How Many Amps Does an Electric Clothes Dryer Use?
Electric Clothes Dryer draws about 13 amps at 240 volts (3,000 watts running). Electric Clothes Dryer runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30 A double-pole breaker with 10 AWG copper (NEMA 14-30 receptacle).
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — an electric clothes dryer
13 A
- At 240 V
- 3,000 W
This appliance's circuit is sized from its nameplate per the NEC, not from wattage — see the circuit guidance below.
Electric Clothes Dryer amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 3,000 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Electric Clothes Dryer is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 3,000 W | 25 A | 13 A |
Breaker and circuit for an electric clothes dryer
Electric Clothes Dryer runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30 A double-pole breaker with 10 AWG copper (NEMA 14-30 receptacle). NEC 220.54 sets a 5,000 W minimum for dryer circuits — the 30 A / 240 V dryer circuit is the US standard regardless of average running watts.
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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