Guidelines in Buying Electric Stair Lifts

Posted on August 21st, 2007 in Chair Stair Lift by StairLift

For first time buyers of electric stair lifts, you may find yourself confused about the various terms used when describing the qualities of an electric stair lift. In order to have a better understanding and to have an easy time with the task at hand, it is important to describe some of the most commonly used terms when buying electric stairlifts.

The lifting capacity is the required amount of load acceptable to the device when moving up or down the stairs. It should be noted that the lifting capacity needs to exceed the weight of the individual who would be using the electric stairlift. In connection, this device likewise has a fold-up and unfolded dimension. The former refers to the total width that the electric stairlift takes up when it rests against the wall, the latter, on the other hand, connotes the total width when the electric stairlift is ready to be used.

Every electric stairlift must have the ability to start smoothly and stop gradually. This feature allows a smooth ride when going up or down the staircase. Likewise, this option ensures a slow stop not unlike a car screeching when the driver immediately steps on the brake pedal.

Electric stairlift have drive systems as well. This term refers to the kind of technology that is used by the device. The most popular drive system is the rack and pinion, which is similar to the technology being used in railway systems.

A rail refers to the path which the electric stair lift operates on. The length of the rail should be sufficient enough to fit the stairs in your home. Another consideration that should be considered with rails is that should be suitable to the kind of staircase found at home, such as spiral, straight, or curved.

FPM stands for “feet for minute”. It is used to describe the speed of the electric stairlift in going upward and downward the staircase. The FPM should just be enough for the individual using the device.

Another term commonly used in electric stairlifts is BOS, which is an acronym for battery operated system. Clients should see to it that they verify the kind of battery being used and find out if there are stocks which can be purchased in their area once the battery has been consumed or expires.

Moreover, electric stairlifts should have a call send. This is a device that is used to transmit signals to the lift to go up. Finally, operator controls may vary from one stairlift to another. There are electric stairlifts that use buttons, while some lifts have joysticks, and there are those that use pendant controls.

By learning these terms, one will be able to choose the perfect electric stairlift for their needs.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Netvouz
  • DZone
  • ThisNext
  • MisterWong
  • Wists

Post a comment