The power requirements of a treadmill vary among brands and models. Most residential treadmills run on a standard 120-volt, grounded and dedicated outlet. Manufacturers recommend the use of a surge suppressor that meets specific standards. If your outlet does not meet the power requirements of the treadmill, you will have to hire a professional electrician.
About Volts
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The treadmill brands produced by Icon Health & Fitness, which include NordicTrack, ProForm, Weslo and several others, require a 120-volt circuit. Smooth Fitness states that its treadmills are for use on a 110-volt circuit. These are actually the same outlets. A standard residential outlet in the U.S. is 120 volts. However, the actual voltage is typically between 117 and 124 volts. In general, a product rated for a 110-, 115- or 120-volt circuit is compatible with a standard residential 120-volt outlet.
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Grounded Outlet
Plug your treadmill into a grounded outlet. This protects you from shock if the treadmill malfunctions. A grounded box or outlet connects to the earth, which provides a path of least resistance for the electricity. Grounded outlets have a third recess for the grounding pin. Do not modify the treadmill plug to fit your outlet if it isn't grounded. Hire an electrician to install a properly grounded outlet.
Surge Suppressor Requirements
A surge suppressor protects your treadmill if there is a sudden surge of power in your home. Treadmill manufacturers recommend a single-outlet surge suppressor with a UL 1449 Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) rating. The suppressor should have a UL suppressed voltage rating of 400 volts or less and an electrical rating of 120 volts and 15 amps. Plug the surge suppressor into the grounded outlet, then plug the treadmill into the surge suppressor.
Warnings
Connect your treadmill to a dedicated circuit. This means that no other appliances are plugged into the same circuit. Treadmills are not compatible with GFCI-equipped outlets. Do not plug your treadmill into an extension cord. Improperly plugging in your treadmill can result in injury to you or damage to the treadmill. Always follow the published guidelines for your specific make and model.