Typically, washing machines use 10 amps and 2200 watts but on a single load of laundry, the calculation of watts can be up to 350 to 500 watts.
Because of that, all 120V 15 Amp devices are normally designed to work properly in a 120V 15 Amp or 120V 20 Amp circuit. This is true for appliances like a washing machine but even for something as small as a cell phone charger that actually uses < 1 Amp.
In the Laundry Room
Your laundry room should have a dedicated circuit of at least 20 amps. If you have a gas dryer, both your washing machine and gas dryer may be plugged into the same outlet. If you have an electric dryer, it will need its own dedicated 20-amp, 220-volt circuit.
Washer Receptacle
The 120-volt, 20-amp circuit supplies a receptacle for the washing machine. It is typically wired with 12-gauge, two-wire cable containing a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The receptacle is a 20-amp GFCI receptacle.
A washing machine typically uses between 12 and 15 amps of electricity, while a fridge typically uses about half that amount. This means that you can usually have a washing machine and fridge on the same circuit, but it's always best to check with an electrician to be sure.
How much electricity does a washing machine use? On average, a washing machine uses 400 to 1,400 watts (W) of electricity, depending on the model. Most washing machines use between 5 and 15 amps, and connect to a 120 volt outlet.
The washing machine requires 120v, 15Amp, 60Hz, grounded wall outlet. The wall outlet must be connected to a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse. Depending on the model, the amperage may vary. Some models list 10Amps, while others list 15Amps.
A washing machine itself does not need a dedicated circuit, but it might make the most sense to give it one depending on your dryer. For example, if you have a gas dryer, it's okay to plug both the washer and dryer into the same outlet. Electric dryers need their own dedicated circuit, however.
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.
The right size breaker for washer
To have your home protected, you will need a circuit breaker size of 20 Amps. This sizing accords to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for you to have a 120-volt service in your laundry room protected by a 20A individual designated circuit breaker.
Washing machines do not typically need special electrical hookups, but some large household appliances do require 240-V outlets. Most electric stoves and dryers and some washing machines require the higher voltage to operate. Most washing machines will run on ordinary 120-V household outlets.
Refrigerators are considered noncontinuous duty loads. Loads that draw current for less than three hours at a time are allowed to be on the same circuit with other noncontinuous loads, as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker rating.
Standard household electric power in the United States is 110 to 120 volts, with a 60-cycle alternating current, and most household washers can be plugged into wall outlets supplying this current.
GFCI Protection:
210.8(A)(10) – All 125V, 15a and 20a receptacles installed in “Laundry Areas” shall have GFCI protection. The NEC doesn't require GFCI protection for clothes washing machines specifically, but it does for “Laundry Areas.”
Typically, a 30-amp breaker is designed for heavy-duty appliances like HVACs and water heating systems. Besides, it can only accommodate 30-amp receptacles if it's a single-outlet circuit breaker. If it's a multi-outlet device, we can install a 20-amp circuit to protect the #10 conductor.
Washing machines draw a large amount of electrical current to operate. Most user manuals will indicate that using an extension cord for a large appliance such as a washing machine is not advisable. Generally speaking, using an extension cord for your washing machine should be avoided.
The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.
The point is not that most clothes washers can draw 15 Amps. You will need to use 12-2 wire in the laundry room because the code requires a 20 breaker.
Dear Customer: This washer, model WTW5500XW, will require a 120 volt, 60Hz, AC only, 15- or 20- amp fused electrical supply.
What's surprising, however, is that a washing machine requires way less electricity than a dryer. An average cycle for a washing machine is 30 minutes. This appliance, which is a widely used Energy Star model, needs 500 watts per hour to run, which means it requires 250 Wh, or 2.25 kWh, to run for 30 minutes.
Case 1: A 7 kg washing machine which provides hot water for cleaning has rated power of 2000 watt (2 kW) and if it is used for 1 hour it will consume 2 kW X 1 hour = 2 kWh (2 Unit) of electricity.
Washer –Washing machines are large appliances that do not require customized electrical hookups, they simply need a 120 volt outlet that can take 3 prongs.
Your washing machine should run on a standard 110 outlet. Most dryers will not only require a special outlet and enough power to run them, but a special cord to match. If you don't have a dryer outlet established and properly wired, call an electrician.
As a general rule. you can plug a washer and a dryer on the same circuit as long as the the combined rated wattage for both units do not exceed 1,000W (1.0kW). This rule automatically rules out the use of electric dryers as their heaters are often rated at 1,500W (1.5kW) or even higher.