How Many Amps Does A Washing
Machine Use?
Washing machine amperage ranges between 10 - 20 amps, with the most common amperage
being 15 amps. In this article, we’ll discuss the electrical requirements for washing machines
based on their amperages.
Washing Machine Amperage by Type
Front-loading and top-loading washing machines are commonly rated at 10 - 20 amps, with 15
amps is the most common.
On the other hand, all-in-one combo machines typically use 9.5 - 20 amps, with a common amp
rating of 15. Portable washers are the lowest rated, with an amp rating of 1.2 - 7 amps.
The table below shows the detailed amperage for 4 types:
Item
Typical Amperage
Most Common
Amperage
Top load washer
10 - 20 A
15 A
Front load washer
10 - 20 A
15 A
All-in-One Washer
Dryer Combo
9.5 - 20 A
15 A
Portable Washer
1.2 - 7 A
5A
Note: The data is based on 240 popular models from Homedepot, Lowes and Bestbuy.
Washing Machine Amperage by Capacity and Brands (28 Typical Samples)
Capacity
(cubic
Amperage( feet)
Washer Types
Brand
Model
Magic Chef
MCSTCW09W2
2
0.9 Portable
Magic Chef
MCSTCW16S4
3
1.6 Portable
Whirlpool
WFW3090JW
15
1.9 Front load
GE
GFW148SSMW
W
20
2.4 Front load
Hotpoint
HTW240ASKWS
10
3.8 Top load
Maytag
MVWC465HW
15
3.8 Top load
Whirlpool
WTW4955HW
15
3.8 Top load
Frigidaire
FFTW4120SW
15
4.1 Top load
Insignia
NS-TWM41WH8
A
6
4.1 Top load
Maytag
MVWC565FW
20
4.2 Top load
Whirlpool
WTW5000DW
15
4.3 Top load
Electrolux
ELFW7637AT
15
4.5 Front load
GE
GTW465ASNW
W
10
4.5 Top load
LG
WT7100CW
5
4.5 Top load
LG
WM3400CW
10
4.5 Front load
Samsung
WA45T3200AW
15
4.5 Top load
Samsung
WF45R6100AW/
US
15
4.5 Front load
Whirlpool
WTW5105HW
15
4.7 Top load
GE
GFW550SSNW
W
20
4.8 Front load
GE Profile
PTW600BSRWS
10
5 Top load
LG
WT7300CV
15
5 Top load
Samsung
WA50R5200AW
15
5 Top load
Samsung
WA50R5200AW/
US
15
5 Top load
Samsung
WA52M7750AV
15
5.2 Top load
Whirlpool
WTW8127LW
15
5.2 Top load
LG
WT7800CV
15
5.5 Top load
Samsung
WV60M9900AW
15
LG Electronics WM3998HBA
Deco
DC 4400 N / S
GE
GFQ14ESSNW
W
LG Electronics WKE100HVA
6 Front load
10
All-in-One Washer
4.5 Dryer Combo
15
All-in-One Washer
1.57 Dryer Combo
20
All-in-One Washer
2.4 Dryer Combo
30 4.5 + 7.4
WashTower
Laundry Center
We analyzed 240 washers and picked 28 most popular washing machines as above.
You can see that there is no direct correlation between capacity and amperage. A low amp but
high capacity washer, like the LG WT7100CW 4.5 cu ft washer, can share the circuit with a gas
dryer. On the other hand, some small capacity washing machines like the GE 2.4 cu.ft.
GFW148SSMWW uses 20 amps. So you may still need to prepare a 20 amp outlet for compact
washers.
Most medium capacity washers, which fall into the 3.8 - 4.8 cu ft category, typically use 10-15
amps. They are suitable for a family of 2-4.
Most large capacity washers, with a typical capacity at 5 - 5.5 cu ft, are rated at 15 amps. They
are suitable for a familiar of 5 or if you plan to wash a king-size comforter or other beddings. A
few brands like Samsung produce 6 cu ft washing machines which, however, still use 15 amps.
Full-sized All-in-One Washer Dryer Combos are usually rated at 10-20 amps (120v) and a few
models use 30 amps (240v).
It’s worth noting that Magic Chef is a brand that produces the low-amp portable washers. With
amperages of 2 - 3 amps, you can even share the 15A circuit or outlet with other appliances.
15 Or 20 Amp Outlet For Washing Machine?
A washing machine rated 15 amps can be safely plugged into a 15 or 20 amp circuit outlet.
However, you need to prepare a 20 amps dedicated outlet for a few washer models that are
rated at 20 amps.
Washing machines should be plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet. Extension cords and
power strips are not supposed to be used for appliances such as washers and dryers due to
their electrical requirements. However, surge protectors can be used for washing machines
provided they meet the amperage requirements.
The outlets for washers should be situated behind the machine. Although NEC does not require
GFCI outlets for washing machines, it requires all outlets in laundry areas to have GFCI
protection. This is to minimize the risk of shock to persons coming into contact with the damp
surfaces when the machine is running.
Does a Washing Machine Need a Dedicated Circuit?
Washing machines should run on dedicated 120V 15 or 20 amp circuits. The circuit should be
fed by grounded 14 gauge wire for a 15 amp circuit, or 12 gauge wire for 20 amp circuit. While it
is generally accepted that the 15 or 20 amp(120V) circuit can serve both your washing machine
and gas dryer, it is highly recommended to have the washer on its own circuit.
Washing machines also require 15 or 20 amp circuit breakers, according to the NEC. Using a
lower-rated breaker will lead to regular tripping, while higher-rated breakers do not trip on time,
exposing the circuit to overheating and the risk of electrical fires.
How Many Amps Does A Dryer Use?
Electric dryers use between 9.3 - 30 amps. The vast majority of dryers require a 240V, 30 amp
dedicated circuit, unlike washers which run on 120V, 15 or 20 amp circuits.
Conclusion
Washing machines draw 10 - 20 amps of current when in operation. They, therefore, require 15
or 20-amp, 120V circuits for safe operation. Since these appliances are located in laundry
areas, it is important to ensure compliance with NEC requirements on outlets and grounding to
prevent electrical accidents.