SAFE INSTALLATION OF A RESIDENTIAL TREADMILL

When you get a new refrigerator, your placement options are limited, but not so with a treadmill; it can be placed in almost any room.

Before you start, take the time to read the sections of your treadmill owner's manual that covers installation and power requirements. Whether the owner's manual mentions it or not, it is always best to put the treadmill on a dedicated circuit. If your home isn't equipped with a dedicated circuit, consult an electrician and have one installed just for your treadmill.

A primary consideration is to choose a level site that will offer a minimum of four feet of flat, clear space behind the treadmill. This is an important safety concept that can help to reduce the risk of serious injury should the treadmill malfunction or the user set the speed too high or lose his or her balance. The location must also offer plenty of headroom, so that the treadmill can be used safely at maximum elevation by the tallest user. Also, the treadmill should be in a room that has a normal household environment, with a normal temperature and humidity. For example, do not put it in a non-temperature controlled garage nor in a room with a swimming pool.

Place the treadmill so that it can be directly plugged into an outlet. Do not use a surge protector. If you have to use an extension cord, be sure that it is a TREADCORD, an extension cord specifically for treadmills. Be careful not to route the treadmill's power cord or the TREADCORD under the unit. A line cord or a TREADCORD routed under the treadmill, might get pinched or cut by the treadmill's elevation system. If the power cord is too long, coil the excess and place it, out of the way, usually near the wall, to avoid people tripping over it or stepping on it.

Every room has areas that receive more or less foot traffic. Try to place the treadmill so it does not extend into a high traffic area to reduce the possibility of someone tripping over it.

Never place a treadmill in such a position that has the back end facing a window, balcony or any other point that offers a drop, like the top of a flight of stairs.

Place your treadmill where there is adequate light, so that there will be no mistake about which buttons on the display console are being depressed. However, do not position it where direct sunlight will frequently bathe the treadmill's display console, because the repeated exposure to the heat and ultraviolet rays may cause discoloration and can damage some consoles.

Remember, one of the factors in long term treadmill safety is the use of good judgment when installing it.