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Should You Buy A DC Or AC Electric Powered Stair Lift?
from:Early electric stair lifts were powered from a mains supply.
However, nearly all new models are now powered by rechargeable
batteries. Batteries are seen as being preferable and having
many advantages over an AC mains powered unit. However, mains
powered units have been improved and offer one or two advantages
of their own.
The first models were powered by directly wired into a mains
socket via a trailing cable. A spring-loaded drum, located at
the top of the stairs, would store the cable. Having a trailing
cable has some inherent problems. Tripping over the cable was an
'accident waiting to happen'. Also, the drum and cable were
moving parts and, as such, required more maintenance.
Also, early AC powered stair lifts could suffer from erratic
stop and start motions, which could be uncomfortable or even
painful for some.
Despite these drawbacks AC powered units were preferable to
battery driven ones. Back then technology was not as advanced as
it is today. Batteries were often unreliable, took a long time
to charge, didn't last long between charges and were simply not
powerful enough.
However, times have changed. Rechargeable batteries are reliable
and store their charge for longer and are now preferred by
nearly all manufacturers. Batteries offer some important
advantages over mains supply. DC Battery operated stair lifts
provide the user with smother starts and stops. They are also
quieter when in use. Batteries are now very reliable and need to
be replaced only after years of use. Battery operated units are
easy to install - no wiring is necessary. The main advantage of
a battery powered lift is that it will continue to operate
during power outages.
Many top rated manufacturers like Stannah and Bruno Stair Lifts
only make battery operated models.
However, some manufacturers still make AC electric units, Summit
Stair Lifts being one such company. AC lift technology has moved
on too. Today's mains driven stair lifts are quieter and they
now also provide smooth starts and stops.
AC models have one major advantage over battery operated models.
Batteries need to be recharged whilst one powered by AC main
supply can operate whenever it's needed. This is an important
consideration if you think you'll use your stair lift often or
there is more than one person in the home who will use it. A
battery operated model usually requires charging after about 20
trips up and down the stairs.
One last point; AC powered stair lifts are a little cheaper than
ones operated by DC battery.
Deciding on what type of electric stair lift to buy is entirely
up to you. You must consider a few things before you decide on
which type t is best for you. If you're on a budget, maybe an AC
model is preferable. But, if you like a quiet ride then a DC
battery one is better. Does where you live experience power
outages? If yes, then you should definitely consider a battery
operated model. If you'll be using it many times in one day,
then perhaps the AC electric model would best suit your needs.
Before you buy either a DC or AC electric powered stair lift you
should first contact a reputable dealer. You can find them quite
easily on the internet. Most supply and install many different
brands and will offer impartial advice with no obligation to
buy.
About the author: Robin OBrien
Following the links for electric stair lifts and get stair lift reviewson leading brands like the Summit stair lift.
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