A safety stay (also called safety or cleaning stay) is a safety device on tilt sashes. It catches the sash if the actual support fails and prevents it from falling.
Why is it important for window actuators?
With a motor-opened tilt window, the actuator often holds the sash in position. If the fastening comes loose or the actuator is removed for maintenance, the safety stay secures the sash. This is especially important for skylights above head height: a falling sash is heavy and can injure people.
What to look out for
- Opening width: the safety stay must open at least as far as the actuator extends; otherwise it blocks the actuator
- Load capacity: choose to suit the sash weight
- Both sides: for wide sashes, usually one stay on the left and right
- Retrofitting: anyone replacing an old fanlight opener with a chain actuator should check the safety stays and replace them if necessary
According to the window product standard DIN EN 14351-1, cleaning and safety stays are safety devices. How the conversion works is shown in the guide Retrofitting electric fanlight openers.
Practical example: fanlight above a door
A tilting fanlight above a door is retrofitted with an electric drive. The existing safety stay limits the opening to about 150 mm. The actuator is therefore chosen with a Stroke that stays below this value. Otherwise it runs against the stay, switches off via the Load cut-off and puts strain on the stay and the actuator every time it opens.
Common mistakes
- Safety stay removed to gain more opening – then there is no safeguard if the sash comes loose
- Stroke larger than the opening of the safety stay
- Safety stay not designed for the sash weight
Frequently asked questions
Is a safety stay mandatory?
On tilt and fanlight windows it is common as fall protection for the sash and often required. Whether it is needed in your case is decided by the window manufacturer or planner.
Can I increase the opening of the safety stay?
Only with a safety stay designed for it. Simply extending the existing stay is not permitted.
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