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Stairlift Batteries
Whenever you buy a stair lift, you should also take the time to think about the stair lift batteries. Stair lifts can run on alternate current or AC power – this is done through having the electric cable lined along the stair lift track, which supplies this AC power. There are many wheelchair manufacturers in the market (like A1, Bruno, Acorn, and Stannah), which have made their own methods of supplying the AC current for the stair lift.
When you think about stair lift batteries, you must take into account that the AC powered stair lifts are plugged into the household electrical system. This means that if the power goes off for whatever reason, the stair lift will not work – this means the elderly and the disabled will be terribly inconvenienced. So if there is a power blackout, they would not be able to vacate the house or the building in time – this can be hazardous if there is smoke or fire. Plus, another disadvantage of the AC current is that it can trip – this can electrocute the user. Thus it does not take much to realize that AC current is quite unstable, and if you want proper stair lift batteries, always go for DC current.
Why DC batteries are better
DC powered batteries of the stair lifts are much more convenient. Firstly, the source of power is much easier in terms of not just installation, but also maintenance. Plus, for the stair lift batteries, the DC has a standalone rechargeable battery. The stair lift batteries need to be plugged into a wall socket for the recharging. The DC battery can operate a stair lift even in the event of a power breakdown – thus they are much safer and far more convenient. So even if there is a power outage, the elderly and the disabled can still use the stair lift and go up and down the stairs easily. Plus, another big advantage of DC batteries is that they are much quieter. One thing to remember is that if you are buying stair lift for curved staircase, then DC stair lift batteries with stationary charging is the most suitable option.
Charging the stair lift batteries
Usually, most manufacturers of stair lifts have devised their own methods for charging the barriers. This can be of two types – stationary charging, and using charging strips. Stationary charging means the stair lift is either at the top of the staircase, or at the bottom- and the charging takes place at either end, when it is locked in position. Each end is called a charging point, and the stair lift fits into the negative and positive ends.
The second method is using charging strips – these are lined along the stair lift tracks, so the stair lift can move and charge simultaneously. However, this method has certain disadvantages in the sense that the charging system needs proper and regular maintenance and there is a possibility of damage to the charging system due to constant movement.
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