to 20 amps.
Thus, it’s essential to check your washing machine’s nameplate, label, or user manual just to be sure about the current requirements that the washer manufacturer recommends. And if you can’t get the information that way, call the washer manufacturer or check their website.
2. Can A Washing Machine Be On A 15-Amp Circuit?
Though most washers operate on a 10-amp circuit, they can still run on a 15-amp line. It’s, however, essential to confirm that the washing machine is on a circuit solely dedicated to it to avoid any current overload. You can inquire from the washer’s manual, nameplate, or label.
3. Are Washing Machines 15 or 20 Amp?
Most washing machines draw up to 15 amps. These washers usually have a wattage rating of 1200-1800 watts per cycle and connect to 120 volts. We, however, have some options that can draw up to 20 amps. These are usually high-power options, which you can expect to use 2000-24000 watts per wash cycle.
But just to be sure, check on the washing machine’s label and nameplate. You can also examine the user manual or ask the manufacturer. Ensure you’ve your washer model number with you when you do.
4. Is 10 Amp Enough for Washing Machine?
Most standard washing machines run on 10-15 amps and connect to a 120V circuit. So, yes, 10 amps can be enough for your washing machine. However, some heavy power users with a wattage rating of over 2,000 watts will require more Amperage, sometimes up to 20 amps.
Ordinarily, 10 amps is enough for a washer drawing up to 1200 watts while running on a 120-volt circuit. Therefore, check the washer label and nameplate or ask the manufacturer for the correct information.
5. Is 15 Amp Enough for Washing Machine?
The average amperage requirement for most standard washing machines is 10-15 amps. So, yes, 15 amps can be enough for your washer. It, however, depends on the washer’s energy consumption or wattage: the more the wattage, the more the Amperage.
If your washer uses a lot of wattage, let’s say above 2,000 watts, the 15 amps might not be enough. You’ll need much more. 15 amps may be enough for a washing machine that draws up to 1800 watts per wash cycle.
In conclusion, how many amps does a washing machine use?
As shared, a washing machine can use anything between 10 amps and 20 amps, depending on its overall energy consumption. You can expect standard washers with a wattage rating of 1200-1800 watts to draw 10-15 amps and those above 1800 watts to pull up to 20 amps.
But just to be sure, check the washer’s nameplate, label, and manual, as you can find the power usage information there. Alternatively, inquire from the manufacturer or their website and ensure you have your washing machine’s serial number when you do.
Also Read: