Beyond the Backup: The Aurora’s 120V Advantage

Traditional home elevators often rely on 220V power and an unreliable "backup" battery that only kicks in when the power fails. The Sabre Aurora changes that. It is a full-time battery-operated system that runs exclusively on its internal drive, using a standard 120V household outlet simply to keep the batteries topped up. This ensures 100% reliability during Ontario’s grid outages—since you’re already running on battery, there is no "switch-over" lag or relay failure. You get at least 25 continuous cycles during a blackout, all without the need for expensive high-voltage electrical upgrades.

When the power flickers in the middle of an Ontario winter storm, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your elevator’s "backup" system is actually going to kick in. Most elevators use a transfer switch that can be a major point of failure.

That’s why the Aurora is engineered differently. It’s a full-time battery drive.

Simple Power, Extreme Reliability

Because the Aurora is powered by its own battery bank for every single trip, it doesn't need a heavy-duty 220V or 240V dedicated line. It plugs into a regular 120V outlet—the same kind you use to charge your phone or run a toaster.

This means your electrician’s job is a lot easier, and your home stays accessible even when the rest of the neighbourhood is in a blackout. You get up to 25 trips on a single charge, providing total peace of mind during grid failures or ice storms.

A Seamless Fit for Your Floor Plan

We’ve designed the Aurora to be as non-intrusive as possible. It only requires a 12-inch pit, which is easily incorporated into the foundation of any new build in the Waterloo Region or beyond. There’s no need for a bulky mechanical room, and the cab itself is finished to match your home’s custom wood cabinetry and hardwood flooring. It feels like a high-end moving piece of furniture, not a piece of equipment.

Feature	Sabre Elevator Aurora	Standard Hydraulic Lifts
Drive System	Full-time Battery (120V charging).	Grid-dependent with "backup" lowering.
Electrical Need	Standard 120V outlet.	High-voltage 220V/240V dedicated line in machine room
Pit Depth	Standard 12" pit.	Often require similar pits

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Aurora really run on a 120V outlet? Yes. The batteries do all the heavy lifting. The wall outlet just acts as a steady "trickle charger" to keep the battery bank at 100%.

How many floors can the Aurora travel? It handles up to 5 stops (50 feet of travel) with ease, making it perfect for custom homes and cottages alike.

What is the maintenance like for a battery system? It’s very straightforward. The batteries typically last 5 to 7 years, and our team handles the swap-out in a single service visit.