How Many Amps Is 11,500 Watts at 240 V?

47.92 A

11,500 watts at 240 V draws 47.92 A: amps = watts ÷ volts. For a load that runs 3 hours or more, the National Electrical Code 80% rule calls for a circuit of 60 A or larger (80% rule).

11,500 watts in amps at different voltages

VoltageCurrentCircuit (continuous load)
120 V95.83 AOver 100 A – ask an electrician
208 V55.29 A70 A or larger (80% rule)
240 V47.92 A60 A or larger (80% rule)

Adjust the numbers

The calculator below is pre-filled with the numbers above. Change any value to match your project.

Watts → amps
W
Options
1 for heaters, kettles and light bulbs; about 0.8–0.95 for motors.
Current47.92 A
In kilowatts
11.5 kW
Circuit for a continuous load
60 A or larger (80% rule)

What you will need

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How it is calculated

For single-phase power, amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor), and watts = volts × amps × power factor. Resistive loads such as heaters and incandescent bulbs have a power factor of 1; motors are lower.

Circuits that carry a load for 3 hours or more should be loaded to no more than 80% of the breaker rating, a rule from the National Electrical Code. The calculator suggests the smallest standard breaker that meets it.

Open the full watts to amps calculator for other shapes, a worked example and FAQs.

Other common sizes