Published By: Marc Edwards | Last updated on March 2, 2024 and reviewed by Marc Edwards
Getting a treadmill to help you get into shape is a great investment.
It can also help you maintain a steady running routine.
No gym membership and adverse weather conditions to worry about.
Treadmills are not cheap though, a decent model could create a dent in your bank balance.
You have spent much on your prized treadmill. Do you still need a surge protector to shield it from power spikes?
The answer is a resounding YES.
Most treadmill owners find surge protectors a negligible purchase.
Like all electronics, treadmills are vulnerable to power spikes. They are also vulnerable to household electrical transients.
A power surge might come through the power line and has high voltage. As a result, your expensive piece of running equipment might be severely damaged.
It could damage the LCD console, circuit boards, or the treadmill motor (and incline motor). And yes, the motor is the most important part of a treadmill.
The cost of repairing or replacing internal parts is not cheap. It far exceeds the cost of a reliable treadmill surge protector.
An affordable surge protection device can safeguard your treadmill around the clock.
Before you rush out to buy one, let’s look at the key things to consider. We will talk about the features you should be aware of. These are important when shopping for a surge protector for your home treadmill.
Buying Guide for Treadmill Surge Protector: 5 Important Things to Know Before Buying
These days, paying online and offline retailers is so efficient and smooth. It has led to many impulsive purchases among consumers (myself included).
Instead of going back to the store for an exchange or refund – here are some key things to consider.
They are important considerations before buying a surge protector for your treadmill.
Power Strip or Wall Outlet
This is probably one of the most important decisions you have to make even before choosing a brand or model to buy.
Do you need to get a power strip for your treadmill or will a wall outlet surge protector be enough?
Get a power strip if the treadmill location has only one wall A/C outlet. And there are other electrical appliances you might want to use there. Which might include a standing fan, lighting pole, and entertainment devices.
If you are going with a power strip, another deciding factor would be the cord length of the power strip.
If the A/C outlet is far from the treadmill or other devices, get one that has at least 6 feet 6-foot-long cord.
You will need one with an even longer power cord if the A/C outlet is at a far-flung location.
Warranty
The second most important consideration is the warranty period. Some brand manufacturers offer decent warranties and support is a phone call away.
We recommend a surge protector with a 24-month warranty. But, one with a 12-month warranty is also okay.
Joules Rating
You should get a surge protector if you live near lightning-prone area. Or if you live in an old building with frequent electrical issues.
Get one with a high joules rating. The surge protector’s power rating will determine how many power spikes it can absorb. After that, you will need to replace it.
A typical surge protector has a 1500 to 2000 joule rating. It should last for a good two years.
The only things that might make it fail are faulty power grids and nearby lightning strikes. They are known to cause huge voltage spikes.
Auto-Shutdown Feature
Although this is not a must-have, it is a good-to-have feature. And it is not commonly found in most surge protection devices yet.
When it detects a huge incoming voltage, it will trigger an auto shutdown.
When it is shut down, electrical spikes on the power line will not be able to damage plugged-in devices.
Get one with such a feature if you are staying in an area with a lot of lightning or high voltage spikes.
Lightweight and Portable
If you travel often and want to bring it when away from home, get a light, portable one.
You might need a lightweight single or dual-outlet model. This is if you already have a power-strip model at home. You can use it with both your treadmill and other devices.
Others
Depending on your needs for them, many features might be useful if you need them.
For example, some surge protectors come with USB ports or smart features.
These include programmable timers, and wireless and voice activation. Such features are useful if you need them.
99% of surge protectors have indicator LED lights. If the one you are getting does not, you should skip it.
5 Surge Protector for Treadmills You May Like
Below are a few recommended treadmill surge protectors. They are from popular brands. We have tested and used them.
Power Strips
[1] Belkin BV112234-08 Power Strip Surge Protector
This Belkin surge protector has 4000 joules ratings and 12 outlets. It comes with an 8-foot power cord. It’s a must-buy if the outlet is far from your treadmill.
This 12-outlet Belkin surge protector can be pretty handy. Especially if you are using lighting, entertainment, and audio devices with the treadmill. It will guard them against unexpected voltage spikes and electrical transients.
This white exterior surge protector comes with a 24-month warranty. It’s a worthy investment for peace of mind. It will keep your treadmill and other plugged-in appliances safe around the clock.
What’s to Like?- Plenty of Joules which means a longer life span
- Plenty of outlets
- 8-foot long heavy-duty power cord
- Versatile – can be used for almost electrical appliances
- Trusted brand and great warranty
- the price might be steep for some people
- No USB ports for charging of mobile devices
[2] APC P11U2 Performance Surge Protector with USB ports
Recommended
This APC surge protector has a decent amount of joules to guard against high-voltage spikes. It will auto shutdown when it detects a high voltage spike.
Like the Belkin BV112234-08, this 11-outlet APC surge protector is versatile. It can connect all the other treadmill appliances.
What’s useful is that it has 2 USB ports. You can use them to charge your mobile devices while you pound on the treadmill. It also comes with an awesome lifetime warranty.
What’s to Like?- Decent amount of power ratings at 2880 joules
- Plenty of outlets
- Auto-shutdown feature (in the event of very high voltage spikes)
- 8-foot long power cord with 90-degree space-saving plug
- Versatile – can be used for almost electrical appliances
- Trusted brand and lifetime warranty
- 2 x USB Ports
- Not suitable for appliances that require 24 by 7 operation
- Does not come with any ethernet ports
[3] Tripp Lite IBAR2-6D Isobar 2 Outlet Surge Protector
This Tripp Lite surge protector has only 2 outlets. It is ideal for treadmills that do not need other devices connected.
This 2-outlet surge protector has isolated filter banks. They are most useful for A/V equipment that has zero tolerance for internal interference. Works well alongside a treadmill.
This Tripp Lite surge protector has 1410 joules. That amount is decent for a 2-outlet surge protector.
If you plan to connect a TV to your treadmill for entertainment while you burn calories, IBAR2-6D is a good long-term investment.
What’s to Like?- 1410 Joules is a decent amount for a 2 outlet surge protection device
- Isolated filter bank for blocking internal interference
- EMI/RFI noise filters against external interference
- Durable and fire-resistant metal housing
- conforms to UL1449 safety standards
- Lifetime limited warranty
- The price point is steep for a 2 outlet surge protector
- No USB ports for charging mobile devices
Wall Plug Models
[4] Tripp Lite Isobar 2 Outlet Suge Protector
This ISOBLOK2-0 model from Tripp Lite is similar to the IBAR2-6D model. It has almost the same specs, except it is a wall-plug version.
This means the surge protector is only for treadmills near an electrical socket.
Its lack of a power strip makes this surge protector wall plug travel-friendly. It is also highly portable.
It weighs only 13.6 ounces (385 grams). This light surge protector is perfect for treadmills. It can also protect your travel gadgets and mobile devices when you travel.
This 2 outlet surge protector for treadmills also comes in black.
- What’s to Like?
- 1410 Joules is a decent amount for a 2 outlet surge protection device
- Isolated filter bank for blocking internal interference
- EMI/RFI noise filters against external interference
- Durable and fire-resistant metal housing
- conforms to UL1449 safety standards
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Lifetime limited warranty
- The price point is slightly steep for a 2 outlet surge protector
- No USB ports for charging mobile devices
[5] APC Wall Outlet Plug Extender
This 3-outlet surge protector is very affordable. Perfect pick if you own a basic to midrange treadmill at home,
It will help protect your running equipment around the clock.
There are also 2 USB ports for charging up mobile devices when you are working out on the treadmill.
This is a wall-plug surge protector. Do not get it if the socket is far from the treadmill.
Again, this APC PE3WU3 can also be a travel companion. It can protect your laptop and other gadgets when you travel and won’t use the treadmill.
What’s to Like?- 540 joules are sufficient for the protection of basic to midrange treadmills.
- 2 x USB ports for charging up mobile devices
- Highly affordable price point
- Lifetime warranty
- 540 joules are barely enough to protect high-end and high-wattage treadmills
- Can be flimsy if the center screw is not firmly mounted
- The “protected” indication LED can be very bright at night
