When and Why You Might Need to Manually Move a Stairlift
Manually moving a stairlift is not a routine procedure and should only be performed in specific situations. The two most common scenarios are during a power outage or when the unit has stopped due to a minor track obstruction or sensor fault. Acorn stairlifts have a backup battery system, but this battery can fail or drain over time. In these cases, a manual override is a built-in emergency feature to allow the user or a caregiver to move the chair to a safe location. This prevents the user from being stranded and keeps the stairway clear for others.
Power Outage or Battery Failure
If your home loses power, your Acorn stairlift's battery backup should kick in. However, if the battery is old, improperly charged, or has failed entirely, the lift will stop working. Using the manual override allows you to move the lift to its charging point, usually at the top or bottom of the stairs, so it can begin recharging once power is restored. It's important to remember that the manual override is for repositioning, not regular use. Forcing a manual move beyond what is necessary to reach a charging point is never recommended.
Minor Track Obstructions or Sensor Faults
Acorn stairlifts are equipped with safety sensors that automatically stop the chair if they detect an obstruction on the track. If a sensor is dirty, misaligned, or a small item is blocking the path, the lift may stop. After safely disembarking the user and ensuring the power is off, a manual move can be used to reposition the chair slightly, allowing access to the obstruction so it can be cleared. Once the path is clear, the lift's automatic operation can be resumed after re-engaging the system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Moving Your Acorn Stairlift
WARNING: Never attempt to manually move a stairlift with a person on it. Always consult the user manual for your specific Acorn model before starting. If you feel resistance at any point, stop immediately and call a professional technician.
- Ensure the User is Safe: First and foremost, if the lift is stuck with a person on it, help them safely exit the chair. If they are unable to do so, it is safer to wait for emergency services or a qualified technician than to attempt a risky manual move.
- Turn Off the Power: Locate the battery isolation switch, typically a red switch on or near the motor unit, and turn it off. This is a critical safety step that prevents the motor from accidentally engaging during the manual process.
- Locate the Manual Override Mechanism: Depending on your model, this is usually one of two systems. Some models have a manual release lever, often found under the seat or motor housing. Others use a hand winding wheel that inserts into a spindle on the motor.
- Disengage the Motor: If you have a release lever, pull it gently to disengage the lift's motor from the track's drive mechanism. If you have a hand winding wheel, remove the protective cap covering the motor's spindle and insert the wheel firmly.
- Move the Lift Gently: With the motor disengaged, you can now push or pull the chair carefully along the track. If using a hand wheel, turn it clockwise to move the lift up the track and counter-clockwise to move it down. Be aware that this can be a slow process and should not require excessive force. If you encounter resistance, stop and check for obstructions.
- Re-engage the System: Once the lift is in the desired safe position (ideally a charging point), re-engage the system. If using a lever, push it back to its original position. If using the hand wheel, remove it and replace the protective cap. Then, turn the battery isolation switch back on.
- Test the Lift: With the system re-engaged, briefly test the lift with the standard controls to ensure normal operation has resumed. If problems persist, it is time to contact Acorn customer support.
Table: Manual Winding vs. Lever Release vs. Drill Winding
| Feature | Manual Winding with Hand Wheel | Manual Release Lever (Push/Pull) | Power Drill with 8mm Socket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effort | High, requires repetitive cranking | Moderate, requires a smooth, even push/pull | Low, but requires extreme caution |
| Speed | Very slow, lengthy process | Dependent on strength and smoothness | Faster, but riskier |
| Risk of Damage | Low, as it is difficult to over-torque | Moderate, if force is applied unevenly | High, very easy to cause damage if torque is not controlled |
| Required Tools | Acorn-provided hand wheel | No special tools | Power drill and 8mm socket |
| Common Use Case | Moving to a charging point over a longer distance when other options fail | Short distance moves, e.g., to clear a minor obstruction | Not recommended for inexperienced users; risk of damage is significant |
Troubleshooting If the Manual Move Fails
If you have attempted to manually move the stairlift and it still won't budge or you feel excessive resistance, do not force it. There are several potential issues that a layperson cannot and should not fix.
- Significant Obstruction: Something could be deeply wedged in the track or mechanism, requiring professional tools to remove.
- Gear or Motor Jam: A mechanical failure in the motor or gearing system could be the cause. Forcing this will only cause more expensive damage.
- Track Misalignment: In rare cases, the track itself may have shifted slightly, causing the lift to bind. This requires recalibration by a certified technician.
- Electronics Failure: While a manual move bypasses the motor, some electronic components might still prevent free movement. Forcing the unit could damage the control board or wiring.
For any issue beyond a minor track blockage or power-related stoppage, it is always recommended to contact Acorn Stairlifts directly for technical support. [Acorn Stairlifts Support](https://www.acornstairlifts.com/support) has resources that can guide you to the nearest service technician who can diagnose and safely fix the problem.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Above All
While the ability to manually move an Acorn stairlift provides a valuable backup option, it is a task that must be approached with extreme caution and respect for the equipment. Always prioritize the user's safety by ensuring they are not on the chair and that all power is isolated. If the manual override does not work smoothly and with minimal effort, the safest course of action is always to stop and call for professional assistance. This practice not only protects the user but also prevents potentially costly damage to the stairlift itself, ensuring its long-term reliability for healthy, independent aging at home.
