220V European treadmill on USA 110V

[carlopiano]

Can someone help me? Is there a way to use my European treadmill (3,5HP, 230V AC, 50/60Hz, 1850 WATT) here in US using a transformer/converter? thank you!

 

[russ_watters]

Can someone help me? Is there a way to use my European treadmill (3,5HP, 230V AC, 50/60Hz, 1850 WATT) here in US using a transformer/converter? thank you!

Welcome to PF!

It may be wirable directly. 230V or thereabouts is a pretty normal American voltage, but it depends on the specific wiring of where you live. Most single homes use split-phase 120/240V and most apartments/condos use 120/208 single/2 legs of a 3-phase.

But...this isn't something you're likely to be able to wire yourself. And you certainly cannot use a standard 120V circuit for this load. It's way too big (also, 3.5 HP is 2600W, not 1850).

 

[DaveE]

It may be wirable directly. 230V or thereabouts is a pretty normal American voltage, but it depends on the specific wiring of where you live. Most single homes use split-phase 120/240V and most apartments/condos use 120/208 single/2 legs of a 3-phase.

Yes, it may run on 120/240V. But, I wouldn't suggest that unless someone that knows about electrical safety standards looks at the construction. In Europe, the 230V service is ground referenced, i.e. one of the current carrying conductors is neutral and near ground potential. In the US 240V single phase is normally two 120V (wrt ground) conductors out of phase. There may be insulation differences in transformers, motors, etc. that matter. They may not have overcurrent protection in the neutral side, which you would need. I would bet it's OK, but I wouldn't bet someone's house or life on it without some examination.

3.5 HP is 2600W, not 1850

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/19-essential-information-you-can-find-on-motor-nameplate#17 are weird complicated. That's probably a peak HP rating vs. a maximum average power rating under some usage conditions.

Is there a way to use my European treadmill (3,5HP, 230V AC, 50/60Hz, 1850 WATT) here in US using a transformer/converter?

You can definitely run it from a correctly specified transformer (autotransformer, actually). But, it will be big, heavy and expensive. An EE could look inside and determine what is and isn't compatible and how to convert it. For example, it may be better to replace the motor than buy a big transformer, or not, IDK. I would guess the answers range from simple to too hard to do.

Also, the change from 50Hz to 60Hz will reduce the motor's power, which probably doesn't actually matter much.

If it's still in Europe, I'd just sell it and buy a used one here that just plugs in the wall.

 

[Baluncore]

Also, the change from 50Hz to 60Hz will reduce the motor's power, which probably doesn't actually matter much.

I expect it would be fitted with a variable speed DC motor, driven by an H-bridge, so mains frequency would not be important.

 

[carlopiano]

Thank you all. Unfortunately it is already in the US, and I understand that it is very very complicated, also because I should ask an electrician who knows both European and American standards. About the HP and Watts, I attach the manual information about that.

 

[carlopiano]

Yes, it may run on 120/240V. But, I wouldn't suggest that unless someone that knows about electrical safety standards looks at the construction. In Europe, the 230V service is ground referenced, i.e. one of the current carrying conductors is neutral and near ground potential. In the US 240V single phase is normally two 120V (wrt ground) conductors out of phase. There may be insulation differences in transformers, motors, etc. that matter. They may not have overcurrent protection in the neutral side, which you would need. I would bet it's OK, but I wouldn't bet someone's house or life on it without some examination.https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/19-essential-information-you-can-find-on-motor-nameplate#17 are weird complicated. That's probably a peak HP rating vs. a maximum average power rating under some usage conditions.You can definitely run it from a correctly specified transformer (autotransformer, actually). But, it will be big, heavy and expensive. An EE could look inside and determine what is and isn't compatible and how to convert it. For example, it may be better to replace the motor than buy a big transformer, or not, IDK. I would guess the answers range from simple to too hard to do.

Also, the change from 50Hz to 60Hz will reduce the motor's power, which probably doesn't actually matter much.

If it's still in Europe, I'd just sell it and buy a used one here that just plugs in the wall.

A converter like this one (10000W)?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J923F5Q/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[russ_watters]

Yes, it may run on 120/240V. But, I wouldn't suggest that unless someone that knows about electrical safety standards looks at the construction. In Europe, the 230V service is ground referenced, i.e. one of the current carrying conductors is neutral and near ground potential. In the US 240V single phase is normally two 120V (wrt ground) conductors out of phase. There may be insulation differences in transformers, motors, etc. that matter. They may not have overcurrent protection in the neutral side, which you would need. I would bet it's OK, but I wouldn't bet someone's house or life on it without some examination.

Let me try from a different angle: the fact that it says 60hz tells us with near certainty that it can run on American power.

But sure: it's easy enough to contact the manufacturer to verify.

 

[russ_watters]

A converter like this one (10000W)?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J923F5Q/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The problem is that at full speed and maybe even right when you turn it on, it will likely trip your circuit breaker. 1850W is just above the limit, but if it draws like a 3.5 HP at startup, that's 2900W.

Or worse if that doesn't account for efficiency and power factor.

 

[phyzguy]

The simplest thing is to just buy a transformer and plug it in. Something like this one from Best Buy. I doubt the 50Hz/60Hz difference will be a problem.

https://www.110220volts.com/ac-3000...MIj-qmodOr8gIVkTytBh0QQwLsEAQYByABEgJlHfD_BwE

 

[DaveE]

The simplest thing is to just buy a transformer and plug it in. Something like this one from Best Buy. I doubt the 50Hz/60Hz difference will be a problem.

https://www.110220volts.com/ac-3000...MIj-qmodOr8gIVkTytBh0QQwLsEAQYByABEgJlHfD_BwE

Wow, those are a lot cheaper than I expected. I guess I'm out of touch. This is definitely what I would do; the easiest way by far. You'll never get a 240V outlet where you want it for $120.

 

[carlopiano]

Wow, those are a lot cheaper than I expected. I guess I'm out of touch. This is definitely what I would do; the easiest way by far. You'll never get a 240V outlet where you want it for $120.

So, you also think that with this I can use my treadmill from a 110V outlet?

 

[DaveE]

So, you also think that with this I can use my treadmill from a 110V outlet?

20A circuit, yes. 15A circuit, maybe not, not if it draws full power. Try to avoid a 20A circuit that has other significant loads at the same time (microwaves, hair driers, etc) or you may trip the circuit breaker.

 

[carlopiano]

20A circuit, yes. 15A circuit, maybe not, not if it draws full power. Try to avoid a 20A circuit that has other significant loads at the same time (microwaves, hair driers, etc) or you may trip the circuit breaker.

Thank you all for your support!