You will require 10 amps of current to run the average dishwasher. To prevent electrical overloading, it is essential to ensure that you’ve connected the dishwasher to a separate circuit with either 15 or 20 amps. The number of amps required to power a dishwasher will change depending on the model and brand.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Dishwasher 15 or 20 Amp?
- 2 How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use
- 3 Samsung Dishwasher Amperage
- 4 Bosch Dishwasher Amperage
- 5 Whirpool Dishwasher Amperage
- 6 Frigidaire Dishwasher Amperage
- 7 How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use?
- 8 Dishwashers: Plug-in vs. Hardwired
Dishwasher 15 or 20 Amp?
A separate 120/125-volt, 15-amp circuit is necessary when setting up a dishwasher. A 14/2 NM cable supplies power to this 15-amp circuit. You can also use a 20-amp circuit with a 12/2 NM wire to power the dishwasher.
Related: How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?
How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use
Most dishwashers use around 1800 watts every cycle. However, the average range is anywhere between 1200 and 2400 watts.
A dishwasher mainly needs energy for the pump and control electronics. That’s because, instead of the dishwasher heating the water on its own, water gets heated when you connect the dishwasher to the hot water line.
Samsung Dishwasher Amperage
The standard operating current for a Samsung dishwasher is approximately ten amps.
Dishwashers manufactured by Samsung are energy efficient. They often consume less power than dishwashers manufactured by various brands and models.
If you look harder, you can find more energy-efficient models. But most dishwasher models require approximately 10 amps of current. However, some models can go as high as 20 amps.
Related: Best Portable Dishwasher – Top 5 Dishwashers to Consider in 2023
Bosch Dishwasher Amperage
Bosch dishwashers come in a few unique models. However, the 800, 500, and 300 are the most popular ones, requiring 15 amps to operate.
The amount of amperage required to run a Bosch dishwasher depends on several factors. These include:
- The model
- The appliance’s size
- Optional features offered by the dishwasher model
Most home appliances will function at around ten amps and have a constant power consumption profile.
There are more energy-intensive cycles than others. For example, a sanitizing wash will require a higher temperature than a regular wash, which will take longer to complete.
Whirpool Dishwasher Amperage
Like other dishwashers, a Whirlpool dishwasher only needs 10 to 12 amps. However, you need 15–20 amps to use your Whirlpool dishwasher safely. It is safest to use a separate 20-amp circuit when using this model.
Related: Plastic vs. Stainless Steel Dishwasher Tub
Frigidaire Dishwasher Amperage
The electrical current consumption of a Frigidaire dishwasher is 12.5 amps. If you intend to plug anything else into the same outlet, you need a 20-amp circuit.
A Frigidaire dishwasher is among the most expensive models. So you want to ensure that you’ve connected it to the correct direct circuit. Better yet, avoiding short circuits could extend the life of your equipment.
Related: How Hot Does a Dishwasher Get?
Below is a summary of the different dishwashers and their amperage:
| No. | Dishwasher Brand | Amperage |
| 1. | Samsung | 10 amps |
| 2. | Bosch | 15 amps |
| 3. | Whirpool | 10-12 amps |
| 4. | Frigidaire | 12.5 amps |
How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use?
An average garbage disposal uses significantly less power than the average dishwasher. However, you must take great care during installation because of their power consumption. Besides this, they come in a wide range of varying intensities, some of which need more power to function than others. Here’s a summary.
| No. | Garbage Disposal Horsepower | Amperage |
| 1. | â…“ Horsepower | 4 amps |
| 2. | ½ Horsepower | 9.8 amps |
| 3. | ¾ Horsepower | 13.8 amps |
| 4. | 1 Horsepower | 16 amps |
Garbage Disposal With 1/3 Horsepower
1/3 horsepower garbage disposals use the least power. Also, their support system is the weakest. These disposals work well for things like cereal, peels from fruits and vegetables, and bread scraps.
Waste Maid 10-US-WM-048-3B Garbage Disposal
This waste disposal may operate with a continuous feed and contains a filter to prevent odors. It’s simple to set up thanks to its 3-foot power line that fits into any 3-prong electrical outlet. In a kitchen that is rarely used, this is an excellent investment.
Garbage Disposal with 1/2 Horsepower
Half-horsepower garbage disposals can grind up whole veggies and seeds with ease. Their power consumption is 9.8 amps. That is significantly higher than that of a standard 1/3 horsepower garbage disposal. These are ideal for households without many leftovers, such as couples or single people.
FRIGIDAIRE FF05DISPD1 HP Direct Wire Garbage Disposer
The option of a power cord or direct wiring makes it possible to install this disposal without the assistance of an electrician. Besides fitting neatly beneath the sink, it also features noise-canceling technology.
Garbage Disposal With 3/4 Horsepower
About 13.8 amps are used by garbage disposal with 3/4 horsepower. If you do a lot of cooking, you should get one of these disposals. The pits of fruits and vegetables, as well as most other types of trash, can be ground easily.
Kraus KWD100-75MBL WasteGuard
The garbage disposal is stylish and has all the accessories you need to set it up. It only comes with a cord, and there are no hard-wiring options.
One-Horsepower Garbage Disposal
You need a 1-horsepower garbage disposal if you have a large family. You can toss practically anything at these powerful machines, including bones, and they can crush it. They have the highest power consumption of any model, at around 16 amps, and so need a more robust circuit breaker.
Moen GX100C Chef Series 1 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
This waste disposal was built to handle frequent usage of tough garbage. It is equipped with sound insulation to decrease its noise output. There is only a hard-wired version of this model.
Related: Best Portable Dishwasher On Wheels – 6 Top Picks on The Market in 2023
Dishwashers: Plug-in vs. Hardwired
Whether you want your dishwasher to be plugged in or hardwired into the home’s power circuit, it’s your call—Unless it’s required by law to have a hardwired dishwasher. But here are factors you need to consider:
Energy Usage
Energy usage is the same for both methods. A dishwasher that uses ten amps when running and 12 amps during a surge when you plug it will use the same amount of power when hardwired.
Convenience
Dishwashers plugged-in and hardwired differ primarily in terms of convenience and appearance. Hardwired washers save their owners time and trouble by eliminating the need to adjust power cords constantly. Also, when an appliance is hardwired, the power cords are concealed.
Plug-in dishwashers are easy to disassemble and inspect because you only need to disconnect the appliance. Stopping the electricity supply to a hardwired dishwasher requires switching off the appliance’s circuit breaker.
Security
Hardwiring the dishwasher could be a good alternative for added security. Hardwired dishwashers feature less exposed connections, making them less likely to come into contact with water. However, that depends on whether the washer was fitted correctly. And that any visible cables were encased in a flexible casing or protector.