2 HP Motor Amps — Full-Load Current, Wire & Breaker Size

Full-load current of a 2 horsepower motor at every standard voltage, with minimum conductor size and maximum breaker and fuse ratings worked out for each.

A 2 HP motor draws 6.8 A at 230 V and 3.4 A at 460 V three-phase; 24 A at 115 V and 12 A at 230 V single-phase.

2 HP three-phase motor

2 HP three-phase induction motor — current and circuit sizing
Voltage	Full-load amps	Conductor ampacity (125%)	Min. copper wire, 75°C	Max. inverse-time breaker (250%)	Max. time-delay fuse (175%)
115 V	13.6 A	17.0 A	14 AWG	35 A	25 A
200 V	7.8 A	9.8 A	14 AWG	20 A	15 A
208 V	7.5 A	9.4 A	14 AWG	20 A	15 A
230 V	6.8 A	8.5 A	14 AWG	20 A	15 A
460 V	3.4 A	4.2 A	14 AWG	15 A	15 A
575 V	2.7 A	3.4 A	14 AWG	15 A	15 A

2 HP single-phase motor

2 HP single-phase motor — current and circuit sizing
Voltage	Full-load amps	Conductor ampacity (125%)	Min. copper wire, 75°C	Max. inverse-time breaker (250%)	Max. time-delay fuse (175%)
115 V	24 A	30.0 A	10 AWG	60 A	45 A
200 V	13.8 A	17.2 A	14 AWG	35 A	25 A
208 V	13.2 A	16.5 A	14 AWG	35 A	25 A
230 V	12 A	15.0 A	14 AWG	30 A	25 A

2 HP DC motor

2 HP direct-current motor
Armature voltage	Full-load amps	Conductor ampacity (125%)
120 V	17 A	21.2 A
180 V	10.8 A	13.5 A
240 V	8.5 A	10.6 A

2 HP two-phase motor

2 HP two-phase, 4-wire motor
Voltage	Full-load amps
115 V	11.8 A
230 V	5.9 A
460 V	3 A
575 V	2.4 A

2 HP is 1.49 kW of shaft output. Wire sizes above are the smallest copper conductor whose 75°C ampacity covers 125% of full-load current; 14 AWG is the practical minimum for power circuits. They do not include voltage drop — on long runs check the voltage drop calculator — or derating for hot locations or crowded conduits. Breaker and fuse values are maximums with the next-standard-size-up allowance applied; smaller devices are fine if the motor starts without tripping.

Motor wire & breaker size calculator

Motor type

Horsepower

Voltage

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Other horsepower ratings

Frequently asked questions

How many amps does a 2 HP motor draw?

A 2 HP motor draws 6.8 A at 230 V and 3.4 A at 460 V three-phase; 24 A at 115 V and 12 A at 230 V single-phase. These are the code table values used for circuit sizing; the actual nameplate current is usually a little lower.

What size wire and breaker for a 2 HP three-phase motor at 460 V?

Full-load current is 3.4 A, so conductors need at least 4.2 A of ampacity: 14 AWG copper at 75°C. The inverse-time breaker may be up to 15 A and a dual-element time-delay fuse up to 15 A.

What size wire for a 2 HP single-phase motor at 230 V?

12 A × 125% = 15.0 A, so 14 AWG copper is the minimum, with a breaker no larger than 30 A. At 115 V the current doubles to 24 A.

NECTables.com is an independent reference and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a substitute for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NEC® and National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the NFPA. Values shown are commonly published engineering data and independent calculations based on the methods of NFPA 70; they are not a reproduction of the Code. Always confirm against the edition adopted in your jurisdiction, including local amendments, and consult a licensed electrician or engineer before doing electrical work.