Manually operated window shades are a popular choice in many settings because they are less expensive than motorized solutions. That includes places where small children may be present, including homes, schools, and day care centers. In those locations, it’s crucial to make sure that window coverings do not pose a risk of accidental injury from operating chains or cords.
All Draper window shades sold to Budget Blinds franchises standardly meet the CPSC safety regulation known as ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018. The safest solution is to avoid cords and chains altogether if small children may be present.
Here are a few ways to do that:
Battery-Operated Motors
Two big reasons many projects use shades with operable cords or chains are cost and installation convenience. Motorization does cost more and running wiring—especially on retrofit projects—can be an invasive process.
Part of the Smart Home Collection, Draper battery-operated motors address both of these issues. They are less expensive than traditional motorized units and there is no wiring required. And you do have some further choices based on budget and need:
- Smart Home Collection Battery Shade. The rechargeable batteries are located inside the motor, so there are no battery wands to hide! The optional Alexa or Google Home compatible Smart Home Collection Hub opens the door to many control possibilities, including wireless wall switches, remotes, voice, or mobile app.
- FlexShade® Battery. Batteries are easily replaced in the re-loadable battery wand, or never worry about changing batteries with a rechargeable Li-ion battery motor. It’s simple to program and easy to use!
Wired Motors
Hard wired motorized shades are also part of the Smart Home Collection, and offer several advantages of their own. There are multiple ways to control them, and they are typically a better solution on large projects.
- Motorized FlexShade. Draper AC hardwired motorized shades are UL listed, so you can be sure of years of safe, reliable performance. Each version is available with hundreds of fabric color and openness choices, and with hardware options to fit with any style or need. Traditional, Smart, and Radio Technology Somfy® motors feature a wide array of external control options, including wall switches, handheld remotes, and integration with third party home control systems, to provide the perfect solution for your home.
Manual Shades
If, in the end, you still want a manually operated shading solution, we also offer child-safe alternatives:
- FlexShade® Twin Pull: provides all the benefits of bead chain operation in a cord-free, child safe design. The clutch mechanism operates ratchet-style via two pull wands (one on each side of the clutch) to raise and lower the window shade. It never needs adjusting and is available in sizes through 8′ (244 cm) wide. The pull wands are 20” or 40” (51 cm or 102 cm) in length.
- Cordless FlexShade: The Cordless FlexShade® option replaces the clutch and motor options to give a clean look and simple operation. This option may be added to any non-motorized shade, replacing the standard clutch. The Cordless FlexShade features an exclusive cordless bracket system for simple installation and operation.
- Clutch-Operated FlexShade: Draper provides a pre-installed Spring-Loaded Chain Tension Device on all Budget Blinds orders for bead chain operated shades unless specified otherwise, to make them safe for small children and compliant with the ANSI standard. This tension device prevents hazardous loops by maintaining tension on the bead chain. If the device isn’t installed properly, and the loop isn’t kept taut, the shade will not work properly.
