A hair dryer is necessary for most people, but it is one of those tools that you can buy to no end. While many great brands are offering powerful dryers, it is surprisingly difficult to find a great one. Sometimes you may find an excellent recommendation only to get a few uses out of it before it blows up on you.
A common issue here is that the power consumption could be wrong. Other than checking the accessories and power, it is essential to know how many amps are needed. This ensures that you can use your tool for much longer.
Hair dryers are high-power-consuming appliances. It can consume as about 500 watts on low heat, but on high heat, this number almost triples to between 1500 and 2200 watts. This is quite a high number, especially if you compare it to something like a computer which consumes even less than 100 watts.
The number varies according to brand and type, so you have several options. It would be best if you had this in mind when buying a dryer when you want to keep your consumption low, especially in a large household.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a table with six top hair dryer brands so you can compare their consumption for the best decision.
| Hair Dryer Brand | Power Consumption | Amps on 120V (US) | Amps on 240V (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| REVLON One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush | 1100W | 9.2 Amps | 4.6 Amps |
| Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | 1600W | 13.3 Amps | 6.7 Amps |
| BIO IONIC Power light Pro Dryer | 1875W | 15.63 Amps | 7.8 Amps |
| Conair 1600-Watt Compact Hair Dryer | 1600W | 13.3 Amps | 6.7 Amps |
| Sam Villa Blow Dryer | 1750W | 14.6 Amps | 7.3 Amps |
| CHI Touch 2 | 1875W | 15.63 Amps | 7.8 Amps |
Hair dryer energy ratings vs amps draw
Many of the best hair dryer brands try to balance high power with an average consumption of electricity. However, there are many more brands that offer tools that have more than 2000W. Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better than these options.
Can a Hair Dryer Trip a Breaker?
Yes, this is possible, and there are a few reasons for this. One major issue is if your hairdryer is faulty. If you have been using it for a long time, it has become too old and may malfunction. It is not easy to fix such a tool, so the best option is to shop for a new one.
Your hairdryer can also trip a breaker if it consumes too much power than your circuit can safely deliver. A normal wall outlet runs on a 13 to 15 Amp breaker. If your hair dryer draws more than this, it will definitely trip the breaker.
The chances of tripping the breaker are higher if you already have other appliances connected to the same circuit. If it keeps on happen and you’re sure your dryer isn’t faulty, consider switching off any other appliances plugged into that outlet, or using the hairdryer on a lower setting.
The newer tools are more advanced, and they tend to consume more energy compared to old ones. Older hair dryers typically consumed about 700W compared to the recent models that require almost double that. This is why you should opt for a lower power-consuming dryer to avoid any problems.
How Many Amps Will a 240 Volt Hair Dryer Use?
Normally, 240V hair dryers can push more power (watts) since they need fewer Amps to deliver this compared to 120V units.
Since Power (Watts) = Current (Amps) x Voltage
A 1200W dryer on a 120V circuit will draw 10 Amps while the same dryer wired for 240V will only draw 5 Amps.
Typical 240V dryers can hence draw anywhere between 5 Amps and 15 Amps depending on the maximum watts rating of your unit
What Amp Fuse Do I Need for a Hair Dryer?
It depends on the wattage of your hairdryer. Typically, tools that use less than 1200W require a 10amp fuse. If the dryer is more than 1200W, it is best to have a 13amp fuse that will ensure no problems.
Can You Plug a Hair Dryer into an Extension Cord?
You shouldn’t use a hair dryer on an extension. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that products that generate and give off heat, including hair dryers, should be plugged directly into the outlet. This is because they use so much power that it is challenging to operate safely with an extension.
Is it OK to Leave a Hair Dryer Plugged in?
It is probably best to unplug the hair dryer when done using it, but there is no direct harm in leaving it plugged in. the only thing is it should not be turned on for long durations since they are not made for that. It can be a fire hazard when left on for a while. Also, ensure that it is not in contact with water or fluids. However, if the dryer is in any way
Can a Hair Dryer Start a Fire?
If everything is working alright and is being used properly, a hair dryer should not catch fire. However, a few instances are possible, such as when the hair dryer is malfunctioning. You may notice fire sparks in the dryer; this is dangerous, and you should stop using it immediately.
The buildup is also a common reason for a hair dryer starting a fire. This can be due to lint or pieces of hair. When the airflow is blocked, it is easy to catch fire since the hot air is not being released. Cleaning your hair dryer is not difficult; if it has a filter, it probably has instructions on how you can remove it to remove any buildup.
Check this too: How Many Amperes Does a Refrigerator Use
Ensure that you check the attachments and clean them regularly to keep them in good working condition. If you cannot solve this on your own, you can contact the manufacturer or seller for more instructions.
Can a Hair Dryer Electrocute You?
It is possible but improbable due to the proliferation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), which trip the circuit. The GFCI check on the current flowing from a wall outlet to your hairdryer. If it notices a leak, then it will instantly break the course hence preventing electrocution. The new hair dryer models are made so that they protect you from electrocution.
Not all wall outlets or hair dryers have GFCIs. It’s safer to treat your hairdryer or any electronic as if it were not connected to such protection. Don’t be reckless!
However, there is a slight chance that you could still get electrocuted. The following are some ways to prevent this:
- Do not soak your hair dryer in water or use water to clean it.
- If the dryer drops into water, do not remove it immediately. Unplug it from the outlet and drain the water, then dispose of it safely.
- Do not use a hair dryer that fell into water. Always dispose of such tools.
- Avoid using a faulty dryer.
It uses a lot of power for such a small appliance, so you must be careful in how you use it. While you may love your dryer so much, note that they are generally good to use about 800 times. This is why it is essential to replace your hair dryer after a few years before developing any complications. Take time to check any brand’s power requirements before purchasing to ascertain that it is a good match for you.