View Full Version : Treadmill keeps tripping breaker
davie_g
Aug 29, 2007, 12:00 PM
I have had a treadmill for a few months and it worked fine then last week while I was on it it blew a fuse and tripped the circuit breaker. I changed the fuse to the plug and reset breaker. The treadmill now switches on but as soon as I try to start the motor it just trips again. The fault occurred because I think I had too much running at the time, (a TV, the treadmill, my oven was on in the kitchen and the fault happened when my washing machine started its spin cycle). I have tried just having the treadmill on on its own but still has same fault. Is it a problem with the treadmill motor drawing too much current or is it possible to have damaged the breaker board.
Thanks
tkrussell
Aug 30, 2007, 04:55 PM
Sorry,seems your post got missed.
Could be the motor, or more the drive system that the motor drives. If something is bound up the motor could draw much more current than normal.
Will need an amprobe meter to troubleshoot, need to measure the amp draw.
Big Dog
Nov 30, 2007, 07:35 PM
Same question asked elsewhere so I copied and pasted the same answer...
Your treadmill is likely overcoming the home's ability to provide the power required. Most new treadmills require a dedicated 20 amp line (which is usually only found to run the biggest appliances in the home)
As the new treadmill breaks in, it will draw less amperage but the long and the short of it is to check the owner's manual for the power requirements and then check the breaker that it's on.
The likelihood is high that the Tmill wants 20 amps and your breaker is a 12 or 15.
You can elevate the treadmill somewhat as this changes the user's gait and the result is a lowern amp draw but you will need to either:
1. Provide the treadmill with the power required
2. Get used to using at an elevation (harder workouts but faster results)
Nick (24 year fitness equipment technician)