Block heater wattage?

**CruisnGrrl** · 12-20-2009, 02:32 PM

It's that time of year where we can fool some americans into thinking we all have electric cars. I was wondering how many watts my truck block heater uses. I know my kettle uses 1000 watts to boil water and costs ~$0.06 an hour to use. A 100 watt light bulb costs ~$0.006 to use. If plugged in and running all the time my kettle would use $1.44 in electricity a day and $43.20 a month (lucky i only use it for a few minutes a day). Anyone know what the average wattage a block heater uses? I know it's not going to be like my kettle as i don't think the engine gets to boiling temp.

if it helps i have a 3.7 v6 magnum dodge dakota. it came with the block heater.

**infernobuster** · 12-20-2009, 02:35 PM

Not sure what the cost to run your block heater is. BUT, i'd suggest using a timer with your block heater if your worried about cost.

Say if you leave for work at 7 am, id set the timer for 4 am. ( you get the idea)

**caboose483** · 12-20-2009, 03:47 PM

I was wondering the same thing too. I really doubt it'd draw as much as a kettle, i just googled it and it seems that most are in the 300-500watt range. Based on that, if it were plugged in 24/7 it'd be about $20 a month. You can get an outdoor timer from Princess Auto for under $20.

With an outdoor timer, how long would be good? 2 or 3 hours?

**Torren** · 12-20-2009, 04:17 PM

Most gasoline engine block heaters are between 85-100w.

**CruisnGrrl** · 12-20-2009, 05:29 PM

i have some outdoor timers some where, will have to dig one out

**infernobuster** · 12-20-2009, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by caboose483

I was wondering the same thing too. I really doubt it'd draw as much as a kettle, i just googled it and it seems that most are in the 300-500watt range. Based on that, if it were plugged in 24/7 it'd be about $20 a month. You can get an outdoor timer from Princess Auto for under $20.

With an outdoor timer, how long would be good? 2 or 3 hours?

Yep it seems depending on the vehicle that 2 - 3 hours plugged in is sufficent. Anything over that and your burning up hydro.

**Splash** · 12-21-2009, 09:04 AM

when it's actually cold enough to plug in my truck I'll put my Amp and Wattage tester on and I'll let you know. But like it was mentioned before... use a timer 2 hours before you need your truck.