Did you know that treadmill circuit breakers trip for a variety of reasons? A treadmill circuit breaker is a safety device that cuts off power to the treadmill if it detects an electrical overload or fault. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of treadmill circuit breaker trips, as well as steps involved in a treadmill circuit breaker reset.
First you need to know the reason that keeps your treadmill from powering up. Then by following the tips in this article, you can minimize the risk of your treadmill circuit breaker tripping and ensure a safe workout.
Treadmill Circuit Breaker Trips: 12 Common Reasons
A tripping treadmill circuit breaker signals a malfunction in one of the following components, preventing your treadmill from powering up.
- Overburden Circuit
- GFCI Outlet
- AFCI Outlet
- Ground Fault
- Short Circuit
- Power Supply Failure
- Damaged Power Cord
- Tripped Circuit Breaker
- Faulty Circuit Breaker Switch
- Malfunctioning Power Switch
- Wiring Issues
- Defective Motor Control Board
| Reason | Explanation |
| Overloaded circuit | Treadmill circuit breaker trips when the motor wears out, there’s an overload from users or equipment, or it shares a circuit with high-wattage appliances. |
| GFCI Outlet | A GFCI outlet is a special type of outlet that is designed to prevent electrical shock. If there is a ground fault in the treadmill, the GFCI outlet will trip. |
| Failed power supply | The power supply converts wall outlet AC power to essential treadmill DC power. If it fails, the treadmill won’t turn on. |
| Broken power cord | The power cord is the cable that connects the treadmill to the wall outlet. If the power cord is damaged, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. |
| Failed circuit breaker switch | The circuit breaker switch itself can fail, causing the circuit breaker to trip even if there is no problem with the treadmill. |
| Bad power switch | The power switch, the button responsible for turning the treadmill on and off, can lead to a tripped circuit breaker if it malfunctions. |
Spotting Trouble: 6 Steps to Identify Treadmill Circuit Breaker Trips
Before resetting the treadmill circuit breaker, you actually need to identify the culprit—the faulty component that halted your fitness journey.
Step1: Check outlet.
Verify the treadmill’s outlet by testing with a lamp or small appliance. If no power, try a different outlet.
2: Inspect cord.
Unplug and check the power cord for damage like kinks, cuts, or frayed wires and if damaged then replace if needed.
3: Reset Tripped breaker.
Reset the treadmill’s circuit breaker switch. If the issue persists, use a multimeter to test continuity (tread unplugged) and replace the switch if needed.
4: Power switch inspection
Check power switch continuity with a multimeter (treadmill unplugged). Replace if no continuity with the switch on.
Step 5: Check wiring
Inspect and fix loose or broken wires from power cord to motor control board.
6:Check motor board & display
If wiring is fine, a faulty motor control board or console may be the issue. Contact a technician for troubleshooting.
How To Reset Treadmill Circuit Breaker
Now that you’ve identified the reason for the treadmill’s frequent shutdown, simply switch the circuit breaker button back ON.
- Locate the reset button on the treadmill frame near the power cord.
- If the reset button is down, it means that the circuit breaker has tripped.
- Wait 5 minutes and then press the reset button back into the up position.
If the circuit breaker trips again, there is a problem with the treadmill’s electrical system. You will need to contact a qualified technician to repair the problem or breaker needs a replacement.
Replacing a Treadmill Circuit Breaker
- Unplug the power cord from the treadmill.
- Remove the motor hood from the treadmill motor.
- Unscrew the washer that is attached to the circuit breaker.
- Pull out the circuit breaker.
- Connect the wires from the treadmill to the new circuit breaker.
- Screw the new circuit breaker into place.
- Replace the motor hood.
- Plug the power cord back into the treadmill.
Deep Diving Into Other Reasons of Circuit Breaker Getting Off
Overburden Circuit
A lot of consumption of electric power of the treadmill should be handled by a circuit.
It’s a general observation that the treadmill consumes energy ranging from 300-900 watts.
An overburdening circuit of the treadmill is the main cause of breaker tripping.
It usually happens due to overdrawing of the power than the capacity of the outlet.
The tripping of the circuit is beneficial because it saves the circuit from overloading.
Otherwise, it can cause damage to the treadmill.
There are two types of power outlets:
- GFCI Outlet
- AFCI Outlet
GFCI and AFCI are different types of outlets that monitors the flow of electricity at the outlet.
GFCI Outlet
The GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet detects current leaks and cuts off the circuit in case of abnormalities, ensuring protection from shocks during use. This safety feature is present in both residential and commercial outlets.
AFCI Outlet
An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet also senses any current leakage but it also senses ground faults.
They’ll stop the circuit if it detects any unwanted arcing.
The outlet will shut off before the fuse would ever blow giving your home added protection against fire.
Ground Fault
A ground fault is another reason for the tripping of the treadmill circuit breaker.
It happens when the black wire touches the metal covering objects or direct ground.
But if you are unaware of solving this issue then take professional services.
Short Circuit
A short circuit is one of the major reasons for tripping.
It happens when the two wires contact each other without touching the ground.
You will sense a burning smell and It will shut off the treadmill.
It can take place anywhere in the power cord or the power outlet of the treadmill.
Also Read: Troubleshooting the NordicTrack Solaris Treadmill
FAQs (Why Treadmill Circuit Breaker Trips)
Why does my treadmill circuit breaker keeps tripping?
Treadmill circuit breaker keeps tripping because the treadmill is drawing too much current. This can be caused by overloading, worn belt or deck, poor input line voltage, or a faulty treadmill motor.
You can stop treadmill from tripping circuit breaker by changing the outlet and using GFCI & AFCI outlets at home. These outlets are made to bear more voltage.
If treadmill keeps on tripping it means the current outlet treadmill is plugged into can not withstand heavy voltage/power required for treadmill.
How to Reset a Treadmill?
Locate treadmill circuit breaker reset switch on treadmill. Most of models have reset switch on either two of following places:
1.On treadmill frame near power cord.
2.On treadmill display console
Where can I find Reset button on Nordictrack treadmill?
Nordictrack treadmills do not have a dedicated reset button, but instead have a small hole on the side of the console that can be used to reset the treadmill. To reset the treadmill, insert a small object, such as a paperclip or iron wire, into the hole and press it in.
How to fix treadmill not turning On?
If your treadmill won’t turn on or keeps stopping here are 3 things to check:
1. Check the power outlet and cord. Make sure the outlet is working and the cord is securely plugged in.
2. Check the treadmill circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it.
3. Check the speed sensor. Make sure it’s properly aligned.
Why does my treadmill trip a 15-amp GFCI despite drawing only 11 amps?
If a treadmill, rated at 10 amps, trips a 15-amp GFCI, it could be due to an aging GFCI becoming overly sensitive. Consider replacing it. If replaced, check for dust buildup on the motor or components, as it can lead to overheating. Wiring issues in the home may also be a factor.
A Bottom Line
The treadmill circuit breaker keeps tripping usually caused by a problem with the treadmill’s electrical system.
It is a common issue that any treadmill owner can face.
Use surge protectors on the treadmill from power surges. So go for durable surge protectors to prevent the machine.
Check the compatibility of the power outlet with your treadmill and change the position of the machine.
This is the whole process and concerning information related to resetting a treadmill circuit breaker.
Hi,
I am Humaira Maqbool, content writer on FitnessGearsHub. Fitness is my passion, I love to learn and explore modern fitness gears, applications, and exercises. As a fitness freak, I explore new exercises and experience fitness gears. I will share my knowledge and information about fitness gears based on my personal experiences and would love to solve the problems that you are facing about fitness machines.
