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.

A garbage disposal is typically put on a dedicated 15A / 120V circuit. The code permits it to share a circuit that supplies only fastened-in-place appliances, such as a dishwasher, within that circuit's rating (NEC 210.23(B)); a circuit of its own is the common choice. At 6.7 running amps it is within the 15A rating of that circuit (NEC 210.22), with headroom for the startup surge.

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.

Same answer: disposal is another name for a garbage disposal. It draws about 6.7 amps at 120V, typically on a dedicated 15A / 120V 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.