Can I plug a treadmill into an extension cord (in Australia)?

[NJ1]

Hi!

Looking online, information was really mixed. So far as I can tell, the issues people have with treadmills and extension cords are because the US sells really low-grade cables that will literally melt if they overdraw instead of tripping, however, I was unable to find any Australia specific information and was hoping someone might know if this is possible. It's a walking pad designed to use under a desk, and yet it comes with a 0.5m cable that reaches nothing.

Heavy duty extension cables seem to come in 10A and 15A, but none are clear on the difference/where you would use one or the other, with the only hint I have being that all of the 15A cables are listed for caravans so I would assume not suitable for being plugged into a house.

There is this heavy duty extension cable:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/hpm-10m-1-5mm-10a-3-core-extra-heavy-duty-tradesman-extension-lead_p4420...

From what I can tell this could be suitable, but 10m is extremely excessive (I need less than 1m extension). Images attached of the info we have on the treadmill itself, 220-240V, 50/60Hz and 3.5HP, no mention on machine or in manual of amperage or wattage.

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @NJ1,

I am not an electrician, so I can't really comment on this kind of thing. Allow me to tag @CSParnell, @R4addZ and @MikeTNZ, who I know have knowledge of this sort of thing, to see if they can provide any insight. I believe @Dave-1 also has some experience with this sort of thing.

I suspect there would be no issues using something like this Arlec 1.8m Heavy Duty Extension Lead, which is much shorter than the 10m one you mentioned and includes an inline safety switch to help with overload protection.

Let's wait and see what the others say.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @NJ1,

I am not a qualified electrician, I am a qualified tradie in another sector of the trade.

I have a sound electrical background and... mixed in with other qualifications a Electrical Engineering degree. 

Technically that 3.5HP motor is equal to 2,611 watts and assume my answer is between 2600 and 2800 watts.

A domestic 240V/10A circuit delivers 2400 watts via your regular power point (P = E x I).

It's OK to plug the treadmill directly into a power point and usually I would recommend not using a extension lead but... in this this case it's OK to follow @JacobZ suggestion use the Arlec 1.8m Heavy Duty Extension Lead.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @NJ1 

No problems at all plugging into an extension cord The only time really that comes under question would be a super long one with something drawing a lot of current/power and by supper long I mean 25m upwards. (voltage drop, current and whats plugged into all come into play)

The equation @AlanM52 has used works well in explaining it technically, Australian rules are meant to be relied upon and if an extension cord is sold here then it must be able to satisy the rules. Most items will not draw over 10A . An 1.8m ext cord would be quiet satisfactory.

Click 2m White Extension Lead - 2m is what I would be buying and I have bought so many of these for running multiple things at work over the years.

Dave

[R4addZ]

Hi @NJ1 

Well speaking from experience, I have a full size treadmill and it is plugged into a 4 outlet powerboard  (the inexpensive ones they sell in bunnings) and dare I admit it, that powerboard is plugged into another powerboard each with about 1m cords on them! I would just make sure there is a trip device on it, but mine never has tripped.