For homeowners, a garbage disposal unit is a kitchen must-have that magically turns food scraps into nothing. But like any appliance, there’s more to it than just the flip of a switch. We’ve already covered whether your garbage disposal needs an air gap and GFCI protection, but have you ever wondered how many amps your garbage disposal is pulling? If you haven’t, you should! Understanding your garbage disposal’s amperage is crucial for safety and to ensure you don’t blow a fuse.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the amps question, why it matters, and how you can ensure you’re on the electrical straight and narrow with your garbage disposal.
Understanding Amperage: The Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of garbage disposals, let’s review the fundamentals. Amperage, or amps, is a measure of the current flow of electrical charge. In simpler terms, it tells you how much electricity a device uses at a given moment. This makes it a crucial factor in understanding your home’s electrical load and preventing overloads that could lead to fires.
When it comes to appliances, amperage is used to size the wires in your house, as well as the circuit breakers that protect these wires. So, knowing the amperage of your garbage disposal will help you make sure the electrical system in your home is compatible and safe for use.
Ultimately, the amperage measurement isn’t just about the size of the wire or the breaker; it’s also about the safety of your home. Simply put, understanding the amperage of a garbage disposal helps to prevent overheating and fires. It’s an important detail you shouldn’t overlook when installing any electrical appliance in your home.
How Many Amps Does a Standard Garbage Disposal Use?
The average garbage disposal uses between 10 to 20 amps, which might seem like a broad range. However, the exact figure depends on various factors, including its voltage and horsepower rating. While most garbage disposals run on 120 volts (the standard household voltage in the US and Canada), the horsepower can affect its amp usage.
Let’s break it down:
- ¼ horsepower garbage disposal: about 1.5 amps
- ½ horsepower disposal: roughly 6-10 amps.
- ¾ horsepower disposal: around 10-14 amps.
- 1 horsepower disposal: approximately 14-16 amps.
What Size Breaker Do I Need for a Garbage Disposal?
Of course, the breaker size needed for a garbage disposal varies based on the unit’s amp draw. But since many household garbage disposals fall into the ½ – ¾ horsepower range, they’ll typically use a 20-amp breaker to ensure they can handle at least 15 amps of electricity. But if you have a high-amp disposal, you might need a 30-amp breaker for it to function properly.
It’s important to note that this is just a general recommendation – these numbers won’t necessarily apply to every garbage disposal out there. That’s why you should always read the manufacturer’s specifications that come with the unit. And if you’re replacing a disposal, the old breaker size can be a good starting point, but be sure to check it against the new unit’s requirements.
In general, it’s better to have a breaker that is too large for the amperage drawn than to have one that is too small. A breaker acts as a safety net to prevent overheating, so if the amperage exceeding the breaker’s capacity is allowed through, there’s a risk of fire.
What Size Electrical Wire Do I Need for a Garbage Disposal?
You also need to ensure that your electrical wire matches the amperage of the unit for safety reasons, as using a lower gauge wire is another way that you can potentially start a fire. But a higher gauge wire, on the other hand, is simply a waste of materials. Using the wrong wire can also mean that your garbage disposal won’t work properly, so it’s a safety issue as well as a functionality one.
So, to determine the correct size of the electrical wire you’ll need for a garbage disposal, you’ll need to refer back to the amperage. If your disposal needs 15 amps, for example, you should use at least 14 AWG copper wire. But for disposals that require a 20-amp circuit, a 12 AWG copper wire is the minimum.
Can I Use a Regular Switch for My Garbage Disposal?
With all of these electrical requirements, you may be wondering: can I at least use a regular switch with my garbage disposal? And the answer is yes! A regular switch should certainly get the job done. However, you may want to consider opting for an air switch for your garbage disposal instead.
Yes, it’s one extra thing to do, but an air switch can be both a safer and more convenient option in the kitchen. It may make you appreciate your disposal that much more!
How Can You Check the Current Draw of Your Garbage Disposal?
Finding out how many amps your garbage disposal uses isn’t as daunting as it may seem. You’ll just need a clamp meter, a device that you can use to measure the current in a wire.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Turn off power to the disposal at your home’s breaker box.
- Unscrew the wire leading to the disposal from the breaker.
- Open the clamp on the meter and place it around the bare hot wire.
- Power the disposal back up and run it.
- Check the meter for the current draw. If it’s within the disposal’s amp range, you’re good!
Always ensure that you have the correct tools and follow all safety precautions when working with electricity. And if you’re not comfortable doing so, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional electrician.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the amperage of your garbage disposal is more than just an academic exercise; it’s important for both safety and performance. By adhering to the guidelines and tips provided here, you can ensure that your home’s electrical system is in harmony with your garbage disposal’s needs. Moreover, understanding amperage will give you the know-how to select the right disposal if you’re planning an upgrade or a new installation.
With the knowledge you’ve gained from this piece, you’re one step closer to being a responsible and savvy homeowner, checking off yet another item on the list of things you should know about your home’s appliances.
Do you have any experiences with your garbage disposal’s amperage? Any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!