7 Best Surge Protectors for Treadmill Machines in 2024
As a passionate runner, I fully understand the excitement of getting a new treadmill and know that it’s a multi-year investment. So, to keep my treadmills safe from electronic damage, I plug them into surge protectors, and today, I’ll help you find the best surge protector for treadmill machines.
To make this roundup and find the best treadmill surge protector, our team of experts collaborated with fellow professional runners, treadmill experts, as well as gym owners. Between us, we tested 20 similar products and narrowed them down to seven top choices.
In a HURRY! Skip to Our Pick
The Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector is the top choice for its standard plastic casing, green and red indicators, robust protection, and reliable warranties.
Apart from personal experience with them, we took into account brand reputation, pricing, and online reviews to summarize them in five key categories — convenience, design, portability, durability, and quality for the price.
Overall, we spent a full week testing these with various treadmill types, and we’re sure you’ll find the best choice for you among our picks. If you have comments and suggestions regarding the article, feel free to share your experience in the comment section.
Top 7 Best Surge Protectors For Treadmills Reviewed
- Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector – Top Pick
- Mifaso 2 Pack Power Strip Surge Protector – Runner-up
- Tripp Lite IBAR2-6D Isobar 2 – Premium Pick
- Amazon Basics Rectangular 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
- APC Performance P11U2 SurgeArrest with USB Ports – With USB
- Tripp Lite 1 Outlet Portable Surge Protector – Budget Pick
- APC Wall Outlet Multi Plug Extender
Here’s a quick table overview of the upcoming product list. You’ll likely find your ideal pick in the top spots or you may be drawn to a brand name you’re familiar with, but we also suggest taking a look at all seven for their unique features.
| Product | Expert Score | Convenience | Design | Portability | Durability | Price vs. Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belkin Power | 4.8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Mifaso | 4.7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Tripp Lite | 4.6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Amazon | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| APC | 4.4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 |
| Tripp Lite 1 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| APC | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
1. Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
Top Pick
Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector
Belkin is a U.S.-based multinational electronics company that built up a high reputation in the four decades they’ve been operating. Their products are widely considered some of the best quality for price.
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The casing for this surge protector is made of plastic. Although not the highest quality, it’s fairly typical for this type of product and fair for the price. On the top, there are two light indicators, green and red, that signal whether the surge protector is working (protected) and whether the grounded wiring is working in your building.
At almost 4000 Joules, it has one of the highest protection ratings. On top of the lifetime warranty, the $300,000 connected equipment warranty provides coverage for electronics if damaged by the surge protector, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
In total, it has 12 type-B outlets with built-in sliding safety covers (important if you have children or pets). Half are positioned horizontally, and the other half vertically. This design, called BlockSpace™ by Belkin, is excellent for managing multiple plug-ins, especially if they have large power bricks.
Furthermore, there are two cable management outlets that you can use to direct the cable paths. On the bottom, you’ll also find three coaxial ports for your phone and fax machines.
- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Number of outlets: 12
- Voltage: 125 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 3,940 Joules
- USB Ports: No
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty + $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty
- Cord Length: 8ft
- Special Feature: Cable management system, warning LEDs, sliding safety covers, vertical outlets, coaxial ports
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Price: $$$
Pros:
- BlockSpace™ design helps with plug organization
- Cable management outlets
- LED indicators for protection and ground connection
- Three additional coaxial ports
- Sliding safety covers
Cons:
- The plastic build is not the best
2. Mifaso 2 Pack Power Strip Surge Protector
Runner-up
Mifaso 2 Pack Power Strip Surge Protector
The Mifaso power strip surge protector is available pretty much globally through Amazon. Price and feature-wise, it’s one of the best buys for homes or gyms.
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At first glance, the Mifaso surge protector looks like your typical extension cord. However, it’s encased in a strong PC shell that won’t break as easily when dropped and is also fireproof. The case has a built-in circuit breaker that automatically switches on and off in case of a power overload. Dimension-wise, it’s a bit longer, so it may not fit perfectly everywhere, but it can work well on the ground or wall-mounted.
The maximum Joule rating is 900. This is considered above safety guidelines but is generally lower for this list. With six regular AC plugs and two USB 2.4 ports, there’s plenty of space to connect your treadmill and more to this strip.
The price might seem higher at first compared to other products, but you should know that these surge protectors come in pair
- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 14 amps
- Number of outlets: 6 AC + 2 USB
- Voltage: 125 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 900 Joules
- USB Ports: Yes, two
- Warranty: 12 months
- Cord Length: 5, 12, or 15 ft
- Special Feature: Integrated circuit breaker, fireproof shell
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Price: $$$
Pros:
- Comes in two per pack
- Two 2.4A USB ports
- Built-in circuit breaker with on/off switch
- Fireproof casing
Cons:
- Long, which can be a space issue
3. Tripp Lite IBAR2-6D Isobar 2
Premium Pick
Tripp Lite was founded in 1922 making it one of the longest-standing brands on this list. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money and want nothing but the best, the Isobar 2 is the perfect certified UL 1449 surge protector for treadmill machines.
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The Isobar 2 stands out immediately with its metal casing, which makes it more durable than the rest and fire resistant. The built-in 12 amp circuit breaker is resettable and has a simple on/off switch. Plus, it’s illuminated (red) when it’s working, so it’s easy to notice the flip if a circuit break occurs.
The 1410 Joules rating is also well above the average, though not the highest. Each outlet is separated by an isolation bank, preventing issues from one plugged-in device from transferring over to the other. Further, internal thermal fusing removes the possibility of catching fire from the inside.
That said, it’s not the best-looking box. It can look rather cheap, which it isn’t, and an updated design could fix that. The standard version comes with two power outlets, which may be a bit low for some. There are also versions with four, six, eight, and ten outlets, but the price is going to be higher.
The box can be a bit bulky, especially the ones with more plugs, and it can make placing it a bit inconvenient. Luckily, it does have a wall mount, so you don’t have to have it on your floor.
- Material: Metal
- Amperage: 12 amps
- Number of outlets: 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 1410 Joules
- USB Ports: No
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Cord Length: 6ft
- Special Feature: Metal casing, circuit breaker, UL 1449 certified
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Price: $$$$$
Pros:
- Quality metal casing
- No chance of internal fires due to thermal fusing
- UL 1449 certified
- Illuminated circuit breaker switch is easy to spot
- Outlets are separated by isolation banks
Cons:
- Expensive
- Noticeably larger than the other protectors
4. Amazon Basics Rectangular 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Amazon Basics Rectangular 8-Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector
Amazon Basics offers above-average quality office supplies for a below-average price. Their 8-outlet power strip surge protector is a good value-for-money choice, with some surprisingly high specs.
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The basic version has eight outlet ports, five of which are clumped on one side, while the three on the other side are spaced more widely apart. This arrangement can make plugging in multiple devices and large power bricks more convenient, but it isn’t particularly innovative.
Furthermore, they feature easy slide covers to close outlets that aren’t currently in use, shielding someone (animals or children, for example) from accidentally touching them.
The box has a built-in 15 amp overload resettable circuit breaker as well as LED indicators signaling whether the surge protection is active and whether the ground wiring works properly.
The shell is a basic plastic, reflective of its low price. That is to say, it’s not the highest quality, and some negative reviews mention it catching fire.
- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 15
- Number of outlets: 8
- Voltage: 120
- Maximum Surge Rating: 4500 Joules
- USB Ports: No
- Warranty: 12 months
- Cord Length: 6, 8, 10, or 12ft
- Special Feature: Wide outlet spacing, sliding protection covers, LED indicators
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Price: $$
Pros:
- Impressive 4500 Joules rating
- Sliding safety covers
- LED indicators for surge protection and grounded wiring
- Affordable
Cons:
- Negative reviews mention the plastic casing catching fire
5. APC Performance P11U2 SurgeArrest with USB Ports
With USB
APC Performance P11U2 SurgeArrest with USB Ports
APC is a U.S.-based supplier of electrical equipment owned by the now two-century-owned Schneider Electric. The combined venture ensures an excellent quality standard and great customer service.
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In total, there are eleven standard outlets as well as two fast-charging USB ports, offering plenty of available space for your electronics. Furthermore, six outlets are positioned vertically, and face outward, so large power bricks won’t interfere with each other. The rotating cord is an excellent addition, letting you easily direct it without tearing.
One standout feature of this surge protector is the “overloaded” LED indicator, which lights up to let you know if you’re currently overloading the circuit with your plugged-in devices. Other than that, two more LEDs indicate the standard protection activity and building wiring issues. The casing is plastic, but it’s decently thick.
- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Number of outlets: 11
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 2880 Joules
- USB Ports: Yes, two
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty + $250,000 connected-equipment policy
- Cord Length: 6ft
- Special Feature: LED indicators, resettable circuit breaker,
- Weight: 2.2
- Price: $$$$
Pros:
- Overload LED indicator
- Two fast-charge USB ports
- Excellent customer service
- Unique rotating cord mechanism
Cons:
- The number of ports may be unnecessary if you just want a treadmill protector
6. Tripp Lite 1 Outlet Portable Surge Protector
Budget Pick
Tripp Lite 1 Outlet Portable Surge Protector
If you’re looking for a simple, portable, pocket version surge protector, Tripp Lite has you covered there too. Once again, it’s certified by UL 1449 standards, ensuring a high quality and safety standard.
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- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Number of outlets: 1 or 3
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 660 Joules
- USB Ports: No
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Cord Length: None, direct plug-in
- Special Feature: Portable, LED indicators, fire-resistant
- Weight: Around 0.125 lbs
- Price: $
Essentially, this product is just an extension plug for your wall outlet. This makes it fairly easy to use but also has certain limitations. For one, it has only one or three plugs depending on the version you choose. Since there’s no extension cord, you’ll have to fit your treadmill to fit within range of the power cable.
The casing is excellent quality, fireproof, and made from strong plastic, but it only offers a 660 Joule rating. This is still above minimum safety standards, but the lowest on this list. The built-in LED indicators help with knowing whether the surge protection and grounded wiring work properly. It’s compact, so you can easily move it between and around rooms as needed.
Pros:
- UL 1449 certified
- Budget-friendly but still good quality
- Lifetime warranty
- Potable, great for moving the power source
Cons:
- Weakest Joule rating
7. APC Wall Outlet Multi Plug Extender
Budget Pick
APC Wall Outlet Multi Plug Extender
Last but not least we have the APC wall outlet multi plug extender. It has a unique clock feature which some people may find particularly useful.
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Starting with the build quality, it uses a typical plastic casing which isn’t bad, but isn’t outstanding either. It’s easy to plug and unplug as needed; however, it’s a bit bulky, so it won’t fit easily into corners or behind furniture. The three LED indicators — protection working, building wiring fault, and timer enabled — work well for giving basic information.
The main feature of this surge protector is the timer setup. With it, you can program the exact intervals when it should be on and off. Useful if you don’t want someone accidentally powering on the treadmill when you’re not home.
- Material: Plastic
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Number of outlets: 4
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Maximum Surge Rating: 1080 Joules
- USB Ports: No
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty + $50,000 connected-equipment policy
- Cord Length: None, direct plug-in
- Special Feature: Timer control, LED indicators
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Price: $$$
Pros:
- The timer can be useful for some people
- A four-in-one port is decent for a plug-in surge protector
- Lifetime warranty + $50,000 connected-equipment policy
Cons:
- No built-in safety covers, you’ll have to source your own
Treadmill: What Is It and How It Works?
A treadmill is an exercise machine designed for walking, jogging, or running indoors. Judging by the many rows of treadmills found in large gyms, it’s safe to say it’s the most popular among cardio machines.
The key feature of a treadmill is the moving (rotating) belt that allows the user to simulate moving forward while remaining in place. In electric-powered treadmills, the belt is moved by a built-in motor system that requires continuous power to operate.
Other than the motor, a treadmill can have other electronically powered components. Mainly, the console device, which typically features a built-in performance monitor and control panel.
Depending on the complexity and tech level of the treadmill, this console can be anything from a simple numbered LCD and some buttons to full-on HD touchscreen monitors capable of setting the treadmill as well as entertainment.
If the treadmill has an incline setting, that feature almost always runs on an electric motor. Furthermore, additional electronic features, such as cooling fans, built-in speakers, microphones, cameras, a USB charging port, etc., can be found on higher-end treadmills.
The more electronic features a treadmill has, the more power it will require, hence the higher importance of using a surge protector.
So, can you plug a treadmill into a power strip? While it’s technically possible to do so and it will work, it’s recommended by the manufacturer warranty to use a direct power source (wall outlet) or a surge protector.
But remember, combining multiple power strips or surge protectors and creating a so-called “daisy chain” is not advisable. While it's technically feasible and may function, experts strongly advise against it. In fact, in some jurisdictions, creating a "daisy chain" (linking multiple cord types together) is illegal due to the increased risk of overload.
If you need more reach for your power cable, consider a surge protector with a longer cord.
Do Treadmills Need to Be Plugged In?
An electric-powered treadmill will require a steady power supply, but not all treadmills are electrically powered. Some run completely disconnected and instead rely on the energy input from the user. These are known as manual treadmills. Manual treadmills do not have motorized belt speeds. Instead, the faster you run, the faster the belt moves underneath.
These treadmills typically don’t feature electronic parts. Some higher-end ones will have simple black-and-white LCD console devices for essential stat tracking which powers on when the user runs, but that’s it. Despite not having electronics, this doesn’t mean manual treadmills are cheaper than electric ones. The prices are fairly even across the board.
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Why Do You Need Surge Protection for Treadmills?
Surge protectors are used everywhere from offices to homes, and even gyms to prevent sudden electric surges from damaging electronics. So, can you plug a treadmill into a surge protector? Yes, here's why it's crucial:
✅ Prevent Safety Hazards
It’s well-documented that electrical failures are a leading cause of house fires. A power surge can cause an electric circuit overload. Repeated circuit overloads can cause damage to the equipment and more importantly, its safety features, creating exposed wires, live currents, and closed circuits.
Subsequent power surges can cause said faulty equipment to overheat and cause sparks, leading to a fire.
✅ Protect Your Electronics
We've talked about how, apart from the motor, treadmills can have various electronic parts. Additionally, the more tech features your treadmill has, the more power it needs to run, and the higher the number of electronic parts, the higher the chance that something might go faulty in case of a power surge.
It matters even more if your treadmill is an older model and not under warranty anymore, because finding parts for older models can be hard, and fixing them might cost more than it's worth.
✅ Warranty Requirement
Oftentimes, the user manual or warranty sheet you get when purchasing a treadmill will say it needs to be plugged into a separate (its own) power outlet from other devices and that you’re not allowed to use regular extension cords (power strips), but only surge protectors.
Furthermore, warranties for high-tech cardio equipment with various electronic features may even state that protecting the treadmill is the user's responsibility and they won’t cover damage due to power surges. Thus, unless you want to pay out of pocket for repairs, use a surge protector for treadmill machines.
How to Choose the Best Surge Protector for a Treadmill?
Not all surge protectors are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when getting the best surge suppressor for treadmill machines:
1. Joule Rating
The above-mentioned surge protectors are all designed for standard type-B electrical outlets most common across North America. While the typical voltage rating for these outlets is 120v, the Joule rating varies between models.
The Joule rating represents the surge protector's capacity to absorb excess energy from power surges before it fails. A Joule (symbol J) is a measurement used in physics. In everyday use, it’s adopted by the International System of Units for measuring heat or energy.
Generally, a Joule rating of 1000 or higher is considered sufficient for typical home use. It’s high enough to withstand the everyday power surges.
But this may change depending on your living circumstances. For example, if you live in a large house with multiple air conditioning systems, you’re dealing with more frequent and higher power surges. The same goes for having multiple large household appliances used simultaneously (multiple water heaters, washing machines, ovens, etc.).
For areas prone to frequent power outages due to uncontrollable circumstances (think natural disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes), a higher Joule rating is recommended to better withstand potential high-energy surges. Additionally, you can check the manual or warranty for recommended power specifications.
2. Plug Type
There are two primary types of surge protectors: direct plug-in models and corded power strips. Both options can offer excellent quality; however, the choice often boils down to convenience.
Direct plug-in surge protectors typically feature only one outlet, limiting you to powering just your treadmill. Power strip surge protectors, on the other hand, come with multiple outlets, allowing you to connect additional devices alongside your treadmill.
Moreover, they come in various cable lengths, which can be the deciding factor if your treadmill's power cable doesn't reach your desired electric outlet.
3. Additional Ports
Apart from a standard 120v electrical outlet, some surge protector power strips will have additional ports for connecting other device types. For example, you might see an RJ-11 6-pin port for telephone cables or an RJ-45 8-pin port for ethernet (internet) cables.
If you wish to run multiple devices through your surge protector or simply want additional charging stations for your devices, consider the ones with additional ports but keep in mind they’ll be pricer.
4. Quality for Price
Higher-priced treadmills have more electronics and thus more power components that could go faulty. With that in mind, you’ll want a better-quality treadmill surge protector the higher the power consumption of your treadmill.
The products on this list will cover the overwhelming number of exercise machines with no problem, but it’s still important to check their power ratings for your safety.
Pro Tip:
When selecting a surge protector, prioritize a Joule rating of 1000 or higher for typical home use, consider plug types based on convenience and cable length, choose models with additional ports if needed, and invest in higher quality for treadmills with increased power consumption.
Pro Tip:
When selecting a surge protector, prioritize a Joule rating of 1000 or higher for typical home use, consider plug types based on convenience and cable length, choose models with additional ports if needed, and invest in higher quality for treadmills with increased power consumption.
FAQ
Why Should I Plug My Treadmill Into a Surge Protector?
Like any electronic device, treadmills are susceptible to power surges. Plugging a treadmill into a surge protector will prevent cases of unexpected power surges from damaging the treadmill electronics. Further, if you use a surge protector cord, you can extend the reach of your treadmill power cable if you need to and you’ll likely have other unoccupied ports to plug in other devices.
Can I Use An Extension Cord With a Surge Protector?
Extension cords and surge protectors are designed to handle electrical flow directly from the outlet, but combining them is not advisable. “Daisy chaining” multiple cords are a known fire hazard risk, and it may even be illegal depending on where you live.
If a fire were to occur in your apartment, house, or gym, and it's determined that the cause was an overload from interconnected cords, you may be denied insurance, you’ll almost certainly pay a fine, and you even risk further legal action. Additionally, damage to the treadmill caused by such a connection may void the warranty.
What Is the Difference Between a Cord and an Outlet Surge Protector?
An outlet surge protector is plugged directly into the outlet on the wall and typically has only one opening to plug in your electronic device. A cord surge protector plugs in via a cable to extend the reach of your outlet and typically or even more plug-in spaces for your electronic devices. The length and number of ports on a cord surge protector can vary but higher numbers usually mean a higher cost
What Is the Joule Rating?
The Joule rating on a surge protector measures how much power it can withstand during an electrical surge (in Joules). Around 1000 Joules rating is considered average for commercial surge protectors, while 2000 and above is considered excellent.
Do I Need a Special Outlet for a Treadmill?
Treadmills use a normal power cord, like any household appliance. So, do you have to plug it directly into a wall or can you plug a treadmill into an extension cord? Manufacturers recommend using a dedicated (separate) wall outlet exclusively for your treadmill to avoid overloading them and causing a power surge.
Conclusion
Surge protectors are a great way to safeguard your electronic devices, including exercise machines, from potentially damaging power surges and voltage fluctuations. So, if you can, always use a surge protector for treadmill machines.
So, which one should you choose? If we had to single out the best surge protector for treadmill machines, the Belkin Power Strip Surge Protector would be our choice for 2024. Of course, other choices on the list are worth checking out for their unique pros and cons, which may be more to your liking.
We’d love to hear from you as well. Tell us if you plan on getting a home treadmill or if you’re a gym owner looking for solutions. Also, what kind of plugin solution are you going for, direct or extended cord? Leave a comment letting us know for future reference and remember to follow us on social media for similar gym and fitness content.
References:
- “Compliance Requirements for Relocatable Power Taps or ‘Power Strips,’” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2002-11-18 (accessed January 25, 2024).
- “Extension Cords and Surge Protectors,” Old Dominion University, https://ww1.odu.edu/content/dam/odu /offices/environmental-health-safety/docs/extension-cords-surge-protectors.pdf (accessed January 25, 2024).
- “Home Electrical Fires,” National Fire Protection Association, https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/electrical-fires (accessed January 25, 2024).
- “International System of Units,” National Institute of Standards & Technology, https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si/si-units (accessed January 25, 2024).
- “Surge Protectors,” Safe Electricity, https://safeelectricity.org/surge-protectors/ (accessed January 25, 2024).
- “UL 1449: Surge Protective Devices (SPD),” NEMA Surge Protection Institute, https://www.nemasurge.org/ul-1449-transient-voltage-surge-suppressors/ (accessed January 25, 2024).
- Photos by tawatchai07 from freepik.com, by soletreadmills.com.
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