Using the formula Watts = Amps × Volts, what wattage does a device draw if it uses 12.5 A on a 120 V circuit?

Using the formula Watts = Amps × Volts, what wattage does a device draw if it uses 12.5 A on a 120 V circuit?

• A. 1500 W
• B. 1250 W
• C. 1125 W
• D. 250 W

Answer: (A)

Power equals current times voltage. So 12.5 amperes on a 120-volt circuit yields 12.5 × 120 = 1500 watts (1.5 kW). This tells you how much electrical load the device places on the circuit. On a typical 15 A, 120 V circuit, that load is about 83% of the circuit’s full rating and sits near, or slightly above, the common 80% continuous-load guideline (1440 W).

Power equals current times voltage. So 12.5 amperes on a 120-volt circuit yields 12.5 × 120 = 1500 watts (1.5 kW). This tells you how much electrical load the device places on the circuit. On a typical 15 A, 120 V circuit, that load is about 83% of the circuit’s full rating and sits near, or slightly above, the common 80% continuous-load guideline (1440 W).