Isofix mount - what is it? Car seat with Isofix fastening

In early February 2011, the Europeanthe law ordered the presence of Isofix anchorages in any vehicle. The basis for this was the creation of children's car seats with the same name system, sponsored by Volkswagen. What is the advantage of Isofix in front of conventional seat belts, no one knows. However, now almost every mother is confident that the chair of her baby should be equipped according to the standards of such a system. Isofix mount - what is it? For kids of what age is this system intended and is it capable of harm?

Isofix Creation History

The reason for the appearance of a new fastening system forchildren's armchairs became disappointing statistics of accidents in Europe, which affected children. As it turned out, the seats, designed for the safety of the child, could not cope with their tasks due to improper installation. This problem mainly concerned armchairs for children aged 0 to 3 years. The complex system of fixing regular seat belts to many parents seemed uncomfortable or simply incomprehensible. And some moms and dads simplified the scheme, independently reducing the protective functions of the seats.

In connection with this, the International Organization forstandardization, it was decided to create new fasteners. They are more convenient, but not less reliable. So there was an Isofix mount system. Its main advantages were simplicity of installation and optimization of the protective properties of a child seat. As a result of the tests, it became known that the new system significantly reduces risks in emergency situations. The first car seat with Isofix mount for age group 1 appeared in 1997. After this, there have been changes in international standards regarding safety systems for child seats in passenger vehicles.

Isofix mount - what is it?

So, let's move on to the most important one. Isofix is ​​a rigid attachment between the car seat and a child seat or other restraint. It is suitable for children under 3-3.5 years old or weighing up to 20 kg. That is, for age groups 0, 0+ and 1. This completes the list of admissible categories. If the baby weighs more than 20 kg, then in an armchair with a similar device it is forbidden to transport it.

Children's Isofix mounts are twometal bracket on the chair or base for it. They are fixed with two brackets installed in the seat of the car. The system makes it easy to remove the child seat. When transporting without a child, the seat does not move when braking abruptly. Staples are usually installed in the back of the chair, on the sides of the sofa on the left and on the right. In case of emergency situations, Isofix staples reliably hold it, taking the entire impact.

"Leg" or "anchor"?

It turns out that the International Standards requirecar seats for the presence of the "leg" element or the anchor belt Top Tether. They are supplemented with Isofix mount. What is it and what should I prefer when choosing a child's device? The thing is that the Isofix itself is attached at two points to the vehicle's seat. These two sections undergo a tremendous load, as when striking an accident a torque is created. "Leg" or "anchor" is installed as the third point of support. It takes over some of the load and prevents the chair from moving forward.

"Leg" is a telescopic strut thatIt extends from the front of the chair in the middle and rests against the floor. Anchor strap Top Tether emerges from the head restraint of the chair from the rear. Mounted with a carabiner clip in the trunk of the transport. Depending on the model of the car, the clamp can be located behind the head restraint. "Anchor" is considered more convenient and universal than the "leg". Therefore, soon all new cars will be equipped with brackets for fastening Top Tether.

Isofix for group 0

In group 0+ and 1 car seat with Isofix mountis fixed directly to the staples in the car seat. For category 0 (babies from birth to a year weighing not more than 13 kg), a slightly different system is used. After all, in this case, the chairs themselves are cradles. Such children's devices are conveniently conveniently taken out of the car to transport the child to them and on the street. Therefore, they are mounted on special bases, in which the Isofix brackets are installed.

Autoarmchairs with Isofix for groups 2 and 3

A number of crash tests have shown that a child weighingfrom 15 to 20 kg Isofix mount is no longer suitable. To fix, you need to use regular seat belts. They pass through special guides in the car seat. This is due to the fact that during an accident, the load must fall on the belts, and the child along with the chair must move forward. But very often manufacturers offer moms concerned about the safety of their loved ones, purchase armchairs of categories 2 and 3. They also have an Isofix mount. What is it and is it possible to use this device?

In fact, called Isofix fasteners inthis case is more decorative. Or they serve to fix the chair in the car without a child. The present, power Isofix on the seats of categories 2 and 3 is not attached, as are the additional attachments "anchor" or "leg". This will only hurt the child in an accident.