What's new
By:
Ram Heavy Duty Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

How many Amps/Watts does Engine Block heater cord draw?

M

MacksRam

Member
Messages
76
Reaction score
46
Points
18
Location
Mississippi
Winter is coming soon. I just ordered an Engine Block Heater cable/cord for 2025 Cummins.
How many watts/amps does this draw?
I do not want to run up my home Electric bill too high :)
 
flan said:
Around 1kw. I have a heavy duty outdoor rated timer and will set it 3 hours before I’d need to leave the house.
Click to expand...
ok...that is around 1000 watts or around 8 amps--that is more than I thought... Yes, 3 hours should be sufficient to heat the block...Thanks
 
I set my timer to energize at 1 and 1/2 hours before I start it and it works great. That's in Colorado with average winter temps of 10-20 degrees overnight.
 
MacksRam said:
Winter is coming soon. I just ordered an Engine Block Heater cable/cord for 2025 Cummins.
How many watts/amps does this draw?
I do not want to run up my home Electric bill too high :)
Click to expand...

The owners manual states it’s a 6.5A element at 110V, which is 715 watts.

Depending on your price per kWh you’ll probably save money buying an outdoor timer and setting it for 90 minutes before you leave. With or without a winter front 90 minutes gets you to ~90% of the heating from overnight use at a fraction of the cost. The winter front does hold heat in better if there is a light breeze.

Even 3 hours will double your electric costs and only have a negligible increase in coolant temps.

The block heater isn’t really needed until well into the negatives, owners manual states required below -20°F, but I used it when my truck was my DD below ~30°F for faster cabin heat.
 
At 20 cents per KWH average in the US, I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t notice the difference on your electric bill.

That being said, +1 for a simple analog timer if it’s something you must mitigate.
 
Trash Panda said:
At 20 cents per KWH average in the US, I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t notice the difference on your electric bill.

That being said, +1 for a simple analog timer if it’s something you must mitigate.
Click to expand...

At 0.14/hr it doesn’t seem like much, but adds up quick with 12-14 hours a day. It doesn’t take long to pay for a timer and save money.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top