Question 1

the up button on my handset works but the down button is unresponsive.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The membrane switch for the down button inside the handset is faulty or the wire connecting it is damaged. Moisture or physical damage is the usual cause. FIX You need a new handset. The part is usually called the "keypad" or "controller." It connects via a thin 6-pin telephone-style cable to the control box. Order the replacement, unplug the old one, and plug in the new. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The issue could be in the control box's input circuit. Try a known-good handset first to confirm. If a new handset doesn't work, the control box PCB has failed and must be replaced. HEADS UP Do not try to open and repair the handset. It is sealed and not user-serviceable. Spilling liquid on it will almost always cause this failure.

Question 2

my desk wobbles side to side a lot when it's at standing height, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS No, excessive wobble is not normal. The crossbar may not be tightened properly, or the floor is uneven causing the feet to not sit flat. FIX Lower the desk. Check the two large bolts connecting the center crossbar to each leg assembly. Tighten them with the provided Allen key. Then check the four bolts where each foot attaches to the leg. Tighten all eight bolts. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Your floor is likely uneven. Place a carpenter's level on the desk frame. Use shims under the adjustable feet to level the desk. This stabilizes the entire structure. HEADS UP Wobble is worse with a concentrated heavy load like dual monitors on a single arm. Distribute weight evenly. The desk is stable when properly assembled on a level floor.

Question 3

desk just stopped working, no lights on the control panel at all. checked the outlet and it's fine.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS No power to the control box. The issue is either the power supply brick, the cable from the brick to the desk, or the internal fuse in the control box. FIX First, check the 24V DC power adapter brick. Look for a green LED. No light means a dead power supply. Next, trace the thin 2-pin cable from the brick to the control box. Ensure it's fully seated at both ends. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The control box has an internal 5A fuse. You must open the control box housing to check it. Unplug everything first. A blown fuse indicates a short, often from a pinched motor cable. HEADS UP Do not use a third-party power adapter. The voltage must be exactly 24V DC and the amperage must match or exceed the original. Using the wrong adapter can fry the control board.

Question 4

how do i clean the white laminate top without damaging it? i got some stains that won't come off.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The laminate surface is porous. Dyes from pens, coffee, or certain plastics can seep into the top layer. FIX Use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it gently with a soft cloth. Wipe with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a melamine foam sponge lightly dampened with water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The stain may have penetrated the seal. Lightly sand the area with 1000-grit wet/dry sandpaper, then apply a matte laminate polish. Test any chemical cleaner on a hidden area first. HEADS UP Never use ammonia, bleach, or abrasive sprays like Soft Scrub. They will permanently dull and damage the laminate finish. The surface is not waterproof, so wipe spills immediately.

Question 5

the memory height settings on my controller keep getting lost after a power outage.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The control box's internal capacitor is drained. It needs constant standby power to retain memory. This is a known design flaw in some early Elite models. FIX Plug the desk into a wall outlet directly, not a power strip with a switch. Use a small UPS battery backup for your desk if power flickers are common. This keeps the control box powered. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The control box itself may have a faulty capacitor. The part number is usually CB-ELT-A. Contact ApexDesk support for a replacement control box. Swapping it is a 15-minute job. HEADS UP Unplugging the desk for more than a few minutes will always erase the memory. Reprogramming the presets is your only option if it loses power.

Question 6

my desk makes a loud grinding or clicking noise from one leg when it moves.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Debris is inside the telescoping leg column or the gearbox is failing. Metal shavings or dirt are the most common cause. FIX Lower the desk completely. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean around the leg seam where it telescopes. Extend and retract the desk a few times while vacuuming to draw out particles. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The noise is likely internal. For a grinding sound, the helical gears in the gearbox are wearing. For a rhythmic click, a tooth may be chipped. The motor/gearbox assembly needs replacement. HEADS UP Continuing to use a grinding desk will destroy the gearbox. The repair requires removing the desk top and frame to access the motor mounts.

Question 7

set up my new apexdesk and one leg goes up but the other lags behind or doesn't move at all.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The control box is not properly synced to both motors. The legs are out of sync from the initial setup. FIX Lower the desk to its absolute bottom position. Unplug the desk. Disconnect the motor cables from the control box. Plug the desk back in. Reconnect both motor cables securely. Press and hold the down button for 10 seconds to initiate a full reset and synchronization. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK A motor cable might be faulty. Swap the left and right motor cable connections at the control box. If the problem switches legs, you need a new cable. If the same leg lags, the motor itself is likely defective. HEADS UP Never operate the desk for more than a second when the legs are out of sync. It will twist the frame and cause permanent damage.

Question 8

my apexdesk elite just beeps and won't move when i press the up or down buttons, what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The desk's anti-collision sensor is triggered. This happens when something obstructs the desk's path or the load is unbalanced. FIX Clear everything from the desk surface. Unplug the power cord for 30 seconds. Plug it back in. Press and hold the down button for 5 seconds until you hear a single beep. This resets the system. Try moving the desk. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for a pinched cable under the desk or in the leg columns. A trapped wire can trigger the sensor. Also, ensure the desk legs are level on the floor. HEADS UP Do not force the desk to move if it's beeping. You can damage the motor or gearbox. The reset procedure is the first step for most error states.

ApexDesk Elite Series Electric Standing Desk

Other Standing Desks