Electric powered stairlifts.

Modern electric stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries and use DC (direct current), rather than earlier lifts which ran of mains electric powers which required a cable to run alongside the lift as it descended and ascended.

There are several advantages of powering a stairlift by battery:

• Not unsightly cabled running up and down the stairs.
• Backup power in the event of a power cut.
• Maintenance free.
• Whisper quiet motion.

The battery is charged when the lift is not is use and parked at the charge point. These charging points can either be located at the top or bottom of the stairs, or in some cases both. This point will need to have access to mains power so the battery can be charged.

When the survey is undertaken the surveyor should ensure that a suitable power supply is available to power the lift. As with an electrical product care should be taken when using, and avoid accidents like spilling water on the lift etc. A regular service should also be undertaken to ensure everything is in good working order.

More information on electric stairlifts - open a new site.