How Many Amps Does a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Use?

Bathroom Exhaust Fan amperage at 120 V and 240 V

Same 30 W load: the current halves when the voltage doubles. Bathroom Exhaust Fan is typically a 120 V appliance in US homes.

Breaker and circuit for a bathroom exhaust fan

At 0.25 A, a bathroom exhaust fan fits comfortably on a standard 15 A or 20 A household circuit. For a dedicated circuit, guidance is a 15 A breaker with 14 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.

Measure what a bathroom exhaust fan actually draws

The figures above are typical ratings, and this load is usually hardwired or on a 240 V circuit, so a plug-in meter can't reach it. A clamp meter reads the current on one conductor at the disconnect or panel without breaking the circuit; opening a panel is work for someone qualified, and the voltage pen confirms a circuit is dead first.

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Clamp meter

Fluke 323

Best for: Measuring what a hardwired circuit actually draws, even in a crowded panel

Check price on Amazon: Fluke 323 (opens in a new tab)(paid link)

Non-contact voltage tester

Klein Tools NCVT-3P

Best for: Confirming a circuit is dead before you open a device or box

Check price on Amazon: Klein Tools NCVT-3P (opens in a new tab)(paid link)

Frequently asked questions

Amp draw of other appliances

• Hair Dryer13 A
• Flat Iron1.3 A
• Curling Iron0.75 A
• Towel Warmer0.83 A