Looking

after your
stairlift
Model: 600 Sofia / Solus
Ask any one in our team
and they’ll say they’re
committed to providing
the best stairlifts. And
they’re true to their word.
Here at Stannah, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
No matter what their role, they share our passion for making world
class stairlifts.

Whether they are responsible for fitting a particular part or checking

each finished stairlift as it glides off the production line, each one
takes enormous care to ensure that every small detail is perfect.
This commitment and pride is inspired by the way they see our
customers - as individuals. Each employee understands that you
need to have complete faith that your stairlift will work exactly as it
should, so it can be everything you hope for.

It’s this personal involvement, along with our policy of making every
stairlift to order in our own Stannah facilities, that ensures that every
model that leaves our premises is as good as it can possibly be.
And there’s one vision that drives all these principles - the Stannah
pledge to be true to our word.

Everyone who works for us believes in what we stand for and is

committed to fulfilling our promise to you - to provide you with a
stairlift that offers all the quality, reliability and performance you
need to stay comfortable, safe and independent in your home.

3
Service Log
It is important to us that our stairlifts always help you travel up and
down your stairs in the safest possible way. With this in mind, we
recommend our stairlifts are serviced every year by a Stannah
trained service engineer.

Installed by on / /

Position of wall switch

Date Service details Service Engineer

A stairlift is a device to transport a seated person up and down the stairs safely

4
Welcome to your Sofia and
Solus User Guide.
To help you get the most from your new stairlift, please take a few minutes to
read this guide. Then, please keep this guide in a safe place in case you need
to check any details in the future.
If you feel unsure about any aspect of
your stairlift, please do not hesitate to
get in touch with your stairlift supplier,
details on the back page.

Thank you for choosing Stannah

Sofia Solus
Contents
Getting to know your stairlift 6-9 Serial No:
Using your stairlift 10
Power key 10
Remote calling control 11
Unfolding the chair 12
Retractable rail 13
Seatbelt 14 You will find important safety
Control pod 15 information wherever you see
the SAFETY NOTICE symbol
Swivelling the seat 16
shown above.
Getting off the stairlift 17
Cleaning your stairlift 18 Important:
Changing the batteries 19 Your stairlift is not designed
to operate in the event of
Technical and Safety 20
a fire and should not be
HELP 22 depended on as a means
Certification 25 of escape.

5
Getting to know your stairlift
This guide is for both the Sofia and Solus stairlifts. The rest of the
pictures in the guide are of the Sofia stairlift, but the instructions
are the same for both.

Sofia stairlift
shown in travelling position

1
3
2

Solus stairlift
shown in travelling position
8

9
FUSE

10 7

6
 Getting to know your stairlift
1 Power key 5 Swivel levers
The keyhole is on the end of These are on both sides of the
the control pod. The key must seat. The seat will swivel outwards
be inserted and turned to the at the top of the stairs to help you
on position before the stairlift get on or off the stairlift.
will work – see page 10
Please note that you can remove 6 Safety edges

the power key to stop others from The safety edges are there to
using your stairlift. stop the stairlift if they come

Using your stairlift

into contact with any obstacles.
2 Power light This stops anything from
The green power light comes becoming trapped while the
on when the key is turned to stairlift is being used.
the on position. See page 22 for more
information.
3 Control pod
Moves the stairlift in the direction 7 Battery charger

Cleaning your stairlift

you want to travel. Charges the batteries so the
If your chair has an automatic stairlift is always ready to travel.
swivel seat, you can also use the This may be positioned at
control pod to swivel the seat. either the top or bottom of
At installation, you can choose your staircase.
which arm you would like to
8 Rail
position the control pod on.

Changing the batteries

4 Seat safety sensor 9 Wall switch
There is a safety sensor in the Do not switch this off.
seat that tells the stairlift when See page 9 for more information.
someone is sitting on it.
You can only travel using the 10 User display panel
control pod if you are sitting on Located on the side of the
the seat. The remote calling stairlift, it allows you to see the
controls still work without any status of your stairlift -
Technical

pressure on the sensor. see page 22.

For the ‘HELP’section see page 22

Help

7
Getting to know your stairlift
Remote calling controls
Positioned at the top and bottom of the staircase, the remote calling controls
let you call the stairlift if it is at the opposite end of the staircase to you.

The controls will not work unless the power key is turned to the on position.

The controls are battery powered. You will find information on how to change
the battery on page 19.

SAFETY NOTICE
Make sure no one else is using the stairlift before you call it
using the wall mounted calling controls.

8
 Getting to know your stairlift
Master power switch Options
and wall switch You may have chosen from the
The master power switch is on the range of options we provide for
back of the base of the chair and the Sofia and Solus stairlifts.
should normally be left on. The options we’ve listed below
are all covered in this guide, but
The stairlift will not work
if you need more information
if this switch is off.
about any options that are not

Using your stairlift

If you are going away for a longer covered, please contact your
time – perhaps if you go away local Stannah supplier.
on holiday – you can switch off
Swivel seats
the master power switch and the
Standard swivel seat
wall switch.
Automatic swivel seat.
Make sure that you switch off
2-way automatic swivel seat.
both the master power switch
and the wall switch – this will Seatbelt

Cleaning your stairlift

ensure that the batteries will still Immobiliser seatbelt.
be charged when you return.
Retractable rail
Retractable rail.

Changing the batteries

Master power switch

FUSE

FUSE
Technical

Wall switch

For the ‘HELP’section see page 22

Help

9
Using your stairlift
1. Turn on the power key

To turn on the power key

Put the key into the keyhole on the
end of the control pod and turn it to
the on position.
The stairlift and the remote controls
will not work unless you have turned
on the power key.

When the key is in the on

position, the green power
light on the armrest will
come on.

To switch off the power key

Turn the key to the off position
and take the key out.
The green power light will go off.
If you do not want to remove the key,
leave the key in the off position
as shown.

SAFETY NOTICE
You can remove the safety key to stop others from
using your stairlift

10
 Getting to know your stairlift
Using your stairlift
Using the remote calling controls
Use these when you want to move the stairlift to the opposite
end of the stairs.

To move the stairlift along the rail

Using your stairlift

Press and hold the arrow button on
the remote calling control to move
the stairlift in the direction you want.
You can move the stairlift whether
the chair is folded or unfolded.
There is information on how to unfold
the chair on page 12.

Cleaning your stairlift

If you release the arrow button,
the stairlift will stop and will not
start again for a few seconds.
Wait for a few seconds before
starting the stairlift again.

Battery status

Changing the batteries

When you press one of the arrow buttons,
the light on the control shows
how much power is in the battery.
The batteries will last about one year with
average usage.
You will find information on how to check
and change the batteries on page 19.
Technical

For the ‘HELP’section see page 22

Help

11
Using your stairlift
2. Unfold the chair
Your chair can be folded away when it is not in use to give you more
space around the top and bottom of your stairs.

To unfold the chair

Make sure the power
key is turned
to the on position.
Lower the seat.
The armrests and
footrest will
unfold with the seat.

Footrest fold button (optional)

If you have a footrest fold button
you can use this to lower the
footrest on its own.

SAFETY NOTICE
Stand with your feet clear of the footrest when you
lower the seat.

12
 Getting to know your stairlift
Using your stairlift
Using the retractable rail (optional)
Your stairlift may be fitted with a retractable rail that will automatically
raise so the rail does not obstruct any doorways or passageways.

To use the retractable rail

Using your stairlift

The retractable rail will automatically move
when you are travelling on the stairlift.
Please note that a light will flash and
you will hear a series of beeps to warn you
and others that the retractable rail is moving.

When you are at the bottom of the stairs,

Cleaning your stairlift

you will need to move the stairlift back up
the stairs so that the retractable rail does
not obstruct any doorway or passageways.
This will also make sure that the stairlift
is on charge.
Press and hold the ‘up’ arrow on the
remote calling control until the

Changing the batteries

retractable rail is fully raised.
Please note that if you leave the stairlift
at the bottom of the stairs, it will start to
beep. This is to warn you that your stairlift
may cause an obstruction and that it is not
on charge.
Technical

SAFETY NOTICE
Make sure the area around the retractable rail is clear before
moving the stairlift.
Help

13
Using your stairlift
3. Settle into the seat and start the stairlift
Carefully, settle yourself into the seat, and put your seatbelt on.
When you are ready to travel up or down the stairs, use the control
pod to start the stairlift.

To use the seatbelt

Pull the seatbelt across your lap and click into the holder.

Immobiliser seatbelt (optional)

If you have an immobiliser seatbelt,
your stairlift will not start until
you have put your seatbelt on.

SAFETY NOTICE
Always use the seatbelt. Only undo it when you have reached the
top or bottom of the stairs and are ready to get off. Keep your
elbows tucked in close to your body when using the stairlift.

14
 Getting to know your stairlift
Using your stairlift
To use the control pod
Move and hold the control pod in the direction you want to travel – after
a few seconds the stairlift will start. The delayed start is a safety feature.
When the stairlift has reached the top
or bottom of the stairs, it will stop.

Using your stairlift

If you release the control at any
point, the stairlift will stop.

Automatic swivel seat (optional) Cleaning your stairlift

Changing the batteries
If you have an automatic swivel seat, you can continue to hold the control
pod when you have come to the end of your journey and the seat will
automatically swivel to the side. See page 16.

Please note that after the stairlift has stopped, there will be a few seconds’ delay
until the seat swivels.
Technical

SAFETY NOTICE
Only one person should ever use the stairlift at one time.
Help

15
Using your stairlift
4. Swivel the seat
At the top of the stairs you can swivel the seat to the side to help you get
off the stairlift.

You can also swivel the seat to make it easier to get on the stairlift when
you want to go back down.

To swivel the chair using the

standard swivel seat
Lift the swivel levers on the side
of the seat and swivel the seat
to the side.
You can only do this in the direction
of the top of the stairs – this is a
safety feature.

To swivel the chair using the

automatic swivel seat (optional)
Push and hold the control pod in the
direction you want to swivel the seat.

Two-way automatic swivel seat

If you have a two-way automatic swivel,
you can swivel the seat at the top and
bottom of the stairs.
Please note that the stairlift will only swivel
in the downwards direction when it is at the
bottom of the stairs.

16
 Getting to know your stairlift
Using your stairlift
5. Get off the stairlift
Carefully, get off the stairlift and swivel the seat back to its travelling
position. You can fold the chair away if you wish.

Using your stairlift

To get off
Unfasten the seatbelt.
Slide the button towards the
armrest and lift the clip out
of the holder.
Carefully, get off the stairlift.

Cleaning your stairlift

Swivel the seat back to its
travelling position using
either the standard swivel
levers, or if you have an
automatic swivel, the remote
calling controls. You can fold
the chair away if you wish.
Changing the batteries

Footrest fold button (optional)

If you have a footrest fold button
you can use this to lower the
footrest on its own.
Technical

For the ‘HELP’section see page 22

Help

17
Cleaning your stairlift
If there are any aspects To clean the rail
Use a damp cloth to remove
of cleaning your stairlift any dust or dirt.
that you are unsure
To clean the upholstery
about, please call your Use a damp cloth to remove
Stannah supplier. any dust or dirt.

Do not use any solvent cleaners, bleaches, abrasives, synthetic

detergents, wax silicone polishes or aerosol sprays without
checking with your stairlift supplier first.

Further Information

The maximum weight limit depends on the angle of the stairs.

Angle Weight limit

Up to 52º 135kg (approx 21 stone) Including retractable rail

Maximum sound emissions 70dB

Battery charger input: 100 - 240V AC 50/60 Hz
Output to stairlift: 24V DC 750mA.

Recycling and disposal of your stairlift

Do not dispose of any part of this product as everyday rubbish.
For more information about recycling and disposal of your
stairlift, please contact your Stannah supplier, details on the
back page.

18
 Getting to know your stairlift
Changing the battery on the
remote calling control
The remote calling control batteries
will last about one year with average use.
When you press one of the arrow buttons, the

Using your stairlift

light around the buttons will tell you how much
power is in the battery.

Lights rotating Batteries OK

Lights on constantly Batteries low on power

– change batteries as
The lights are on

Cleaning your stairlift

soon as possible
constantly when
No light Batteries have no power the battery is low.

To change the battery

Remove screw, slide down and open the battery cover, then insert
the new batteries.

Changing the batteries

Each remote calling control takes three AA batteries.
Technical
Help

19
Technical and Safety
It is very unlikely that your stairlift will stop whilst travelling.
However, if it does and is causing an obstruction, we have
provided you with a hand-winding tool and instructions on
how to manually move your stairlift out of the way.

To swivel the seat using the Operating the emergency

hand-winding tool drive
Automatic swivel seat Open access door to reveal
emergency stairlift controls.
Switch off the master power switch.
Press the top button to switch it to
Place the adaptor tool into the
emergency mode.
hand-winding tool.
Press control to drive the stairlift in
Pierce the perforated area and
chosen direction.
insert the hand-winding tool into
the downside hole. Once finished, press the top button
again to switch it back to normal
Turn the handle until the chair is in
operation mode.
its travelling position.

SAFETY NOTICE
Never use the stairlift when the hand-winding tool is in the hole

20
 Getting to know your stairlift
Technical and Safety
Follow these points to make sure you always use
your stairlift safely.
Make sure no one else is using the stairlift before you call it using the
remote calling controls.

Using your stairlift

You can remove the power key to stop others from using your stairlift.

Stand with your feet clear of the footrest when you lower the seat.

Always use the seatbelt. Only undo it when you have reached the top
or bottom of the stairs and are ready to get off.

Cleaning your stairlift

Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body when using the stairlift.

Only one person should ever use the stairlift at any time.

Make sure the area around the retractable rail is clear before moving
the stairlift.

Never allow children to use the stairlift unsupervised.

Changing the batteries

Never attempt to dismantle the stairlift.

If you are home alone when using your stairlift, we recommend

carrying a mobile telephone, or some other communication device,
so you can alert others if you need help getting off the stairlift.
Technical
Help

21
Help
The following checklist is here to help identify
possible faults and what can be done to
overcome them. If the checklist doesn’t help
you to solve the problem, contact your stairlift
supplier, details on the back page.

Code Why? What should I do?

-/1 Charging / battery fault. Check that the wall switch is on.
Check that there has not been a
power cut. If problem persists, call
your Stannah supplier.

2 No faults found. Call your Stannah supplier.

3 Obstruction detected around the Check whether there is anything

footrest / carriage. obstructing the safety edges. If there
is, the stairlift is still on and can be
moved in the opposite direction to
allow you to remove the obstruction.
You can then continue to go up or
down the stairs.

4 Power key is not in correctly or Check power key is in correctly

on/off switch is in the 'off' position. and on/off switch is in the 'on'
position - see page 10.

5 Seat sensor is not detecting you or Ensure that seat is fully lowered and
downside arm is not lowered. downside arm is fully lowered.

6 Immobiliser seatbelt is not on If you have an immobiliser seatbelt

correctly (optional) fitted then ensure that it is clicked into
place - see page 14.

7 Seat is not in its travelling position. Swivel seat back to its travelling
position - see page 6.

9/F Service Engineer required. Call your Stannah supplier.

22
 Getting to know your stairlift
Help
If your stairlift still does not move

(1) turn the power key to the off position, then back on.

(2) move and hold the control in the downward direction – after a few
seconds the stairlift will start. Then call your Stannah supplier.

Using your stairlift

If the stairlift stops during the above, repeat steps 1 and 2 until you reach
the bottom of the stairs.
If steps 1 and 2 do not work, then alert another person in the home and ask
them to contact your Stannah supplier.

If you are home alone when using your stairlift, we recommend carrying a
mobile telephone, or some other communication device, so you can alert

Cleaning your stairlift

others if you need help getting off the stairlift.

As a last resort, swivel the chair towards the top of the stairs, undo seatbelt
and exit up the stairs. Then call your Stannah supplier.

Optional retractable rail

does not work
Please call your stairlift supplier.

Changing the batteries

If the hinged rail is causing an
obstruction, you can raise the rail
manually using the underside of
the rail.
Technical
Help

23
Product warning label
Located on
the carriage Andover England

135kg

600

1 Weight limit.
This is the maximum user
weight that can safely use the
stairlift.

2 Address details.
This is the contact information
for you stairlift supplier.

3 Model.
This identifies the stairlift
model that you have. You
may be asked for this number
if you ring up your stairlift
supplier.

24
 EC DECLARATION OF INCORPORATION
Stannah Stairlifts Limited
Watt Close, East Portway, Andover,
Hampshire, England SP10 3SD

We hereby declare that the machinery listed below complies with all the applicable
essential health and safety requirements with Annex I of the Machinery
directive 2006/42/EC and the relevant technical documentation is compiled in
accordance with part B of Annex VII of this directive:-

The machinery also complies with the following directives

Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

Stannah Stairlift Model 600

incorporating the following manual or powered swivelling chairs
(Siena, Starla, Solus, Sofia) and the retractable rail

“To conform with the provisions of the Machinery directive the machinery must not
be put into service until the product has been installed and commission tested in
accordance with Stannah Stairlifts Ltd installation instructions”

The Technical Documentation has been compiled by

Steve Leathley (Engineering Director)

Where required in response to a reasoned request by national authorities,

relevant information on this machinery can be provided

Signed: Date: 30th August 2011 Place: Stannah Stairlifts, Andover

Mike Howe
(Joint Managing Director)

Being the person empowered to draw up the declaration on behalf of the manufacturer

25
We’re here to help,
everyday and everywhere.
At Stannah we know our business
isn’t just about stairlifts - it’s about
you, too. That’s why if you ever need
help, we’re right there.
In the unlikely event that you need help with your stairlift, we’re never more
than a phone call away. If you experience a problem and are unable to
resolve it there’s no need to worry - we’re always ready to help. See details
on the back page.

26
27
 Contact Details

Stannah Stairlifts, Watt Close, East Portway, Andover,

Hampshire, SP10 3SD, United Kingdom www.stannah.com
Issue 3 January 2013

English Original Instructions