Important Information:

We can not provide details on repairs, spare parts or stairlift buybacks.

Stairlifts Powered by DC Power
And The Benefits of a DC Powered Stairlift

Originally, when installed, stairlifts were wired directly to the mains via a trailing cable. This trailing cable was normally stored in a spring loaded drum at the top of the stairs that fed the cable to the stairlift during decent and wound the cable back during the ascent of the stairliftlift.

Different variations of this evolved, for example: a trailing cable encased in a plastic linkage, would follow the stairlift up and down the staircase.

Today, battery technology has improved drastically making the applications for the use of battery power endless. Stairlift designers have taken advantage of this progression.

• Some stairlifts have the option of D.C or A.C
• Normally, the battery packs are within the stairlift
• Battery packs can be recharged via 'charge-points'
• These charge-points are normally located at the top and bottom
• Some stairlifts are constantly charge by a trailing cable
  Battery packs should last a number of years
• D.C. power stairlifts are quieter
• Because it is only 24/36 volts, there is no need for a circuit breaker, therefore safer to use
• Most model stairlifts are D.C. powered
• Some battery packs are externally mounted near the charger
• If there is a power cut, the stairlift will continue to operate
• You would normally have 6-10 trips from a full battery pack*
• Battery packs are a sealed unit and maintenance free
• Once depleted, quite inexpensive to replace
• D.C. power stairlifts promote a 'soft-start' and a 'soft-stop' which is ideal for users' conditions that maybe aggravated by any sudden movements
  * depending an the length of the staircase and the weight of the user

When a D.C. powered stairlift is installed, it is common practice to utilise the nearest household socket. If there is no socket within the vicinity, then either the manufacturer will request that you have one installed, or they may arrange installation of a socket via an outside contractor. The earth bonding of the property must comply with the most recent European Regulations and should be checked at point of survey.

Some companies 'spur-off' the socket whilst others plug directly into it. From there, it normally goes to a charger / transformer unit. This unit will transform the power down to either 24 or 36 volts and from here a connection is made to the stairlift track.

At the top and the bottom of the stairlift track, charge points are fixed, when the stairlift is not in use, it will be parked at the top or the bottom of the stairs, over the stairlift charge point. The principle is quite similar to that of a cordless phone, when you are not using the phone, you store it in its cradle. Here it picks up the charge point and trickle charges.

If you have a curved stairlift, you may opt for additional charge point on the actual bend of the track allowing the stairlift to parked in a neater position when not in use.