Glossary term
key switch
A keyed switch that isolates or enables the equipment, used to prevent unauthorised use.
What it means
A key switch turns the equipment on and off, or locks out its controls. On stairlifts it stops unsupervised use; on platform lifts it can restrict operation to staff. Turned off, the unit is dead, and no amount of button pressing will help.
Where you see it
On the stairlift arm or carriage, on landing control stations, or in a lift car for service and priority functions.
How it works
The switch sits in the control supply, so switching off removes power to the drive while alarms and charging may remain live. That is why a unit can appear part-alive.
Some units also have a separate mains isolator, often a fused socket switch, which is a second thing to check.
Why it matters
Between a key switch and an emergency stop, most no-power reports on home equipment are resolved before an engineer is needed.
Commonly confused with
A key switch is not an emergency stop and not a service control. It usually isolates the lift or locks out calls, so a lift that seems dead is often just switched off. On stairlifts the key switch stops unauthorised use, which matters where children or people with dementia live in the property.
Wear, service and lifespan
Key switches wear at the barrel and the contacts, and keys get lost. Service work checks that the switch does what its label says, that the contacts are sound, and that the label still matches the function. Duty holders should know who holds keys, because a missing key can leave a lift unusable for days.
Signs to watch for
- Nothing responds and no lights are visible.
- The key is missing or turned to off.
- The socket switch or isolator is off.
- Operation works from one station but not another.
- The unit works for staff but not residents.
Troubleshooting key switch
The lift is completely unresponsive at all floors
What it usually means: It may simply be switched off at a key switch
Safe check: Look at the key switches you know about and note their positions before calling.
The key turns but nothing changes
What it usually means: Worn barrel or failed contact
Safe check: Note whether the key feels loose or turns further than it used to.
Calls work at some floors but not one
What it usually means: That landing may be locked out by its own key switch
Safe check: Check that floor's key switch position and report it.
How to report it
Say which switches you found, in which position, and whether changing them made any difference. Also say who holds keys. Many wasted call-outs are simply a switch left off after cleaning, a delivery or a fire alarm test. Keep a short written note of where every key switch is, what it does and who holds the key, and keep it with the lift records rather than in one person's head. Where a lift serves a home, agree who is responsible for switching it back on after cleaning or a power cut, so nobody is left without their route between floors overnight.
Ask us about key switch on your lift
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Related terms
Definitions that usually come up alongside key switch when you are describing a fault.
- emergency stop
A latching switch that cuts the drive immediately and holds the equipment stopped until it is released.
Controls and electrics
- controller
The electronic brain that reads calls and safety signals, drives the motor and doors, and records faults.
Controls and electrics
- charging strip
Contacts on the stairlift rail that charge the batteries whenever the chair is parked correctly.
Controls and electrics
- swivel seat
The turning stairlift seat that locks either facing the stairs for travel or facing the landing for a safe exit.
Safety devices
- fault code
A number, letter sequence or lamp pattern the controller shows to identify why it stopped.
Controls and electrics