What happens to my stair lift during a power outage?

A stairlift is a piece of accessibility equipment that allows the user to use their stairs in a safe and comfortable way. , Consisting of a motorized chair and drive system (often referred to as the carriage) that travels along a fixed track guiding the chair along a curved or straight rail, stairlifts can be installed onto curved stairs, straight stairs and outdoor stairs.

The power supply for a Stannah stairlift consists of batteries that receive a constant charge from a standard outlet that can be located at either the top or bottom of the stairs.  These stairlifts employ a battery powered rack and pinion drive system, allowing the user, by means of both hand or remote controls, to move up and down the rails installed onto the stairs, while sitting in a safe, sturdy and comfortable chair.

A stairlift operates with several safety features, such as a built-in obstruction detection system, ensuring the stairlift comes to a soft but immediate stop. There are also swivel seats, which make sure the user can get off safely at the top and bottom of the stairs.

And what happens if there’s a power outage?

Your stairlift keeps going, even in a power outage

Power outages can be very inconvenient. They can stop you from getting on with your life until the power comes back on. That might be true for your kitchen appliances, but not for your stairlift.

You might have bought an electrical appliance and not checked whether it works if the power is out. It might have let you down when you needed it most.

When it comes to buying a stairlift, this becomes a major concern. You don’t want to be stuck halfway up your straight or curved stairs in the dark. That’s why we’ve made sure you won’t.

Stannah stairlifts don’t stop because you’ve lost power, because they’re all fitted with batteries that are constantly charged by an outlet near the top or bottom of your stairs. If the main power supply cuts out, the batteries continue to work and get you safely to your destination. The batteries charge automatically when the chair is stopped at a charging point, so you’ll never get caught out. This is also the case for outdoor stairlifts.

In case of a longer power outage, the batteries will still last for several journeys, so you can ride it safely, without getting stuck; just remember to turn your stairlift off when it’s not in use to save the batteries. (this is only recommended during an outage, it’s important to leave your stairlift switched on the rest of the time.)

Stairlift components: hand control and remote controllers

Stannah lifts come with two remote controls, one at the top and the other at the bottom of your stairs. If your chair is on a different floor, you can call it using the control.

As well as being safe and comfortable, Stannah stairlifts are extremely quiet. That means you can use them at any time of day or night, without disturbing anyone else.

Stair lift installations

The stairlift installation process is efficient and hassle-free. A Stannah stairlift is installed in less than a day by expert installers, who have completed thorough product training. Before you know it, you’ve got your stair lift installed and will be able to use your stairs independently again. The stairlift is installed on the stairs and not attached to the wall, making it possible to install the lift without any major home modifications or the need to request permits or licenses.

A complete Stairlift guide

If you’re looking for a clear overview and key information about stairlifts, take a look at our Complete Stairlift Guide by clicking on the link.

People often wonder, “How do stairlifts work?” We hope the information provided here gives more clarity on the subject. If you have any questions or would simply like to learn more about our curved, straight or outdoor stairlifts, feel free to contact us. We’ll gladly provide you with commitment-free information on the installation process, stairlift prices, safety features, and our guarantees. We also offer a free home assessment, where one of our experienced advisers will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

With your Stannah lift, you’ll be safe and independent, and you’ll keep moving, just like your stairlift!