What is the Sesame Trafalgar Lift?
The Trafalgar Lift is a concealed platform lift designed by Sesame Access Systems for both standing and seated users. It is built to provide step-free access while remaining hidden within the building’s architecture. When closed, it looks like a regular door or glass panel, creating a seamless, minimal appearance in corridors or entrance halls.
What makes the Trafalgar Lift different from other Sesame platform lifts?
The Trafalgar Lift uses a full-height fixed gate at the lower landing that reaches 1100 millimetres above the upper landing level. This removes the need for gates on the platform itself, helping to reduce pit depth. It also removes the need for stainless-steel skirts, bellows, or tape switches, resulting in a clean, flush finish that hides the lift completely when the doors are closed.
What pit depth does the Trafalgar Lift require?
The pit depth depends on the mechanism chosen. Four standard designs are available:
• Low Profile Double Scissor Lift (LPDSL) – 246 mm pit, 2100 x 1134 mm platform, 1100 mm rise
• Low Profile Single Scissor Lift (LPSL) – 256 mm pit, 1500 x 1034 mm platform, 800 mm rise
• Double Scissor Lift (DSL) – 536 mm pit, 1400 x 1034 mm platform, 1450 mm rise
• Single Scissor Lift (SSL) – 371 mm pit, 1400 x 1034 mm platform, 750 mm rise
Custom pit depths or platform sizes can be designed to suit site conditions.
How does the Trafalgar Lift improve architectural design?
This lift allows architects to integrate accessibility without compromising aesthetics. When closed, the glass or client-supplied door sits flush with surrounding finishes, creating a continuous wall line. The mechanism and moving parts remain hidden, making it ideal for heritage, gallery, and high-design environments.
What door and gate options are available?
At the lower landing, clients can choose between a standard Sesame glass gate or a custom door designed to match the building interior. The upper landing always includes a gate to a height of 1100 millimetres. Both gates can be manual or automatic. If the client supplies the doors, they must close flush with the lift shaft to avoid any crush hazards.
What platform sizes and usable widths are available?
All Trafalgar platforms have a minimum usable width of 900 millimetres, except for the Low Profile Double Scissor Lift which provides 1000 millimetres of usable width. Larger custom sizes can be produced depending on pit depth and available space.
Is the Trafalgar Lift suitable for external installation?
Yes. It can be installed externally, but drainage must be included. For internal installations, drainage is not required. The product conforms to British Standard BS 6440:2011, and external models are supplied with appropriate weather-proofing and drainage details.
What power supply and control systems are used?
The Trafalgar Lift uses the same hydraulic and electrical systems as other Sesame platform lifts, located in a separate machine room cabinet. It operates via a standard button post control with up and down buttons. An emergency lowering system allows the lift to descend safely under its own weight during a power failure.
What materials and finishes can be used?
The lift table can be clad with stone, tile, or other finishes up to 30 millimetres thick. If thicker finishes are used, the pit depth must increase by the same amount. The standard Sesame glass gates feature opaque lower panels to hide the mechanism and maintain a clean appearance.
What information does the client need to provide before design?
To specify a Trafalgar Lift, the design team must confirm total rise, available pit depth, platform size, cladding thickness, whether the lift is internal or external, and details of surrounding finishes or doors. This ensures accurate design and compliance with safety standards.
What standards does the Trafalgar Lift comply with?
The lift is designed to meet British Standard BS 6440:2011 for accessibility lifts. Where variations are required, the lift can be certified under Machinery Directive Annex VIII. All designs are suitable for both seated and standing users.
How does the Trafalgar Lift handle emergencies or power failures?
In an emergency, the user or attendant can press the emergency lowering control, which allows the lift to descend under its own weight. Once lowered, the lower landing door automatically unlocks, allowing the user to exit safely without the need for backup power.
What are the main advantages of the Trafalgar Lift?
Key advantages include a very shallow pit depth, seamless architectural integration, concealed mechanics, full compliance with accessibility standards, and flexible options for gates and finishes. It delivers a premium finish for projects where both aesthetics and accessibility are essential.