How many watts does a well pump use?
A well pump uses 655–2,280 watts while running, which is 2.7–9.5 amps at 240 V.
Well pump watts, amps and circuit
| Running watts | 655–2,280 W |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 240 V |
| Running amps | 2.7–9.5 A |
| Circuit | standard 240 V outlet |
Also called: submersible well pump, deep well pump, 1 hp well pump.
Well pump watts by size and type
| Size or type | Running watts, W | Volts, V | Amps, A | Starting watts, W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Well pump | 655–2,280 | 240 | 2.7–9.5 | — |
| 1/2 HP | 655–960 | 240 | 2.7–4 | — |
| 3/4 HP | 925–1,310 | 240 | 3.9–5.5 | — |
| 1 HP | 1,160–1,600 | 240 | 4.8–6.7 | — |
| 1 1/2 HP | 1,710–2,280 | 240 | 7.1–9.5 | — |
What size generator runs a well pump?
A well pump needs a generator that supplies at least 2,280 running watts. Starting a well pump takes a short surge of several times its running watts, and the surge is not listed here: size the generator from the locked-rotor amps (LRA) on the nameplate or the maker's generator guidance, not from the running watts. The generator must have a 240 V outlet or be connected through a transfer switch or interlock.
What it costs to run a well pump
Running a well pump at 1,468 W, the middle of its 655–2,280 W range, for one hour a day uses 535.8 kWh a year. That costs about $96 a year at $0.18 per kWh, the US average residential price for August 2026.
Your bill's total ÷ kWh used. 0.18 is the US residential average.
- Per day
- $0.26
- Per year
- $96
- Energy per day
- 1.47 kWh
- Energy per month
- 44.7 kWh
How it is calculated
- kWh per day = 1,468 W × 1 h ÷ 1,000 = 1.468
- Per month = 1.468 kWh × 30.4 days × $0.18 = $8.04
What affects well pump power use
Motor horsepower sets the running watts: each row runs from full load to the maximum service-factor load of Franklin Electric 4-inch single-phase motors. The pump runs only when the pressure switch calls for water, so the yearly energy use depends on water use and well depth. For a 1 HP motor Franklin lists a minimum generator of 4 kW (3-wire) or 6 kW (2-wire); the breaker comes from the motor nameplate and the control box instructions.
How the amps are calculated
Amps = watts ÷ volts. For 2,280 W at 240 V that is 9.5 A. The 655–2,280 W range covers typical models; the nameplate on a well pump gives the exact figure.