How to Choose the Right Power Supply for an Electric Recliner in Australia
The power supply converts mains power into the low-voltage DC current that drives your recliner’s motors and control system. When it fails, the chair will not respond to the handset at all. Choosing the correct replacement is straightforward once you know what to look for.
What Does a Recliner Power Supply Do?
A recliner power supply (sometimes called a transformer or adaptor) plugs into a standard Australian 240V wall outlet and outputs a lower DC voltage — typically 29V — that powers the chair’s actuator motors and control box. Without a functioning power supply, the chair has no power source and will not operate.
Key Specifications to Check
Output Voltage
Most electric recliners and lift chairs in Australia use a 29V DC power supply. This is the industry standard output voltage for chairs with 24V or 29V motor systems. Check the label on your existing power supply for the output voltage before ordering a replacement.
Output Amperage
The amperage rating indicates how much current the power supply can deliver. Common ratings for recliners are 2.0A and 3.0A. A higher amperage rating is generally safe to use as a replacement for a lower-rated unit, but do not use a lower-rated supply in place of a higher-rated one as it may overheat under load.
Plug and Connector Type
The output connector on the power supply must match the input socket on your chair’s control box or cable. The most common connector used on Australian recliners is the industry-standard “OL” plug — a round two-pin connector that looks like a zero (O) and a one (l) side by side. This connector is used across most brands including Okin, Kaidi, Limoss and Dewert.
Cable Length
Power supply cables vary in length. If your chair is positioned away from a wall outlet, confirm the cable length is sufficient before ordering. Extension leads are not recommended for recliner power supplies as they can cause voltage drop under load.
How to Tell If Your Recliner Power Supply Has Failed
- The chair does not respond to any handset button.
- No indicator light on the power supply (if fitted).
- The power supply feels unusually hot or has a burnt smell.
- The chair works intermittently and stops when the cable is moved.
- Visible damage to the cable, plug or power supply body.
Before replacing the power supply, test the wall outlet with another device to confirm mains power is present. Also check the cable and connector for damage at both ends.
Is a 29V Power Supply Safe for a 24V Recliner?
Yes. The 29V output is the correct supply voltage for chairs with 24V or 25V motor systems. The motor system is designed to operate from a 29V supply — this is not an overvoltage situation. The 29V figure accounts for the voltage drop across the cable and control circuitry under load.
Can I Use Any 29V Power Supply?
The voltage and connector must match. A 29V supply with the correct OL plug will fit most Australian recliners regardless of brand. However, confirm the amperage rating meets or exceeds the original supply, and check that the cable length suits your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
My recliner power supply gets very hot. Is this normal?
Some warmth during operation is normal. A power supply that becomes too hot to touch, emits a burning smell or shuts off during use should be replaced. Overheating can indicate an internal fault or that the supply is undersized for the load.
Can I use a higher amperage power supply than the original?
Yes. A higher amperage rating means the supply can deliver more current if required. Using a 3.0A supply in place of a 2.0A supply is safe provided the voltage and connector match. The chair will only draw the current it needs.
My recliner has two motors. Do I need a special power supply?
Dual-motor recliners draw more current than single-motor chairs. Confirm the amperage rating of the original supply and match or exceed it when ordering a replacement. A 2.0A supply may be insufficient for a dual-motor chair under load.
What does the OL plug look like?
The OL plug is a round two-pin connector. When you look at the male end of the plug, the two pins are arranged to resemble a zero (O) and a one (l) — hence the name. It is the worldwide industry standard for recliner and lift chair power supplies.
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