Range Hood Amps, Watts & Breaker Size

Range Hood Power Requirements at a Glance#

A kitchen range hood is a light electrical load: a standard ducted hood draws just 1 to 3 A at 120 V, 150 to 300 W, on a 15 A circuit, and a high-CFM professional hood about 5 to 6 A, 600 to 700 W, on a 20 A circuit. The hood can be hardwired or plugged into a 5-15R outlet, and the standard model is small enough to share a general lighting circuit, while a powerful blower prefers its own.

Range Hood Electrical Specifications#

A ducted vent hood moves air with a small blower and a lamp or two, one of the lightest loads in the whole kitchen, so it usually taps a nearby lighting feed. A high-output professional canopy with a powerful motor climbs far enough to earn a circuit of its own and a hardwired connection above the cooktop.

Circuit and Breaker Sizing for the Range Hood#

A range hood's draw is dominated by its blower motor and lights, which is why a standard ducted hood at 1 to 3 A is one of the lightest fixed loads in the kitchen — a 15 A circuit carries it easily, and it can even ride a general-purpose lighting circuit. A high-CFM professional hood is a different animal: its larger blower pulls 5 to 6 A and 600 to 700 W, enough to warrant a dedicated 20 A circuit so the surge of a powerful fan does not disturb other loads. The conductor is matched to whichever breaker applies. The rule of thumb is simple: a modest vent shares happily, while a serious blower gets its own feed.

Installation and Safety Notes for Range Hood Wiring#

A range hood is either hardwired at a junction box behind it or fitted with a cord to a 5-15R outlet concealed in the cabinet above. A standard hood on an existing 15 A circuit is a manageable homeowner swap, particularly a like-for-like replacement. A high-CFM hood that needs its own dedicated 20 A circuit, or any new circuit run back to the panel, is permitted-and-inspected work for a licensed electrician. Either way, keep the connection accessible and grounded, and make sure a powerful blower is not sharing a circuit it can overwhelm at startup.

Range Hood Electrical FAQ#

What breaker does a kitchen vent hood need?#

A standard ducted range hood runs on a 15 A circuit, drawing only 1 to 3 A. A high-CFM professional hood at 5 to 6 A is better on a dedicated 20 A circuit.

Is the canopy hardwired or plugged into an outlet?#

Either. Many range hoods are hardwired at a junction box, while others use a cord to a 5-15R outlet concealed in the cabinet above. Both are common and code-acceptable.

Does a high-output blower deserve its own circuit?#

Yes. A high-CFM professional hood drawing 5 to 6 A and 600 to 700 W is best on a dedicated 20 A circuit, so its powerful blower does not disturb other loads at startup.

How little current does a standard vent draw?#

A standard ducted range hood draws just 1 to 3 A at 120 V for a load of 150 to 300 W — one of the lightest fixed loads in the kitchen.

Can it tap the same feed as the kitchen lights?#

A standard low-draw hood at 1 to 3 A can share a general lighting circuit. A high-CFM hood, however, should have its own dedicated 20 A circuit rather than sharing.

Does the vent run off a wall switch or a dedicated breaker?#

The hood’s blower and light are usually controlled at the hood or by a wall switch, while the circuit itself is protected by a 15 A (or 20 A for a big hood) breaker in the panel. The switch and the breaker are separate.