Product Definition
Q: What is a Knightsbridge lift?
A: The Knightsbridge is a horizontal retracting stairlift with an upper landing rising barrier and a platform lift below—essentially a Mayfair system enhanced with a rising button post. This button post sits on the lift table and automatically retracts flush with the platform surface when not in use, allowing the stairs to extend over it. This makes the controls completely hidden when the lift isn't operating.
Q: How is the Knightsbridge different from the Mayfair?
A: The Knightsbridge adds a rising button post that travels with the platform and retracts through the lift table. Unlike the Mayfair's options (removable handheld post, side-mounted button station, or remote control), the Knightsbridge's button post is integrated into the platform itself and disappears when the stairs extend. This provides controls on the platform without any visible equipment when the system is at rest.
Q: When should I choose a Knightsbridge over a Mayfair?
A: Select a Knightsbridge when you:
- Want platform-mounted controls for user independence
- Don't want a permanently visible button station on the side
- Don't want users managing a removable handheld post
- Can accommodate the 1.4m pit depth requirement
- Want everything completely hidden when stairs are extended
The Knightsbridge costs more than the Mayfair due to the additional rising button post mechanism.
Q: Can the rising button post be turned off?
A: Yes. An internal management key switch can isolate the button post, converting the platform to a larger clear space. This is useful when accommodating wider wheelchairs with staff operating from landing controls. When isolated, the usable space increases from 800mm to 950mm.
Rise Heights and Applications
Q: What rise heights does the Knightsbridge accommodate?
A: The Knightsbridge handles total rises up to 999mm—the same range as the Mayfair. Above 500mm, BS6440:2011 requires an upper landing barrier, which the Knightsbridge provides. Below 500mm, a Kensington (no barrier) would be more cost-effective.
Q: Is the Knightsbridge suitable for public use?
A: Like the Mayfair, the Knightsbridge is designed for seated wheelchair users only, with a 100mm toe guard. However, the rising button post enables more independent operation since users have controls directly on the platform. The system still requires trained or supervised users and automatically switches off after each cycle or 5 minutes of inactivity.
Platform Dimensions and Width Calculations
Q: What's the minimum width for a Knightsbridge platform?
A: The minimum internal dimensions are:
- Between wheel stop and rising button post: 800mm (BS6440:2011 minimum)
- Recommended: 900mm for easier wheelchair manoeuvring
- Rising button post width: 50mm
- Clearance behind button post: 100mm minimum
Minimum total internal width: 800mm + 50mm + 100mm = 950mm
With 3mm toe guards on each side, the external width is 956mm.
Q: How does this compare to the Mayfair width?
A: The Knightsbridge requires an additional 150mm of width compared to the Mayfair:
- Mayfair minimum: 800mm internal (wheel stop to wheel stop)
- Knightsbridge minimum: 950mm internal (wheel stop to button post back)
This 150mm accounts for the button post itself (50mm) plus the required clearance behind it (100mm).
Q: Can I increase the width beyond the minimum?
A: Yes, the platform is fully bespoke. You can increase width to accommodate:
- Larger wheelchairs
- Local regulations (Scotland and Ireland require 1100mm usable space)
- User comfort preferences
- Specific accessibility requirements
The stairs will match whatever platform width you specify.
Q: What about the platform length?
A: The standard 1400mm platform usable space applies.
Pit Depth Requirements
Q: What pit depth does the rising button post require?
A: The rising button post requires 1.4 metres below the lower landing finished floor level. This is shallower than you might expect because the button post only needs to rise to 900mm height (not the full 1100mm that platform barriers require).
Q: Can the button post pit depth be reduced?
A: Yes, through special design using a telescopic system, the depth can be reduced to approximately 1 metre. However, this requires consultation with project managers and isn't part of standard offerings. The standard 1.4m depth is the default specification.
Q: What about the platform lift pit depth?
A: The platform lift pit depth uses the exact same calculations as the Mayfair and Kensington:
Stainless Steel Skirt: Total rise + cladding thickness + 150mm (minimum 435mm + cladding)
Bellows:
- Up to 645mm rise: 435mm + cladding thickness
- 645-999mm rise: Cladding thickness + 612mm
Low Profile Scissor Lift: 320mm + cladding thickness (typically 350mm with 30mm stone)
These specifications are covered comprehensively in the Kensington and Mayfair documentation.
Q: How is the pit typically constructed?
A: Two common approaches:
Option 1 - Uniform pit depth (most common):
- Main contractor forms entire pit at 1.4m depth
- Platform lift sits on packing framework to reach correct level
- Rising button post uses full depth
- Simpler construction, one level throughout
Option 2 - Separate cut-out:
- Platform lift has its own calculated pit depth
- Separate cut-out for rising button post: 650mm long × 250mm wide × 1.4m deep
- Used when platform needs shallower pit (e.g., low profile scissor lift at 350mm)
- More complex construction but saves excavation volume
Q: What's required for the separate cut-out option?
A: When the rising button post has its own cut-out through the slab:
Physical requirements:
- Cut-out dimensions: 650mm × 250mm penetrating through slab
- Caged-off area below to prevent access to moving mechanism
- Good drainage (critical for external installations)
Access options:
- Access panel (preferred): Linked to energy stop circuit allowing engineers to service hydraulics, electrics, and motors from below
- No access panel: Requires lift to be in raised position for maintenance access
Safety:
- Access panel must have interlock to energy stop
- Cage must prevent unauthorized entry
- Area must be well-drained to prevent water damage to mechanisms
Upper Landing Barrier
Q: Is the upper landing barrier the same as the Mayfair?
A: Yes, the upper landing rising barrier system is identical to the Mayfair. It uses the same telescopic goal-post design, requires the same 1.6m pit depth below upper landing, and follows the same safety protocols. All Mayfair barrier specifications apply equally to the Knightsbridge.
Q: What about barrier specifications?
A: Refer to the Mayfair documentation for complete details on:
- Dog-leg vs. straight-line barrier configurations
- Stair pit width calculations
- Safety features (sensitive edges, mechanical disconnect, etc.)
- Emergency lowering procedures
- Barrier height and protection zones
All these specifications are identical between Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
Rising Button Post Operation
Q: How does the rising button post work?
A: When lift is in use:
- Button post rises to 900mm height above platform
- User has full control directly on the platform
- Post is secured in raised position for safe use
When stairs extend:
- Button post hydraulically lowers
- Retracts flush with lift table surface
- Stairs extend horizontally over the top
- Post is completely hidden from view
In isolation mode:
- Key switch deactivates button post
- Platform becomes full clear space
- Staff operate from landing controls only
Q: What controls are on the rising button post?
A: The button post provides:
- UP button (call lift to upper landing)
- DOWN button (call lift to lower landing)
- Emergency stop button
- Any other required control functions
The buttons are at a height accessible from a seated position when the post is raised.
Q: How is the button post powered and controlled?
A: The button post uses:
- Hydraulic actuation for raising/lowering
- Electrical connections for button functions
- Integration with main lift control system
- Safety interlocks preventing stair extension while post is raised
Emergency Operation
Q: What happens in an emergency situation?
A: For the lift platform:
- Key switch in machine room cabinet opens hydraulic valve
- Gravity lowers lift to lower landing (no power required)
- Standard across all Sesame products
For the rising button post:
- Can be emergency lowered via key switch opening valve
- Drops with minimal assistance (pushing down)
- Allows stairs to be extended over it
With UPS battery backup (optional):
- Provides power to drive button post down
- Allows stairs to extend forward
- Enables upper landing barrier to lower
- Used when Knightsbridge is in fire escape route
- Lift switches off after sequence; evac chairs used for evacuation
Q: Can the button post stay raised during emergency evacuation?
A: Yes, if the lift is emergency lowered, the button post can remain in the raised position—it doesn't block evacuation. However, if the stairs need to extend (e.g., fire escape requirements), the post must lower to allow stair extension.
Q: When is UPS battery backup required?
A: UPS battery backup is essential when:
- Knightsbridge is in a fire escape route
- Stairs must extend during power outage
- Building regulations require fail-safe stair extension
- Emergency evacuation plans depend on stair availability
It's optional for installations where the lift is just an accessibility amenity and not part of emergency egress.
Safety Systems
Q: What safety features protect the rising button post?
A: Safety systems include:
- Position sensors: Verify post is fully lowered before stair extension
- Hydraulic controls: Smooth raising/lowering motion
- Emergency stop: Halts all motion immediately
- Isolation switch: Allows disabling for maintenance or clearance
- Interlock system: Prevents conflicting movements (stairs can't extend while post is up)
Q: What happens if someone is near the post when it rises?
A: The rising motion is controlled and relatively slow. The system can include:
- Warning signals (audio/visual) before lowering
- Sensitive edge detection
- Force-limited
- Emergency stop availability on platform and landings
Cost Considerations
Q: How much more expensive is the Knightsbridge vs. Mayfair?
A: The Knightsbridge is more expensive than the Mayfair due to:
- Additional hydraulic actuation system for button post
- More complex control integration
- Additional pit depth requirements (1.4m for button post)
- More sophisticated interlock systems
- Potential need for separate cut-out construction
- Access panel and caging requirements
The exact cost difference depends on configuration, but expect a significant premium over the Mayfair's removable handheld post option.
Q: What factors increase the Knightsbridge cost further?
A: Additional cost drivers:
- UPS battery backup system (if required)
- Separate cut-out construction (vs. uniform pit depth)
- Telescopic button post for reduced pit depth
- Access panel with energy stop interlock
- External installations requiring extensive drainage
- Wider platforms beyond minimum dimensions
All other Mayfair cost variables apply (bellows vs. skirts, low profile scissor lifts, custom finishes, etc.).
Q: When is the Knightsbridge cost-effective?
A: The Knightsbridge is most cost-effective when:
- Client specifically wants hidden controls on the platform
- Architectural requirements demand everything hidden at rest
- User independence is prioritized over cost
- Building has adequate pit depth available (1.4m is achievable)
- Alternative solutions (Mayfair with side button station) don't meet aesthetic requirements
Comparison with Other Products
Q: Should I choose Knightsbridge or Mayfair with fixed side button station?
Knightsbridge advantages:
- Controls completely hidden when not in use
- Cleaner aesthetic (nothing visible at rest)
- Button post travels with user on platform
Mayfair with side station advantages:
- Less expensive
- No additional pit depth requirement
- Simpler construction and maintenance
- Button station always accessible (doesn't retract)
Choose Knightsbridge if aesthetics and hidden equipment justify the additional cost and complexity.
Q: Should I choose Knightsbridge or Mayfair with removable handheld post?
Knightsbridge advantages:
- No manual handling of handheld post
- Controls integrated directly on platform
- User doesn't need to store/retrieve post
- More independent operation
Mayfair with removable post advantages:
- Significantly less expensive
- Much simpler construction (no button post mechanism)
- Minimal pit depth requirements
- Most common Mayfair configuration
Choose Knightsbridge if the removable post presents management challenges or if users need truly independent control without staff retrieving the post.
Q: Knightsbridge vs. Westminster—what's the difference?
Knightsbridge:
- 100mm toe guard (seated users only)
- Rising button post for controls
- Same trained-user requirements as Mayfair
- up to 999mm rise range
Westminster:
- 1100mm rising barriers on platform (standing AND seated users)
- No button post option (uses other control methods on the rising barrier)
- Can enable more independent public use
- More expensive
Choose Westminster if you need standing user accommodation. Choose Knightsbridge if you want seated-only access with elegant hidden controls.
Installation and Environment
Q: Are there any special installation requirements for the Knightsbridge?
A: Beyond standard Mayfair requirements:
Structural:
- 1.4m pit depth for button post (or 1m with special design)
- Cut-out through slab if using separate pit configuration (650mm × 250mm)
- Caging for area below button post (if cut-out used)
Access:
- Preferably access panel with energy stop interlock
- Clear route for hydraulic hoses and electrical cables
- Maintenance access either from below or with lift in raised position
Drainage (external installations):
- Critical for button post cut-out area
- Must prevent water pooling in mechanism zone
- Consider sump pump if gravity drainage unavailable
Q: Can the Knightsbridge be installed externally?
A: Yes, with the same considerations as the Mayfair:
- Galvanised mild steel (316 stainless near sea)
- Comprehensive drainage for all pits
- Special attention to button post cut-out drainage
- Protected access panel (if used)
- Weatherproofing for button post mechanism
The rising button post adds complexity to external drainage—the separate cut-out must be kept completely dry to prevent damage to hydraulics and electrics.
Q: What about the machine room cabinet?
A: The machine room cabinet specifications are identical to the Mayfair:
- Dimensions: 1615mm H × 1144mm W × 300mm D
- Power: Typically single phase 230V AC, 16A
- Motor: Usually 1.1kW (same variations as Mayfair based on scissor lift type)
- Clearance: 900mm in front of closed doors
- Location: Within 10m conduit route (preferably)
Refer to Kensington and Mayfair documentation for complete machine room cabinet specifications.
Maintenance and Access
Q: How is the rising button post maintained?
A: With access panel (recommended):
- Engineers access from below via panel
- Energy stop interlock ensures safety
- Can service hydraulics, motors, electrics
- Lift can remain in any position
Without access panel:
- Lift must be raised to maximum height
- Engineers access from below through lift structure
- More time-consuming but feasible
- Used when structural constraints prevent access panel
Q: How often does the button post need servicing?
A: The rising button post is part of the regular lift maintenance schedule. It's a relatively simple hydraulic actuator with electrical controls, similar in reliability to other hydraulic components. Typical maintenance intervals follow standard Sesame service schedules.
Technical Specifications
Q: What are the complete dimensional specifications?
Platform (minimum configuration):
- Internal width: 950mm (800mm usable + 50mm post + 100mm clearance)
- External width: 956mm (with 3mm toe guards)
- Length: Varies based on rise and scissor lift type (see Mayfair/Kensington specs)
Button post:
- Width: 50mm
- Raised height: 900mm above platform
- Lowered: Flush with platform surface
- Travel: Approximately 900mm vertical movement
Pit requirements:
- Button post depth: 1.4m below lower landing (1m possible with special design)
- Platform lift depth: Per Mayfair/Kensington calculations (varies by configuration)
- Cut-out dimensions (if separate): 650mm long × 250mm wide
Upper landing barrier:
- Depth: 1.6m below upper landing (same as Mayfair)
- Configuration: Per Mayfair specifications
Q: What are the weight and load specifications?
A: The Knightsbridge follows the same safe working load specifications as the Mayfair. The rising button post adds minimal weight to the platform structure. Refer to Mayfair specifications for complete load ratings.
Drawing Packs and Documentation
Q: What drawing packs are available for the Knightsbridge?
A: According to the transcript, two information packs are available:
- Knightsbridge with bellows
- Knightsbridge with stainless steel skirts
Both packs show the rising button post configuration and associated pit requirements.
Q: How do I get Knightsbridge drawings and pricing?
A: Give us a call or drop us an email
Q: What information do I need to provide?
A: All Mayfair requirements, plus:
- Confirmation you want rising button post
- Available pit depth at lower landing (verify 1.4m is achievable)
- Preference for uniform pit depth vs. separate cut-out
- Access panel feasibility (structural considerations below)
- Whether UPS battery backup is required (fire escape route?)
Decision Matrix
Q: When should I definitely choose a Knightsbridge?
Choose Knightsbridge when:
- ✓ Rise is up to 999mm (requires barrier)
- ✓ Client wants everything hidden when not in use
- ✓ Users need controls directly on platform
- ✓ Independent operation is prioritized
- ✓ 1.4m pit depth is available
- ✓ Budget accommodates the additional cost
- ✓ Aesthetic requirements demand invisible equipment at rest
Q: When should I choose a Mayfair instead?
Choose Mayfair when:
- ✓ Cost is a primary concern
- ✓ Removable handheld post is acceptable (most common solution)
- ✓ Side button station visibility is not problematic
- ✓ Pit depth is constrained below 1.4m
- ✓ Simpler construction is preferred
- ✓ Remote control operation by trained users is sufficient
Q: When should I choose something else entirely?
Consider alternatives when:
- Rise <500mm: Use Kensington (no barrier required, less expensive)
- Rise >999mm: Us the Sesame Westminster or manual removable barriers on the Knightsbridge lift table
- Need standing users: Use Westminster (1100mm platform barriers)
- Very shallow pits: Use Thames (electric wheel stop) or low-profile options, but with a gate or barrier at the top when the rise is over 500mm
- Gate acceptable at top: Use Regent (solid gate instead of rising barrier)
Next Steps
Q: What's the process for ordering a Knightsbridge?
A: Same process as Mayfair:
- Initial inquiry with basic project parameters
- Review standard drawing packs and pricing
- Feasibility assessment (especially pit depth verification)
- Teams meeting for detailed site information
- Site-specific drawing production
- Main contractor pricing exercise
- Planning application (using Sesame drawings)
- Order placement after approval
- Bespoke manufacture
- Installation and commissioning with user training
Q: What are the most critical feasibility factors?
For the Knightsbridge specifically:
- 1.4m pit depth at lower landing (or willingness for special design to 1m)
- Budget for premium over Mayfair options
- Construction feasibility for button post pit/cut-out
- Access arrangements for maintenance
- Drainage planning for external installations
- Client acceptance of trained-user requirements (not general public use)
Q: Can I book a consultation?
A: Yes. Microsoft Teams meetings with Sesame project managers and design team are available to discuss whether Knightsbridge suits your specific project, explore alternatives, and develop detailed specifications for your exact site conditions.