How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use

The size of the machine determines how many amps a washing machine uses. While the top-load washing machine uses between 12 and 15 amps, the front-load washing machine uses around 11 to 20 amps. You'll also find compact and portable washing machines in the market that consume as little as 1 to 3 amps. However, the larger industrial machines use 20 amps or more.

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Key Takeaways

• On average, a washing machine uses 400W to 1400W of electricity with an amp rating of 5 - 15 amps.
• Small washing machines operate at 120V outlets, whereas larger models with dryers need a 240V outlet.
• You can calculate the washing machine amps using the formula Amps = Watts ÷ Volts.
• The best way to save on electricity is to invest in solar generators designed to supply safe charges to appliances.

How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use

On average, off-grid washing machines use 5 - 15 amps of power and operate at either 120V or 240V. The amps might vary depending on the size, capacity, and model of the appliance. For example, the standard top-load washing machine draws 5 - 10 amps, whereas front-load washers use 5 - 7 amps. Commercial or industrial washing machines are more power-hungry, often needing around 20 amps or higher.

Definition of Amps, Volts, Watts, & Running Watts

Amps, watts, and volts are three basic electrical units that one should keep in mind when understanding how many amps a washing machine uses. Let's explain each of them briefly:

Amps: Amperage is the amount of electrical power an appliance (in this case, a washing machine) requires to function. If the washing machine's wattage consumption is higher, it will operate at higher amps.

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

Watts: Wattage is a measurement of power and indicates how much electricity an appliance needs to function. Generally, washing machines use 400W—1400W of electricity per hour.

Watts = Volts × Amps

Volts: Voltage is the difference in electrical power due to the electrical current passing through the circuit. While most compact or household washing machines operate at 120V, certain washing machine models with dryers need a 240V outlet.

Volts = Watts ÷ Amps

Running Watts: Running wattage is the amount of electricity an appliance needs when it continuously works for a certain time.

Running Watts = Volts × Running Amps

How Many Amps Do Different Types of Washing Machines Use

A standard washing machine requires 400W—1400W of electricity per hour. The smaller models are connected to a 120V outlet fixture and draw between 5 - 15 amps. The amps drawn will generally depend on the size of the machine and its features. Here's a table that reveals the watts and amps drawn by the different washing machine models operating at 120V and 240V.

How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Draw on a Startup

When a washing machine starts, it draws a higher amount of amps and watts for a few seconds. If you want to learn how many amps a washing machine draws on startup, you need to understand the differences between startup vs. running watts and startup vs. running amps.

Startup Watts vs. Running Watts

Washing machines typically use a startup wattage or the extra watts the appliance uses to turn on. As mentioned above, a washing machine uses a running wattage of around 400W—1400W of electricity per hour when in continuous operation.

However, its startup wattage is almost twice the running watts and is between 800W and 2800W. This power surge is typically required for just a few seconds before a washing machine starts operating. If you have a washing machine operating at 1000W, it might draw around 2000W during startup.

Startup Amps vs Running Amps

Just like starting wattage, a startup amp indicates the peak current an appliance needs for the first few seconds on startup. If the startup wattage of a large washing machine is 2400W and it operates at 240V, the startup amps can be calculated as:

Startup Amps = Startup Watts ÷ Volts = 2400W ÷ 240V = 10A

The same applies to the calculation of running amps that represent the steady current drawn by the appliances during normal operation. For example, the large washing machine with a rated wattage of 1200W operating at 240V will draw amps as follows:

Running Amps = Running Watts ÷ Volts = 1200W ÷ 240V = 5A

Remember, the startup current of a washing machine is typically 2-3 higher than their rated amps.

How to Calculate Your Washing Machine Amps

There are multiple ways to calculate washing machine amps, each with its own accuracy level and convenience. When calculating the electrical load for the washing machine, it's ideal to add around 20% margin to avoid overloading the main circuit and ensure safe operation.

Method 1: Manufacturer Details: Energy Star Rating

A simple way to calculate the amps a washing machine uses is to refer to the user manual. The voltage and wattage information are often found on the label or in the user manual of Energy Star appliances, so you don't have to perform any calculations.

Method 2: Determine the Amps from the Wattage

If the information is not available on the appliance itself or in the user manual, you can use the formula to determine the amps from the wattage. For instance, let's assume the compact washing machine has a wattage of 600W and operates at a 120V outlet; the amps can be calculated as follows:

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts = 600W ÷ 120V = 5 amps  

If you want to calculate the daily amps, you would need to use the following formula:

Daily Amps = Daily Watt-Hours ÷ Volts

This will help you determine daily energy usage and how appliances like washing machines impact utility bills.

Method 3: Use a Power Meter

A power meter measures the real-time current (in amps) that your washing machine draws. This helps you understand how much electricity the machine uses during different cycles (washing, rinsing, and spinning). You should use a compatible power meter that can determine the amps, volts, and watts of the washing machine.

Connecting a power meter with the washing machine is pretty simple. All you need to do is insert the power meter into the electrical socket and then connect the washing machine's plug to the power meter to get the reading. For an accurate reading, you should take note of the reading at different points in the washing cycle.

Tips to Save Your Electricity Bill

Washing machines are one of the essential household appliances and can consume a lot of power. However, the average power consumption of the washing machine varies depending on several factors, such as size, efficiency rating, and cycle settings. If you are wondering how to reduce the electricity consumption of the washing machine, here are some tips to check out:

Wash Full Loads: Washing full laundry loads is more energy efficient since the washer uses the same amount of power to wash a full load as it does with a partial load. Hence, washing more clothes at once means you'll wash less often and save energy.

Use Cold Water: Heating water for laundry is energy-intensive. Doing laundry with cold water instead of hot water will reduce energy consumption by 90%. Plus, cold water is better for preserving the color and quality of the clothes.

Use Eco Mode: An Eco mode in the washer reduces energy consumption by optimizing the washing cycle. It typically washes clothes at a lower temperature than regular cycles. It reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water, saving 50% of the energy used in a regular washing cycle.

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Solar Generators for Washing Machines

Jackery Solar Generators are highly efficient and available in different sizes to meet the wattage and amps of various washing machine models. The solar-powered generators are compact in design and feature a highly efficient battery to charge most household or outdoor appliances. Whether you live in an area that deals with frequent power outages or wish to reduce high electricity bills, you may consider investing in these solar battery backups.

Solar generators combine portable power stations and foldable solar panels that work together to absorb, convert, and generate electricity. The foldable solar panels are placed under direct sunlight to convert the sun's energy into DC, which is converted to AC electricity using the pure sine wave inverter of the portable power stations. However, the choice of the solar generator for the washing machine will vary depending on the wattage and voltage required.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

If you have a compact or portable washing machine that operates at a 120V outlet, you may go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. It has a decent battery capacity and is ideal for charging around 99% of household or outdoor appliances for long hours. You can store the battery backup in the RV or camper to charge energy-efficient washing machines. It also acts as an emergency power solution to charge appliances during an unexpected power outage.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another solar-powered generator that can charge most standard washing machines operating at a 120V outlet. It has a pull rod, double wheels, and an ergonomic design to move the whole-home battery backup anywhere you go. The solar-powered generator can charge 99% of household appliances, which helps you lower your electricity bills and even stay powered during unexpected blackouts.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit safely combines two Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Stations in parallel. It can safely charge large washing machines that operate at 240V outlets. The large capacity can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances to stay powered during a power outage or blackout. Investing in a solar battery backup will ensure you don't have to worry about power outages or when you're out on outdoor adventures.

FAQs About Washing Machine Amps

Can a washing machine run on a 15-amp circuit?

Yes, a washing machine can run on a 15-amp circuit since most washers draw between 5 and 15 amps. Certain top-loading washers use 5 - 10 amps, while front-loading machines use 11 - 20 amps.

Is a washing machine outlet 15 or 20 amp?

A 15-amp outlet on a 20-amp circuit is generally recommended to power a residential washing machine. This setup will provide the necessary electrical capacity for washing machines with 10 - 12 amps of current.

Does a washing machine need a dedicated circuit?

Yes, most building codes require a washing machine to have a dedicated 20-amp circuit served by a 10-gauge wire. This is because washing machines require more current when starting up, which is called the start-up load.

What size breaker do I need for a washing machine?

Washing machines typically require a 15—or 20-amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. However, one important thing to note is that the washing machine will not operate if the voltage is lower than 102V or higher than 132V. The exact amperage depends on the washing machine's size, but it usually won't exceed 20 amps.

Conclusion

Understanding how many amps a washing machine uses will help you analyze the power consumption of the appliances and adjust the electrical bill. If you want to reduce the high electricity bills or switch to a more sustainable solution, you may consider opting for Jackery Solar Generators. They have high battery capacities to ensure different sizes of washing machines can remain safely powered for hours without any issues.