Amps, breaker and wire by voltage
| Voltage | Current | Breaker (continuous) | Copper wire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 V | 80.0 A | Use 240 V | – |
| 208 V | 46.2 A | 60 A | 6 AWG |
| 240 V | 40.0 A | 50 A | 8 AWG |
| 480 V 3-phase | 11.55 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 9,600 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 9,600 watts at 12 volts?
800 A at 12 V DC, before inverter losses (about 889 A through a 90% efficient inverter).