How many amps and watts do household appliances use?
The domestic appliance power ratings shown below are indicative only. We've used the highest that we could find for popular household appliances.
Electrical power is measured in watts, W, a unit of power. Electrical current is measured in amps, A, the rate at which it flows.
Ratings of commonly used household appliances
Domestic Portable Appliance Amps Used Watts Used Additional information Laptop <0.5 Up to 100 Mobile phone charger <0.5 Up to 75 Since the introduction of USB 3 these devices are now typically 20W but can be as high as 75W for multiple fast charging Chargers for battery operated devices <0.5 Up to 75 Wide range of devices ranging from 7W for simple usb powered chargers to 75W for multiple charging devices Battery chargers for tools 1.5 Up to 350 Typically, 50-350W the faster the charger the higher the power Electric blanket Up to 1.3 Up to 300 Typically, 90-300W. Double controller types are generally higher powered Fridge (under counter type) 0.75 100 Freezer 0.75 100 Applies to upright and domestic chest type freezers generally the larger the freezer the higher the power Mini Fridge 0.5 100 Fridge Freezer (Standard) 1.5 150 American Style Fridge Freezer 2.5 250 Kettle Up to 13 Up to 3000 Typically, 2200 – 3000W Satellite TV box/ Streaming devices <0.5 30 Printer <0.5 50 Radio <0.5 15 Radiator or Fan Heater Up to 13 Up to 3000 Typically, 2000 – 3000W Desk lamp (with 60 W lamp) <0.5 60 Desk lamp (with LED lamp) <0.5 5 DVD/Blu-Ray player <0.5 20 Hair dryer 10.0 2200 Hair straighteners <0.5 Up to 100 Typically, 60 – 100W Landline cordless telephone charger <0.5 10 Computer monitor <0.5 25 Desktop computer 1.3 Up to 300 Generally, the higher the specification the more power it needs, gaming computers tend to be highest Television 55” UHD <0.5 120 Games console 0.86 200 Washing machine 10 2200 Toaster (4 Slice) 9.0 2000 Toaster (2 Slice) 4.0 900 Tumble dryer (condenser or vented) 11.0 2500 Tumble dryer (Heat Pump) 3.5 800 New technology tumble dryers that have much lower consumption figures Dishwasher 10.0 2200 Iron 13 3000 Microwave 6.5 1500 Standard microwave with no grill or oven function Vacuum cleaner 9.0 2000 Pre 2014 Vacuum cleaner 7.0 1600 Pre 2017 Vacuum cleaner 4.0 900 Post 2017 Cordless vacuum cleaner 0.75 Up to 175 Typically 20-60W cordless vacuums using power tool batteries and chargers are higher Wi-Fi router <0.5 15 Single oven 13.0 3000 Electric Vehicle (Slow Charge) Up to 13 Up to 3000 Not to be used with an extension lead Dedicated circuit required and ideally an EV rated socket-outlet Portable air conditioner Up to 9.3 Up to 2000 Typically, 900 – 2000W the higher the BTUs the higher the power Patio Heater Up to 13 Up to 3000 Typically, 1200-3000W Extension lead - - Does not draw any current by itself. However, has the potential to cause overloads if daisy chained Alarm clock radio <0.5 Up to 6W Average E-cigarette <0.5 Up to 65W Based on phone charger as most
of these devices are battery
powered and similarly charged via
USB charger. Slow cooker <0.5-1.1 Up to 250W Typically 75-250W Portable Speaker (Bluetooth/wi-fi) <0.5 Up to 65W Based on phone charger as most
of these devices are battery
powered and similarly charged via
USB charger. Toothbrush charger <0.5 Up to 2.5W Most modern chargers are <1W.
However, some older chargers can
be up to 2.5W.
How do you convert watts and amps?
Watts To Amps Calculator
Amps To Watts Calculator
How to check if your household appliances are safe
It’s a good idea to check plugs and wires regularly, as your household appliances can be damaged with use.
Find out how to check the plugs on your household appliances here.