We often receive enquiries about whether Sesame lifts can be installed outdoors and how they cope with exposure to water, such as rain or when staircases are being cleaned with mops and water. The simple answer is yes! Sesame lifts can be installed outdoors and handle various environmental conditions with careful planning and design considerations.
How Sesame Lifts manage water and rain
It's completely normal for rainwater or cleaning liquids to find their way into the gaps between the moving parts of a Sesame lift. The crucial point is ensuring that water does not accumulate beneath the lift. Water must be efficiently removed from the pit beneath the lift to prevent any long-term issues.
Here's how we manage this:
1. Drainage channels: The pit where the lift sits is engineered with a drainage channel, as shown in our architectural drawings. The pit is designed with a gentle slope leading toward the drainage channel so that water can flow away and be removed swiftly, preventing it from pooling around the lift components.
2. Sump pump options: If a drainage channel isn't feasible, we can equip the lift with a sump pump. This pump ensures that any water collecting beneath the lift is promptly removed.
3. Above staircase installations: For lifts installed in staircases above walkways (common in private residential settings), the scissor lift mechanism is protected by stainless steel meshing. This meshing is designed with holes to allow rainwater to drain away naturally, just as it would if there were no lift present. The water will evaporate or drain away as normal, ensuring it doesn't interfere with the lift's mechanics.
Additionally, all electrical components for the lift are safely housed in waterproof and weatherproof casings. These components are typically installed in a separate, secure area within the building, ensuring they remain dry and operational.
Preparing for extreme weather conditions
When it comes to international installations, we often face questions about how Sesame lifts can handle extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures in Nordic countries or sandstorms in desert environments.
1. Cold weather solutions: In some regions, temperatures can plummet to as low as -40°C. We are developing solutions that draw on the latest technology, inspired by the aviation industry. Aircraft engines continue to operate smoothly in extreme cold, and we explore similar approaches to keep our moving parts functioning efficiently. Additionally, in Arctic regions, geothermal underfloor heating systems are commonly used to keep pathways clear of ice and snow. We assess these technologies and adapt what is suitable for Sesame lifts.
2. Desert and sandstorm conditions: In places like Dubai, sandstorms present a unique challenge. We have active research streams dedicated to developing protective measures against sand and dust. These measures ensure that the lifts continue to operate reliably even in harsh, sandy environments.
3. Coastal installations: In the UK, we've installed several lifts in seaside towns, where exposure to sea air and salt is a concern. Salt can be highly corrosive, but we combat this by using specialised non-corrosive metals and protective coatings. This technology ensures the longevity and durability of our lifts, even in harsh coastal climates.
It is perfectly acceptable for water to come into contact with the exterior of a Sesame lift, provided it is removed quickly and efficiently. Our lifts are engineered to cope with outdoor conditions, and we have robust solutions to address specific environmental challenges, from extreme cold and heat to corrosion from saltwater exposure.
By using advanced technology and thoughtful design, we ensure Sesame lifts remain safe, reliable, and efficient wherever they are installed.