How Many Amps Does A Dryer Use [Breaker Size & Adapters]

Last updated: January 21, 2023.

How many amps does a dryer use? Find out here, and see how you can convert your dryer outlet without risk or needing an electrician. Also, see how many amps 34 of the most popular dryers use.

Below you’ll find out how many amps residential electric clothes dryers use and get key safety details. You’ll also get a quick tip that’ll reduce your risk of getting an electrical shock while also reducing your need to hire an electrician.

Spoilers:

  • Household electric clothes dryers use between 7.5 amps and 30 amps.
  • The vast majority of dryers use 30 amps.
  • 3 / 4 prong dryer adaptors can be a quick, risk-free and cheap solution.

Continue reading to get a list of how many amps 34 of the most popular dryers use and get practical information to help you identify the right size breaker for your dryer / circuit.

Table Of Contents
  1. How many amps does a dryer use
  2. What amp breaker for dryer
  3. Dryer outlet adapter
  4. Final thoughts
How many amps does a clothes dryer use image of open clothes dryer

How many amps does a dryer use

Residential electric clothes dryers use between 7.5 amps and 30 amps. However, 30 amps is by far the most common.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) standards require that 240V dryers have a dedicated 4-wire circuit (10-3 type NM cable with ground) protected by a 30 amp breaker.

Portable compact 110V/120V dryers, however, can be safely used on a standard household circuit protected by a 15 amp breaker. This is because these dryers use between 7.5 amps and 15 amps.

Ideally, the size of breaker will be just slightly higher than the amount of amps that devices on a circuit will use.

Continue reading to see how many amps various dryers use and to get more details about the right size breaker.

Related post: Dryer Voltage Explained [6 Ways To Check Voltage + Safety Tips].

How many amps does a 240V dryer use

240V dryers typically use between 10 amps and 30 amps, however 30 amps is by far the most common.

This is demonstrated in the table below, where 50% of the 240V dryers use 30A.

The 240V dryer that uses the lowest amount of amps is the ENERGY STAR certified Bosch 800 Series (check it out on Amazon, here), which uses just 10.5 amps.

This is an anomaly however.

Generally you can expect 240V dryers to use between 24A and 30A.

How many amps does a 220 volt dryer use

220V dryers, similar to 240V dryers, usually use between 10A and 30A, with 30A being the most common.

There is little difference between 220V and 240V dryers – they’re the same voltage level. As a result, 220V dryers use the same amps as 240V dryers.

It’s more common for manufacturers to report a 240V dryer voltage rather than 220V or 230V.

How many amps does a 110V / 120V dryer use

110V / 120V dryers typically use between 7.5 amps and 15 amps.

These 110V / 120V dryers are commonly referred to as compact or portable dryers.

These dryers are usually designed for use in smaller spaces, like apartments, and to run off of standard 110V / 120V household circuits.

For example, this compact RCA clothes dryer (check it out on Amazon, here) draws just 7.5 amps and runs off of a standard 120V circuit.

Unlike the 240V dryers, these portable dryers don’t require a dedicated circuit. But if you’re in doubt about a specific 110V / 120V low amp dryer, do confirm this with the seller or manufacturer.

Amperage of popular dryers

To get a better sense of how many amps dryers use, let’s take a look at how many amps some of the most sold dryers use.

The table below lists the amperage of 34 of the most sold dryers in the US, along with links to Home Depot and / or Amazon for more information. The list is arranged from low to high amps.

DryerAmps (A)More info (links to Home Depot / Amazon)
RCA 13 lb. Compact Clothes Dryer7.5Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/RCA-13-lb-Compact-Clothes-Dryer-RDR323/315293067 (check it out on Amazon, here)
Panda 1.50 cu. ft. White and Black Electric Compact Portable Laundry Dryer7.73Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Panda-1-50-cu-ft-White-and-Black-Electric-Compact-Portable-Laundry-Dryer-PAN725SF/308705002 (see price on Amazon, here)
Bosch 800 Series 4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Home Connect White Stackable Electric Ventless Compact Dryer, ENERGY STAR10.5Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-800-Series-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Home-Connect-White-Stackable-Electric-Ventless-Compact-Dryer-ENERGY-STAR-WTG865H4UC/315280947 (see dryer on Amazon, here)
Magic Chef 2.6 cu. ft. White Compact Electric Dryer11.7Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-2-6-cu-ft-White-Compact-Electric-Dryer-MCSDRY1S/204984491 (check it out on Amazon, here)
Samsung AirDresser with Steam and Sanitize Cycle, Wi-Fi Enabled, Deodorizing Filter in Dark Black12Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-AirDresser-with-Steam-and-Sanitize-Cycle-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Deodorizing-Filter-in-Dark-Black-DF60R8200DG/313984044 (see dryer on Amazon, here)
LG Electronics Styler Steam Closet Smart Clothing Care System with Asthma & Allergy Friendly Sanitizer in White12.5Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-Styler-Steam-Closet-Smart-Clothing-Care-System-with-Asthma-Allergy-Friendly-Sanitizer-in-White-S3WFBN/307473339 (compare price on Amazon, here)
LG STUDIO 23.5 in. 7.4 cu. ft. Clothes Styler Built-In Steam Clothing Care System12.5Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-STUDIO-23-5-in-7-4-cu-ft-Clothes-Styler-Built-In-Steam-Clothing-Care-System-S5MSB/314441559
BLACK+DECKER 3.5 cu. ft. Capacity White Electric Dryer13Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-3-5-cu-ft-Capacity-White-Electric-Dryer-BCED37/313784115 (check it out on Amazon, here)
GE 3.6 cu. ft. 120-Volt White Stackable Electric Vented Portable Compact Dryer15Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-3-6-cu-ft-120-Volt-White-Stackable-Electric-Vented-Portable-Compact-Dryer-DSKP333ECWW/100091470 (get details on Amazon, here)
Samsung 7.5 cu. ft. 240-Volt Brushed Black Electric Dryer with Smart Dial and Super Speed Dry, ENERGY STAR22.5Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-7-5-cu-ft-240-Volt-Brushed-Black-Electric-Dryer-with-Smart-Dial-and-Super-Speed-Dry-ENERGY-STAR-DVE50A8600V/316130426
Frigidaire 6.7 cu. ft. White Free Standing Electric Dryer24Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-6-7-cu-ft-White-Free-Standing-Electric-Dryer-FFRE4120SW/307250096 (check it out on Amazon, here)
GE 6.2 cu. ft. 240 Volt White Electric Vented Dryer24Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-6-2-cu-ft-240-Volt-White-Electric-Vented-Dryer-GTX33EASKWW/206824738
Electrolux 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Perfect Steam Electric Dryer in White24Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Electrolux-8-0-cu-ft-Front-Load-Perfect-Steam-Electric-Dryer-in-White-EFME427UIW/304700461 (get details on Amazon, here)
GE 7.8 cu. ft. Smart 240 Volt White Stackable Electric Vented Dryer with Long Vent and Sanitize Cycle, ENERGY STAR24Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-7-8-cu-ft-Smart-240-Volt-White-Stackable-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-Long-Vent-and-Sanitize-Cycle-ENERGY-STAR-GFV55ESSNWW/312980603
Electrolux 8.0 cu. ft. White Electric Dryer with Steam, Predictive Dry, ENERGY STAR25Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Electrolux-8-0-cu-ft-White-Electric-Dryer-with-Steam-Predictive-Dry-ENERGY-STAR-EFME627UIW/304700069
Electrolux 8.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer in White, ENERGY STAR25Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Electrolux-8-0-cu-ft-Electric-Dryer-in-White-ENERGY-STAR-EFDE317TIW/301611943
Electrolux 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Perfect Steam Electric Dryer with LuxCare Dry and Instant Refresh in Titanium25Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Electrolux-8-0-cu-ft-Front-Load-Perfect-Steam-Electric-Dryer-with-LuxCare-Dry-and-Instant-Refresh-in-Titanium-EFME527UTT/304715832
Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Chrome Shadow Smart Electric Vented Dryer with AccuDry System30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Chrome-Shadow-Smart-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-AccuDry-System-WED6120HC/312460543
Whirlpool 6.7 cu. ft. 120 Volt White Commercial Electric Vented Dryer Coin Operated30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-6-7-cu-ft-120-Volt-White-Commercial-Electric-Vented-Dryer-Coin-Operated-CED9150GW/302702074
Whirlpool 8.8 cu. ft. 240-Volt Smart White Electric Dryer with Steam and Advanced Moisture Sensing Technology, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-8-8-cu-ft-240-Volt-Smart-White-Electric-Dryer-with-Steam-and-Advanced-Moisture-Sensing-Technology-ENERGY-STAR-WED8120HW/312470883
Maytag 7.3 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Stackable Electric Vented Dryer with Quick Dry Cycle, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-7-3-cu-ft-240-Volt-White-Stackable-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-Quick-Dry-Cycle-ENERGY-STAR-MED5630HW/308241660
Whirlpool 5.9 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Electric Vented Dryer with AccuDry30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-5-9-cu-ft-240-Volt-White-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-AccuDry-WED4985EW/206855036
Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Chrome Shadow Stackable Electric Dryer with Steam and Intuitive Touch Controls, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Chrome-Shadow-Stackable-Electric-Dryer-with-Steam-and-Intuitive-Touch-Controls-ENERGY-STAR-WED8620HC/308184617?ITC=AUC-94585-23-12070
LG Electronics 4.2 cu. ft. White Compact Stackable Front Load Electric Ventless Dryer with Sensor Dry30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-4-2-cu-ft-White-Compact-Stackable-Front-Load-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-with-Sensor-Dry-DLEC888W/207102720
Samsung 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Champagne Electric Dryer with Steam Sanitize30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-7-4-cu-ft-Smart-Champagne-Electric-Dryer-with-Steam-Sanitize-DVE52A5500C/317651467
Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. Chrome Shadow Front Load Electric Dryer with AccuDry System30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-4-cu-ft-Chrome-Shadow-Front-Load-Electric-Dryer-with-AccuDry-System-WED5100HC/312459745
Samsung 4.0 cu. ft. Capacity White 24 Stackable Electric Ventless Heat Pump Dryer ENERGY STAR Certified30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-4-0-cu-ft-Capacity-White-24-Stackable-Electric-Ventless-Heat-Pump-Dryer-ENERGY-STAR-Certified-DV22N6800HW/307685530
Whirlpool 7.0 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Electric Vented Dryer with Wrinkle Shield Plus30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-0-cu-ft-240-Volt-White-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-Wrinkle-Shield-Plus-WED5000DW/205541551
Maytag 7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Metallic Slate Smart Capable Electric Dryer with Hamper Door and Advanced Moisture Sensing30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-7-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Metallic-Slate-Smart-Capable-Electric-Dryer-with-Hamper-Door-and-Advanced-Moisture-Sensing-MED6230HC/312156226
Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Stackable Chrome Shadow Electric Ventless Dryer with Intuitive Touch Controls, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Stackable-Chrome-Shadow-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-with-Intuitive-Touch-Controls-ENERGY-STAR-WHD862CHC/308241998
GE 4.1 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Electric Ventless Dryer, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-4-1-cu-ft-240-Volt-White-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-ENERGY-STAR-GFT14ESSMWW/307760461
Haier 4.3 cu. ft. Smart 240 Volt White Stackable Electric Vented Dryer, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Haier-4-3-cu-ft-Smart-240-Volt-White-Stackable-Electric-Vented-Dryer-ENERGY-STAR-QFD15ESSNWW/311102573
Maytag 8.8 cu. ft. 240-Volt Smart Capable Metallic Slate Electric Vented Dryer with Steam, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-8-8-cu-ft-240-Volt-Smart-Capable-Metallic-Slate-Electric-Vented-Dryer-with-Steam-ENERGY-STAR-MED8230HC/312406270
Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. 240-Volt Chrome Shadow Stackable Electric Dryer with Steam and Wrinkle Shield Plus Option, ENERGY STAR30Ahttps://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-7-4-cu-ft-240-Volt-Chrome-Shadow-Stackable-Electric-Dryer-with-Steam-and-Wrinkle-Shield-Plus-Option-ENERGY-STAR-WED6620HC/308184390?ITC=AUC-94585-23-12070

As you can see, the vast majority of dryers on this list use 30 amps.

Related: how much does it cost to run a dryer?

Now that we know how many amps dryers use, let’s take a look at breaker sizes.

What amp breaker for dryer

The National Electrical Code (NEC) notes that 240V dryers require a dedicated 4-wire circuit (10-3 type NM cable with ground) protected by a 30 amp breaker.

220V and 230V dryers have the same requirement as they’re in the same voltage level.

However, older installations may not reach the standards set by the NEC. And many homes are not in its jurisdiction. So here’s some additional safety information and considerations.

Breakers don’t just help protect against electric shock and equipment damage. They provide essential protection against electrical fires by tripping the circuit before any cable overheats.

As a result, the size of breaker ultimately depends on the size of cable used. You want the correct size breaker to protect each circuit. 

For example, a 30A breaker protects 10-3 type NM cable (suitable for 240V dryers) but not 14-2 type NM cable (suitable for standard outlets and lighting).

Using a 240V dryer on a circuit wired with 14-2 type NM cable and protected by a 30A breaker is unsafe.

However, using a portable 15 amp, 110V dryer on a circuit wired with 14-2 type NM cable and protected by a 15A breaker is safe.

Ultimately, the breaker size will depend on the dryer’s power consumption and the available circuit.

How to find out how many amps and volts your dryer uses

In most cases, the amount of amps that a dryer uses is listed on the device. Typically dryers have a plate or sticker at the front or back, which lists the amperage and voltage.

If this isn’t available you may have to find the documents that came with the device or search for the specifications online.

You could also use an energy monitor or multimeter to get the voltage and amount of amps used. You might not have the equipment for this, but if you do, please be careful.

If you have any doubts or concerns, do contact a qualified electrician. Installing a dryer incorrectly may result in fire and / or lead to electric shock.

See 6 ways to check your dryer voltage, here and see how much electricity dryers use, here.

Above, I’ve listed the amperage of some of the most sold dryers on the market.

The breaker used should be slightly higher than the amperage listed on the device.

The voltage, however, is different. 110V / 120V is the standard voltage in the US, where 240V dryers should have a dedicated circuit. 

If you don’t already have a dedicated 240V circuit, and don’t want to get an electrician to install one, it may be easier for you to choose a portable 110V dryer that uses 15 amps or less. This can then be protected by a 15A breaker or less – the breaker rating should be slightly higher than the amount of amps consumed by the dryer and suitable for the cables used.

I’ve seen a number of cases where unqualified people attempted to rewire a circuit or install an unsuitable dryer for their circuit. I’ve also seen cases where the outlet was changed to 3 or 4 prong outlet when it wasn’t appropriate. This led to unnecessary risk from shock and fire, so please do consider contacting an electrician.

However, one thing that many could benefit from, with limited risk, is simply using an adapter (if appropriate of course). 

Dryer outlet adapter

Instead of taking any DIY risks, voiding your dryer’s warranty or unnecessarily hiring an electrician, consider if a dryer outlet adapter is suitable.

It’s common after purchasing a new dryer, or after moving to a new home, to not have the appropriate outlet.

You can safely convert a 4 prong to 3 prong (and vice versa) dryer outlet by simply using the appropriate dryer adapter. 

Adaptors don’t require you to change the dryer outlet or any cables running from your dryer to the outlet. As a result you’ll avoid the risk of electrical shock, keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact, and save you from getting an electrician in to help. 

If you have a 240V dryer circuit but don’t have the appropriate outlet for the dryer consider picking up one of these:

Final thoughts

I am an electrician, but as every installation is different I cannot give specific advice. For safety purposes, I’d encourage you to contact a local electrician to get any electrical work done.

But if you are to attempt any electrical work yourself, please be safe. Turn off the power at the consumer unit before doing any work.

And be careful with your choice of dryer. Don’t use a breaker with an amp rating considerably higher than you need – it’s unsafe and may be a fire hazard.

If you’re replacing a dryer, consider getting a dryer with a similar power consumption (similar amps and voltage) to your old device. And if you’re planning to change a 240V outlet from 3 to 4 prong and vice versa, consider picking up an adapter to avoid risk from electrical shock.

Don’t miss these related posts: