How Many Amps Is 1200 Watts?
At 120 V DC, 1200 watts = 10.0000 A. At 240 V DC, 1200 watts = 5.0000 A. For AC circuits, divide by voltage × power factor (e.g. at 120V AC, PF 0.8: 12.5000 A). Use the calculator below for any voltage or circuit type.
Real example: a 1200 W space heater
1,200 watts is the sweet spot for portable heat — a 1200 W space heater, hair dryer, or air fryer. At 120 V that is exactly 10 A; at 240 V, 5 A. Because heaters run continuously, that 10 A is right up against what a 15 A circuit should carry.
1200 Watts to Amps — DC Reference Chart
| Voltage | Current (DC) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 12 V | 100.0000 A | 12V automotive / RV / solar |
| 24 V | 50.0000 A | 24V solar / industrial DC |
| 48 V | 25.0000 A | 48V telecom / e-bike |
| 120 V | 10.0000 A | US household standard |
| 240 V | 5.0000 A | US/EU 240V circuit |
| 480 V | 2.5000 A | Industrial 3-phase (per phase) |
Wire & breaker: At 120 V, 1,200 W draws exactly 10 A. The NEC 80% continuous-load rule caps a 15 A circuit at 1,440 W, so a single 1200 W heater fits — but plug in anything else on that circuit and you will trip the breaker. A dedicated 15 A (or 20 A) circuit is best for continuous heat. For the full method see watts vs amps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 1200 watts at 120V?
1200 watts at 120V DC = 1200 ÷ 120 = 10.0000 amps. For AC single-phase with PF 0.8: 1200 ÷ (120 × 0.8) = 12.5000 amps.
How many amps is 1200 watts at 240V?
1200 watts at 240V DC = 1200 ÷ 240 = 5.0000 amps. For AC single-phase with PF 0.8: 1200 ÷ (240 × 0.8) = 6.2500 amps.
Will a 1200 W heater trip a 15 amp breaker?
On its own, no: 1,200 W ÷ 120 V = 10 A, under a 15 A breaker. But a 15 A circuit is only rated for 1,440 W of continuous load (the 80% rule), so a 1200 W heater leaves just 240 W of headroom. Add a second appliance and it will trip. Give continuous heaters a dedicated circuit.