Back Up Batteries For Recliner

[Biccylova]

Can anyone tell me what type of batteries I need for the back up pack in a riser-recliner chair, I bought the chair from a charity shop and don't know the make of it, it works fine on electric but there is a pack with a space for two 9 volt batteries that is empty, but which sort do I need, alkaline or carbon zinc, or is there another sort that I don't know about?

[gingejbee]

If it's the smallish rectangular 9v, then forget zinc-carbon. Alkaline should be fine.....or even better, lithium. They'll last ages but are pricier.

[Buenchico]

Zinc-carbon batteries don't offer much power. They are also more prone to leaking when left in place for a long while and they've got quite short shelf lives.

Alkaline batteries are far better. Lithium batteries offer even longer lives, and more power, but (unsurprisingly) they're more expensive.

[Biccylova]

Never heard of Lithium, but they sound what I need, thanks both of you.

[Buenchico]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Energizer-635236-Lithium-Battery-Silver/dp/B003XM9YUO

[gingejbee]

Or (less expensive)...

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Dogsbody2]

Why bother with the batteries?

Their purpose is to return the chair back to the normal position in the event of a power cut. Unless your location is prone to regular blackouts, there is little risk of getting stuck in the chair in the reclined position.

These batteries are massive. They have to be to drive the couple of hundred watts the powerful motor uses. Don't know for sure, but guess they are special size lead acid cells.

[Buenchico]

>>>These batteries are massive. They have to be to drive the couple of hundred watts the powerful motor uses. Don't know for sure, but guess they are special size lead acid cells.

Not so, DB2. Many electric recliners (presumably such as the one that Biccylova has purchased) use a pair of ordinary PP3 batteries to lower the chair in an emergency. (i.e. the operation is gravity-assisted). They do what's required but must then (even after a single operation) always be replaced.

There's an example here:
http://lisclaremobility.com/product/riser-recliners/

[gingejbee]

^^^although some recliners do use rechargeable battery packs, which re-charge automatically when they have been used...still, they are not massive lead-acid cells!

[Dogsbody2]

Didn't know that BC - thanks for the correction. Was making an assumption based on knowledge of the power required to raise the recliner plus 90+ Kg of person.

Still think its an unnecessary bother to have batteries in there.