Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s in the box?
A: SpaceLift 5200-S Series attic lifts ship in sections to facilitate ease of moving the components into the attic where they are assembled. This includes the primary lifting unit, lifting tray, cover and all hardware. 1/2-inch poly-webbed strapping gives the platform stability during operation. A SpaceLift control unit is built into the motor housing, plus a wall mount control unit that includes the cable and the wall mounting box for the garage or living space is included with your lift. Full instructions are included. You can review our Site Guide, Installation Manual and Operations Manual You can also view our installation videos.
Q: How much time is required for installation?
A: With a framed opening and finished attic floor, the component assembly and installation process requires two people, skilled in carpentry and electrical wiring, approximately two to three hours. Read the SpaceLift 5200-S Site Guide and Install Manual on the Products page for complete specifications. You can also view our Installation Videos.
Q: What are the joist/ceiling depth requirements?
A: The SpaceLift 5200-S Series attic lifts feature a unique 7-inch deep low-profile design that fits inside a framed opening in the attic floor. The location – including joist depth, ceiling drywall and attic floor thickness – If the joists are 7 inches to a maximum of 14 inches, measured from the finished ceiling of the lower level to the finished floor of the upper level – the lift will fit between the joists. If the floor joists are shorter than 7 inches, the lift will extend above the attic floor.
Q: What are the limits on lift travel and ceiling height?
A: SpaceLift 5200-S Series attic lifts have a maximum vertical travel distance of 15 feet from the stowed position to the lower level landing area. The travel limit is set once the ceiling cover is installed.
Q: Does the attic need to have a floor?
A: Yes. For access, loading and unloading, the top floor must be level and finished with 1/2 to 3/4-inch plywood or comparable material attic flooring systems before, or during, the installation process.
Q: What happens if the platform load exceeds 200 lbs.?
A. SpaceLift sensors will detect an overload, the lift will not operate and both controller arrows will display RED. Turn the key to the OFF position. Lighten the load to less than 200 lbs.; turn the key to the ON position and resume operation.
Q: Does the load need to be balanced on the platform?
A. Yes. Place heavier objects in the center of the SpaceLift platform, exercising caution not to drop them. While you may stack modular storage bins and file boxes vertically, place heavier items on the bottom. Be sure the lift is stable and not swaying during operation.
Q: What if the lift stops at an inconvenient height?
A: If the lift stops and only the UP arrow is illuminated, the bottom limit can be restored to the Maximum Vertical Travel set during installation (see Install Manual) by following these steps:
- Turn remote key to OFF position.
- Press and hold BOTH buttons and return key to ON position.
- Release both buttons. Arrows will flash RED three times.
- Press the UP button to reset the bottom limit.
- BOTH arrows will flash RED three times, then the remote will return to normal operating mode.
- Press the UP button and return lift to stowed position.
Q: What are the floor load per-square-foot requirements?
A: This depends on the product application and placement in your home. Consult with an architect or structural engineer to confirm local building code requirements.
Q: Does the SpaceLift 5200-S Series attic lift require an R or fire-rated ceiling hatch?
A: This depends on the product application and placement in your home. Consult with an architect or structural engineer to confirm local building code requirements.
Please see our installation videos for more information.
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