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carol_greaves

Isn't this an accident waitint to happen?

12 years ago
Zen's House · More Info
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    We are renovating our stairs... Every step gets a LED strip which automatically lights up every step (microcontroller, 16 channel PWM IC, 16 Logic FETS, two range sensors, ...) and the first and second steps at the bottom a drawer.

    I wanted to auto close the drawers using some electronic motor but the logic if when to close and what parts and sensors to use seems another big project. Drawer to full? finger btween the drawer? All suggestions are welcome... Since every step automatically lights up I don't suspect dangerous in the dark issues.... rule #1 close the drawers!

    The handle for this drawer is really nice... but we go for an push and open system...

    Comments (11)

    • 12 years ago
      Yes a major accident!!!
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      No its all pretty simple - people can't get up the stairs without closing them. They are soft closers so tend to stay closed. There is generally a 20mm nosing. All works a treat. The builder has installed in his own house & there are no problems.
    • 12 years ago
      "tend to stay close"...not safe enough...you may need to close them to go up, but coming down in darkness.....you get the picture....
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      It's safe. Could use self closing guides to make you feel better. This has been done in perpetuity in Japan in machiya housing and I've never heard of safety being an issue.
    • 11 years ago
      Re: safety comment: "No its all pretty simple - people can't get up the stairs without closing them." But what if you go upstairs, and someone else is in the house downstairs and leaves the drawers open? It is a neat idea but definitely has issues.
    • 11 years ago
      I am quite sure in some regions it would not pass inspection due to fire code...still like the idea.
    • 11 years ago
      That would depend on how it is constructed.

      R302.7 Under-stair protection.
      Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under-stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.


      http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_3_par059.htm?bu2=undefined
    • 11 years ago
      In case of an emergency evacuation an open drawer in the stairs may be ( and should be) considered a physical obstruction.
    • 11 years ago
      Then kids with toys would also be against code to have in your house :)
    • 11 years ago
      This is a brilliant idea for an otherwise wasted space Love it
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