Steelcase Ology Bench User manual

Troubleshooting Guide
OLOGY BENCH
HOW IT WORKS
·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 to low-voltage 24v DC current, which powers the Lifting Columns.
·Only the main power cable carries high voltage. All other cables carry 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 via the Up-Down
buttons and the Preset buttons.
·Preset data is stored in the Control Box, not in the Controller itself.
Published 10/2017
Lifting column
Preset controller
Control box
Power Cable
Low Voltage Cables

2
READ THE ASSEMBLY DIRECTIONS AND USER GUIDE
Many times, problems can be the result of improper assembly. Reference the Assembly Directions
document to ensure the Desk is assembled correctly. If so, reference the troubleshooting steps throughout
this document.
TROUBLESHOOTING PARTS KIT
Having a spare part that is known to work will quickly lead to accurate identification of faulty components.
Without this, it can be little more than guesswork.
Steelcase strongly recommends that every Dealer maintain a small kit of parts for troubleshooting purposes.
TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS
Step 1: Check for power at the wall outlet; ensure the Desk is properly assembled, and all cables are
securely connected. Upon powering up the Desk, the Control Box will click twice to indicate
normal operation and verify that connections are properly made. If it clicks only once, or if it
clicks 3 or more times, there is a fault in the system.
Step 2: Check all connections of Lifting Column Low-Voltage Cables. Check the connection points on
the Control Box: are any of the pins in the connectors damaged or not making contact?
(see Fig. 2 on page 6)
Step 3: Obtain a Control Box, Digital / Preset Controller, and Power Cable that are known to work.
Caution! If the Lifting Column is assembled to a Desk, first flip the Desk upside-down. This will allow
full and free motion of the Lifting Columns, and will prevent any further damage to them.
Step 4: Test Lifting Columns for proper function, and replace any faulty Lifting Columns. To do this,
create a bench-testing setup using known good components, for example from your
troubleshooting parts kit. Use these known good components to test the Lifting Columns of
the suspect Desk as follows:
A. Verify the function of the bench-test setup by connecting all the known-good components,
including Lifting Columns, synchronize the Lifting Columns (see Common Procedures), and
check for proper function.
B. Disconnect power to the Control Box, and connect the Lifting Columns of the suspect Desk to
the bench-test setup. If the Lifting Columns of the suspect Desk now operate normally using the
bench-test setup, then the Lifting Columns of the suspect Desk are good. Move on to Step 5.
C. If the Lifting Columns of the suspect Desk do not operate normally, observe the error code
shown in the display of the Digital / Preset Controller of the bench-test setup. The following
error codes may indicate a fault with the Lifting Column, its Low-Voltage Cable, or the cable
connector:
1. E12 / E13 / E14: Defect on channel 1 / 2 / 3.
2. E24 / E25 / E26: Overcurrent on motor M1 / M2 / M3
3. E36 / E37 / E38: Plug detection in motor socket M1 / M2 / M3
D. Using error code E12 as an example…error code E12 may indicate a fault with the Lifting
Column plugged into channel 1 of the Control Box. To verify this, first disconnect power to the
Control Box, and then swap the Lifting Column low-voltage connectors between channels
1 and 2, so that Lifting Column 1 is now plugged into 2,
and 2 is plugged into 1. Re-connect the power.

3
E. If the error code now reads E13, indicating a fault on channel 2, then the fault moved with
the Lifting Column. Therefore, the problem must reside with the Lifting Column 1, which was
moved from channel 1 to 2.
F. If the error code instead continues to read E12, then both Lifting Columns may be faulty.
G. For further verification, repeat this process by swapping out the suspect Desk’s Lifting
Columns with the Lifting Columns from your troubleshooting parts kit, to zero in on which
Lifting Column is faulty, if not both. (If the suspect Desk’s Lifting Columns function normally
in the bench-test setup, move on to Step 5.)
Any faulty Lifting Columns must be replaced.
There are no field-serviceable parts inside the Lifting Column.
Between each of the following steps, be sure to disconnect the Control Box from the power source
for at least 5 seconds to power down the internal processor.
Step 5: If there are no error codes to indicate faults with the Lifting Columns or their Low-Voltage Cables
or connectors, progressively swap out parts in the bench-test setup as follows:
A. Swap the known-good Power Cable with the original from the non-functioning Desk.
If it stops working, the Power Cable is faulty.
B. Using the original Power Cable, swap the known good Controller with the original from
the non-functioning Desk. If it stops working, the Controller is faulty.
C. Using the original Power Cable and Controller, swap the known good Control Box with
the original from the non-functioning Desk. If it stops working, the Control Box is faulty.
connector:
Be sure to go through all of the steps above to fully identify all faulty components.
There could be more than one!
COMMON PROCEDURES
POWER-SAVING CONTROL BOX:
· The Control Box automatically powers down into ‘Standby’ mode after 20 seconds of inactivity.
· During ‘Standby’ mode, the Control Box only consumes 0.3W watt of power.
· With the Control Box in ‘Standby’ mode, the Desk can lose power without affecting the synchronization
of the Lifting Columns. However, a power loss still allows the Control Box to power down and ‘Soft Reset.’
(see below)
DUTY CYCLE:
· In order to prevent excessive heat buildup and avoid damage to the system, the Control Box limits the
Up-Down function of the Desk to a maximum of 1 minute of continuous operation in a 10-minute timeframe
(10% duty cycle).
· If the 10% duty cycle is exceeded, the Control Box may still allow limited movement, for example 3 seconds
of movement after 10 seconds of rest. If further movement is desired, allow the Desk to cool off before
making further adjustments.
· If the Desk does not function at all after long periods of operation, allow the Desk to cool off, until the
Control Box has been idle for the entire duty cycle period.
· If the Control Box overheats, the display of the Digital / Preset Controller will read ‘HOT.’ Simply wait until
the Control Box cools off, and ‘HOT’ is no longer displayed, before attempting further adjustments.

4
CONTROL BOX SOFT RESET:
· Unplugging the Control Box from the power source, and then plugging it back in, interrupts power to the
processor inside the Control Box. This power interruption causes the processor to reset.
· If the Desk experiences unexplained freezing or erratic performance, unplug the Control Box from the
power source to cut power to the processor, and reset its routine. Wait a minimum of 5 seconds, and then
re-connect the power.
· If this does not restore normal performance, additional troubleshooting steps are required.
CONTROL BOX RE-INITIALIZATION:
· In the event that a ‘Soft Reset’ does not restore normal operation, a ‘Hard Reset’ may be required.
· Currently, it is necessary to use a Digital / Preset Controller to perform this operation.
· To reset the Control Box to its factory settings:
1) Press memory positions 1, 2, and the Up button simultaneously for 10 seconds
2) Display shows ‘S7’
3) Press and hold the Up button until the display reads ‘S0’
4) Press ‘S’; the unit is reset to factory settings
SYNCHRONIZING / INITIALIZING LIFTING COLUMNS:
· Operate the Desk all the way down to the lowest position, and release the Down button.
· Press the Down button again, and hold.
· After a few seconds, the Desk will visibly move up and down, settling to its correct ‘bottom’ position.
· The Lifting Columns are now synchronized via the software in the Control Box.
· Operate the Desk all the way up and down to confirm proper function.
TESTING INDIVIDUAL LIFTING COLUMNS:
· The Control Box is coded to operate only when all Lifting Columns are properly connected. It is not possible
to operate Lifting Columns individually for troubleshooting purposes.
· To properly identify faulty Lifting Columns, refer to Step 4 of the Troubleshooting Steps.
Any faulty Lifting Columns must be replaced.
There are no field-serviceable parts inside the Lifting Column.

5
TROUBLESHOOTING: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE POTENTIAL SOLUTION
No power to Desk No power at wall outlet Check outlet with another device;
check circuit breakers/fuses/wiring.
Power cable not plugged Confirm proper cable engagement into wall outlet.
into wall outlet
Power cable not plugged Check that Power Cable is fully seated into Control Box.
into Control Box (see Fig. 1 on page 6)
Faulty Power Cable Inspect the Power Cable for damage; replace any damaged cables.
Desk wiring not properly Check that all cables are connected per the Assembly Directions.
assembled When first plugged in, the Control Box will click twice to confirm
proper connection.
Digital Controller does No power at wall outlet See above.
not work or illuminate Control Box has wrong Control Box firmware must be 1.9 or later for Digital/Preset Controller
firmware compatibility. (see Fig. 4 on page 6)
Desk will go neither No Power See above.
Desk is severely Maximum load capacity is 103 kg. Overloading the Desk
overloaded could lead to damage that would not be covered by warranty.
ERROR CODE E24/25/26, E48/49 = Over Current
Tip: When calculating lifting capacity, subtract the weight
of the worksurface
Control Box requires Perform initialization procedure. (see Common Procedures)
reset Lower Desk all the way down, and perform synchronization
procedure. (see Common Procedures)
Damaged pins inside Ensure the Desk is in ‘Standby’ mode. (>20 seconds of inactivity)
multi-pin connectors Unplug each multi-pin connection point and inspect the pins in the
(Low-Voltage Cable / Control Box connector.
connector) Are they all straight, and making good contact?
If not, try using a push-pin to straighten them. (see Fig. 2 on page 6)
(Otherwise, replace necessary components with undamaged versions.)
Damaged Lifting Column Carefully check the condition of the Low-Voltage Cable of each
Low-Voltage Cable Lifting Column. (see Fig. 3 on page 6)
If any Low-Voltage Cables are damaged, the entire Lifting Column
must be replaced.
Faulty Lifting Column To prevent further damage, the Control Box will the whole Desk
down if one Lifting Column is faulty. Test Lifting Columns (see step 4
of Troubleshooting Steps), and replace any faulty Lifting Columns.
Faulty Controller (or) Swap with Controller known to work (and/or) check operation.
faulty controller
receptacle in Control Box
Outdated Digital Control Box firmware before version 1.9 is not compatible with the
Controller software Digital/Preset Controller. (see Fig. 4 on page 6)
Replace with a new Control Box with firmware 1.9 or later.
Faulty Control Box Swap with Control Box known to work.
Damaged pins inside Unplug Power Cable from wall. Unplug each multi-pin connection
multi-pin connectors point, and inspect the pins. Are they all straight, and making good
(Low-Voltage Cable / contact? If not, try using a push-pin to straighten them.
connector) (See Fig. 2 on page 6) (Otherwise, replace necessary components
with undamaged versions.)
Digital Controller does
not work or illuminate
Desk will go neither
up nor down
Desk will go neither
up nor down

6
TROUBLESHOOTING: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE POTENTIAL SOLUTION
Desk does not go Re-synchronize Desk Refer to Lifting Column synchronization procedure. (see Common
through full range Procedures)
of motion Faulty Lifting Column Test Lifting Columns per step 4 of the Troubleshooting Steps,
and replace any faulty Lifting Columns. Be sure to test all Lifting
Columns! Why? Because another Lifting Column may have the same
problem at a different height.
Lifting Columns not Re-synchronize Desk Refer to Lifting Column synchronization procedure.
synchronized (one is (see Common Procedures)
higher than the other) Faulty Lifting Column Test Lifting Columns per step 4 of the Troubleshooting Steps,
and replace any faulty Lifting Columns. Be sure to test all Lifting
Columns! Why? Because another Lifting Column may have the same
problem at a different height.
Desk movement Faulty Lifting Column Test Lifting Columns per step 4 of the Troubleshooting Steps,
is not smooth; and replace any faulty Lifting Columns. Be sure to test all Lifting
Lifting Columns jerk Columns! Why? Because another Lifting Column may have the same
or hop while raised problem at a different height.
lowered Lifting Columns are not First ensure that glides are properly adjusted, and the Desk is level.
parallel with one another,
causing them to bind Lift one side of the Desk off the floor and reposition so that both
Lifting Columns are parallel to each other
Error Code displayed Refer to Error Code listing Follow instructions on error code listing; is Desk functioning normally
on Digital Controller reset anyway? Try initializing the Control Box. (see Common Procedures)
PROBLEM ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 - Power Cable not fully seated Fig. 2 - Damaged pins in the Fig. 3 - Frayed/damaged Low-Voltage
in Contol Box low-voltage wiring connectors Cables (damaged Lifting Column wiring
harness shown)
Fig. 4 - Firmware version 1.9 or later
is compatible with the Digital/Preset
Controller
WRONG DAMAGED
CORRECT CORRECT CORRECT
DAMAGED

HOT
E00
7
OLOGY BENCH ERROR CODES
Error codes are only available with the Digital/Preset Controller
ERROR
CODE NAME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CAUSE SOLUTION/TROUBLESHOOTING
HOT Overheating The Control Box incorporates
overheating
E00 Internal error, Channel 1 Relay sticks, MOSFET defect
E01 Internal error, Channel 2 Relay sticks, MOSFET defect
E02 Internal error, Channel 3 Relay sticks, MOSFET defect
E12 Defect, Channel 1 Short circuit, impulse timeout
E13 Defect, Channel 2 Short circuit, impulse timeout
E14 Defect, Channel 3 Short circuit, impulse timeout
E24 Overcurrent, Motor M1 Over current on channel
E25 Overcurrent, Motor M2 Over current on channel
E26 Overcurrent, Motor M3 Over current on channel
E48 Overcurrent, Over current on group
Motor Group 1
E49 Overcurrent, Over current on group
Motor Group 2
E60 Collision Protection Collision detected
E62 Overcurrent, Control Box Control box over current over
all motor groups, or SMPS
overload
E36 Plug Detection in Lifting Column not detected on
Motor Socket M1 channel
E37 Plug Detection in Lifting Column not detected on
Motor Socket M2 channel
E38 Plug Detection in Lifting Column not detected on
Motor Socket M3 channel
E61 Lifting Column Changed Lifting Column has been
changed
E55 Synchronization Lost, Synchronization Lost, Motor
Motor Group 1 Group 1
E56 Synchronization Lost, Synchronization Lost, Motor
Motor Group 2 Group 2
E67 High Voltage Over voltage
E70 Motor Configuration Motor Configuration Changed
Changed
E71 Anti-Pinch Configuration Anti-Pinch Configuration
Changed Changed
E81 Internal Error CRC flash
CRC EEPROM
Data not saved at power off
HW initialization
FW-driver initialization
Wait until the HOT error message is no
longer displayed. May need to wait for
entire remaining 18 minutes of 20-minute
duty cycle period.
Try soft reset (unplug, wait 5 sec, plug
back in); if this does not solve the issue,
re-initialize the Control Box. Verify function
of Control Box via troubleshooting steps.
Replace Control Box if faulty.
Control box fault, or fault at
connectors
Exceeding the Duty Cycle;
hot environment
Verify low-voltage connections are
properly made, and that pins / connectors
are not damaged. Test Lifting Columns
per troubleshooting steps, and proceed
through rest of steps if Lifting Columns are
not faulty.
Lifting Column fault, or fault
in Low-Voltage Cables, or at
connections to Control Box.
Remove excessive loads, remove any
obstructions. The Lifting Columns
may need to be re-synchronized.
After this, verify proper function. If not
functioning properly, proceed through
troubleshooting steps.
Desk is overloaded, or
Desk has hit an obstruction.
Check connections for damage / proper
attachment. Check Low-Voltage Cables for
damage. Proceed through troubleshooting
steps.
Low-voltage connectors
disconnected, or not
connected properly;
Lifting Column fault.
Re-synchronize Lifting Columns.Lifting Columns have lost
synchronization.
Verify power at outlet is normal using
another device. If power is abnormal,
disconnect from source. Try soft reset /
initialization of Control Box if power is normal.
Internal fault, or power
supply too high
Try soft reset (unplug, wait 5 sec, plug
back in); if this does not solve the issue,
re-initialize the Control Box. Verify function
of Control Box via troubleshooting steps.
Replace Control Box if faulty.
Control box fault, or fault at
connectors.
The display reads HOT.
The display reads E + an error code.

Visit Steelcase.com
facebook.com/Steelcase twitter.com/Steelcase youtube.com/SteelcaseTV
7/2017 © 2017 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.
Part No. 1076390001 - Rev. A