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View Full Version : Watt capacity on a 20 Amp line


JPM71299
May 30, 2007, 05:32 PM
Anyone know how many watts a 20 Amp line is rated for? I have two 1500 watt commercial grade hot plates (total 3000 watts) that I want to run on a dedicated 20 Amp receptacle (and yes it is a true heavy duty 20 amp recepticle).

Thanks JPM71299

BigRed1500
May 30, 2007, 06:06 PM
Pretty sure I picked this formula up here on this website sometime last year:

The calculation for power is:

W=EI
W=Watts ( or power)
E = Volts
I= Amperes

W= 120 volts times 20 amps= 2400 watts

If the circuit or load will operate more than 3 hours it is considered as a continuous load and the rating of the circuit is lilimited to ,or derated, to 80%or 1920 watts max on a 20 amp circuit.