How Many Amps Does a Baseboard Heater Use?
Baseboard Heater draws about 6.3 amps at 240 volts (1,500 watts running). Baseboard Heater runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — a 1,500 W load calls for at least a 15 A double-pole breaker (your unit's nameplate may require more).
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a baseboard heater
6.3 A
- At 240 V
- 1,500 W
- Typical breaker
- 15 A
Breaker figure is guidance for a simple resistive load, sized at 125% for continuous running — confirm against the nameplate and a licensed electrician.
Baseboard Heater amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 1,500 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Baseboard Heater is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 1,500 W | 13 A | 6.3 A |
Breaker and circuit for a baseboard heater
Baseboard Heater runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — a 1,500 W load calls for at least a 15 A double-pole breaker (your unit's nameplate may require more). For a dedicated circuit, guidance is a 15 A breaker with 14 AWG copper (75°C terminations) — sized at 125% of the running current because it runs 3+ hours at a time (NEC 210.20).
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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