Although uncommon, your recliner may face a power outage for various reasons. It can happen since your cat has unplugged the power cord, your home’s main circuit board is tripped, or the electricity from the power grid isn’t coming.
In such a condition, you can use the manual release mechanism (if present) to override the electric controls and bring the chair back to its upright position. This mechanism is usually in the form of a button, pull cord, or lever, mostly present on the chair’s side or under the armrest.
Suppose the manual release mechanism isn’t present on your power recliner. In such a case, use the battery backup pack instead. But make sure to read this guide to learn how to choose the right battery pack, install it, and use it correctly.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- You can use manual release mechanisms (if present) or opt for the backup battery pack to get out of a power recliner during a power outage.
- Find the mechanism on either side of the chair or under the armrest, which would be in the form of a pull cord, button, or lever.
- If you opt for the battery backup, be sure to choose a battery pack that is compatible with your recliner and of good quality to ensure it lasts longer.
- Put the battery backup pack in place by unplugging the recliner, locating the transformer, and connecting the motor to the battery backup pack.[/su_note]
What Happens To A Power Recliner When The Power Goes Out?
When the power goes out of your power recliner, it can’t move or recliner itself electronically. It stays in the way you left it, whether you are sitting up or leaning back. You need to either use the manual release mechanism or the backup battery pack to get yourself out of this situation.
How to Get Out Of a Power Recliner When the Power Goes Out?

Getting out of your favorite power recliner when it has no power doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, the solution to this may be easier than you think. To escape being stuck in your recliner during a power outage, all you need is to use a backup battery pack.
If your power recliner already comes with one, you’re in luck. Simply activate the backup battery to safely and easily exit your chair. But, if your recliner only features a cord, installing a battery backup pack is important to certify your safety during power outages.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to install or use it in such a situation. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide that’s easy to follow. Keep reading to learn how to install a battery backup pack and gain peace of mind during unexpected power outages.
First Thing First, Choose The Right Battery Pack
Choosing the right battery pack for your power recliner can be a little challenging for you. If you pick a battery pack without considering the requirements of your power recliner, the battery pack can do more harm than good. Before buying a battery pack for your power recliner, you must do the following things.
- Check and confirm the model of your recliner in the first place to ensure compatibility with the battery pack in the future.
- Once you have confirmed the model, choose a battery pack compatible with your power recliner to avoid wasting money. If you purchase an incompatible battery pack, you might waste your money.
- If you have ensured compatibility, consider the quality of the battery pack by researching and selecting one widely acknowledged by many people.
Install and Set Up the Battery Backup Pack.
After buying the right battery pack for your power recliner, the next task is to set it up. I mean that you need to install the battery backup pack in your power recliner. Below, I have described the whole procedure in the form of steps.
1. Unplug your Electric Recliner From the Wall Socket.
To install a battery backup pack for your power recliner, you must first unplug your electric recliner from the power outlet. If you start the process without unplugging the recliner, this may result in a power hazard.
2. Turn the Recliner Over & Locate Its Mainframe.
Once you have unplugged the power recliner, follow the following steps for the next procedure.
- Once you have unplugged the recliner, turn the recliner over. If possible, get help from one of your family members or your friends if you find the recliner heavy.
- Now that you see the bottom of your recliner, locate the mainframe of your recliner.
- Take a suitable screwdriver, unscrew all the bolts, and open the mainframe. Ensure to keep the screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
- Detach the frame of your power recliner.
3. Locate the Transformer of the Recliner.
Once you have detached the frame, the next task is to find the transformer of your recliner.
- Locate the transformer of your recliner. It is usually on the right side, but it can also be on the left side in some recliners.
- If you are finding it hard to locate the transformer, don’t worry; there is only one transformer, and it should need only a bit of your attention to come into view.
- When found the transformer, unplug its wires from the recliner’s motor before processing it to the next steps.
4. Connect the Motor to the Battery Backup.
This is the main step that demands you to connect the motor of your power recliner with the battery backup pack.
- After unplugging the transformer, connect it to the battery backup pack and the pin-type cables. Ensure to double-check that all the connections are secure; the main work is done.
- Now, place the battery closer to your recliner. This helps in hiding the battery beneath the seat of your recliner.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: If you are thinking: what is more to do? There is not much. Now that you have successfully installed the battery backup pack in your power recliner, put it back in its original position. That’s it; there is nothing more to do.[/su_note]
Learn Charging and Operating the Battery Backup
After installing the battery backup pack, the primary task is to use it in time of need. You may need to use the battery backup pack in the case of a power outage by following these steps.
- Connect the transformer of the recliner to the battery backup.
- Plug in the battery pack as well as the transformer of your recliner to a power source. The power source must be capable of supplying at least 120 volts.
- You will see a red light during the charging of the battery. The green light shows the battery has been fully charged.
Once you have charged the battery fully, connect it back with the recliner’s transform by following the installation and setting up the process we discussed earlier. Remember, the battery backup can last for up to a month before needing to be charged again. Keep using it in case of emergencies.
What Battery Backup Pack Can Operate On Power Recliners?
The battery backup pack you installed on your power recliner is capable of operating the reclining features of the power recliner, such as power headrest tilt, footrest, etc. However, you won’t be able to use the reading light, massager, and heating system.
Precautions When Using a Battery Backup Pack
The following are a few precautionary tips you must consider when installing and using the battery backup pack with your recliner.
- You should place the battery closer to your power recliner. This helps in hiding the battery beneath the seat of your recliner.
- You should have your battery unreachable from the children and try to place it away from wet places.
- Do not use any extension card with your power recliner, as it may not provide a steady current flow to charge the battery pack.
How To Manually Recline a Power Recliner?
You might be wondering: is it possible to manually recline a power recliner? How do you manually recline a power recliner? Well, power recliners are generally not given the option to recline manually. The motor of the recliner handles all main operations. In case of no power, backup battery packs come in handy.
But some power recliners have the ability to recline manually. To manually recline your power recliner, you should consult the manual of your recliner to see the process. Or, read this in-detailed guide on recliner power recliner manually. Take this seriously to save yourself from breaking off your recliner.
Conclusion
In the end, I would like to take a brief tour of what has been discussed above. If the power goes out, you could be stuck in your power recliner if you do not have the right solution. You can use a battery pack as a backup in such situations.
You are to follow the right steps to set up your battery backup successfully. It can also help the recliner’s motor last longer. Generally, you cannot recline a power recliner manually, but in some cases, there is an option available for that too.
Frequently Used Questions
Do Electric Chairs Have Battery Backup?
Electric chairs need a source of energy to operate. You can connect your electric chair directly to a power outlet or use a battery pack as a backup. So, yeah, a battery backup can be used as an alternative energy source for your electric chair.
How Can I Use a Power Recliner Without Electricity?
Power recliners are famous for working on electricity. But How do you hide cords on a power recliner? How do you give power in case of a power outage? Don’t worry, as there is an easily adaptable solution.
You can use a battery pack as a backup for your power recliner, enabling the recliner without connecting to the power source. Some models of power recliners even provide the facility of a battery pack with them.
Can you Manually Put Down An Electric Recliner?
Electric recliners require a source of power to function. Many people ask the question of manually putting down an electric recliner. Well, in most cases, the answer is simply no. You cannot use an electric recliner manually.
How Long Can I Use My Battery Backup Pack?
You can expect to use your battery backup pack on your power recliner for around 300 to 1000 charge cycles or about 1.5 to 3.5 years before it might need replacing. However, how long it lasts also depends on how good it is and how much power it can hold.