How much power does a table saw need?
Jobsite table saws run on 115V/120V power, meaning they can be plugged into most standard home wall outlets in the United States. Jobsite saws almost always will run on a 15 amp or smaller motor - anything greater than 15 amps and the manufacturer makes it significantly more difficult for the average user to run the saw.
Contractor style table saws are typically wired for 115V/120V power, but can be rewired to run on 220V/240V power. The same goes for cabinet style table saws. Cabinet style saws with smaller motors will typically, by default, run on 115V/120V power, but can be rewired to run on 220V/240V power.
Cabinet table saws with with larger motors will run on 220V/240V power by default, with no option to use 115V/120V power. This is due to the size of the motor, which will require more energy in a shorter amount of time, thus creating the need for this wiring setup.
Regardless of the voltage the saw runs on, you’ll need to ensure you have sufficient amperage.
See the chart below for some commercial available tables saws, their rated peak amp draw, and wiring configuration availability.
Model | Peak Amp Draw | Wiring Configurations |
|---|---|---|
DeWalt - DWE7491 | 15A | 120V |
DeWalt - DWE7485 | 15A | 120V |
SawStop - CTS120A60 | 15A | 120V |
SawStop - CNS175 | 14A | 120V / 220V |
SawStop - PCS175 | 14A | 120V / 220V |
Grizzly - G0771Z | 20A | 120V / 240V |
Should you install a 240V outlet for your table saw?
Yes, as long as your table saw is capable of running on 240V. There is an upfront cost with getting a 240V outlet in your garage or workshop, but the benefits outweigh any of the drawbacks in the long run. It’s 100% possible to do it yourself and there are plenty of YouTube videos showing you how to do it.
Otherwise, if you choose to hire an electrician you can expect to pay around $700 to $1,500 or more, depending on your area. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, we recommend installing a sub-panel from your main box and then running a 240V outlet from the sub-panel. This allows for expansion later on.
What’s the difference between 110V, 115V, 120V, 220V, 230V, and 240V?
In short, you have two categories - voltages in the 110V to 120V range and those in the 220V-240V range. Each of those categories is more or less the same. When someone is referring to 110V, it’s the same as referring to 115V or 120V.
The same goes for 240V - it’s the same as referring to 230V or 220V.
In the United States, power companies split a single-phase 240V line that runs into your home into two 120V lines. These are labeled as “120VAC” or 120 volts alternating current. This is the ‘hot’ wire that’s connected to an outlet. To complete the circuit, a neutral wire is used to bring the circuit to ground or back to the busbar in the electrical panel.
WARNING
208V, 277V, and 480V are not the same as any of the above. These voltages refer to 3-phase power, which is an entirely different wiring setup. Table saws that are wired for a specific phase of power are not interchangeable across other power phases. Hooking a table saw that’s set up for single or 2-phase power to a 3-phase power source will damage the motor.
The reason for referring to these different voltages is because that by the time a 120V or 240V circuit reaches the receptacle, it often drops to 115V or 230V respectively. Sometimes even lower, depending on the conditions, length of the circuit, etc.
Some tools or appliances are even rated to operate at those lower voltages so you know that if you need to use a long extension cord, which create more resistance, the tool or appliance will work just fine.
115/120 Volts vs. 230/240 Volts
Now that we’ve established the difference between the above voltages, we’ll simply refer to each category as 120V or 240V power, knowing we’re using 120V interchangeably with 115V or 110V. The same goes for 240V.
Depending on where you’re located will dictate the standard single phase voltage your home is wired for. In the United States and Japan it’s 120V, in most of Europe it’s 240V.
Below is a chart showing the voltage of several different countries.
Country | Single Phase Power Voltage |
United States | 120V |
Australia | 230V |
England | 230V |
France | 230V |
South Korea | 220V |
Puerto Rico | 120V |
*Source: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/
What are the benefits of each in relation to table saws and other tools?
Benefits of 240V Single Phase Power
- You can pull twice as much power on a single circuit
- You’ll encounter less resistance within the circuit
- Less resistive heating in the motor windings allows the saw to run cooler, likely prolonging lifespan.
- Easier startup on the motor and less prone to stalling on thick cuts
- With the proper set up, you won’t trip the breaker and cause annoying interruptions
Benefits of 120V Single Phase Power
- Less expensive to set up, typically nothing since it is standard in most homes in the United States.
- In the United States, 120V 15A outlets are available everywhere
Regardless of whether you use 120V or 240V, the number of watts consumed is essentially the same. Sure, you can argue an efficiency difference, but it’s negligible. The difference is not in the consumption of electricity, but rather in how it’s delivered and used.
