The Dangers of Using Espag Handles on Tilt & Turn Windows

by Winlock Security's Sales & Marketing Director, Philip Swann

According to the best estimates I have seen, sales of Tilt and Turn frames in the UK are approximately 600,000 units per year. This figure is based upon the consumption of gear but it is clear that sales of TBT handles lag far behind. The only logical conclusion that can be drawn is that many TBT frames are being fitted with standard espag handles.

You do not have to be Sherlock Holmes to determine that the main reason for this is cost as espag handles generally cost only 25 percent of the price of proper TBT handles. In certain circumstances, espag handles are not only inappropriate but they create significant dangers.

The main deficiency with the use of the espag handle is that it does not have a 'Tilt/Lock' facility. Proper TBT handles are designed and made to prevent the handle going beyond the 90-degree position and, importantly, the frame will go only to its 'tilt' position and not to 'turn.' TBT handles are thus able to protect children and the elderly from the danger of falling out of windows inadvertently opened in a multistorey application.

A further benefit of TBT handles is that in public buildings windows can be opened for ventilation purposes or kept closed for warmth without risk to occupants and without the need for a restrictor.

Naturally, when the windows need cleaning a further turn of the key allows the frame to achieve its fully open mode.

The best - but by no means all TBT handles - can also be key locked in the closed position fulfilling the requirements of insurance companies and giving the occupant added security. Specifiers should ask for this as a basic requirement.

A Tilt and Turn window is usually bigger and heavier than a standard casement. If it is fitted with an espag handle not only does it have to rotate through 180 degrees, but also it has to carry huge extra loads and torque for which it has not been designed.

Remedial costs for site visits are too high to run the risk of under specifying. Furthermore manufacturers' guarantees will usually be invalidated by the use of espag handles in this situation.

I would advise extreme caution in the choice of window hardware for TBT situations. Short-term gains can be quickly wiped out by the risk of litigation if problems arise from the use of inappropriate handles. Keep your reputation high and your customers happy in the long term, by specifying a handIe that is properly designed and is 'man' enough for the job.

Contact Philip Swann 01952 680178