Treadmill static shocks

[throwaway4372]

I had a walking pad before that would give me static shocks, it was cheap and nasty and broke.

I've eventually got round to replacing it, this time spending many times more and getting a treadmill that seems decent quality, but I'm still getting static shocks.

I google'd, and treadmill static shocks seem to be a common thing, but none of the explanations offered seem relevant or helpful. I find it hard to believe everyone's just tolerating the shocks.

Any treadmill nerds here know what to do about this?

 

[radderfire]

I don't identify as a treadmill nerd. However, what clothing are you wearing when on it? Some clothing, e.g. fleece, can start to generate static electricity on movement, and this gets dissipated when you touch something metal, e.g. a treadmill handrail.

 

[throwaway4372]

what clothing are you wearing when on it?

Cotton shorts, t-shirt, socks
Sketchers trainers (go walk)
Nothing special about any of that AFAIK

 

[Hotwired]

Grounding straps are a normal thing for handling electronics, they'll work for you charging yourself up with a treadmill acting as a van de graff generator.

 

[radderfire]

Cotton shorts and T-Shirt could do it. What I'm saying is that it is your clothing generating static electricity, rather than there being an electrical fault with the machine.

 

[postbox]

Do you walk over carpet / is the treadmill placed on carpet?

 

[throwaway4372]

Nope there's no carpet. Floors are laminate and treadmill is on a mat.

 

[dave28]

i have a treadmill and never had a static shock from it.

apparently its the belt and deck friction that causes it but perhaps some are worse than others.

 

[meths]

Maybe just spray some lube under the belt?

I recently got a walking pad and it came with 2 bottles of lube.

 

[throwaway4372]

Thanks I'll test these suggestions when the heatwave is over

 

[Pigeon_Killer]

I find it hard to believe everyone's just tolerating the shocks.

Yep, two years of shocks has made me immune to caring but it's only the heart rate sensor on mine that causes it. Only exposed bit of metal.

 

[Bear]

Nylon underpants?

 

[bazzabear]

There are definite similarities between a treadmill and a Van De Graaf generator, so I can see how this might happen. Not sure how to stop it though.

 

[LOAM]

The deck probably needs lubricating. Our lifefittness T3 starts to do this a when its time to get the silicone out. Its a rubber belt being moved over a plastic clad board so it no wonder tbh

 

[labbby]

I’m all for lube

 

[LOAM]

I’m all for lube

I've heard that rumour

 

[Mark A]

I'd have thought a treadmill would be earthed, along with the frame if its made of metal.

 

[mattyfez]

Start from the basics... Use it naked.. Do you still get shocks?

 

[tom_e]

Start from the basics... Use it naked.. Do you still get shocks?

Not as much as the neighbours when they look through the window.