Plugging a TreadMill into an Extension Cord

[JanetRose]

The manual says not to use an extension cord. Do you think if I brought an heavy duty cord, I could try?

 

[bellebud]

our treadmill and eliptical are both plugged into a heavy duty extension cord.

 

[Swan4Me]

The manual says not to use an extension cord.


Do you think if I brought an heavy duty cord, I could try?

Why would you not listen to the safety warnings?.Your may be MUCH more powerful that the person who says they use extention chord

DH says you could mess up the amperage and ruin the motor with an extension chord

 

[Uptown Girl]

I think if you look at most electric appliances, etc. they will say not to use an extension cord. I think it is more of a CYA then anything personally.

 

[dejr_8]

I think if you look at most electric appliances, etc. they will say not to use an extension cord. I think it is more of a CYA then anything personally.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Extension cords, even those rated "heavy duty" are only for temporary use. Since it is a treadmill and is only "in use" for certain periods of time, I would not see a problem with it. I would, however, unplug it after use, and try not to run it for hours at a time.

Check the cord after you use it. If it is warm/hot to the touch, then it's probably not a good idea to continue with the extension cord.

 

[rwdavis2]

It won't be a problem. Just make sure it's a heavy duty one. A good rule of thumb is that it should be at least as large in diameter as the cord on the treadmill. I'm thinking at least 14 guage wire or 12 gauge. (The smaller the number the larger the wires are)

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I think it also depends on the length of the extension cord you plan to use. Technically, most treadmills actually require a dedicated circuit to operate - if you did that then you would place the dedicated circuit in the correct location - problem solved.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Ours is on a heavy duty extension cord

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First thing to do is look at the appliance (or treadmill) data plate or manual. Look for the amperage rating. If it does not give amps, but does give watts, divide watts by 110 to get amps.

Then get an extension cord with an ampere rating at least 10% higher than what the machine draws.

Note the term "heavy duty" is meaningless. You need to know the actual numbers.

 

[sam_gordon]

Basically what happens is you have 120V available at the wall socket. Depending on the gauge of the power cord AND the length, you can have less than 120V by the time it gets to the treadmill. Lower voltage could damage the motor. "Thinner" gauge cords will have more voltage loss. Longer cords will have more voltage loss. Follow the steps Chesire Figment posted.

 

[Imzadi]

I was about to write the same as these two posts below, and in order. The warning is basically to make sure a fire doesn't get started. Presuming you get the right size extension cord, and are actually ON the treadmill while it's on, to monitor the treadmill & the cord while in use, there shouldn't be a problem.

I visit a friend on movie & TV set locations. You wouldn't believe how many, super, heavy duty power extension cords they have to hook up to the generators about a quarter mile away. Electricity is electricity. It is no different for your treadmill than the lighting & machinery these people power. Just make sure you get an extension cord of the right amperage/wattage and insulation. You may have to look for an industrial quality power extension cord.

First thing to do is look at the appliance (or treadmill) data plate or manual. Look for the amperage rating. If it does not give amps, but does give watts, divide watts by 110 to get amps.

Then get an extension cord with an ampere rating at least 10% higher than what the machine draws.

Note the term "heavy duty" is meaningless. You need to know the actual numbers.

Extension cords, even those rated "heavy duty" are only for temporary use. Since it is a treadmill and is only "in use" for certain periods of time, I would not see a problem with it. I would, however, unplug it after use, and try not to run it for hours at a time.

Check the cord after you use it. If it is warm/hot to the touch, then it's probably not a good idea to continue with the extension cord.

 

[dejr_8]

Does anyone want to give an over/under on how many pages this thread could go to?

 

[ScottOKW2K]

220, 221 - whatever it takes ....

 

[CathrynRose]

Does anyone want to give an over/under on how many pages this thread could go to?

I think we should do it like the Price is Right. As close, withOUT going over. Over loses.

220, 221 - whatever it takes ....

And South to drop off, moron.....


I dunno. I have no idea what my treadmill is plugged into, or if it's even plugged in anymore. I have left my treadmill for Zumba, and there's no looking back. BUT, I like to live on the edge, and odds are if I needed an extension cord for something, I'd use it. I feel 99% of warnings are "butt cover'ers".

 

[SandrA9810]

Cords loose power in it's length, get the shortest possible length between your machine and your outlet. I wouldn't suggest a surge protector as that could trip everytime you use it.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

First thing to do is look at the appliance (or treadmill) data plate or manual. Look for the amperage rating. If it does not give amps, but does give watts, divide watts by 110 to get amps.

Then get an extension cord with an ampere rating at least 10% higher than what the machine draws.

Note the term "heavy duty" is meaningless. You need to know the actual numbers.

Exactly! Do this and you'll be fine.

I keep my elliptical on its own surge protector as well, something you will want to think about. Same rules as an extension cord for choosing the appropriate surge protector.