How to plug in your Home Treadmill.
  Home treadmills, Residential Use Only Treadmills, are made to run well on your residential, 15 Amp power circuit.  Here are some best practices to make sure you get the best use of your home treadmill and avoid costly repairs.
   Safety First! 
Make sure to read all the safety warnings and guidance from the manufacturer about your specific treadmill.  Follow those warnings and guidance.
Electricity is powerful and dangerous.  Be sure to seek licensed, professional electricians if any changes are needed in your home electrical circuit.
Never bypass electrical safety measures, such as circuit breakers or fuses.
   Position your home treadmill close to an approved, properly grounded, 3 prong, 15 amp power outlet.  The treadmill should be close enough to the power outlet, so that the treadmill can be plugged in to the power outlet with its own power cord.
  Should you use a surge protector?  Generally, no.  Treadmills do have circuit boards in them and other sensitive electronics, which, generally, would benefit from surge protection.  However, most surge protectors are 15 amp rated.  This means that they are voltage choke points.  Your home treadmill wants a full load of clean, 15 amp power at 110-120 volts. Most surge protectors are a “kink in the hose” of electricity, meaning they send less power to the machine. When voltage drops, amperage spikes. Excessive amperage will burn up your treadmill’s motor control board.
   If you really must use a surge protector for your treadmill, then buy a 12 gauge, 20 Amp surge protector.  They are typically twice as expensive as the 15 amp kind.  They are well worth that extra money, because they will send full, clean power to your home treadmill and not choke it.
  Avoid using an extension cord to plug in your home treadmill.  If you must use an extension cord, then spend the extra money to buy the shortest possible, 12 gauge, 20 amp extension cord. 
  Make sure the power cord is clear of the home treadmill frame and rollers, especially if you use the incline feature.  Pinched, crushed power cords create an unsafe condition.

   Save yourself a lot of time and money by following these simple steps to prepare for home treadmill repair  and service.  From time to time, owners of home treadmills experience some of the following situations:  The treadmill starts to make an unusual noise; the treadmill slows down when you get on it; the treadmill will not start; the treadmill develops a “hot” smell while in use; or the treadmill does not respond to some controls.  In these situations, it is a good idea to call and get the advice of an expert treadmill service technician. In order to make this call as efficient and productive as possible and get the best advice, it is a good idea to follow the steps described here in this article. These are simple things that will potentially save you a lot of time and money.

1.  Find the model and serial number of your treadmill before calling for technical or service support. 

This is important information that will help the technical service expert give you the best, most accurate advice and guidance for your treadmill. 
   There are thousands of different home treadmills out there. Even if your treadmill has a common name, it will be different from other models with the same common name in some ways. With the correct model number, the technician can look up diagrams and drawings, technical specifications, lubrication requirements, parts information, as well as technical bulletins about your specific treadmill.  He can also better discover if repair parts are available and find an estimate of what the cost of those repair parts is. 
  With the serial number, we can get better, specific information about your treadmill from the manufacturer if we need to call for technical support, parts, and warranty information.  Manufacturer's level of support does vary a great deal between different manufacturers, so we cannot guarantee what information, if any, the manufacturer will have about your specific home treadmill. Most are pretty good. Some are not good. 
  How to find the serial number?
  I will use the most popular types of treadmills out there for the purpose of this walk through guide.  Home treadmills made by Nordic Track and ProForm dominate the residential market for home treadmills, so lets start there.
  Where to find the model and serial number on (most) Nordic Track and ProForm treadmills?  
  The model number and serial number are on a white sticker on the treadmill frame.  This sticker is about an inch high and 2.5" long. It is affixed to a part of the treadmill frame that is on the floor, below the treadmill deck. Before you go looking for this sticker, get a dust rag, a flashlight, and your reading glasses if you need them. If you have a treadmill that folds up, then it is a very good idea to get a second person to help fold the deck up and also hold it while you are under it.
  It hurts to get hit in the head by a falling treadmill deck. Ask me how I know. If you do not have a second person to secure the deck in the upright, folded position, then please make 200% certain that the deck is securely locked in the upright, folded position before you get under it. 
   Fold up the treadmill. Look down on the floor. There will be a steel frame of the treadmill on the floor, running from right to left. Look on top of that frame, usually positioned from the center and right. The sticker is there.     Now it is time for that dust rag, flashlight, and reading glasses.  Each digit is important. If it is too hard to read, then it is a very good idea to take a well focused picture of the sticker. Then you can more easily read it. 
   The model number will usually start with the letters NTL, PLTL or the numbers 831.  Following the initial letter or number sequence, there will be a series of numbers with dots or hyphens.  These are examples of typical Nordic Track and Proform Treadmill model numbers:NTL14124.7; NTTL1151.0; 831.29878.1
 
  If the sticker on your treadmill is not on the frame member on the floor, as described above, then expand your search to the rest of the steel frame.  Look in the area of the frame section on the floor. Then look up to the frame of the treadmill deck itself, which should be above you at that time in its folded position. Be diligent. Make sure the deck is locked securely in place.  If you cannot find it, then give us a call at 888.503.6620 ext 6.
  When you have the treadmill model and serial number, then you are ready to call for technical assistance or service support.

No tools or special skills required!

1.  Get an idea of the current condition of your treadmill.
   

   Want to be even more ready for that call with treadmill technical support?
Here are a few, simple things to do to have a good description of the treadmill and the way it is operating now, and any existing problems with the function of the home treadmill. 
Safety First! .
   Before you get started, please take heed of these safety warnings and operating tips.
Inspect the power cord of the treadmill.  Make sure that the power cord is in good condition and that it is not under the wheels or frame of the treadmill.
Stand on the siderails of the treadmill when starting the treadmill walking belt.
Hold on to the handrails when getting on to the treadmill and when moving from siderails to the walking belt, and when getting off of the treadmill.  
When doing a power cycle of the treadmill, first turn the treadmill off using the On/Off rocker switch for the treadmill.  This On/Off switch is usually located on the frame near where the power cord goes in to the treadmill. After the On/Off switch is turned off, then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
There is high voltage electricity in the motor tray compartment (under the hood).  Use extreme caution around electricity.  The treadmill motor control circuit board has capacitors on it. These capacitors can hold an electric charge even after the treadmill is turned off and unplugged.
  If your treadmill is operational, meaning the walking belt moves when you press the start button, but the belt slows down when you put weight on it, then be very careful.  It is best to call a service technician and get professional advice on any repairs that might be needed.  A slowing or “skipping” belt is a sign that the treadmill is far outside its normal operating condition.  Continued use can cause significant damage to the treadmill, and that damage is costly to repair.
  Follow these steps to be well prepared for a call with a treadmill technician:

1.  Power cycle the treadmill. 

Turn the treadmill off at the On/Off rocker switch.
Unplug the machine from the wall outlet.
Let it sit there for 5 minutes.
Plug the machine back in to wall the wall outlet.
Turn the machine back on and watch the console.

1. Does the treadmill power up and does the console look “normal”, or is there an error message displayed in the console at power up?
   

“Normal” means, does the console look the same as it always has when you have turned it on?
If there is an error message displayed on the console, then write down the error code.Error codes point to the potential fault area.They do not indicate a specific fault.An example is an E1 error.The E1 error code points to a problem with the treadmill speed not matching the speed indicated on the console.It does not identify why that condition exists.The technician will use the error code as a basis for troubleshooting to identify the specific fault and any repairs that are needed.

1. Start the treadmill.

Standing on the siderails, not on the walking belt, and holding on to the handrails, press the “Start” button to start the treadmill walking belt moving.
The treadmill should now go through its normal, start-up sequence, and then the treadmill walking belt should start to move slowly.
Did the treadmill console “beep” when you pressed the start button?
Did the console display change?
Did the walking belt start to move?

1. Operate the treadmill.

Are the time and distance displays on the console changing as the treadmill runs, or does not run?
Does the treadmill respond to speed up and speed down controls?Press the “speed up” button. Listen for beeps and watch the treadmill belt. Do the same for the “speed down” button.
Does the treadmill respond to incline up and incline down controls? If your treadmill has a power incline function, then press the “incline up” button.Observe the console.Did the incline display on the console change when you pressed the button?Did the console beep? Does the actual incline position change?DO the same for the “Incline down” button.
  Take note of the results of these three steps.  Now you will have a lot of very good information for the service technician when you call.

   People call a few times a week asking for advice looking for a treadmill for their home.  I am happy to help answer their questions about new treadmills and used treadmills.  Just this week, a lady in Champaign, IL called and asked such questions.  She had really done her homework, and we had an excellent, thorough discussion on the how-tos of buying a treadmill for her home gym.  We discussed what to look for in a used treadmill as well as what to look for in a new home treadmill. We talked about the pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when buying a home treadmill. We talked about the expected cost of maintenance for both used treadmills and new treadmills. It was such a complete talk about the whole process, I decided to write it down here, so that everyone can benefit from all the homework this potential treadmill buyer did, and the resulting discussion on the process of buying a home treadmill.

1.  Find your budget.
    Before you go shopping or even start looking for new or used treadmills, or any other home gym equipment, please sit down with everyone involved in the purchase (those doing the paying-for-it part of it) and figure out what your real budget is. Set the desired and set the max. Write it down and stick to it. 
   In that process, also consider that in the world of fitness, you get what you pay for.  There is an adage in the industry that says, "The options are Good, Fast, Cheap, and you can only pick two."  What that means is that once you arrive at the correct budget for your purchase, then you might have to adjust your shopping perspective a bit. If the budget is too low to get the machine you believe you need, then please feel free to give us a call.  We are happy to help evaluate options and identify a good treadmill for you that will help you achieve your fitness goals and stay in your budget. Or adjust your budget.  It is better to wait and get the right machine than to throw money away on the wrong machine. Treadmills are big and heavy and not something you want to be moving around a lot.  It also does not make sense to buy a machine that will not work well for you for a long time and meet your  for your specific fitness goals and needs.  

    When people call and ask us about what treadmill to buy, then we start asking questions.  We ask a lot of questions. 
Is this in your home of business? 
This article is about home treadmills, and some people run training businesses out of there home.  A Residential Use Only machine is not built to be used by more than immediate family, and in no case to be used more than 3 hours per day. The warranty on a new,  home treadmill will be instantly voided if it is used by other than immediate family (not counting the occasional house guest or friend) or if it is placed in any commercial setting where customers or clients are using it. A residential use only treadmill will wear and breakdown at a frustrating rate when used more than 3 hours per day. Business owners who use residential only machines for commercial purposes, such as home fitness training studios, expose themselves to massive liability in the event there is ever a machine related injury.  Imagine the dollar signs flashing in a plaintiff attorney's eyes if they learn the defendant had their client on a machine that is specifically labelled for "residential use only".  If you are running a business, buy a minimum of a Light Commercial Rated machine.  We are happy to explain the difference between a residential, light commercial, and full commercial treadmill.  Light Commercial treadmills are not that much more expensive than a high quality, residential treadmill.

Does anyone who plans to use the treadmill have over 250 pounds of body weight?
   Yes, it is a 'personal' question.  Treadmills have "maximum user weight ratings.  Most home treadmills have a 250 or 300 pound max user weight rating.  Some home treadmills have higher weight ratings.  Light commercial rated treadmills are generally rated for 300-350 pounds for max user weight.  Full commercial treadmills are generally rated for 400-500 pounds max user weight. There is a wide range of home treadmills out there.  It is important to check the specifications before shopping for a home treadmill. 

We need to figure out how you want to exercise with, or hang laundry, on the machine

 How many family members will be using the home treadmill?
  Count all immediate family who will working out on the treadmill. Most people use the treadmill in cycles, running or walking on it for a few months and then skipping a few months while the weather is nice, or when they go to Florida for the winter.  Therefore count all the people who will use it, even if it is not all the time. 
   How will you be using the treadmill?  What are the fitness goals people have? 
Is it running?  How fast? 
Is it walking?  How fast?
  Typically some people will be walking on the home treadmill 3 times per week at 3-4 miles per hour, and some people will be running on the treadmill for 45 minutes around 6 mph 3-4 times per week.  Both those workout routines work well with most home treadmills.  When people have plans to work out more intensely, train for a race or competition, then a home treadmill with better specifications is the right answer. There are also a wide variety of these treadmills. We can help find the machine with the performance you need at a cost that fits your budget and, more importantly, help you avoid throwing money away on a treadmill that will not meet your needs.

How many hours of use will the home treadmill get in a week?
   A general number is good enough for the purpose of finding the right treadmill.  For example, consider this 2 person household:  One person walking for 45 minutes, 3 times per week is 3 hours of use.  Another person running around 6 mph, 3 times per week is another 3 hours of use. In this household, the weekly total is 6 hours of use. 

Is incline important?
   Most home treadmills have some kind of incline feature ranging from 0-12 degrees of incline.  There are specialty, 'incline trainer' treadmills that are built differently and have very high degrees of incline.  When people want to do high incline training, then these incline trainers are the correct choice.  They do come at some higher, initial purchase cost.  They are also more expensive to own, operate, and maintain. They are generally built differently than 'regular' treadmills. The motors are in the back, underneath the deck. This makes them more difficult and time consuming to service and repair, so the cost of service and repair is higher than the charges for 'regular' treadmills. 

What is your ownership style?
Do you generally buy things, use them, have them serviced and repaired for a long period of time, 5 years and older?
Do you generally buy things and replace them when the warranty is over or they have a mechanical issue?
    This is a big one.  For those people who are 'buy and keep', it is well worth the money to get a good quality machine that is easier to service and repair.  Most popular brands of home treadmills have mechanic and functional designs that support regular service and repair of the walking belt, deck, and drive belt.  These are called the wear items.  Those parts are not so expensive, and they are very good for home use.  Those popular brands of home treadmills are expensive and difficult to repair when it comes to the controls and console. Some of those treadmills have consoles that are not field repairable.  that means we cannot fix the start button if the start button stops working.  To get the start button to work again, we must replace the entire console at a parts cost of $700-$1,000.  Of course, no one really wants to pay that much for a repair.  The other option is to replace the treadmill. Both of these options are major issues, that we can help you avoid, so that you get a home treadmill that will work the way you want it to work and not cost and arm and a leg to maintain. 
Where will you keep the treadmill? In a garage, basement, bedroom, barn?
   The best location for a treadmill is in a low humidity space, on a hard floor surface.  This usually means inside a conditioned space such as inside the home. Basements are popular spots for treadmills.  If your basement is damp, then consider using a dehumidifier in the wet season for wear you live. High humidity promotes rust and oxidation.  Human sweat is extremely corrosive to  metal.  High humidity conditions make it easier for sweat to migrate from treadmill exterior surfaces to internal surfaces that are not as well protected from corrosion. 
  Consider the floor where you will place the treadmill.  The best kind of floor is a well supported floor built using modern construction techniques with a dynamic load rating of at least 30 pounds per square foot. Concrete floors are ideal. 
   If the floor is carpeted, then strongly consider using a heavy, rubber mat under the treadmill. Carpet fibers break and the treadmill will suck these broken fibers in to the motor compartment.  Dust and carpet fibers stick to major components like the control board and motor and cause excessive heat build up in those parts. Excessive heat causes pre-mature failure in those parts which will require an expensive repair.  
  If the carpet is thick, then consider placing a 3'x6' section of 3/4" OSB plywood on top of the carpet.  Put a thick rubber mat on top of the OSB.  Put the treadmill on top of the Rubber mat.
Do you plan to do the routine service, lubrication and maintenance yourself or hire someone to do it for you?