How Many Amps Does an Electric Clothes Dryer Use?

Electric Clothes Dryer amperage at 120 V and 240 V

Same 3,000 W load: the current halves when the voltage doubles. Electric Clothes Dryer is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.

Breaker and circuit for an electric clothes dryer

Electric Clothes Dryer runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit: plan on a 30 A double-pole breaker with 10 AWG copper (NEMA 14-30 receptacle). NEC 220.54 sets a 5,000 W minimum for dryer circuits. The 30 A / 240 V dryer circuit is the US standard regardless of average 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.

Measure what an electric clothes dryer actually draws

The figures above are typical ratings, and this load is usually hardwired or on a 240 V circuit, so a plug-in meter can't reach it. A clamp meter reads the current on one conductor at the disconnect or panel without breaking the circuit; opening a panel is work for someone qualified, and the voltage pen confirms a circuit is dead first.

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Clamp meter

Fluke 323

Best for: Measuring what a hardwired circuit actually draws, even in a crowded panel

Check price on Amazon: Fluke 323 (opens in a new tab)(paid link)

Non-contact voltage tester

Klein Tools NCVT-3P

Best for: Confirming a circuit is dead before you open a device or box

Check price on Amazon: Klein Tools NCVT-3P (opens in a new tab)(paid link)

Frequently asked questions

Amp draw of other appliances

• Washing Machine4.2 A
• Clothes Iron9.2 A
• Heat-Pump Dryer8.3 A
• Gas Dryer2.5 A