Amps, breaker and wire by voltage
| Voltage | Current | Breaker (continuous) | Copper wire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 V | 125.0 A | Use 240 V | – |
| 208 V | 72.1 A | 100 A | 3 AWG |
| 240 V | 62.5 A | 80 A | 4 AWG |
| 480 V 3-phase | 18.04 A | – | – |
Breaker sized at 125% for continuous loads (NEC 210.20). Motors and electronics draw more current than watts ÷ volts because of power factor.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 15 amp circuit handle 15,000 watts?
No. A 15 A circuit at 120 V supplies at most 1,800 W. Use a 20 A circuit (up to 2,400 W) or a 240 V circuit.
How many amps is 15,000 watts at 12 volts?
1,250 A at 12 V DC, before inverter losses (about 1,389 A through a 90% efficient inverter).