Treadmill Electrical Circuit Safety
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How to Wire a Treadmill Circuit: Installing the Required Treadmill Circuit, Using an Existing Power Source, Connecting to the Power Source. © By: Dave Rongey |
Guide to Electrical Wiring for a Treadmill
Electrical Question: I have a dryer receptacle in my basement which is a NEMA 14-30 30AMP-125/250volt clothing dryer hookup, in fact, I use it to power my clothing dryer.
- I was recently given a commercial treadmill, which requires 220volt power. It has a NEMA 6-15R plug (2 pole-3 wire) on it.
- I would like to plug the treadmill into the dryer outlet if possible. The power plate on the treadmill states “voltage 220/240, amps 9, hertz 50/60.”
- I’m wondering if I can simply cut the existing plug (NEMA-6-15R) off the treadmill, and install a plug that matches the dryer receptacle.
- Since both devices would be sitting right next to each other it would be unnecessary to run them both at the same time, it doesn’t make sense to have a new outlet run for treadmill, unless the existing circuit would be incompatible with the treadmill – even with the plug change.
- Thanks for any input. I would qualify my skill level as advanced home owner. I work in the IT field and deal with low-voltage cabling all of the time.
- I feel comfortable and capable of installing a new plug on the treadmill, assuming that if the interface was correct, it would be safe to plug it into the existing dryer circuit.
This electrical wiring question came from: Calvin, a Homeowner from Linden, VA.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Calvin.
How to Wire a Treadmill Circuit
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or a Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric tools and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
Electrical Wiring and Circuit Safety
Avoiding the Potential Hazards of Incorrect Electrical Wiring
- Installing the Required Treadmill Circuit
In theory this is possible, however in practice it presents one big concern, not to mention that this will void the warranted and the UL listing of the treadmill. Your treadmill wiring is designed for a 15 amp circuit, and so all the internal components require protection that would prevent internal damage if in the case of a malfunction or overload. - The Problem with a Shared Circuit
The dryer circuit would supply twice the level of protected power. So in a worst case scenario, if the treadmill malfunctions and draws excess power then the unit would basically self district and most likely burn up the internal components and create a very hazardous condition for the user to say the least. - Using an Existing Power Source
The only way to safely accomplish this would be to install a circuit limiting device on the unit that is designed for this type of conversion. Another way is to take the existing dryer circuit into a 4-circuit sub-panel, then split out two circuits, one 2-pole 30 for the dryer and one 2-pole 15 for the treadmill, each being terminated into the appropriate outlet receptacles. - Connecting to the Power Source
The primary dryer circuit wiring would have to be extended to an accessible and clear location for the sub-panel. I might add that in the worst case scenario, if there was a fire or personal injury that should occur the forensic investigation report would be so noted and your insurance company may indicate negligence on the homeowners part which could lead to other ramifications. My best recommendation for you is to install a dedicated 240 volt 15 amp circuit. - Wiring it Right
Please not that all work should be done under permit and inspection of your local building department.
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