How Many Amps Does a Washer Use

On average, a washer of 400 to 1400 watts would draw 3 to 11 amps of current. There are different types of washers, including dishwashers, washing machines, and pressure washers. A standard dishwasher draws 10 to 20 amps, a top-load washing machine draws 1.4 to 2.08 amps, and a pressure washer draws around 5 to 12 amps of current. To understand in detail how many amps a washer uses, it is crucial to know each product type, voltage requirement, usage cycle, and energy efficiency.

Typically, a washer is a heavy-load machine that contributes to high power consumption and eventually may increase your electricity bill. Having an efficient power source like a solar power generator can be a good option. Jackery Solar Generators use renewable energy to supply power to heavy-duty machines like washers. Due to their long-lasting reliability, they do not allow unwanted power cuts/blackouts to be a barrier to your comfort.

Key Takeaways

• The startup wattage is usually 2.2 times the running wattage of a washing machine.
• In a pressure washer, the surge wattage is around three times the running wattage.
• A residential dishwasher of 1200 to 2400 watts operating at 120V would draw around 10 to 20 amps current.
• A top-load washing machine of 350 to 500 watts at 240V would draw an amperage of 1.4 to 2.08 amps.
• A front-load washing machine of 400 to 2200 watts operating at 240V would draw a current of 1.6 to 9 amps.

How Many Amps Does a Washer Use

Each type of washer comes in different sizes and with different capacities. A standard-size dishwasher amp is around 10 to 20 amps with power consumption of 1200 to 2400 watts operating at 120V. A compact dishwasher of 800 to 1000 watts at 120V will draw 6.6 to 8.3 amps, and a portable dishwasher of 900 to 950 watts at 120V will draw a current of 7.5 to 7.9 amps.

A compact laundry washer of 200 to 500 watts operating at 240V would consume 0.8 to 2.08 amps. A top-load washing machine of 350 to 500 watts at 240V would draw an amperage of 1.4 to 2.08 amps. Similarly, a front-load washing machine ranging from 400 to 2200 watts operating at 240V would draw a current of 1.6 to 9 amps.

A light-duty pressure washer with 1500 to 1900 PSI (pounds of pressure per square inch) would consume 1300 to 1900 watts, depending on the intensity of pressure, power source, pressure bar, motor rating, and motor. When running at 240V, it would draw around  5.4 to 8 amps.

A medium-duty pressure washer with a pressure range of 2000 to 2800 PSI consumes 1800 to 2800 watts, considering several factors, and would draw 7.5 to 11.6 amps at 240V. A heavy-duty pressure washer of 2900 to 3000 PSI would consume 1400 to 3000 watts of power at 240V and draw 5.8 to 12.5 amps. A commercial pressure washer amp is more than 3100 PSI, consuming around 1800 to 4000 watts, and draws 7.5 to 16.6 amps.

The amperage drawn by various types and sizes of pressure washers depends on various factors. The power consumption of these washers largely depends upon the pressure intensity, voltage, power source, and other factors.

Definition of Amps, Volts, Watts, Running Watts

Current, voltage, and power consumption are fundamental concepts of an electrical system. Knowing the watts, amps, and volts of a washer can help to understand how to use the appliance in a much more effective way to reduce energy waste and electricity bills. Here are some detailed electrical terms that help you understand how many amps a washer uses.

Amps (Amperes): How much electrical current a washer is using is measured in amperes. The amount of current drawn correlates to the power consumed by the washer. As more current flows through the washer, the more power it uses. To understand how many amps a washer uses, you should know the voltage and power consumption. Once you know these values, you can calculate the amps using the formula:

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts.

Volts: Voltage represents the electrical force pushing the current through the washer's electrical system. It is the pressure that forces the current to flow through the wires. Having the right current voltage is essential to ensure the washer's efficient operation. Although most washers in American households operate at 120V, some commercial washers may require 240V.

Volts = Watts ÷ Amps.

Watts: The power consumption during operating hours is denoted by wattage. It measures the rate at which power is consumed at any given time. Washers with higher capacity and pressure correlate to higher wattage. Knowing the wattage, you delve deep into how your washer will perform. Using the voltage and ampere values, you can derive the relationship by using the formula:

Watts = Volts × Amps.

Running Watts: Running or rated wattage is the power the washer consumes continuously. Running wattage keeps the momentum of the device from falling. You can calculate running wattage to manage energy usage and estimate costs by using the formula:

Running Watts = Volts × Running Amps.

How Many Amps Do a Pressure Washer, Dishwasher, And Washing Machine Use?

Depending on the model, a pressure washer of 1100 to 4000 watts operating at 240V would draw 4.6 to 16.6 amps of amperage. A washing machine operating at 240V consumes around 400 to 2500 watts of power and would draw 1.6 to 10.4 amps. A 1200 to 2400-watt dishwasher would draw 10 to 20 amps when running at 120V.

Here's a detailed comparison of the different types of washers, appliance wattage chart, and amp usage:

Note: The actual energy usage of a pressure washer is ⅓ of the wattage. In a washing machine, the actual energy would be ½ of the wattage, and in a dishwasher, the actual energy usage would be the same.

How Many Amps Does a Washer Draw on a Startup?

A pressure washer consuming 1200W of running wattage will have a surge wattage of 3600W, drawing around 15 amps of current on startup. Similarly, a washing machine running at a rated wattage of 800W will have a surge wattage of around 1800W and would draw 7.5 amps on startup.

In a dishwasher, the started wattage is equivalent to the rated wattage. This means that if the dishwasher's rated wattage is 1500W, the surge wattage would be the same, drawing 12.5 amps of current on startup.

Starting Watts vs Running Watts

Startup wattage is the amount of power required to start the washer compressor. This power lasts for a few seconds before the device runs at its running wattage. The startup wattage is usually 2.2 times the running wattage of a washing machine. This implies that if the running wattage of a washing machine is 800W, the surge wattage would be around 1800W.

In a pressure washer, the surge wattage is around three times the running wattage. If the running wattage of the pressure washer is 1200W, the surge wattage would be 3600W. In a dishwasher, the surge wattage and running wattage are equal.

Let us consider an example. If a pressure washer runs at 240V and draws 4 amps of current, the running wattage would be:

Running Watts = Voltage x Running Amps = 240V x 4 = 960W.

Startup Watts = Running Watts x 3 = 960W x 3 = 2880W.

Note: We multiplied the running watts by 3 because the startup watts are typically 3 times higher than the running watts in the pressure washer.

Startup Amps vs Running Amps

Similar to wattage, a washer's startup amps are higher than its running amps. The startup amp is the current drawn through the compressor, and the running amp is the constant flow of current in the washer during the running phase.

In a washing machine,

Startup Amps = Running Amps x 2.2 = 5 x 2.2 = 11A.

In a pressure washer,

Startup Amps = Running Amps x 3 = 5 x 3 = 15A.

How to Calculate Your Washer Amps

There are simple yet effective methods that can help you calculate the current drawn by your washer by yourself. Understanding how many amps a washer uses is crucial as it will let you know the compatibility of your washers with the power source. Here are three methods you can use to calculate washer amps:

Method 1: Manufacturer Details: Energy Star Rating

You can check the manufacturer's details or the user manual of your appliance, which includes voltage and wattage information. Many products are also Energy Star-rated if they comply with the efficiency criteria set by the USEPA.

Method 2: Determine the Amps From the Wattage

If you have lost the user manual or the manufacturer details are unavailable, you can calculate the current by checking the power source. To do this, check the power source's daily power consumption and voltage and calculate by using a simple formula: Amps = Daily Watt Hours ÷ Volts.

For example, if the wattage consumption of a dishwasher is 800W for one hour per day, then it consumes 800Wh/day. Putting the values in the formula, we get:

Amps = 800 ÷ 120 = 6.6A.

Method 3: Washer Digital Power Meter

Many washers have mechanical and electrical portions inside. Hence, for evaluation, it needs many kinds of measurement items. A digital power meter records the voltage, current, power, control signals, rotation control, water flow, and more. To use the power meter display, plug the washer into the power meter and plug the meter into the wall outlet. Once you run the washer, the ampere value is displayed on the screen.

Tips to Save Your Electricity Bill

A washer is an essential part of every household and consumes a lot of power. But did you know that switching your temperature from hot to warm can reduce the load energy by half? The Department of Energy gives long-term saving tips for washers such as laundry washers or dishwashers.

• Wash your clothes in cold water using detergent for cold water whenever possible. Use appropriate water level settings if washing clothes in small loads.
• Clean the dryer lint screen after every wash to improve air circulation and prevent hazards.
• If you use a front-load machine, use quick-dispersing detergents to ensure proper cleaning in high-efficiency machines.
• Always look for Energy Star labels; these washers use 35% less water than standard machines.
• When using a dishwasher, load the machine fully before washing.
• Before investing in a cloth dryer, make sure you choose the one with the automatic shut-off feature.

Solar Generators for Washers

Unlike traditional gas generators, solar generators have emerged as an effective and eco-friendly solution for powering small, medium, and heavy-duty appliances. Whether you live off-the-grid or experience frequent power outages, solar generators offer renewable energy to power your washers, ensuring long working hours.

One such example is the Jackery Solar Generator, a sustainable and eco-friendly solar generator. The solar power system combines solar panels and a power station. When solar panels are placed in direct contact with sunlight, they absorb the radiation using specialized cells. The panels then convert the solar energy into electrical energy and transfer it into a power station. The power station then converts DC into AC, which powers the washer.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus powers heavy-duty devices and is expandable. It supports battery packs, always ensuring additional home backup during emergencies. This solar generator can power your dishwasher running at 120V. It is ideal for various scenarios, such as off-grid living and extended blackouts.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit

For appliances operating at 240V, such as pressure washers and washing machines, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit Portable Power Station can be a reliable option. The solar generator is not only power-ready for outdoor and home backup power but also ideal for off-grid living and extended blackouts.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is ideal for powering appliances running at 120V, such as dishwashers. Featuring a large capacity and portable design, the solar generator is ideal for home emergencies, covering all your electricity needs with its vast capacity. Along with washers, it can charge 99% of appliances for extended periods. Moreover, the solar generator can also charge some small and mini washing machines operating at 120V.

FAQs About Washer Amps

Does a washing machine need a 15 or 20-amp outlet?

Yes. A 15 amp outlet is recommended to connect a washing machine as a residential washing machine typically draws 10 to 12 amps of current.

Can a washer be on a 15-amp circuit?

Yes, a washer can be connected to a 15-amp circuit. A washing machine consuming 1400 watts on a 240V outlet may draw a current of 5.8 amps, so a 15-amp circuit would be sufficient to connect the washer.

How many amps does a dishwasher use?

A dishwasher of 1200 to 2400 watts operating at 120V would draw 10 to 20 amps current. However, the amperage will vary based on the dishwasher's size, capacity, and operating hours.

How many amps does a pressure washer use?

A light-duty pressure washer consumes 1300 to 1900 watts. When running at 240V, it draws around  5.4 to 8 amps. Ampere consumption varies for light, medium, heavy-duty, and commercial pressure washers.

Conclusion

Various deciding factors help us understand how many amps a washer uses while operating. It is important to analyze the amperage drawn by washers to choose the right power supply along with the running voltage. Unlike traditional grid power, choosing a solar power supply can help significantly reduce your electricity bills. Jackery Solar Generators can effectively charge washers consuming high loads, offering long-lasting reliability. Even if there are extended blackouts, the expandable nature of these solar generators can act as reliable battery backup for homes.