The Hard Truth About Window Blinds
Your beautiful window blinds could kill your child.
That’s not fear-mongering. That’s a fact backed by decades of tragic accidents.
Every year, children die from blind cord strangulation. The cords that make your blinds work can become death traps in seconds.
But here’s what manufacturers won’t tell you upfront: Most blinds sold today still have dangerous cords.
What EN 13120 Actually Means for You
EN 13120 is Europe’s mandatory safety standard for internal blinds. It’s not just bureaucratic paperwork – it’s a lifeline.
This standard forces manufacturers to install safety devices that can save your child’s life.
But understanding the technical jargon is nearly impossible for regular people.
Let’s break it down.
The Real Dangers in Your Home
Operating Loops: The Silent Killers
These are the continuous chains or cords you pull to operate blinds.
Think about it: A loop is literally a noose waiting to happen.
When a curious toddler puts their head through that loop, they have seconds before losing consciousness.
Pull Cords: Double Trouble
Multiple hanging cords create even more risk.
Kids can wrap these around their necks while playing.
Or they can get tangled while sleeping near windows.
Internal Cords: The Hidden Threat
Roman shades and cellular blinds hide cords inside the fabric.
You can’t see them, but your child can reach them.
These internal cords create loops that can trap small heads.
Your Action Plan: What You Must Do Now
Step 1: Identify Your Blind Type
Walk through your house right now.
Check every window covering.
Look for:
- Continuous loop chains
- Hanging pull cords
- Any cord longer than your thumb
Step 2: Measure the Danger
The 24-inch rule: Any cord within 24 inches of the floor is deadly.
The loop test: If you can fit your fist through any loop, a child’s head can fit too.
Don’t guess. Measure.
Step 3: Demand Safety Devices
When buying new blinds, ask these questions:
“Does this have a breakaway mechanism?” This device breaks the cord loop when pressure is applied.
“Where’s the cord tensioner?” This device keeps cords tight against the wall, preventing loops.
“Is there a cord accumulator?” This winds up excess cord automatically.
If the salesperson can’t answer, shop elsewhere.
Real Solutions That Actually Work
For Existing Dangerous Blinds
Cut the cords short: Trim them to 12 inches from the floor maximum.
Install cord cleats: Mount these plastic devices high on the wall to wrap cords around.
Buy retrofit kits: These add safety mechanisms to older blinds.
Replace the whole system: Sometimes this is the only safe option.
For New Blind Purchases
Demand cordless options:
- Motorized blinds
- Spring-loaded mechanisms
- Top-down/bottom-up designs
Insist on proper installation:
- Professional mounting at correct height
- All safety devices installed and tested
- Clear instructions for safe operation
The EN 13120 Requirements You Need to Know
Breakaway Systems
When 13 pounds of force is applied, dangerous loops must break apart within 5 seconds.
This simulates a child’s weight creating pressure on the cord.
Fixed Tensioning Systems
Cords must be secured to prevent dangerous loops from forming.
The gap between cord strands cannot exceed 2 inches.
The entire system must withstand 134 pounds of force without failing.
Installation Height Requirements
If installation height isn’t specified: Cord length cannot exceed 2/3 of the blind height.
If installation height is specified: Cord ends must be at least 2 feet from the floor.
What Manufacturers Don’t Want You to Know
The Loopholes
Some manufacturers use cheap breakaway devices that fail after a few uses.
Others install tensioning systems that homeowners remove because they’re inconvenient.
The Testing Reality
EN 13120 testing happens in labs, not real homes with real kids.
The standard doesn’t account for creative children who find new ways to get tangled.
The Compliance Issue
Not all imported blinds actually meet EN 13120 standards, despite claims on packaging.
Your Safety Checklist
Before You Buy
- [ ] Verify EN 13120 compliance certificate
- [ ] Test safety mechanisms in the store
- [ ] Ask for installation instructions
- [ ] Confirm warranty covers safety device failures
After Installation
- [ ] Test breakaway mechanisms monthly
- [ ] Check cord lengths quarterly
- [ ] Inspect for wear and damage
- [ ] Educate all family members on safe operation
Emergency Protocol
- [ ] Know how to quickly cut cords if needed
- [ ] Keep scissors accessible near problem windows
- [ ] Teach older children about cord dangers
- [ ] Have emergency contact numbers posted
The Bottom Line
Your child’s safety isn’t negotiable.
EN 13120 provides minimum standards, not maximum protection.
Go beyond compliance. Choose cordless when possible.
When cords are unavoidable, install multiple safety layers.
And remember: The safest blind cord is no cord at all.
Need Professional Help?
Don’t trust blind safety to chance.
Contact certified blind installers who understand EN 13120 requirements.
Verify their credentials before allowing work to begin.
Get written guarantees that all safety standards will be met.
Your child’s life depends on getting this right.
Final Warning
Every day you delay action is another day of risk.
Children move fast and think faster than you imagine.
That “perfectly safe” cord becomes a death trap in seconds.
Fix this today. Not tomorrow. Today.
Because some mistakes you can’t undo.
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