Standing desks are some of our favorite office furniture pieces. They’re versatile, stylish, and make spending all day at the computer a little easier.
Similar to other amazing products out there, they do require a little bit of maintenance. If you find that your motor isn’t running as smoothly as it once did, it might be time to replace it.
Here’s everything you need to know before getting under your desk’s hood and switching the motor out.
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How To Know If You Need to Replace the Motor
If your standing desk is having difficulty going up and down, check a few things before assuming that the motor is causing it.
Unlike a normal desk, standing desks have weight limits that need to be respected. If you pile too much stuff onto your standing desk, it will become stuck and not move up and down properly.
You should also ensure that nothing is blocking the desk.
The desk may have also reached its maximum amount of time being ‘on’. Some desks can only move 10 percent of the time. If you have been lifting it up and down excessively for a minute or two, it may need some time to rest and recharge. Wait for 20 minutes, then try again.
Finally, check to see if everything is plugged in. Cables can become loose and unplug, so have a look to ensure everything is plugged in completely. A slightly shifted plug can make a world of difference.
Once you’ve checked over your desk and ensured that everything is in order, you can finally determine if the motor is the problem. The standing desk not moving smoothly or at all may be a sign it’s time to say goodbye to its old motor and bring in a new one.
Are Standing Desk Motors Easily Replaced?
Replacing a standing desk motor can be difficult, especially if you purchased it from a company run in China. The mechanics of changing the motor aren’t the hard part; finding the right part for your specific model is.
If you haven’t already purchased a standing desk, we highly recommend going with a brand or company that you can easily contact. Have a local office furniture store? They might be your best bet.
Alternatively, some users have just gone and replaced the entire leg that contained the motor. They found this easier, although it might be a little more expensive.
What Motors Do Standing Desks Use?
Typically, standing desks use DC motors. A DC motor is a general motor that converts electricity into energy. This type of motor is used in lots of everyday things, from toys and kitchen appliances to cars and power tools.
However, finding the right sized DC motor for a standing desk isn’t always easy.
The Automated DC 12V Linear Actuator
We’ve tracked down a replacement DC motor made for standing desks. It can also be used in hospital beds and is load bearing. The Automated DC 12V Linear Actuator can support up to 396 pounds.
The motor is made out of aluminum and is advertised as very durable. Because it’s made to have a lot of weight on it, you can trust it will last.
Standing desks can be loud, which may be a deal breaker for some people. Luckily, this DC motor is designed to be low noise. It will not get any louder than 60 decibels. It’s also great for outdoor use, which is another testament to its quality and durability.
How Do I Fix or Replace My Standing Desk Motor?
Sometimes a standing desk motor doesn’t need to be replaced; it just needs to be reset.
Resetting your desk is an easy way to reboot the system. This works well when the desk isn’t moving up and down properly but the motor is still functioning well. Resetting often helps with system issues.
To reset your standing desk, first remove everything from under the desk. Then, unplug the desk and wait at least 30 seconds. It is imperative that you wait at least that long.
Take that time to ensure all the other cords and plugs are fitted securely and correctly.
After the designated amount of time, plug the desk back in. Go to the control panel and move the desk as low as it can go. Once that’s done, you have officially reset your desk. You can now move the desk back up to whatever position is most comfortable for you.
If you want to replace the motor on your standing desk, you must first carefully study the manual directions. You should also check to see if the desk’s company sells any replacement parts. Contacting customer support for help is also a good idea.
We think it’s best to talk to a mechanic and get professional help replacing your standing desk. Unfortunately, not all standing desks are made to last, so tracking down the right person to help you extend the life of your desk is essential.
Alternatively, you could look at the building instructions for your desk and work your way backward until you reach the installment of the motor. There, you can replace it with your new motor and reassemble as instructed.
To Wrap Things Up
Replacing the motor of a standing desk is possible, but be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Buying a standing desk from a reliable and trusted brand is the best way to ensure you can service the desk properly if it ever breaks down.
Not overloading the desk and giving it enough rest time will also extend the standing desk’s life.
If you can buy an entire replacement leg for your desk, that might be easier. Just make sure to reset it first just in case that fixes it!
Have you ever had to replace the motor of your standing desk? How did that go? Were you able to find the correct part? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments below.
Good luck!
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.