How do stairlifts work?
Residential stairlifts operate on an aluminium track that is fitted onto the treads of the stairs – not the wall, although sometimes to the wall as well in the case of wheelchair-platform stairlifts. A motor fixed to the stairlift pulls the stairlift up and down the tracks.
The rails for residential stairlifts in the UK are usually made from extruded aluminium. The rails can weigh 65lbs or more and are attached to the steps with metal cleats. Sometimes, a rail will cross a doorway at the foot of the stairs. In these cases, a hinge is fitted so that users can fold back the end of the rail when it’s not being used.
Curved stairlift rails can be made from steel or aluminium. Generally, the idea is to keep the radius of the curves tight around the newel posts. The stair-lift carriage is the unit that incorporates the chair. It moves up and down the rail on small rollers, powered from the domestic electricity supply. It is driven along by a rack-and-pinion system.
Stairlift carriages feature a padded seat, arms and a footrest. Some UK manufacturers sell a ‘perch’-type seat version, which features a platform for standing on. Stairlifts tend to be at right angles to the wall. When the carriage reaches the top of the stairs, it can be swivelled and locked into place, so that users can dismount safely. Stairlift seats tend to include a safety switch. This means the stairlift will move only when the seat is in the travel position.
Stairlifts tend to have their own battery power, so that they will operate in a power cut. Charge points can be installed at the top and foot of the stairs. Stair lifts can also be ‘summoned’ with a remote control.
For impartial advice about stairlifts from UK Stairlifts, click here or call on 0800 002 9916. We are here from 6.30am until 11.30pm in the evening to answer your call.
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