Steelcase Flex 120 Corner User manual

Published 3/2022
Troubleshooting Guide
Steelcase®
Flex Collection
height-adjustable desks
RECTANGLE
120 CORNER 120 STRAIGHT

02
Power Cable
Cable Tray
Optional Integrated Power
Control Box
Low-Voltage Cable
Foot
Lifting Column
Active Touch
Controller
Directional Rollers
Rectangle
shown with optional
Curved Screens

03
Power Cable
Control Box
Low-Voltage Cable
Low-Voltage Cable
Optional Integrated Power
Lifting Column
Controller
Slide Glide
120 STRAIGHT 120 CORNER
120

04
Table of Contents
p 05 Assembly Directions and User Guide Reference Links
p 06 Service Parts List
p 07 Common Procedures
p 10 Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions
p 10 No power to desk
p 11 Desk will not go up or down
p 12 Desk goes up, but does not go down (or vice versa)
p 12 Desk does not go through full range of motion
p 12 Desk movement is not smooth
p 12 Lifting Columns jerk or hop while raised or lowered
p 13 Height displayed is incorrect
p 14 Error Code displayed on digital-display Controller
p 16 How Steelcase Flex Desks Work

05
Read the Assembly Directions and User Guide:
Reference the Assembly Directions, also available online at
steelcase.com/installers, to ensure the desk or bench is assembled correctly.
If after confirming proper assembly, and there are still problems with the
Steelcase desk, reference the troubleshooting steps throughout this document.
For additional support including Assembly Directions, Troubleshooting
Guides, and User Guides scan the QR code to visit the product support page:
Always maintain a complete kit of spare parts that are known
to work properly, to quickly identify the root cause of problems
and resolve issues.
For ease of troubleshooting a digital error code reader
(e.g. Active Touch Controller) is recommended.

06
STYLE PART NO.
Lifting Column Basic Height 1471929001SR
Extended Height 1471928001SR
ELECTRONICS:
2-leg Control Box 841364900SR
3-leg Control Box 841300004SR
Active Touch Controller 1093247001SR
Simple Touch Controller 1093294001SR (Non-Antimicrobial)
1093294002SR (Antimicrobial)
Low-Voltage Cable 1315693001SR
Power Cord 22047327SR (4FT, North America)
22047301SR (10FT, North America)
22047320SR (9FT, Chicago)
Obtaining replacement parts:
After troubleshooting the desk, if replacement parts are required refer to the
Product Reference portal for assistance or contact your local Steelcase dealer.
If you need help, call 888.STEELCASE.
Service parts list:

Common Procedures
How to synchronize the desk:
(Initialization)
1. Move objects from under the desk that may
impede the lowest height when the desk is
fully lowered (e.g. storage, chairs).
2. If items are attached to the desk
(e.g. privacy screens, computer), make sure
they are free from obstruction too.
3. Adjust the desk to its lowest position and
release the Controller or Down button.
4. Press down on the Controller or Down
button again and hold for 10 seconds.
When synchronized, the desk will move
up and down slightly.
5. Raise the desk all the way up to ensure
cords are not disconnecting. Then lower all
the way down to confirm proper function.
Every desk must be synchronized
periodically for proper use.
After replacing parts, the desk
must be synchronized.
Power-saving Control Box:
•The Control Box automatically powers down into ‘Standby’ mode after
approximately 10 seconds of inactivity.
•During Standby mode, the Control Box only consumes 0.1 watt of power.
•With the Control Box in Standby mode, the desk can lose power without
affecting the synchronization of the Lifting Columns.
•However, if the Control Box is still active and not in Standby mode, a
power loss will require that the Lifting Columns be re-synchronized.
•Power fluctuations and brownouts can also cause the need for
re-synchronization.
3
seconds
10
4
5
1
07

08
How to set the Active Touch
display height for the first time:
1. Upon first time install of the Active Touch
controller or after a Power Cycle, the text will
blink “SELECT”, “HEIGHT”.
2. Lift up or press down on the Controller to
select the correct lowest starting height.
3. Wait for 2 seconds until the light guide
fills. When all three bars are full, the height
selection is saved.
How to reset the Active Touch
display height:
1. On the Controller, press 1, 2, 1, 2.
The display will begin blinking “SELECT”,
“HEIGHT”.
2. Lift up or press down on the Controller to
select the correct lowest starting height.
3. Wait for 2 seconds until the light guide
fills. When all three bars are full, the height
selection is saved.
2
seconds
1
3
2
seconds
1
3
How to power cycle (initialize)
the Control Box:
In the unlikely event an error occurs, and the
desk is unresponsive:
1. Unplug the desk Power Cord from the outlet.
2. Wait at least 10 seconds.
3. Reconnect power to the desk and
synchronize the Lifting Columns.
1
3

09
How to test Lifting Columns:
Lifting Column can be operated independently, even if they are sitting
on a table, not assembled into a Desk.
1. Obtain a Control Box that is known to work. Be sure the Control
Box is unplugged, or plugged in but in Standby mode.
2. Connect the Low-Voltage Cable of the Lifting Column to the
known-good Control Box. Connect only to Port/Channel 1
(farthest from the Power Cable).
3. Obtain a Controller that is known to work, and connect it to the
Control Box. Tip: Verify that the Control Box software is current.
4. If the Control Box is unplugged from the wall outlet, plug the
Power Cable back in.
5. Operate the Lifting Column.
A. Can the Lifting Column be operated through its full range
of motion?
B. Does the Lifting Column appear to function normally?
Any faulty Lifting Column must be replaced. There are no
field-serviceable parts inside the Lifting Column.

10
No power to desk:
1. Check for power at the outlet. Refer to
product ratings.
2. Check that the Power Cord is fully seated
in the Control Box.
3. Inspect the Power Cord for defects;
replace the defective cord.
4. Check that all cables are connected per
the Assembly Directions.
2
3
Troubleshooting Problems
and Solutions

11
Desk will not go up or down:
1. Check for power to desk.
(Refer to “No power to desk” on page 10.)
2. Check that the desk is not severely
overloaded.Remove or redistribute weight
on the desk; weight needs to be evenly
distributed and not concentrated over one
Lifting Column. Rectangle base supports a
maximum distributed weight capacity of
360 lbs/163.1 kg. 120 base supports a maximum distributed
weight capacity of 540 lbs/245 kg. Overloading the desk
could lead to damage that would not be covered by warranty.
Tip: See spec guide for weight of each feature or refer to label on the
underside of the worksurface for weight limits on the desk.
3. Power cycle the Control Box. (Refer to page 08.)
4. Ensure the Desk is in Standby mode (>10 seconds of inactivity).
Inspect the Low-Voltage Cables and Control Box for damaged pins.
If any appear bent, use a thumb tack to correct. (Otherwise, replace
necessary components with undamaged versions.)
5. Carefully check the condition of the Low-
Voltage Cable in the Lifting Column. If the
Low-Voltage Cable is damaged, the entire
Lifting Column must be replaced.
6. To prevent further damage, the Control Box
will shut the whole Desk down if the Lifting
Column is faulty. Test individual Lifting Columns. (Refer to page 09.)
7. Check the Low-Voltage Cable by exchanging with a Low-Voltage
Cable that is known to work.
8. Check the Control Box by plugging the original Power Cord,
Controller and Low-Voltage Cables into a Control Box that is known
to work.
2
DAMAGED
DAMAGED
5

12
Desk goes up, but does not go down (or vice versa):
1. Unplug Power Cable from wall.
2. Unplug each Low-Voltage Cable from the Control Box.
3. Inspect the Low-Voltage Cables and Control Box for damaged pins.
If any appear bent, use a thumb tack to correct. (Otherwise, replace
necessary components with undamaged versions.)
Desk does not go through full range of motion;
Lifting Columns not synchronized:
1. Synchronize the desk. (Refer to page 07.)
2. Test individual Lifting Columns. (Refer to page 09.)
Desk movement is not smooth; Lifting Columns jerk or
hop when raised or lowered:
1. Synchronize the desk. (Refer to page 07.)
2. Check that the glides are properly adjusted, and the desk is level.
3. Test individual Lifting Columns. (Refer to page 09.)
4. Loosen (but do not remove) all the screws attaching the Lifting Columns
to the worksurface.
5. Adjust the desk all the way up and all the way down, then re-tighten
worksurface attachment screws.
6. If the Lifting Columns are still binding, take everything off the desk, flip
it upside down and remove the worksurface screws completely.
7. Adjust the desk all the way up and all the way down.
8. The position of the Lifting Columns may shift slightly; re-install
worksurface screws in the adjusted position.
DAMAGED

13
Height displayed is incorrect:
A| Height is displayed in centimeters:
1. On the Controller, press and hold the 1and
buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
2. The display will change from “CM” to “INCH”
or “INCH” to “CM”.
3. The new selection will flash until the light
guide fills. When all three bars are full, the
height selection is saved.
B| Height of the desk does not match display:
1. On the Controller, press 1, 2, 1, 2.
The display will begin blinking “SELECT”,
“HEIGHT”.
2. Press down on the Controller to select the
correct lowest starting height.
3. Wait for 2 seconds until the light guide
fills. When all three bars are full, the height
selection is saved.
1a
3
seconds
A
1b
2
seconds
3b
B

14
Error code displayed on digital-display Controller:
ERROR
CODE POTENTIAL CAUSE SOLUTION / TROUBLESHOOTING
E01
INITIALIZA-
TION
•Position error
•New Lifting Column added
1. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E08 •Program fault 1. Unplug Power Cable for 15 seconds.
2. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
3. Replace Control Box
E10 •Power Cord pulled during
desk adjusting up or down
•Internal fault
1. Check that the Power Cord is not
entangled and is allowed to freely travel.
2. Plug desk into reliable 120v/240v outlet
and test.
3. Replace Power Cable or Control Box.
E11 •Lifting Column
disconnected
•Lifting Column added
or replaced
1. Check Low-Voltage Cable connections
for damage to the cord or pins.
2. Change Low-Voltage Cable or Lifting
Column.
3. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E12 •Too much back drive
occurred
1. Move desk to lowest position.
2. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E13 •Squeezed Low-Voltage
Cable
•Short in Lifting Column
motor
1. Check Low-Voltage Cable connections
for damage to the cord or pins.
2. Isolate and replace Low-Voltage Cable.
3. Isolate and replace Lifting Column.
E15 •Low-Voltage Cable pulled
during adjustment
•Internal fault
1. Check that the Low-Voltage Cable is not
entangled, and is allowed to freely travel.
2. If not installed already, use the strain-
relief loop built into the Control Box to
prevent pulling in the future.
E16 •Hitting multiple buttons
simultaneously
1. Check Controller for full function.
Does the desk adjust all the way up
and down?
E17 •Controller does not have
up-to-date software
1. Check Controller.
E23, E24,
E25
•Disconnection 1. Check Low-Voltage Cable connections
for damage to the cord or pins.
2. Change Low-Voltage Cable or Lifting
Column.
3. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)

15
ERROR
CODE POTENTIAL CAUSE SOLUTION / TROUBLESHOOTING
E29, E30,
E31
•Change in Lifting Column
type
1. Check Lifting Column type to ensure it
matches other Lifting Columns.
2. Change Lifting Column to correct type.
3. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E35, E36,
E37
•Loose or faulty Low-
Voltage Cable
•Sensor inside Lifting
Column is sending errors
1. Check Low-Voltage Cable connections
for damage to the cord or pins.
2. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
3. Replace Lifting Column.
E41, E42,
E43
OVER-
LOAD
•Hit obstruction
•Lifting Column is
overloaded
•Reached end stop
1. Remove obstruction from under the desk
(e.g. storage, chair).
2. Remove load.
3. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E47, E48,
E49
OVER-
LOAD
•Reached end stop
•Hit obstruction
1. Remove obstruction from under the desk
(e.g. storage, chair).
2. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
E53, E54,
E55, E59,
E60, E61
COLLI-
SION
•Hit obstruction 1. Remove obstruction from under the desk
(e.g. storage, chair).
2. After too many “hit obstruction” errors, it
may be necessary to initialize the Control
Box. (Refer to page 08.)
E65, E66,
E67
•Motor poles are crossed
•Sensor cables crossed in
Lifting Column
1. Check Low-Voltage Cable connection(s)
for damage to the cord or pins.
2. Initialize the Control Box.
(Refer to page 08.)
3. If steps 1-2 do not work, test individual
Lifting Columns and replace if necessary.
(Refer to page 09.)
E71, E72,
E73, E74,
E75, E76
•Damage to Power Cable
•Damage to cable exiting
Lifting Column
1. Inspect Power Cord for damage;
if found, replace Power Cord.
2. Inspect cable exiting Lifting Column for
damage; if found, replace Lifting Column.

Part No. 1282511001 Rev. B
3/2022 © 2022 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved. All specifications subject to change without notice.
Trademarks used herein are the property of Steelcase Inc. or of their respective owners.
Visit Steelcase.com
How Steelcase Flex Desks Work
•Each Lifting Column contains an individual motorized lift mechanism.
•The Control Box contains a power transformer. This converts high-voltage
AC current from the wall outlet (120v or 240v) to low-voltage 18v DC
current, which powers the Lifting Columns.
•Only the main power cable carries high voltage. All other cables are low
voltage.
•The Control Box contains a computer processor with embedded software
controllers.
•The Control Box controls all aspects of Desk motion, and synchronizes
motion of the individual Lifting Columns.
•The Control Box will shut down the entire Desk if a fault is detected.
For example, if one Lifting Column is binding or trapped, it will draw
significantly more current than the other Lifting Column, and the Control
Box will shut down the entire Desk to prevent further damage.
•The Controller is the user interface to the Desk, and directs all Desk
movements by lifting or pressing down until the desired height is reached.
•Preset data is stored in the Controller itself, not the Control Box.