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Why You Should Not Self-Install A Stair Lift
from:When buying a stair lift many are told that self-installation is
straightforward and can be safely carried out by anyone with
basic DIY skills. The supply of mobility goods via the internet
has fueled this perception. However, there are many reasons why
one should never be self-installed.
Many retailers now promote self installation for the goods they
sell. The consumer is left to install and ensure that whatever
it is they buy works properly and safely. The message put across
is that because the supplier is only providing the merchandise
prices are kept to a minimum. This marketing trend has spread to
stair lifts. Straight stair lifts are often touted as being easy
to install and the burgeoning market of used stair lifts has
fuelled this concept of DIY installation.
The consumer may initially save on the cost of installation but
they expose themselves to accidents, increased maintenance costs
due to improper installation and lack of any king of warranty.
The AMEA (Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer's Association)
strongly advises against self installation of both new and used
lifts. The AMEA points out that with self installation the
consumer cannot possibly know if they have installed it in a
safe manner. Also, the consumer can't be sure if it has been
installed in such a manner that ensures operational safety and
that the installation conforms to local codes and regulations.
For these reasons the AMEA advises consumers to only buy new and
used machines from reputable dealers who will both supply and
install it. The dealer will not only have received training of
installation procedures from the manufacturer, he will also be
aware of conformance requirements with both local and national
codes; in many localities, the codes referenced are the ASME
A17.1, the A18.1, and the NFPA70 (National Electrical Code).
Your average consumer will be ignorant of such matters.
As well as conforming to certain installation practices, many
localities require that the installation of a stair lift is
carried out by someone/organization that has a license or permit
to do so.
By ignoring or disregarding the above two points the person
self-installing lift could well be breaking the law. Besides,
would the average person who is fitting one for the first time
be knowledgeable about the clearances needed, the electrical
safety and the proper anchoring of one?
Stair lifts are complex machines, employing the latest
technology. The safety of them can only be guaranteed when they
have been installed by a technician with the correct knowledge,
training, experience and permits.
Finally, self-installation of stair lifts provides the consumer
with no come back. The dealer who sold the machine can wash his
hands of the matter should any problems be encountered. Even
problems not caused by improper installation can be dismissed
under the term 'my company isn't responsible because we didn't
install it'. You will always get a warranty when a reputable
supplier carries out the installation.
Though self-installation of a stair lift may seem attractive,
there is a very real danger of harming the most vulnerable; the
old and the disabled.
About the author: Robin OBrien
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