How Many Amps Does a Central Air Conditioner Use?
Central Air Conditioner draws about 15 amps at 240 volts (3,500 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 33 amps at startup. Central Air Conditioner runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30-45 A breaker, per the unit's nameplate MOCP.
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a central air conditioner
15 A
- At 240 V
- 3,500 W
This appliance's circuit is sized from its nameplate per the NEC, not from wattage — see the circuit guidance below.
Central Air Conditioner amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 3,500 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Central Air Conditioner is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 3,500 W | 29 A | 15 A |
| Starting (surge) | 8,000 W | 67 A | 33 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 a central air conditioner
Central Air Conditioner runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30-45 A breaker, per the unit's nameplate MOCP. Air conditioners are sized from the nameplate MCA/MOCP under NEC Article 440, not from wattage — a 3-ton condenser typically lists a 30-45 A maximum breaker.
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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