Integrating Platform Lifts with Building Security and Lockdown Systems

Summary for Professionals

Platform lift security integration allows accessible entrances to operate safely within buildings that use access control and lockdown procedures. This article explains how platform lift security interfaces, lockdown logic, and bespoke lift control programming work together to protect users without compromising inclusive access. It is written for architects, access consultants, and building managers planning wheelchair lift integration in security-sensitive environments.

Key Takeaways

• Platform lifts can integrate directly with building security systems using volt-free relay logic.

• Lockdown commands can override timed lift behaviour and trigger immediate gate closure.

• A written operational strategy is essential for coordinating lift operation, security, and fire systems.

• Bespoke lift control programming enables compliance without introducing unacceptable risk.

• Early coordination between lift engineers and security teams prevents late-stage redesign.

Introduction

Accessible entrances increasingly sit within buildings that operate controlled access, monitoring, and lockdown systems. In these environments, a platform lift is not an isolated device but part of a wider security strategy.

This article explains how Sesame Access platform lifts can be programmed to respond to security inputs while remaining safe, compliant, and people-first. The focus is on practical coordination between lift systems and building controls, not just hardware capability.

Problem–Solution Overview: Security vs Accessibility

Problem: How Do Platform Lifts Work with Building Security Systems?

A common concern raised by architects and building managers is how a wheelchair lift behaves during a lockdown. Many standard lift configurations rely on time-based gate closure to allow users to enter and exit safely. In secure buildings, even a short delay can be considered an unacceptable risk.

Another frequent question is whether wheelchair lifts can integrate with lockdown procedures without disabling accessibility altogether.

Solution: Command-Based Lockdown Logic

Platform lifts supplied by Sesame Access can receive external commands from a building security system. These commands immediately cancel timed behaviour, close lift gates, and optionally disable lift movement while the lockdown signal remains active.

This approach allows accessibility and security to coexist without relying on compromise or assumptions.

How Security Interfaces Work in Practice

Security integration is achieved using volt-free relay contacts rather than shared power or data networks. This keeps the lift electrically isolated while allowing reliable communication.

In a typical setup:

• The building security system sends a volt-free signal to the lift.

• The lift immediately closes its gate.

• The lift confirms gate closure via a return signal.

• The building system then secures the external door.

• The lift remains disabled until the lockdown signal is cleared.

This logic mirrors fire alarm interfacing principles while remaining distinct from fire behaviour.

Why Operational Strategy Is More Important Than Hardware

The transcript underlying this article repeatedly highlights that technology alone does not resolve risk. What matters most is a clear, written operational strategy.

That strategy should describe:

• Normal daily lift use

• Lockdown behaviour step by step

• Fire alarm behaviour and overrides

• Whether the lift is staff-managed or publicly operated

Without this clarity, misunderstandings can occur during approvals or commissioning.

Lift Control Programming for Secure Environments

Security integration depends heavily on lift control programming rather than mechanical changes. Sesame Access specialises in bespoke control logic that allows lifts to respond dynamically to external inputs.

Further detail on this approach is explained in the related Knowledge Hub article on
bespoke platform lift control programming.

This flexibility allows gate behaviour, retry intervals, disablement logic, and feedback signals to be aligned precisely with building security requirements.

Relevant Sesame Access Lift Types

Security interface capability is typically specified on bespoke or managed platform lift systems, including:

• Bespoke Lift for fully tailored security and operational logic

• Wellington Lift where concealed gates and controlled access are required

• Cavendish Platform Lift for compact internal environments

• British Library Platform Lift for public buildings with strict access control

For seated-user access scenarios, it is also important to understand the differences between stairlifts and platform lifts. Background context is available in
UK stairlift types and applications.

Product Integration Summary

Lift Type	Typical Environment	Security Integration Capability
Bespoke Lift	Secure or sensitive entrances	Fully programmable relay logic
Wellington Lift	Architectural or concealed entrances	Immediate gate-closure control
Cavendish Platform Lift	Staff-managed internal access	Lockdown-triggered disablement
British Library Platform Lift	Public-facing secure buildings	Gate status feedback to security

Fire Alarms and Lockdown Events Are Not the Same

A critical design principle is separating fire logic from lockdown logic.

During a fire:

• Local overrides remain active

• Doors may default to open

• Platform lifts are not considered evacuation routes

During a lockdown:

• Gates and doors close to contain risk

• Lift movement may be disabled

• Staff-managed procedures take precedence

These behaviours must be documented and agreed early.

Related Standards and Compliance Context

Security-integrated platform lifts sit within several overlapping standards and regulations.

BS 6440 provides guidance on powered lifting platforms and bespoke accessibility equipment, including interface considerations. This is explored further in
hidden platform lift design standards under BS 6440 and Annex VIII.

BS EN 81-41 applies to vertical lifting platforms and influences safety logic where applicable.

Building Regulations Part M defines inclusive access requirements in England and Wales, including the expectation that accessibility is maintained wherever reasonably practicable. Platform lift solutions aligned with Part M are discussed in
Part M compliant lift approaches.

Together, these frameworks reinforce the need for careful coordination rather than generic assumptions.

Key Terms Glossary

Volt-free relay
A type of electrical contact that opens or closes without supplying voltage, allowing two systems to communicate safely while remaining electrically isolated.

Lockdown logic
Predefined behaviour programmed into a lift or building system that activates during a security lockdown, such as gate closure or lift disablement.

Operational strategy
A written description of how a lift, doors, and security systems behave during normal use, lockdown, and fire scenarios.

Managed lift
A platform lift operated or supervised by trained staff rather than unrestricted public use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can platform lifts integrate with building security systems?

Yes. Platform lifts can interface with security systems using volt-free relay contacts that allow gates to close and lifts to disable during lockdown events.

Can wheelchair lifts work with lockdown procedures?

Yes. Lockdown logic can override timers and close lift gates immediately while maintaining safety detection.

What happens to a platform lift during a fire alarm and lockdown at the same time?

Fire alarm behaviour typically takes priority, with local overrides allowing safe egress. Lockdown logic should be paused or overridden according to the agreed operational strategy.

Do accessible lifts need separate security controls from main building systems?

Not necessarily. Lift systems can exchange signals with building security systems while remaining electrically isolated and compliant.

Is bespoke programming always required for secure buildings?

Not always, but bespoke lift control programming provides the flexibility needed where security requirements are complex or highly specific.

Call to Action

If you are planning an accessible entrance within a security-sensitive building, early coordination avoids costly redesign.

Book a Teams meeting with one of our Project Managers to discuss your platform lift security strategy:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/book-a-meeting