The stairlift industry plays a critical role in supporting mobility and independence for thousands of people across the UK. And, with an ageing population, stairlifts are now a common feature in residential properties, helping users stay safe and retain their independent within their own homes.
Given the environments stairlifts operate in – often installed on staircases that act as key escape routes in residential buildings – using the correct components to ensure fire safety is essential. Batteries in particular are fundamental to stairlift safety, reliability and compliance.
As a trusted supplier of batteries to the stairlift sector, we work closely with manufacturers, installers and maintenance providers to deliver the batteries they need.
So, in this article, we explore everything you need to know about fire retardant batteries for stairlifts, why they matter and why best practice is increasingly pointing towards fire-retardant battery solutions.
Why do stairlifts require batteries?
Most modern stairlifts – both straight and curved models – operate using batteries that receive a constant charge from the mains power supply. This is to ensure the lift is ready for use at all times.
However, stairlifts also need batteries as they must be able to operate independently of the mains supply in the event of a power failure. BS EN 81-40:2008, and the updated EN 81-40:2020 standard in Europe, mandate that all stairlifts must be equipped with a back-up battery system.
This is to make sure that if there is a power outage, the stairlift still functions long enough to allow the user to reach a safe landing. Batteries are therefore not optional components – they are integral to compliance and safety.
Do stairlifts require fire retardant batteries?
While there is currently no specific UK legal requirement stating that stairlift batteries must be fire retardant, industry best practice is increasingly supporting their use.
Leading manufacturers have already adopted this position. For example, Stannah, one of the largest stairlift suppliers and manufacturers, uses batteries with flame-retardant casings tested to UL94 V-0 standards. They also actively warn against the use of non-approved, non-fire-retardant replacement batteries.
UL94 V-0 is a stringent fire safety standard. It means that the plastic material on a battery self-extinguishes within 10 seconds after exposure to flame in a vertical position.
Within the wider fire safety industry, general guidance is to use UL94 V-2 or better, with V-0 representing the highest level of protection commonly specified for safety-critical components.
Here at Strident, we’re proud to supply a range of fire-retardant batteries which meets these requirements, making them suitable for stairlift installations where safety and compliance are paramount.
Why are fire retardant batteries so important for stairlifts?
- Safety in high-risk environments
In a stairlift installation, the added layer of protection from fire retardant batteries is especially important as stairlifts are typically installed on primary escape routes or near combustible materials like carpets or timber stairs.
Plus, as users are often elderly or vulnerable, extra evacuation time is critical, so reducing fire spread at the battery level can make a meaningful difference.
- Compliance and best practice
Although UK regulations do not yet outline specific fire safety requirements when it comes to stairlifts, complying with best practice is expected of manufacturers, installers, suppliers and maintenance providers.
They are required to demonstrate that fire risks have been identified, assessed and mitigated, all elements of a system are safe for use and reasonable steps have been taken to reduce hazards.
Also, with more general fire safety regulations introduced in recent years, there has been an increased focus on compliance, with products even being recalled due to fire risks.
Using fire-retardant batteries helps manufacturers and service providers demonstrate due diligence, reduce exposure to recalls and strengthen compliance.
- Protecting your reputation as well as protecting people
For manufacturers, installers and maintenance providers, the consequences of a faulty battery extend far beyond immediate safety concerns.
Alongside risk to people, an incident in a residential setting could result in reputational damage, loss of customer trust and even legal and insurance complications
Fire-retardant batteries help to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring, lessen the severity of outcomes if a failure does occur and minimise potential reputational risk.
In a sector built on trust, reliability and long-term support, dependable fire-retardant batteries can make a significant difference.
Discover Strident’s fire retardant battery range for stairlifts
Here at Strident, our fire-retardant battery range has been specifically designed for applications such as stairlifts.
Our range features maintenance-free sealed lead–acid batteries which incorporate flame-resistant casings and flame-arrestor venting to prevent fire spreading and meet strict safety expectations.
The battery casing is manufactured from fire-retardant ABS plastic and meets the UL94 V-0 standard, meaning it self-extinguishes rapidly when exposed to flame. Plus, the batteries are carefully sealed to ensure no leakage from the case or terminals when operated under normal circumstances.
Strident batteries also utilise a high-specification electrolyte management system positioned between the positive and negative plates, using advanced glass microfibre technology.
This makes the battery leak-free and allows controlled oxygen recombination between plates, in turn controlling internal gas build-up during normal operation.
In addition, each battery is fitted with a low-pressure venting system which reseals if there is an accumulation of gas due to overcharging. The valve system safely releases gas and automatically reseals when needed.
This system is paired with Strident Clear Vein Venting Technology, which ensures any released gas can escape safely without damaging the battery casing or surrounding equipment.
A safer standard for stairlift batteries
For those installing, servicing or maintaining stairlifts, battery choice is about more than capacity and lifespan.
Fire retardant batteries represent a practical, responsible step towards improved safety, meeting best practice requirements and building long-term trust.
Strident’s fire-retardant battery range provides a proven, compliant solution designed for the realities of stairlift operation – protecting users, properties and reputations alike.
For more information about our range, get in touch with our helpful team today.
