How Many Amps Does an Air Compressor Use?
Air Compressor draws about 13 amps at 120 volts (1,500 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 38 amps at startup. At 13 A, an air compressor is too much for a shared 15 A circuit under the 80% rule — it belongs on a 20 A circuit, ideally with little else running on it.
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — an air compressor
13 A
- At 120 V
- 1,500 W
- Typical breaker
- 15 A
Breaker figure is guidance for a simple resistive load — confirm against the nameplate and a licensed electrician.
Air Compressor amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 1,500 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Air Compressor is typically a 120 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 1,500 W | 13 A | 6.3 A |
| Starting (surge) | 4,500 W | 38 A | 19 A |
The startup surge lasts a fraction of a second — it matters for generator sizing and breaker trip curves, not for your electric bill.
Breaker and circuit for an air compressor
At 13 A, an air compressor is too much for a shared 15 A circuit under the 80% rule — it belongs on a 20 A circuit, ideally with little else running on it. For a dedicated circuit, guidance is a 20 A breaker with 12 AWG copper (75°C terminations).
Guidance only — actual circuit sizing depends on your unit's nameplate, wire run length, and local code. Confirm with a licensed electrician. See the wire & breaker size chart for the full NEC ampacity table.
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