Question about lack of power/electricity in my home?

Question

The power in my apartment shuts off when I run a 600-watt heater and 1200-watt microwave at the same time. So I run one or the other. I'm looking to buy a treadmill but am not sure the house can handle it. The treadmill description doesn't say anything about wattage, only that it has 3.0 horsepower motor and requires a 120VAC 15A non-GFI grounded outlet.

Any advice? I know I can call an electrician but I don't want to waste their time for a simple no.

Answer 1

What a waste of energy just to exercise. Why not get a passive treadmill that moves by the force you exert on it? A 3 hp motor is going to consume a lot of electricity, probably at least 1500 watts, and it is going to generate a lot of heat, so you will have to run an air conditioner, which consumes another 750 watts. Yes you will be blowing a lot of fuses.

Answer 2

A watt is Volts times Amps

So the treadmill requires 1800 watts, which is just as much power required by your heater and microwave at the same time. I'm not sure if it uses the full 1800 watts, it just needs an outlet that could put out 1800 watts.

I think some Elliptical Trainers are self-powered. Have you considered those?

Answer 3

Dont worry.. nothing will happen.. the home treadmill runs on a DC (Direct Current) motor...

While all other appliances u mentioned are AC (Alternating Current)

I dont see any issue here... but if you wish to take an expert adivce you can get in touch with your appartment maintenence or electric folks...

http://rajeshmohandas.blogspot.com/

Answer 4

Watts = Volts*Amps

Therefore your treadmill will consume a max of 1800 watts. This does highly depend on the speed at which you are running. The first thing you could do would use a different plug (usually a house has several circuit breakers each rated at about 10A, using a different circuit breaker would spread out the load). Personally though I would buy an elliptical which does not need a power source (environmentally friendly, easier on the electric bill, not tread maintenance, and simpler to set up) however this really is a personal choice. Another thing to consider is you probably won't be running the heater while you run on the treadmill.