How Many Amps Does a Well Pump (1 HP) Use?
Well Pump (1 HP) draws about 6.3 amps at 240 volts (1,500 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 13 amps at startup. Well Pump (1 HP) runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 20 A double-pole breaker (per the pump's FLA and control box).
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a 1 HP well pump
6.3 A
- At 240 V
- 1,500 W
This appliance's circuit is sized from its nameplate per the NEC, not from wattage — see the circuit guidance below.
Well Pump (1 HP) amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 1,500 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Well Pump (1 HP) is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 1,500 W | 13 A | 6.3 A |
| Starting (surge) | 3,000 W | 25 A | 13 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 1 HP well pump
Well Pump (1 HP) runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 20 A double-pole breaker (per the pump's FLA and control box). Motor circuits size from full-load-current tables with inrush allowance (NEC Article 430), not 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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