the control box under my SHW desk gets really hot to the touch, is that normal?

Diagnosis

The control box on an SHW Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk acts as the brain and power regulator for the dual-motor system. While it is normal for the chassis to feel slightly warm after a long transition from sitting to standing, it should never be "hot to the touch" or emit a burning plastic smell. Excessive heat typically indicates that the control box is drawing too much current to overcome physical resistance, leading to thermal buildup in the capacitors and MOSFETs. This overheating is usually caused by "motor fighting," where the two lifting columns are not synchronized. If the desk is tilted or the load is unevenly distributed, one motor must work significantly harder than the other to lift the same surface. This imbalance forces the control box to pump more amperage into the struggling motor, generating heat. You can confirm this by placing your hand on the control box after a 30-inch rise; if it feels hot enough to cause discomfort, the system is operating in an overload state. Another confirmation method is listening for a "straining" sound or a slight shuddering during the lift sequence.

How to Fix It

To resolve the overheating, you must eliminate the mechanical resistance causing the current spike. Follow these steps to calibrate the physical alignment of the desk:

1. Clear the desktop of all heavy equipment, including monitor arms and PC towers, to ensure you are testing the baseline motor performance.
2. Place a standard 12-inch bubble level across the length and width of the desktop. If the bubble is not centered, the desk is skewed, forcing the motors to pull unevenly.
3. Locate the adjustable leveling glides at the bottom of each leg. Rotate these glides clockwise or counter-clockwise to raise or lower the contact point with the floor.
4. Adjust the glides until the bubble level is perfectly centered in both directions. This ensures the weight is distributed equally across both lifting columns.
5. Perform a "Hard Reset" of the control box to clear any synchronization errors. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and the control box. Wait exactly 60 seconds to allow the internal capacitors to discharge fully.
6. Plug the power back in and run the desk to its lowest possible position, then its highest, to ensure the motors are now moving in a synchronized, fluid motion.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for "Cable Binding." Inspect the power cables and motor wires running from the columns to the control box. If a cable is too short or caught in the frame, it can create tension as the desk rises, putting an artificial load on the motor and heating up the controller. Re-route cables using adhesive clips to ensure there is a slack loop at the highest extension.
• Inspect for Weight Imbalance. If you have a heavy PC tower or a large printer on one side of the desk, the control box may overheat trying to compensate for the offset center of gravity. Move heavy items toward the center of the desk or distribute them evenly across the left and right sides.
• Test for Obstructions. Check the telescoping segments of the lifting columns for debris, dust buildup, or bent metal. Even a small piece of cardboard or a stray cable wedged in the column can increase friction, causing the motor to draw excessive current. Use a damp cloth to clean the columns and apply a tiny amount of silicone-based lubricant if the movement feels gritty.
• Verify Power Source Stability. If the desk is plugged into a daisy-chained power strip or a low-quality surge protector, the control box may experience voltage drops, forcing it to work harder to maintain torque. Plug the desk directly into a grounded wall outlet to ensure a stable 110V-120V current.

Heads Up

• Avoid "Rapid Cycling." Do not move the desk up and down repeatedly in short bursts. The control box needs time to dissipate heat; constant movement can trigger a thermal shutdown or permanently damage the internal circuitry.
• Observe Weight Limits. Exceeding the rated capacity (typically 176lbs to 220lbs depending on the specific SHW model) will cause the control box to overheat rapidly and may lead to a "E01" or "E02" error code.
• Keep the Control Box Ventilated. Ensure the control box is not pressed against a wall, curtain, or cluttered with cables. It requires airflow around the plastic housing to cool down effectively.
• Check Screw Tightness. Every six months, check the bolts connecting the lifting columns to the frame. Loose bolts can cause the desk to lean slightly, reintroducing the motor-fighting issue.