How Many Amps Does a Sump Pump Use?
Sump Pump draws about 6.7 amps at 120 volts (800 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 17 amps at startup. At 6.7 A, a sump pump fits comfortably on a standard 15 A or 20 A household circuit.
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a sump pump
6.7 A
- At 120 V
- 800 W
- Typical breaker
- 15 A
Breaker figure is guidance for a simple resistive load — confirm against the nameplate and a licensed electrician.
Sump Pump amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 800 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Sump Pump is typically a 120 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 800 W | 6.7 A | 3.3 A |
| Starting (surge) | 2,000 W | 17 A | 8.3 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 sump pump
At 6.7 A, a sump pump 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.
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