How Many Amps Does a Dishwasher Use?
Dishwasher draws about 15 amps at 120 volts (1,800 watts running). At 15 A, a dishwasher 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 — a dishwasher
15 A
- At 120 V
- 1,800 W
- Typical breaker
- 15 A
Breaker figure is guidance for a simple resistive load — confirm against the nameplate and a licensed electrician.
Dishwasher amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 1,800 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Dishwasher is typically a 120 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 1,800 W | 15 A | 7.5 A |
Breaker and circuit for a dishwasher
At 15 A, a dishwasher 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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