How many amps does a 15 amp Sawzall draw?

[ammoniadog]

I got me a new 15 amp Super Sawzall the other day. After thinking about it, I'm wondering if it might be too powerful. I'm worried that I will be tripping breakers every time I use it, since most of the outlets out there are only 15 amps.

Is 15 amps how much it will draw during normal use, or will it only get close to that under really heavy use, like if the blade is jamming up?

[timebuilder]

The saw is not a continuous load, so you should be alright, unless you have spikes where you exceed that rating.

Of course, with something rated at 15 amps, you are better off on a 20 amp circuit.

[ammoniadog]

One more question. The Sawzall does have a speed adjustment dial on it. Would backing the speed down a couple of notches equal less amp draw? I would think that a slower speed might cause it to draw more amps since it might be more likely to bind up on stuff. Am I over thinking things here?

[kuntrybumm]

I run a 15 amp circular saw and a 15 amp compressor on the same circuit all the time. Sometimes they run at the same time. Not had a breaker trip yet.

[desert guy]

In residential lighting circuits and almost always 15amp breakers and receps are on 20amp breakers. In commercial they are both on 20 amp breakers. At least in my experience over the last 35 years.

[billg]

Tools are rated at max amp draw just like old HP ratings, so it will normally draw much less.

[timebuilder]

In residential lighting circuits and almost always 15amp breakers and receps are on 20amp breakers. In commercial they are both on 20 amp breakers. At least in my experience over the last 35 years.

15 amp breakers are on 20 amp breakers?

You can install 15 amp receptacles on circuits with 20 amp breakers. Is that what you mean?

[cg2]

15

[lytning]

X2

15 amp breakers are on 20 amp breakers?

You can install 15 amp receptacles on circuits with 20 amp breakers. Is that what you mean?

[Adlerberts-Protege]

Won't be a problem. I've ran my 15 amp sawzall full speed with my clamp meter on it and it was only around 7 to 8 amps, steady state. When you initially pull the trigger just have it on low speed and use the variable speed trigger the way it was intended.

[desert guy]

15 amp breakers are on 20 amp breakers?

You can install 15 amp receptacles on circuits with 20 amp breakers. Is that what you mean?

No, what I was referring to was that in the commercial buildings I have been in the lighting circuits were on 20amp breakers and the recep's were also on 20 amp circuits. I have seen 15amp recepts at places like HD but on the rare occassion I have installed a recep in a control panel for one reason or another it has always been one rated for 20amp's.