Pressure Fit Stair Gates
Pressure Fit Stair Gates
How do I use the Safetots Stair Gate finder?
Follow these simple step by step instructions to finding the right safety gate for your home:
1. WALL TO WALL - To establish the ‘wall to wall’ measurement, measure from wall to wall where you estimate the top edge of the safety gate to fit. (Standard height gates are approximately 75cm and extra tall gates are 100cm in height. Key in this measurement in centimeters in the ‘wall to wall’ box.
2. FLOOR LEVEL – To establish the ‘floor level’ measurement, measure the estimated floor space, taking into account any skirting boards. It’s important to measure within the skirting boards as this may alter the gate we recommend for you. Key in this measurement in centimeters in the ‘floor level’ box. If there is no difference between the floor level and the wall to wall measurement there is no need to fill in both.
3. Once you have entered ‘wall to wall’ measurements and ‘Floor level’ measurements select the blue GO button. You will now have a list of all suitable and compatible safety gates for your space. Your measurements have now been automatically and accurately calculated.
4. To narrow your search further, select TYPE. Establish the type of safety gate you would prefer and select/click on that option. For example, if you are looking for a Pressure Fit Stair Gate, click on ‘Pressure fit Stair Gates’. You will now have a list of pressure fit stair gates (only) that are compatible with the measurements you have already entered. You can select more than one gate type if required.
5. To narrow your search further, select COLOUR. Click on the preferred gate colour or colours. At this point you will have a list of gates in your chosen TYPE and COLOUR that will fit your exact measurements.
6. Continue to follow the process of points 4 and 5 for GATE MATERIAL, BRAND and GATE FEATURES.
7. Once you have completed your selections, you will now be left with a list of safety gates compatible with your space in your preferred brand, colour and style with any particular gate features required.
8. To start the process again, simply click the blue x in the top right corner of the finder, this will take you to a fresh stair gate finder page.
The space in my home is unique?
If the Safetots stair gate finder is not working for you due to an unusual or awkward space, contact the safety gate experts at Safetots who will aim to make recommendations to you based on your requirements.
Are pressure fit stair gates safe?
Stair gates are increasingly becoming the product parents turn to once their baby or toddler shows signs of crawling and walking. Pressure fit stair gates are a popular choice due to the simplicity of installation and the added benefit of no tools needed for fitting and no lasting damage to walls and bannisters. Pressure fit stair gates are exceptionally safe if fitted correctly within the U-frame and appropriate pressure applied at the 4 pressure points at the top and bottom of the stair gate.A pressure fit stair gate is more suited to the bottom of stairs due to the U-frame design comprising a trip bar that runs directly across the bottom of the gate. Due to the trip bar feature of a pressure fit safety gate, suppliers do recommend they are installed at the bottom of the stairs as opposed to the top. Should a pressure fit baby gate be the only option for the top of the stairs, an extra tall stair gate is recommended. By installing an extra tall stair gate directly below the top stair the trip bar can be pushed to the back of the step, as opposed to being exposed as a potential hazardous raised bar on the top stair.
Pressure fit safety gates are suitable for any doorway in the home upstairs or downstairs, they create an instant and safe room divider to keep your children from entering less safe areas of the home. All pressure fit stair gates are safe if installed correctly, installed in doorways or at the bottom of stairs or used as a divide between the indoors and outdoors. All pressure fit baby gates have been tried and tested and comply with up to date safety standards. Pressure fit stair gates are easier to install than screw fit gates and have the benefit of no screwing or drilling required. It is advised to test your pressure fit baby gate frequently by pressing on it to ensure no pressure has been lost during daily use. Extensions are available for most stair gates enabling you to create a safe room divide in doorways large and small.
How to fit a pressure fit stair gate?
A pressure fit stair gate is not installed using tools or drilling and screwing techniques but by applying pressure to the four main pressure points. To fit a pressure fit stair gate simply place the stair gate in the space you wish to fill then firstly tighten the bottom two spindles followed by the top two spindles, the gap between the wall and stair gate will then gradually close.MANY PRESSURE FIT GATES COME WITH A CABLE TIE ATTACHING THE DOOR OPENING TO THE FRAME OF THE GATE. PLEASE DO NOT CUT THIS TIE UNTIL AFTER INSTALLATION.
A gap is required at the top of your pressure fit stair gate to enable pressure to be applied to all four spindles. Should a gap still appear at the top of your stair gate, it is important to keep tightening the spindles. If a gap is still present once maximum tension is applied then a stair gate extension may be necessary. Once your pressure fit stair gate has all four spindles tightened correctly in place, a locking latch will then fixate under the lip of the framework and the gate will close. To then operate your pressure fit safety gate efficiently simply pull the latch back and lift the gate out of its cradle to enable the stair gate to open.
Brands such as BabyDan also include the added feature of a safety indicator across all their pressure fit stair gates. This safety indicator shows if the stair gate has been mounted correctly and provides an extra safety measure and reassurance that the pressure fitted safety gate has been installed appropriately. Some pressure fit safety gates come with wall cups which cover the four main pressure points, making it easier to apply additional pressure.
Can you use a pressure fit stair gate at the top of the stairs?
Pressure fit stair gates can be installed at the top of stairs, but they are not recommended. Pressure fit stair gates are made within a U frame with the base of the frame being a raised bar creating a potential trip hazard. Due to many families living in rented accommodation and unable to drill into walls and bannisters, a pressure fit stair gate may be the only option. Should a pressure fit stair gate be the only option for the top of stairs, it’s recommended that an extra tall pressure fit safety gate is installed on the first step down from the top of the stairs. By installing an extra tall stair gate directly below the top stair the trip bar can be pushed to the back of the step, as opposed to being exposed as a potential hazardous raised bar on the top stair. By investing in an extra tall pressure fit stair gate for the top of the stairs, the necessary height will still be achieved when installed to the lower stair. A screw fit stair gate is recommended for the top of stairs, with a no trip bar feature it makes for the ultra-safe option. A screw fitted stair gate is sturdy and strong, the ideal choice for the top of stairs.What is a pressure fit stair gate?
A pressure fit stair gate is a safety gate that is installed by applying pressure to the four main pressure points of the gate. There are no tools required to install a pressure fit safety gate and no drilling or screwing into walls and banisters is needed. Pressure fit stair gates are popular as once removed after use there is no lasting damage. Pressure fit gates are popular with parents, carers and nurseries as they are easy to install and versatile in that they can be removed simply and quickly from one doorway or stairwell of a similar size to another.Pressure fit stair gates are popular with grandparents and other family members who have little ones visiting and do not require a permanent stair gate installed in their home. A pressure fit stair gate enables families and nurseries to create an instant divide between two areas of the home or nursery ensuring a young child can play safely in an area designated to them. A pressure fit stair gate can be metal or wood, black, white, natural or silver. Pressure fit stair gates come in a range of sizes to fit doorways and stairwells both large and small. Pressure fit safety gates range in height from 75cm, 103cm to 105cm. Extra tall pressure fit gates are particularly popular with young families with pets, they create a secure room divide between young children and animals. Stair gate extensions are available for larger doorways or parents wanting to create a larger room divider between two areas.
How do pressure fit stair gates work?
A pressure fit stair gate works by applying pressure to 4 spindles, two at the top and two at the bottom of the stair gate. No tools are required to install a pressure fit safety gate and no drilling or screwing into walls, doorways and bannisters is necessary. A pressure fitted stair gate is the ultimate fuss-free option for installing a safety gate in any home or nursery. Pressure fit stair gates benefit from being easy to install and versatile in that they can be fitted and removed easily and placed simply in alternative doorways of a similar size if required with no lasting damage to the area in which they are installed. Auto close pressure fit stair gates are popular with families with older siblings, benefitting from an auto close feature this gate provides the extra security of automatically closing after use. Swing close pressure fit stair gates feature a secure closing mechanism but unlike the auto close stair gate does not close automatically.Once your baby starts to become mobile, ensuring they can only crawl and toddle within safe areas of your home becomes a priority. Your inquisitive little ones will appear to have an inbuilt sat nav directing them to all the high-risk places such as kitchens and stairwells or maybe through the cat flap to explore the great outdoors! Even the most alert and hands on parent/carer will at times need to attend to more than one thing at once, and times of distraction are often when accidents happen in the home.
A safety gate provides the ideal solution by creating a protective barrier between child and potential hazards, whilst still giving the space to learn through exploration of the remaining child friendly environment. They allow the adult to continue to pay attention to their child when they also need to carry out a task at the same time as supervising, by reducing the risk of harm or accident. For example, a parent can be cooking in the kitchen and singing nursery rhymes, whilst their child is joining in on the other side of the safety barrier out of reach of hot stoves, sharp knives and the odd dropped chilli pepper.
It is worth planning the positioning of your baby safety gate well in advance of needing it. In this way, you can carry out thorough research on the type of gate that best suits the chosen location, match it to your décor even, and install it before your baby crawls. This gives family and visitors time to practice using it because it is notable that many accidents involving safety barriers are due to the user not ensuring the gate is properly closed. This is also the ideal opportunity to include any older siblings in the care of their little brother or sister by educating them on how to operate the gate safely and the importance of keeping the gate shut. Some gates have a colour indicator which shows green or red, depending on whether the gate has been shut properly – a simple feature which assists children as well as adults to operate the gate safely.
Most families opt to purchase at least 2 stair gates, and this is to protect their child from falling down the stairs. Safetots would only ever recommend a screw fit gate at the top of the stairwell with the door opening away from the stair treads. No other type of gate provides the same level of security on impact should your toddler accidentally run into it during a fun game of chase for example. These gates are secured into position using screw fixings into a wall or woodwork and have no trip bar at the base when the door is opened. As there is no danger of falling at the bottom of the stairs and the gate’s purpose here is to stop a child climbing up the treads, the gate chosen for this position may be any style including pressure fit gates which do not require a permanent fixing.
When installing a gate on a staircase make sure that surfaces for any assembly fixings are secure and in good repair. General stair safety would include repair of unstable bannister rails or spindles and ensuring any floor coverings are in good condition, non-slip and clutter free. If your staircase has spindles, it is advisable to think about the size of gap in between them and whether your child could squeeze through – many parents or carers choose to board them in during these early years as an extra precaution. As your crawler develops into a toddler, start to teach them how to walk up and down the stairs in a safe manner – safe would include using a bannister rail if there is one, walking slowly and holding an adult’s hand, and not carrying anything in their hands. As an adult, remember to use the stairs in this way as your child will learn through observation, and when carrying a child on a stairwell, always have one hand on a bannister rail or secure surface to help avoid tripping.
Common areas to position further gates would be entrances to kitchens and other rooms with heat sources such as an open fire or log burner. Some people select gates with an optional stay open feature for lounge areas as this doorway tends to be a high traffic area, whilst gates with an auto close feature are very suited to kitchens which most parents/carers would wish to permanently restrict access to. Many families also choose to place a safety barrier across the doorway of the child’s bedroom to create a safe space for them whilst baths are being run or nap time is being taken for instance. Retractable gates are a popular choice here as they can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
Having selected the right safety gate for your needs, there are some general safety aspects to consider.
Important Information
The safety standard EN1930:2011 gives the following important warnings:
“WARNING – Read the instructions before installation as incorrect installation can be dangerous”.
“WARNING – This safety barrier must not be fitted across windows”.
In addition, if the safety barrier requires wall cups (pressure fitted gates): WARNING – Never use without wall cups.
Children’s safety barriers are designed and tested for domestic use only, being suitable for children up to the age of 24 months.
Fit your gate in a strong and secure opening and ensure the surfaces are dry, solid and clean. Safetots recommends the use of appropriate types of fixings depending on the surface available: wooden screws for wooden surface, multi-use plug and concrete screw for concrete surface, plasterboard wall plug and screw for plasterboard surface, metal screw for metal surface
Safetots recommends that the space around the gate’s location is checked for anything which could be used to assist climbing; nappy boxes make great steps for example and your tot will quickly get them stacked against the gate ready for their grand adventure. As tempting as it may be to dangle and tie toys to the bars of the safety barrier to stimulate play, these pose strangulation and entrapment dangers, and nothing should ever be attached to the gates that is not part of the assembly fittings. Finally, even the most securely installed gate is going to take some bashing in the general course of home life. Safetots recommends that all gates installed, and surrounding surfaces, are routinely checked for any damage, loose fittings, and that the open/close mechanism is sound. Damaged gates should be replaced.
All Safetots’ safety barriers designed for children up to the age of 24 months have been tested and comply with the safety standard EN 1930:2011 when fitted in accordance with the instructions.
Safety Testing
When buying a product to help keep your child out of harm’s way, Safetots believe it is worth investing in one that has been tested to a professionally approved level of safety using rigorous testing methods.
For this reason and where applicable, our products are tested to a British Standards Institution (BSI) standard and/or equivalent international standard. Each standard that our products complies with has been drawn up by a group of experts in the field. Not only do they have extensive knowledge about their product and credibility in the child safety product industry, they are also fully aware of the potential hazards posed by poor quality items being used in the home where children are involved.
The British and European Standard for safety barriers is BS EN 1930:2011. You can be reassured that all Safetots’ safety gates designed for use with babies and toddlers up to age 2 comply with this standard and are retested whenever design upgrades are made, or components changed.
The title of the safety standard, EN 1930:2011 will be marked on your purchased safety barrier next to Safetots’ contact details.
What types of tests are carried out and why?
The tests carried out are designed to mimic the actions of a small child exploring a gate and its surroundings. For example, a child left to explore would attempt to climb over, through or under it, stick their fingers, arms, legs, head and toys through it, push and pull it very vigorously. Budding musicians will give it a good bash with anything to hand to make a great noise and next generation’s engineers will focus on prying apart the opening mechanism. Some children will use it as a teething aid by biting or mouthing it and all would probably love to hang onto the swinging part of the gate for a ride if given the opportunity.
The standard includes tests to check for parts of the gate which could be used as a foothold to assist climbing, finger and limb entrapment risks and stability of the gate when rattled for a lengthy period. The resilience of the opening/closing mechanism is tested, as is the durability of any paints or varnishes that the barrier has been coated in (and the safety of the chemicals within these). In short, every effort has been made to ensure that a gate complying with EN 1930:2011 will be a safe and hazard free product.
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