A fan motor is rated 1/3 HP at 120 volts. Approximately how many amps will the motor draw?

To determine the approximate current draw in amps for a fan motor rated at 1/3 horsepower (HP) operating at 120 volts, we can use the formula for electrical power, which connects horsepower, voltage, and current.

First, it is essential to convert horsepower to watts since electrical power is often expressed in watts. One horsepower is equivalent to about 746 watts. Therefore, 1/3 horsepower is:

[

\frac{746 \text{ watts}}{3} \approx 248.67 \text{ watts}

]

Next, we can apply the formula for power (P) in terms of voltage (V) and current (I):

[

P = V \times I

]

Rearranging this formula to find the current gives:

[

I = \frac{P}{V}

]

Plugging in the values we have:

[

I = \frac{248.67 \text{ watts}}{120 \text{ volts}} \approx 2.06 \text{ amps}

]

When rounded, this approximation results in a current draw of about 2 amps.

Thus, the correct choice reflects this calculation, confirming that a motor rated at 1/3