Calculator
Amps at the socket
Enter the dryer's rated watts. The calculator divides by the mains voltage to show the current it draws in the UK and, for dual-voltage models, on a 120 V supply abroad.
In short
Amps = watts ÷ volts. On UK mains that is watts ÷ 230, so a 2,000 W dryer draws about 8.7 A, within the 13 A fuse of a UK 3-pin plug (BS 1362). On 120 V the same power needs about 16.7 A.
Work it out
Amps
- UK mains, 230 V
- 8.7 A
- Abroad, 120 V (dual-voltage models only)
- 16.7 A
- Total on the extension lead at 230 V
- 8.7 A
UK 3-pin plug, 13 A fuse (BS 1362)
Dryer at 230 V vs the plug fuse8.7 A of 13 A
Everything on the lead vs the lead rating8.7 A of 13 A
Pure arithmetic on the rated watts. Real current is lower on lower settings.
Watts to amps
| Rating | At 230 V (UK) | At 120 V |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 W | 5.2 A | 10.0 A |
| 1,600 W | 7.0 A | 13.3 A |
| 2,000 W | 8.7 A | 16.7 A |
| 2,400 W | 10.4 A | 20.0 A |
The fuse in a UK 3-pin plug is made to BS 1362. Plugs on hair dryers normally carry a 13 A fuse. An extension lead has its own rating printed on it, and everything plugged into it adds up.