Electric fireplaces are becoming one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of wood or gas. But one of the most common questions people ask before installing one is: how many amps does an electric fireplace use?
Electrical Power Basics
Before we dive into the exact numbers, let’s clear up a few terms:
- Watts (W): Measure of total power consumption.
- Volts (V): The pressure or force of electricity in your system (in the U.S., most homes use 120V; larger appliances may run on 240V).
- Amps (A): Measure of how much electrical current flows through the system.
The relationship between them is simple:
Amps = Watts ÷ Volts
For example:
- If an electric fireplace is rated at 1,500 watts and runs on 120 volts, it will draw:
1,500 ÷ 120 = 12.5 amps
This formula is the key to figuring out exactly how much electricity your fireplace uses.
Why does this matter? Because most standard household outlets are rated for 15 to 20 amps. If your fireplace draws 12.5 amps, it’s already using a big portion of that circuit’s capacity. Adding other appliances to the same circuit could cause it to trip.
How Many Amps Does an Electric Fireplace Use?
Most residential electric fireplaces fall in the 8 to 15 amp range when operating on a 120V circuit.
- Smaller models (like compact wall-mounted or portable fireplaces) often use 8–10 amps.
- Medium-sized units (common plug-in models) generally use around 12.5 amps.
- Larger built-in fireplaces or models designed for big rooms may use 15–20 amps, especially if they run on 240V.
When operating in flame-only mode (without the heater turned on), the amp draw is very minimal—usually less than 1 amp, since only the LED lights are running. The heater is what consumes the majority of the electricity.
This means that the amp usage changes depending on whether you’re just enjoying the ambiance or actually heating the room.
Factors That Affect Amperage
Several things influence how many amps your electric fireplace will draw:
- Wattage Rating – Higher wattage = higher amp usage. Standard units are usually 1,500 watts, but some heavy-duty ones go beyond 5,000 watts.
- Voltage Supply – A fireplace on a 120V circuit draws more amps compared to a 240V model with the same wattage. For instance, a 2,000W unit on 240V draws just 8.3 amps, while on 120V it would need 16.7 amps.
- Heating vs. Flame-Only Mode – If you’re just using the LED flame effect, it barely uses power. But once you switch on the heater, amperage spikes.
- Size of the Fireplace – Compact fireplaces designed for small spaces need less power. Full-sized built-in units for large living rooms or basements consume more.
- Efficiency Features – Some modern models include thermostats, timers, and eco-modes that help manage power usage more effectively.
So, while you might think all electric fireplaces use the same amount of electricity, the truth is their amperage can vary significantly.
Common Amp Ranges for Different Types of Fireplaces
Here’s a quick breakdown of average amp usage depending on the type of electric fireplace:
- Small Plug-in Units (Compact, Portable, Freestanding):
Typically use 8–10 amps at 120V. Best for bedrooms, small living rooms, or offices. - Wall-Mounted Fireplaces:
These stylish units generally fall in the 10–12.5 amp range. Perfect for medium-sized rooms. - Built-In / Recessed Fireplaces:
Often rated at higher wattages. On a 120V circuit, they can pull up to 15 amps. On a 240V circuit, they might use 10–15 amps but provide more heat output. - High-End, Large Fireplaces:
Designed for whole-home heating, these can require dedicated 20-amp circuits or even hardwiring into a 240V breaker, depending on the model.
This variation means you really need to check your fireplace’s manual and specifications before installation.
How to Calculate Amps for Your Fireplace
Knowing how to calculate amperage is useful not only for fireplaces but for any electrical appliance in your home. Fortunately, it’s pretty simple.
The formula is:
Amps = Watts ÷ Volts
Let’s walk through some real-world examples:
- Example 1: A Standard Plug-In Fireplace
- Wattage: 1,500 watts
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Amps = 1,500 ÷ 120 = 12.5 amps
- Example 2: A Larger Fireplace (240V Model)
- Wattage: 2,000 watts
- Voltage: 240 volts
- Amps = 2,000 ÷ 240 = 8.3 amps
- Example 3: Flame-Only Mode
- Wattage: 100 watts
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Amps = 100 ÷ 120 = 0.8 amps
Notice how the voltage affects amperage. A higher-voltage fireplace (240V) actually draws fewer amps for the same power output compared to a 120V unit. This is why large appliances like ovens and dryers are often designed for 240V—they run more efficiently without overloading circuits.
When calculating, always check your fireplace’s user manual or specification sheet. Manufacturers usually list the exact wattage and amperage requirements, which makes it easier to plan installation safely.
Electric Fireplace Amps Comparison with Other Household Appliances
| Appliance | Average Wattage | Voltage | Amps Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Fireplace | 1,500W | 120V | 12.5A |
| Space Heater | 1,500W | 120V | 12.5A |
| Microwave Oven | 1,200W | 120V | 10A |
| Refrigerator | 700W | 120V | 5.8A |
| Clothes Dryer (240V) | 5,000W | 240V | 20.8A |
| Central AC (Large Unit) | 3,500W | 240V | 14.6A |
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FAQs
Can I plug my electric fireplace into a regular outlet?
Yes, most models are designed for standard 120V outlets, but ensure the circuit can handle the amps without being overloaded.
Do electric fireplaces use more electricity than space heaters?
They use about the same—typically 12.5 amps at full heat—but fireplaces are safer and more efficient with heat distribution.
How many amps does a 1,500-watt fireplace draw?
At 120V, it draws about 12.5 amps. At 240V, it would draw about 6.25 amps.
Can I run my fireplace and TV on the same outlet?
Not recommended. Most TVs use 1–3 amps, which could push a 15-amp circuit over the limit when combined with the fireplace.
Will using my fireplace increase my electric bill a lot?
Not usually. Running a 1,500W fireplace for 4 hours daily costs around $25–$30 per month, depending on your electricity rates.
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Hello!! I am Jamal Khan. I often fix my home electric heaters and gas stove problems and research the common issues in the heating units to improve my knowledge and expertise. The aim of establishing fireplaceadviser.com is to share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.
