How Many AMPS Does a Treadmill Use?
How Many AMPS Does a Treadmill Use – Knowing the amount of electricity a treadmill use is important for several reasons. It can help you determine if the treadmill is within your budget and if it will not consume too much electricity, leading to high electricity bills.
Additionally, understanding the electricity usage of a treadmill use can help you ensure that your electrical system is capable of supporting the power requirements of the treadmill
Brand | Model | Estimated AMPS | Energy Consumption (kWh) | Monthly Electricity Cost (16 hours) |
NordicTrack | C990 | 12 | 23.04 | $2.3 |
ProForm | Performance 400i | 10 | 19.2 | $1.92 |
Sole | F80 | 15 | 28.8 | $2.88 |
Horizon | T101-04 | 12 | 23.04 | $2.30 |
LifeSpan | TR1200i | 4 | 7.68 | $0.77 |
Table of Contents
Understanding Amps and Electrical Consumption
Amps, or amperes, are the unit of measurement for electrical current. It measures the flow of electrons in an electrical circuit and is used to determine the amount of electrical energy being consumed by a device, such as a treadmill.
Average amps usage for different types of treadmills
The average amps usage for treadmills can vary depending on the type of treadmill.
- Home-use treadmills
Home-use treadmills are typically designed for personal use and are smaller in size and less powerful than commercial treadmills. The average amps usage for a home use treadmill is between 15-20 amps. Treadmills generally use 600-700 watts of electricity.
- Commercial treadmills use
Commercial are designed for treadmills use in gyms and are typically larger and more powerful than home-use treadmills. The average amps usage for a commercial treadmill is also around 20 AMP. It is recommended to run all the commercial treadmills on a 5-20/NEMA plug.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and the actual amps usage of a treadmill can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. It is recommended to check the specifications from the manufacturer or measure the amps usage with a multimeter to get a more accurate measurement.
How Much Electricity Does a Treadmill Use?

On average, a treadmill uses between 600 and 700 watts of electricity. However, this number can be higher or lower depending on the specific model and features. For example, treadmills with higher horsepower motors or larger decks may consume more energy. Similarly, using the incline feature or increasing the speed will also increase the energy consumption.
One way to estimate the electricity usage of a treadmill use is to check the wattage rating on the machine’s label. This will give you an idea of the maximum power consumption of the treadmill. You can then multiply this number by the number of hours you plan to use the machine each day to estimate the daily energy usage.
Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, a treadmill use 600 watts of power for one hour will cost around $0.07 in electricity. If you use the treadmill for one hour every day, your monthly electricity cost would be approximately $2.10.
To reduce the energy consumption of your treadmill, you can take a few steps. For example, you can use the machine at a lower speed or incline setting, which will reduce the power consumption. You can also turn off the machine when you’re not using it, or unplug it entirely to prevent any standby power usage.
Factors Affecting the Electrical Consumption of a Treadmill Use
There are several factors that can affect the electrical consumption of a treadmill, including the size and power of the treadmill, the type of motor, the user weight and running speed. The size and power of the treadmill will affect how much electricity it uses, with larger and more powerful treadmills consuming more electricity.
The type of motor used in the treadmill will also affect its electrical consumption, with direct drive motors typically consuming less electricity than belt drive motors. The weight of the user and the running speed will also affect the electrical consumption, as the treadmill will need to use more electricity to support a heavier user running at a faster speed.
Factors affecting the average amps usage of a treadmill
There are several factors that can affect the average amps of a treadmill use, including the size and power of the treadmill, the type of motor, and the user weight and running speed.
- Treadmill size and power
The size and power of the treadmill use will affect how much electricity it uses, with larger and more powerful treadmills consuming more electricity. A typical home-use treadmill may use between 1-2 amps, while a commercial-grade treadmill may use between 4-8 amps.
- Type of motor
The type of motor used in the treadmill will also affect its electrical consumption, with direct drive motors typically consuming less electricity than belt drive motors. Direct-drive motors are more efficient and tend to use less electricity, while belt-drive motors are less efficient and tend to use more electricity.
- User weight and running speed
The weight of the user and the running speed will also affect the electrical consumption, as the treadmill will need to use more electricity to support a heavier user running at a faster speed. A heavier user running at a faster speed may result in a higher amp usage, while a lighter user running at a slower speed may result in a lower amp usage.
Does a treadmill need a dedicated circuit?

Yes, it is recommended that a treadmill use should be plugged into a dedicated circuit to avoid any electrical issues. A dedicated circuit ensures that the treadmill receives a consistent power supply and minimizes the risk of tripping the circuit breaker. It is also recommended to consult with a licensed electrician for proper installation of a dedicated circuit for your treadmill.
You should consider plugging the treadmill use into a heavy-duty three-plong outlet that has the ability to handle up to 10 AMPS.
How to Determine the Amps Usage of your Treadmill?
There are two main methods for determining the amps usage of a treadmill:
A. Reading the specifications from the manufacturer
The first method for determining the amps usage of your treadmill is to read the specifications from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will provide information on the electrical requirements and the amps usage of their treadmills in the product specifications or manual. This information is usually readily available on the manufacturer’s website or in the product manual that comes with the treadmill.
B. Measuring the amps usage with a Multimeter
The second method for determining the amps usage of your treadmill is to measure the amps usage with a multimeter. A multimeter is a device that can measure the electrical current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical circuit.
To measure the amps usage of your treadmill, you will need to
- connect the multimeter to the electrical circuit that the treadmill use is connected
- measure the current flowing through the circuit.
This will give you an accurate measurement of the amps usage of your treadmill.
It’s important to follow proper safety precautions when measuring the amps usage of your treadmill, as electrical circuits can be dangerous. If you are not familiar with electrical circuits and electrical safety, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a licensed electrician.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the amps for a treadmill use is important for several reasons, including determining the budget and avoiding high electricity bills. The average amps usage for a home use treadmill is between 1-2 amps, while the average amps usage for a commercial treadmill is between 4-8 amps.
The actual amps usage of a treadmill can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer, and can be determined by reading the specifications from the manufacturer or measuring the amps usage with a multimeter. By knowing the amps usage of your treadmill, you can ensure that your electrical system is capable of supporting the power requirements of the treadmill use and that you are using the treadmill safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between amps and watts for a treadmill?
A: Amps measure the flow of electrical current, while watts measure the amount of energy being consumed. To determine the electrical consumption of a treadmill, you can multiply the number of amps being used by the voltage of the electrical circuit.
How can I determine the amps usage of my treadmill?
A: The amps usage of your treadmill can be determined by reading the specifications from the manufacturer or measuring the amps usage with a multimeter. The multimeter is a device that can measure the electrical current, voltage, and resistance in an electrical circuit.
Why is it important to know the amps usage of my treadmill?
A: Knowing the amps usage of your treadmill is important because it can help you determine if the treadmill is within your budget and if it will not consume too much electricity, leading to high electricity bills. Additionally, understanding the amps treadmill use can help you ensure that your electrical system is capable of supporting the power requirements of the treadmill.
Can I plug my treadmill into a normal outlet?
A: Although you can plug your treadmill into a normal outlet we do not recommend doing so. There are chances of the circuit breaker tripping due to excessive electric load.
Is it safe to use an extension chord with my treadmill?
Use only an extension chord that is meant for outdoor use and is as thick as the treadmill power chord.