If you have blinds at home, new safety rules may flag them: One cord test shows hidden danger

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By: Daniel Harris

After June 1, 2024, most new window coverings must be cordless or have inaccessible cords. A 10-second “cord loop” test in your home can expose a hidden strangulation risk you might not notice at first glance.

June 1, 2024 standard pushes corded blinds off the market

The ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standard took effect on June 1, 2024, and it eliminates free-hanging operating cords on most custom products nationwide. The CPSC continues enforcement through recalls when products violate the federal window covering rule.

Why parents breathe easier while landlords still face risk

Households with young kids gain peace of mind from cordless products, but older rentals can still have non-compliant cords. That leaves parents safer today while some landlords must audit and update units.

“Corded window coverings are one of the top hidden hazards in the home,” — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Run this cord test now and fix issues by November 1, 2025

Stand at each window and do a quick audit: if any cord hangs freely or forms a loop you can pull, treat it as a red flag. If inner cords move more than a few inches when pulled, or cord stops aren’t near the head rail, schedule a replacement.

Step Detail Deadline
1 Perform the 10-second “loop” test on all blinds; if a loop or free-hanging cord is present, mark it Today
2 Check cord stops; they should rest within 1–2 inches of the head rail when fully lowered Within 7 days
3 Replace or retrofit with cordless, wand, or secured continuous-loop systems By Nov 1, 2025
4 Re-audit high-risk rooms (nursery, playroom, bedrooms) after install Within 48 hours of install

 

Watch recalls and retailer notices over the next 60 days

Signal to watch: new CPSC window covering recalls for “long operating cords” or “accessible inner cords.” A spike in recall notices within the next 60 days suggests tighter enforcement and potential retailer pullbacks.

Are you seeing CPSC recall counts rise since June 2024?

Recent actions cite blinds that violate the federal rule with long or accessible cords. If recall totals trend up after June 2024, that’s your cue to audit remaining corded shades before year-end.

YouTube video

SOURCES

  • https://wcmanet.com/wcma-standards/
  • https://www.cpsc.gov/gocordless
  • https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

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9 reviews on “If you have blinds at home, new safety rules may flag them: One cord test shows hidden danger”

  1. Remember when corded blinds were all the rage? Now, with new safety rules, they might be a thing of the past. Its like a whole era of home decor is changing overnight. Whos ready to revamp their window treatments for safetys sake?

    Reply
  2. Anyone else notice how safety rules evolve? Corded blinds are the latest concern. Parents, are you ready for the cord test? Landlords, youve got risks to address. Stay updated on recalls! #SafetyFirst

    Reply
  3. Hey, can I just say how these new safety rules for blinds are stressing me out? One cord test, and suddenly its a hidden danger? How many other things are lurking in our homes, waiting to be labeled as risks? Whats next, bubble wrap bans?

    Reply
  4. Did you know new safety rules might put a spotlight on your blinds? One cord test can reveal hidden dangers. Are you ready to make your home safer by the November 1, 2025 deadline?

    Reply
  5. Anyone else notice how safety rules for blinds keep evolving? Its like a never-ending saga. From corded blinds to cordless ones, the journey continues. Are you ready to test your blinds and make sure your home is safe?

    Reply
  6. I used to think corded blinds were harmless until a close call at a friends house. Safety rules are no joke! Have you checked yours yet, or are you risking a serious accident? #StaySafe

    Reply
  7. Ever find yourself wondering if your blinds are secretly plotting against you? Apparently, there are new safety rules flagging hidden dangers in corded blinds. Who knew window coverings could be so mischievous? Time to run that cord test before its curtains for your blinds, right?

    Reply
  8. Ever tried the cord test on your blinds? June 1, 2024, standards are shaking things up. Parents, landlords, are you ready? Safety first, folks. Watch out for recalls and updates in the next 60 days! Will you be making changes by November 1, 2025?

    Reply
    • Oh, the cord test on blinds? Sounds like the next big trend in home safety, right? But seriously, it’s like suddenly our blinds need a safety upgrade to keep up with the cool kids. I can see it now, parents rushing to test their blinds like theyre preparing for a home safety Olympics. Landlords probably sweating at the thought of more regulations to follow. Will we all be swapping out blinds like theyre going out of style by November 1, 2025? Who knew window coverings could cause such a stir!

      Reply

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