What is the amount of amps that are available when I plug a device into my wall? I have a treadmill that ...?

Question

requires a 20 amp dedicated circuit. I plug the treadmill in and it sort of works, but clicks. I think it may be the power supply. What is the power supply in a wall outlet in a residence?

Answer 1

A 15-amp 120volt circuit, for example, has a maximum capacity of 1800 watts (15 x 120), but the load placed on it should be no more than 1440 ( 80% of 1800). Although the wires can safely carry the maximum wattage load, these high loads may eventually cause a circuit breaker to malfunction.

In your case, the outlet gives you 120V x___ (Whatever the Amperage of the circuit breaker outside your Distribution Box or circuit breaker box is for that particular receptacle. Keep in mind that most breakers outside are dedicated to about 3-5 receptacles. Except the ones for major appliances like A/C, Washer/Dryer.

From the circuit breakers or fuses in your main service panel, a network of wires and cables brings power to each receptacle, light fixture and electrical appliance in your home. Depending on the Amps of the circuit breaker, is the amount of dedicated receptacles.

You need a circuit breaker of 20 Amps installed with only one wire(dedicated) going to a receptacle for your treadmill. It should run about $150.00 but it's well worth it.

By the way, that most be the mother of the treadmills.

Answer 2

Are you sure about the amp rating? That is a tremendous amount of power for a treadmill. It is more than you need for a refrigerator or freezer or washing machine, etc.

The clicking might be an issue with the power, but I'd have to know more to even guess. If you have an inadequate amount of power going to a motor, it causes problems, but not specifically clicking. Among other things, it will overheat the motor.

Some others have already told you that a typical circuit in a home in the US is 15 amps. Any single outlet on that circuit can supply the full 15 amps, at least for a while, if there is NOTHING else using that circuit.

No one said this, but NEVER even think of putting in a larger capacity breaker to replace the 15 amp one. Breakers are chosen to match wiring to keep things safe.

Answer 3

If your treadmill requires a 20 amp dedicated circuit you will probably need to have one installed. Most houses are built with 15 amp circuits, and that is usually powering several receptacles. In the meantime you could run an extension cord (heavy duty) to a known 20 amp dedicated circuit (washing machine) and see if you clicking sound goes away.

Answer 4

Wow that is quite a treadmill.

in the US most residential circuits are protected by a 15amp breaker. It is really meant to handle a 12amp load continuously. Some newer houses are built with a 20amp circuit in the garage.

The clicking problem sounds like a separate issue with the treadmill its self. If the circuit cannot provide enough current then it would trip the breaker and the treadmill wouldn't work at all.

Answer 5

Typically your wall outlets are rated at 15A and there will be a circuit breaker to limit current to that amount. If your treadmill requires a dedicated 20A circuit you will have to install a new outlet fed directly from the panel.

Answer 6

check your breaker panel; all the breakers should have the amps marked on them. Most receptacle circuits are 20A and light circuits are 15A. Older homes are mostly 15a for both. check to see what else is plugged in on that circuit.

Answer 7

the only outlets in your house that are 20 amps are in your kitchen,and maybe backyard ,garage,and laundry area if you can find a 20 amp plug as close to the pannel with the breakers and don't use a extension cord

Answer 8

A home wiring system at the plugs is normally 110 volts and 15 amphs

Answer 9

120 VOLTS