Appliance Amperage
How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use?
The running amps a garbage disposal draws, the watts-to-amps math behind it, and the branch circuit it belongs on.
Will a garbage disposal Run on Your Circuit?
Garbage Disposal Circuit
| Typical watts | 800 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Running amps | 6.7 A |
| Startup surge | Yes (motor) |
| Circuit | 15A dedicated |
A garbage disposal draws about 6-8 running amps (1/3 to 1/2 HP) with a brief motor surge, on a dedicated 15A circuit for most units or 20A for larger ones. Larger 3/4 to 1 HP disposals pull more; size to the nameplate. Confirm whether local practice lets it share the dishwasher circuit. Amps = watts / volts; keep the continuous load under 80% of the breaker. The nameplate lists the exact draw and always governs over a typical value.
Adding this on a new circuit? Check whether your panel can handle it (the NEC 220.87 service check), or size the breaker for the load.
Compute Your Unit's Exact Amps
Read the watts off the nameplate and enter them below to get the exact running amps at 120V or 240V, with power factor for motor loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps does a garbage disposal use?
A garbage disposal uses about 6.7 running amps at 120 volts (roughly 800 watts). Because it is a motor load, it surges to several times that for a moment at startup. To get your unit's exact draw, divide the nameplate watts by 120: amps = watts / volts. A garbage disposal draws about 6-8 running amps (1/3 to 1/2 HP) with a brief motor surge, on a dedicated 15A circuit for most units or 20A for larger ones. Larger 3/4 to 1 HP disposals pull more; size to the nameplate. Confirm whether local practice lets it share the dishwasher circuit.
What size breaker for a garbage disposal?
A garbage disposal belongs on a dedicated 15A / 120V circuit (NEC 422.16, 210.23(B)). At 6.7 running amps it stays within the 80% continuous limit of that breaker, with headroom for the startup surge. Do not put it on a shared circuit with other large loads.
How do I calculate the amps a garbage disposal draws?
Divide the wattage on the nameplate by the voltage: amps = watts / volts. A garbage disposal at about 800 watts on 120V works out to 800 / 120 = 6.7 amps. Add a startup surge of several times that for a fraction of a second on the motor. The nameplate always governs over a typical value.
How many amps does a disposal use?
Same answer: disposal is another name for a garbage disposal. It draws about 6.7 amps at 120V on a dedicated 15A circuit. A garbage disposal draws about 6-8 running amps (1/3 to 1/2 HP) with a brief motor surge, on a dedicated 15A circuit for most units or 20A for larger ones. Larger 3/4 to 1 HP disposals pull more; size to the nameplate. Confirm whether local practice lets it share the dishwasher circuit.
How Many Amps Do Other Appliances Use?
TV
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Refrigerator
About 5.8 A at 120V.
Freezer
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Mini Fridge
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Microwave
About 10 A at 120V.
Coffee Maker
About 10 A at 120V.
Window Air Conditioner
About 10 A at 120V.
Space Heater
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Washing Machine
About 8.3 A at 120V.
Dishwasher
About 11.7 A at 120V.
Dehumidifier
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Sump Pump
About 6.7 A at 120V.
Hair Dryer
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Toaster
About 9.2 A at 120V.
Electric Water Heater
About 18.8 A at 240V.
Box Fan
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Air Fryer
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Vacuum Cleaner
About 8.3 A at 120V.
PS5
About 1.7 A at 120V.
Xbox Series X
About 1.3 A at 120V.
Gaming PC
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Watts to Amps Calculator
Convert any wattage to amps at 120V or 240V.
Wire & Breaker for Appliances
The exact wire gauge and breaker for hardwired appliance circuits.