How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use? Explained

Do you confuse about the garbage disposal installation in your kitchen due to the electrical dangers that come uninvited? If yes, why not go for knowing, How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use for its safe operation? The article is about clarifying the electrical requirements I have searched for, and you just need to know. 

The idea of disposal amps is associated with motor size and particular model. On average, almost all garbage disposals use between a minimum of 5 amps and a maximum of 15 amps. However, if you intend to connect it with other appliances, like a dishwasher, 20 amps remain the most applicable option. 

The article gives you an explanation of the standard values of amps a disposal use. In addition, there is a description of separate values of amps for disposal units with different horse powers. 

How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Need?

Knowing how much power your garbage disposal fetches from the power source is always better. Not only you will be able to manage a well-suited circuit breaker but also save your device from the potential dangers of breaking down, tripping, or burning. 

Furthermore, you cannot estimate the pinpoint value of the required amps because it changes with the size, capability, and type of the disposal unit. Most garbage disposals need between 5 amps to 15 amps of power when provided the 120-volt voltage source. 

On the other hand, if you categorize the garbage disposals between light duty or heavy duty, the amperage values change in accordance. Disposal units designed for chopping soft food items, such as only leftovers or scraps, are smaller and use less power. So, the amperage is not more than 7 amps. On the other hand, there are disposal units that handle tougher food waste and need more power. So, their amperage value goes above 10 amps. 

How Many Amps Does a Garbage Disposal Use?

As I already mentioned, the amp values of the garbage disposal do not remain the same per model and horsepower. Following is a list that may increase your knowledge knowing what suits your preferences. 

1. 1/3 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

A 1/3 garbage disposal is considered a low-powered machine. Since the basic purpose of the disposal unit is to fulfill the requirement of only one to two people by running once in a while, it uses less power, let’s say four amps while subtracting the inefficiencies during its operation. InSinkErator Badger 1 is an example that has 5.6 amps. 

2. 1/2 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

How many amps does a 1/2 hp disposal draw? A 1/2 disposal approximately fetches a power of 9.8 amps. Since the horsepower increase, so does the capacity to grind more waste for three to four people. 

You must know that the appliance uses more current flowing in the circuit at the start and maintain its value after a while. For example, Moen GX50C needs 4.5 amps. 

3. 3/4 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

The 3/4 hp disposal unit requires more energy consumption with an approximated value of 13.8 amps. Because it is ideally perfect for five to eight members and efficient enough to handle the amount of food waste, including meat, vegetable, seeds, and tough peels when run on alternate days. 

4. 1 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

Typically, one horsepower disposal uses 16 amps of power to grind almost everything that comes its way. One horsepower garbage disposal got the highest cutting power, proving it ideal running frequently for large families. 

However, you must prepare to get a larger breaker and higher energy bills with this much power consumption. For example, InSinkErator Evolution Excel uses almost 10.2 amps for adequate functioning. 

Does a Garbage Disposal Need a 20 Amp Switch?

Normally, a 15-amp circuit requires only a 15-amp switch. But when the circuit draws more current than 15 amp, shifting it to the 20-amp switch is okay to ensure that the garbage disposal functions correctly. 

If you need further clarification regarding the best amp switch, you can check the specifications of the particular model and decide accordingly. Doing so will protect the disposal unit from overheating or tripping frequently. 

How Much Electricity Does a Garbage Disposal Use?

Generally, the power consumption of garbage disposal depends on many factors, such as how often you run the machine and for how long. At the same time, you must know that disposal units with higher horsepower eventually draw more electricity and vice versa. 

Even though, garbage disposals are not among the devices that put you in trouble for saving more for electricity bills because they do not need a lot of power to run and restrict to limited values from 500-1500 watts.

How Many Amps Does a Salvajor 200 Disposal Use?

The Salvajor 200 Garbage Disposal is a heavy-duty unit commonly drawing 7 to 8 amps of electricity. Specifically engineered for commercial kitchens and food service establishments, it efficiently handles food waste. Variations in amperage can occur depending on specific models and setups, but generally, it operates within the 7–8-amp range, assuring effective disposal of food scraps and waste.

Does Garbage Disposal Need Dedicated Circuit?

Garbage disposal does not need a dedicated circuit as long as it functions smoothly with the same circuit. But there are a few conditions when transferring your disposal unit on a dedicated circuit is appreciable. 

• You need a dedicated circuit if you have a higher-horsepower garbage disposal to handle the power load. 
• If your home’s wiring is old and comprises 15 amps circuit.
• You can go for a dedicated circuit on the manufacturer’s recommendation. 

Wrapping Up

It is evident that garbage disposal does not consume a lot of power. It does not mean you go negligent toward the electrical requirements or amperage values. The article gives you the approximate amp values for garbage disposal with different horsepower’s. Additionally, I advise you to consult manual information or get in touch with a professional expert to stick to best practices to avoid the opposite results in the form of electrical shocks or fire.