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Home » Q & A » NordicTrack

Question: I just got a nordictrack treadmill. How safe is it in an older house (1920's but updated) Im worried.?


Question Description:
I have this new big treadmill, and my sister said not to have the computer going at the same time i run it, they would be sharing the surge protector. How safe is it to run the treadmill with other appliances on at the same time. I have circuit breakers outside. If there was a problem, would it happen as I use it, and not later like when Im at work. I have pets and worry, thats mainly why. I don't want to endanger them as Im away. The treadmill looks huge and I had to put it in my livingroom, I tucked it into the corner. Is there any other advice I can have about electricity.. or how to run it, so that Im always safe. Thank you very much for reading this far. I would appreciate hearing from people who have treadmills, or know about electricity and appliances and such. Just asking to be safe, safe is better than sorry!Los Angeles, CA

Answer#1: I have a friend who has a cute little bungalow from the 1920's and he had to have the house entirely rewired (he's an electronics junkie), but the wiring was from the same era as the house. I think I have to agree with the electrical gurus and find out what kind of amperage (I do believe is the correct term) your electrical system puts out. Another suggestion is to be sure that your breaker boxes can handle the amount of electricity running through the house. One 120v breaker did not cut it for another friend's house and the breaker was sparking (her daughter reported that there were fairies in the basement, when in truth they were the sparks flying off the breaker). Why can't they make treadmills attractive? Let me tell you, I have a Gazelle, and that darn thing doesn't look anything like an antelope. It is the most ungainly, shin-biting thing I've ever had. But, it's completely addictive when I'm watching CSI or my Animal Planet, and for some reason my cat thinks it's his personal swing set. Of course, everything in the house is his, he just lets me have the delusion that I own enough so I'll pay the rent and buy him cat food. Best of luck!


Answer#2: What in the world does your question have to do with Transportation Safety? Post it in the proper category...duh....


Answer#3: "Use only a single-outlet surge suppressor thatis UL 1449 listed as a transient voltage surgesuppressor (TVSS). The surge suppressormust have a UL suppressed voltage rating of400 volts or less and a minimum surge dissipationof 450 joules. The surge suppressormust be electrically rated for 120 volts AC and15 amps. To purchase a surge suppressor, seeyour local NordicTrack dealer or call 1-888-825-2588 and order part number 146148."I would definitely follow the manufactures recommendations, for a 15A+ treadmill. You might need to find a dedicated outlet (meaning no other shared appliances on the circuit), the in-rush current could be twice the amount when the treadmill is turned on. A separate surge suppressor it the best way to protect the treadmill. If there is a surge on the same line you'd be taking a chance on destroying your computer, wiring inside the wall and could start a fire.Look into having arc fault circuit breakers installed in your home to protect the older wiring in your home. (New NFPA/NEC Code)


Answer#4: First thing is you need to determine the ampacity (how many amps does it draw) required to run the treadmill. It should be stamped on the treadmill somewhere. If not look in the manual in the technical section. The plug should have 3 prongs on it. 2 straight and 1 round. If both straight prongs look like they will go into a receptacle then the appliance is rated 15 amps or less. Plugging it into any receptacle in the house should be fine. If the house was rewired properly, then all should be well. If in doubt call a local licensed electrical contractor. The cost for the inspection if any should be quite affordable.


Answer#5: If you have it on a separate surge protector then it will likely trip it first. If your house has too few circuits and the wiring will not handle it you may just need to flip off the surge protector when you leave. If this is a house you own you should look into upgrading your electrical system. A licensed electrician can upgrade to a modern box with more circuits and breakers for about what you have into your treadmill. It's not cheap but worth it if in the long run.If you rent just unplug when not in use. Generally appliances "pop" fuses when they are turned on or off when they draw the most amps.


Answer#6: No matter how old the house, if the wiring was done properly then you will blow a fuse or breaker before there's a risk of fire.


Answer#7: make sure your breaker are good... then surge protector is good.. You should be really safe... I run alot...going to run PF Changs Rock'n Marathon in Phoenix.


Answer#8: Should be fine. Just because the house is old, the wiring has probably been rewired.




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