Most appliances have a descriptive plate stating the current, usually in watts.
For example TV sets, cookers, kettles and filament lamps have resistive loads, this means that their start up and operating currents are virtually the same - and as stated on the manufactured descriptive plate. 1.5 times their stated wattage to start up. A universal type motor has brushes running on a commuter - the slotted segments on which the brushes run, normally visible through the ventilation slots. Refrigeration, vacuum cleaners, freezers and central heating pumps usually employ induction type motors. If in doubt check with the appliance manufacturer.