The electrical component of the appliance is often overlooked when purchasing electrical appliances.
It should come as no surprise that hedge trimmers consume a significant amount of electricity in general, and if the incorrect size is purchased, you may end up wasting money on electricity.
It’s best to gather the necessary information about voltages and amps before selecting a hedge trimmer for your home or workspace. This ensures you are getting the best fit.
So, let’s answer the question – “how many amps does a hedge trimmer use?”
How Many Amps Does A Hedge Trimmer Use?
An electric hedge trimmer consumes between 2.5 and 4.8 amps. This is distinct from a battery-powered trimmer and a manual hedge shear.
Because a manual hedge shear does not require electricity, it has no business dealing with amps.
Battery trimmers, on the other hand, have a voltage rating that is related to the amount of power stored and produced by the battery.
The average hedge trimmer battery is only 20 volts, which equates to about 1.6 amps when converted.
When converted, a battery-powered hedge trimmer can have up to 80 volts and 6.7 amps.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about hedge trimmer amps. Continue reading to learn more.
How Much Power Does A Hedge Trimmer Use?
The power of a hedge trimmer varies, it is dependent on the type of hedge trimmer. So we are going to list the various types of hedge trimmers and their different power usage.
1. Electric Hedge Trimmer
A corded electric hedge trimmer will typically have a power range of 400 to 700 W.
However, it will mostly use an average of 600 watts (W) and will work perfectly well for hedges growing close to the house.
The amount of power required is proportional to the length of the blade. In general, the power reflects the tool’s energy requirements.
The amazing thing about this trimmer is that it is ideal for anyone who does not want to carry a heavy tool around with them. It is lightweight and super easy to move around.
2. Battery Hedge Trimmers
This trimmer is powered by a battery, as the name implies.
The batteries that are typically included with this hedge trimmer are lithium-ion (Li-on) batteries rated at 18 V, 36 V, or even 56 V.
The battery voltage indicates how much power the hedge trimmer can produce.
That is, an 18 V hedge trimmer will not perform as well as a 56 V hedge trimmer.
A hedge trimmer with a 36 V motor will provide adequate performance, but it will not be as effective as one with a 56V motor.
3. Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Petrol hedge trimmers range in power from 300 W to 1050 W. Because they are more powerful, petrol hedge trimmers are useful for more difficult tasks.
It is ideal for cutting thicker branches in large hedges.
Depending on the intended use, the equipment is available in two versions: T-version for trimming thin-branched hedges and R-version for cutting back overgrown or woody hedges.
4. Manual Hedge Trimmer
This is also known as hedge shears and the only power required by this tool is manpower.
It uses no form of electricity so it is solely dependent on the force exerted by humans.
Here is an article I wrote on the best hedge trimmers for ornamental grass
What Is A Good Amp For A Hedge Trimmer?
A good amp for a hedge trimmer is usually between 2.5 and 4.8 volts.
Makita’s hedge trimmer, one of the best hedge trimmers, has a 4.8 amp motor that is used to cut through thick branches and hedges.
The hedge trimmer from Garcare also has a powerful 4.8 amp motor for heavy-duty cutting and trimming tasks.
Earthwise’s hedge trimmer is powered by a 2.8 amp motor that produces a respectable 3700 strokes per minute.
It’s obvious that the higher the Amps, the more work gets done. It’s best to get a trimmer with a higher amp because it can do the job faster and more effectively.
Is A 7 Amp Hedge Trimmer Good?
Having a 7 amp device isn’t a bad idea, however, when it comes to hedge trimmers, the most common amps are usually between 2.5 to 4.8. Therefore, 7 amp is above the speculated range for a hedge trimmer.
It’s important to note that amps are used to measure the flow of electricity as an electric current.
They are frequently used as a criterion for purchasing tools that are befitting for your house and workspace.
However, most times people will opt for devices that have higher amps.
This is because higher amps mean that electricity is flowing more quickly and delivering more power to your device.
A lot of people still don’t know why it is necessary to know the amps of a device.
Knowing the amp of a device is important as it enables you to quantify the amount of current flowing in a circuit.
This allows the circuit’s performance to be defined and the circuit to operate as intended.
Can A Hedge Trimmer Blow Its Circuit?
Yes, a hedge trimmer’s circuit can be blown. When a hedge trimmer is plugged into a socket that also has several other devices plugged in, the circuit can blow up.
To prevent the circuit from overheating, the circuit breaker’s fuse will automatically shut off at the fuse board.
You can avoid this issue by only using one extension cord or appliance per socket.
Never connect multiple extension cord expanders. Check that your circuit breakers and fuses are rated appropriately for your circuits and appliances.
To avoid overloading your circuit, unplug devices that are not in use.
Another common cause of circuit failure is when the plug is violently knocked or pulled from the wall.
Also check out this article I wrote on best hedge trimmers for hawthorn
Can You Rewire A Hedge Trimmer?
Yes, you can rewire your hedge trimmer.
However the question of “when” to rewire is super important. Your hedge trimmer will give you signs when it needs to be rewired.
These signs include;
Electric shocks: When a trimmer needs rewiring, you might experience electric shocks while using it.
If your trimmer also develops a buzzing sound around the plug, then you need to get it checked urgently.
Generally, electricity flows smoothly and quietly between connections.
But loose prongs, outlets, or fraying wire can all cause the current to jump, producing a buzzing sound in the process.
Burnt smell: If you notice a faint burning smell around the plug of your hedge trimmer, you are most likely smelling an electrical short.
This smell is one of the most obvious signs of faulty wiring. As soon as you notice the smell you need to unplug the hedge trimmer from the socket.
Excessive heat on the trimmer plus after use: This is another sign that your trimmer needs to be rewired.
When you notice that each time you use your hedge trimmer, the plug is usually very hot, it means your trimmer is experiencing excess heat.
Electric current may make a switch plate slightly warm to the touch, but if the outlet is uncomfortably hot then that’s a problem.
Malfunctioning: If your trimmer suddenly begins to malfunction, it could be a sign that it needs to be rewired.
Usually, the hedge trimmer will be dismantled to further investigate what the problem could be.
Conclusion
When getting your hedge trimmer, it’s not enough to know the model you want.
You have to take into consideration the electrical component as well.
Some of the electrical components include amps, volts, and watts. It is necessary to know the electrical demand of your trimmer before purchasing.
This is to ensure that your workspace or home can manage these electrical demands.
A hedge trimmer has amps within the range of 2.5 to 4.8. Most persons would prefer a 4.8amps because it is most effective in getting the job done.
