What is the 24 Hour Chair (Dispatcher’s Chair) and Who’s Worth It (2025)

There is a category in the world of office chairs that is above the “average” and even premium ergonomic chairs. This is the “heavy artillery”: the 24-hour, also known as the dispatch chair.

As a consultant, I often meet clients – be they CEOs, security bosses or home office programmers – who simply “run out of chairs”. Every six months, every year, the mechanics break down, the upholstery tears.

If you need a chair that can handle the constant load not 8 hours a day, but 12, 16 or even 24 hours a day, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll describe the “tanks” of chairs.

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What is the “24 Hour” Certification (BS 5459 Standard)?

Many people think this is just marketing. It’s not. Real 24-hour chairs have to meet strict international standards (e.g. British BS 5459).

This test simulates the chair being used continuously without a break, with a load of up to 150 kg. While a normal office chair is designed to be used for about 2000 hours per year, a 24-hour chair is prepared for 8760 hours per year.

This does not mean “comfort”, but industrial-grade durability.

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How is it different from a normal ergonomic chair?

Although they may look similar from the outside, under the ‘bonnet’ everything is different:

• Reinforced Mechanics: the chair’s rocking mechanism and components are made of thicker steel to withstand continuous movement and heavier weight.
• Abrasion resistant fabric: while the average fabric can withstand 30-50,000 Martindale cycles (rub test), the upholstery of 24-hour chairs is often certified for 200,000 – 500,000 cycles. It will not fade or tear for years.
• Extreme Sponges: the density of the cold foam used in the seat is much higher, so it will not lose its shape even after 12 hours of continuous use.

➡️ If load capacity is your main concern, read our related article Office Swivel Chair Over 110 kg: The Best Heavy Duty Chairs

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Who is the 24 Hour Chair for?

Although originally designed for industrial environments, they are now used in a wider range of applications:

1. Control Centres and Dispatchers (B2B)

This is the classic use. Emergency call centres, security services, surveillance rooms, air traffic control. Here, the chair never rests: as soon as one shift gets up, another sits down in it. Here, failure is not an option.

2. Non-stop Home Office and Gamers

If you spend 10 to 14 hours a day in front of a computer (work + hobby) and have a heavier body weight, a normal chair can quickly break down. A dispatch chair is a long-term investment that guarantees you will be as comfortable in 5 years as you were on day one.

3. “Chair-killers”

If “all the chairs underneath you are broken”, this category is the solution. The reinforced structure will withstand dynamic loads that an ordinary chair cannot.

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How much does it cost? (Investment vs. Cost)

We’re not selling a bargain: genuine 24-hour chairs are priced higher than the average model. They typically start in the premium category.

However, the maths is simple:

• You can buy a chair for 80.000 Ft a year (because it will break down from nonstop use). Over 5 years that’s 400.000 Ft.
• Or you can buy a 24-hour chair once, which will serve you for 5-10 years.

➡️ Want to see what we have to offer? Check out our special 24 hour dispatch chairs in our webshop!

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Summary

The 24-hour chair is not for everyone. But for those who need it, it is the only real solution. This chair is a symbol of reliability, durability and comfort in extreme conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you need a standard ergonomic chair or a dispatch chair, read our comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice, or contact us.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a 24-hour chair comfortable for home use?

Yes, it is very comfortable! As it is designed to sit for 12 hours without pain, the ergonomics are excellent. The design can be more robust, more “industrial”, but comfort is guaranteed.

What is the load capacity of these chairs?

Most 24-hour chairs have a minimum load capacity of 150 kg, but models certified to 200 kg are not uncommon.