Samson xpanda saftiwindow steel security grilles retractable

Samson Xpanda SaftiWindow Single Sash Grille

Overview

The Samson Xpanda SaftiWindow single sash grille is a trackless, collapsible steel security barrier designed for straightforward fitting to most domestic and commercial window openings. It provides a strong, visible deterrent with no top or bottom tracks to collect dirt. This makes it practical where you want extra security but still need easy everyday use and maximum natural light through the glass.

How it operates

This fully retractable, concertina style steel grille folds neatly to one side when not in use. When you pull the sash across, the built in two pin slam lock engages automatically into the receiver on the locking side. This gives instant protection without needing to fumble with padlocks.

The trackless design means there are no rails to install across internal cills. The grille is hinged on the fixed side as standard, allowing the entire stacked sash to swing away. This is useful for cleaning the window, general maintenance, or emergency access.

Construction and materials

Manufactured from powder coated steel, the SaftiWindow forms a rigid expanding lattice that resists attack. The powder coated finish gives a durable surface that is easy to wipe down and protects against corrosion in standard internal environments.

Each grille arrives as a complete kit. It includes the sash, side hinges, slam lock, necessary installation hardware, and a step by step fitting guide for confident DIY or trades installation.

Sizes and configurations

This single sash model is available in a range of standard widths and heights to suit common window apertures. Typical standard widths are 900, 1200 and 1500 mm, with heights of 850, 1000, 1150, 1300 and 1450mm. The assembled grille has a compact 50 mm nominal thickness.

To choose the right size, measure the clear internal width and height of your window reveal. Select the nearest standard size that sits within that opening. For example, if your inside window aperture is 1100 mm wide and 900 mm high, the 1200 mm wide by 850 mm high SaftiWindow will fit within the reveal while allowing clearance for operation. The exact size is not necessary for these to work and secure your opening but we do offer made to measure on request.

Finishes and colours

The standard grille is supplied in a white powder coat. This neutral finish suits most interiors and blends with typical PVCu, aluminium or timber frames. It remains discreet when retracted but stands out clearly as a security barrier when closed.

For projects requiring non-standard dimensions, purpose-made grilles can be manufactured to suit your exact window measurements. Simply contact us directly to discuss pricing. Special colours are also available, though this is usually only viable for multiple grille orders.

Standard specification

• Trackless, retractable single sash steel window grille for internal or external mounting.
• Powder coated metal construction with a 50 mm nominal thickness.
• Available in standard widths (900 to 1500 mm) and heights (850 - 1450 mm).
• Two side hinges on the fixed post, allowing the stacked grille to swing clear.
• Integrated two-pin slam lock on the leading edge for rapid security.
• Leading edge castor wheel supplied on widths of 1300 mm or above to reduce sash sag.
• Supplied with installation hardware and a step-by-step fitting guide.
• Standard finish in white, with bespoke sizes and colours available on request.

Practical applications for the SaftiWindow grille

Ground floor domestic windows

Ground floor windows at the rear or side of a house are common targets for forced entry. The SaftiWindow provides an immediate physical barrier. Because the sash folds tightly away and swings entirely clear on its side hinges, it does not permanently block your view of the garden or obstruct emergency escape routes. You get the security when you are out or asleep. But daytime natural light levels remain largely unaffected. This makes the grille highly practical for patio side windows, utility rooms, and ground-floor home offices containing expensive IT equipment.

Commercial offices and rear elevations

Businesses often have vulnerable glass elevations backing onto alleys, industrial estates or unlit car parks. Installing fixed burglar bars can feel oppressive for staff working inside all day. A trackless retractable sash solves this completely. The steel grille stays pushed back out of sight during office hours. The slam lock mechanism then makes securing the building fast when the last person leaves for the night. And it avoids the need for heavy external roller shutters which often require formal planning permission or negatively alter the building exterior.

Retail spaces and shop window displays

Shop windows need to promote stock even when the premises are locked up. The expanding lattice pattern of the Xpanda system stops intruders from reaching through broken glass. Potential customers can still clearly see the products illuminated behind the steel framework. It works exceptionally well for independent retailers, pharmacies, and electronics shops needing a cost-effective internal deterrent without having to install metal tracks permanently across their main window display base.

Serveries, reception desks and internal hatches

Trackless grilles are frequently used indoors to control access between rooms. A single sash grille can secure a school canteen servery, a public clinic reception counter, or an internal office hatch. Because there is no bottom track required, the counter surface remains entirely clear for sliding paperwork or trays across during the day. You simply pull the grille across the opening and push the lock closed to shut off the secure area while leaving the wider building open. It is a very simple division method.

Technical specifications

Standard widths and heights

The standard single sash grilles are designed to cover the most common UK window dimensions. Standard widths include 850, 1000, 1150, 1300 and 1450 mm. Standard heights are 900, 1200 and 1500 mm. The expanding lattice means these sizes have built-in tolerance to fit securely within openings that closely match these dimensions.

Core technical details

• Construction: Tubular cold rolled steel lattice with 38 mm steel "U" channels.
• Finish: Epoxy powder-coated (white as standard) for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Locking mechanism: Built in two pin slam lock for rapid closure.
• Mounting options: Suitable for face fixing or reveal fixing within the window aperture.
• Operation: Fully retractable trackless design with side hinges allowing the stacked grille to swing up to 180 degrees.
• Support: A leading-edge castor wheel is included on all single sashes 1300 mm wide and above to prevent sagging during operation.

Customisation and bespoke sizes

If your window aperture falls between our standard sizes, SaftiWindows can be cut down in size at the factory prior to delivery. This service offers a fast turnaround for a small additional cost, ensuring a precise fit without long manufacturing delays.

We also offer fully bespoke sizes and custom specifications for commercial projects or multiple quantity orders. This includes non-standard dimensions and special colour matching to suit corporate branding or existing architectural features. Please contact our team directly to discuss requirements and pricing for multiple custom units.

Double sash format for wider windows

For window openings that exceed the maximum standard width of a single grille, the SaftiWindow is available in a double sash format. This system uses two separate grilles that meet and lock in the middle of the opening. It provides double the width capacity while using the exact same standard height options (900, 1200 and 1500 mm) as the single sash model. When unlocked, the two sashes retract cleanly to opposite sides of the window, maintaining maximum light and a balanced appearance.

Basic installation guidance

Fitting within the window reveal

Because the SaftiWindow is trackless, the installation process is straightforward. You only need to secure two main components to the walls. Start by offering up the fixed vertical channel to one side of the window reveal. Make sure it is completely plumb. Mark your fixing holes and secure the channel using the appropriate masonry or timber fixings for your wall type.

Next, extend the grille across the opening to find the exact position for the slam lock receiving part on the opposite side. Once it lines up perfectly with the locking mechanism on the sash, fix the receiver firmly into the reveal. That completes the main structure. You do not have to worry about cutting, aligning or drilling any top and bottom tracks.

Window handles and alternative fitting

When installing a grille directly inside the opening, always check the clearance for protruding window handles or trickle vents. The steel sash needs a clear path to pull across without catching on the window hardware.

If your window handles stick out too far for a standard in-between aperture fix, we can provide various components to space the grille safely away from the glass. Alternatively, the system can be face-fitted directly onto the wall surrounding the window opening. Please call or email us directly to discuss your setup if you require spacing brackets or face-fixing hardware, ensuring we supply the correct parts with your order.

How to measure for an in-reveal SaftiWindow

Taking the width and height

To order the correct size SaftiWindow for a simple installation inside the window aperture (a reveal fit), you need to measure the opening accurately. Always measure the clear width in three places: across the top, the middle, and the bottom of the reveal. Then, measure the height in three places: down the left side, the centre, and the right side.

Write down the smallest width and the smallest height. Because walls are rarely perfectly square, using the smallest dimension ensures the rigid steel grille will fit comfortably inside the opening without getting stuck during installation.

Choosing the right standard size

Once you have your smallest width and height measurements, select the nearest standard SaftiWindow size that is slightly larger than your aperture dimensions. The trackless expanding lattice design means a grille that is nominally wider or taller than your opening will still fit. The grille simply expands to fill the available space and then locks securely in place.

For example, if your smallest reveal measurements are 1100 mm wide and 860 mm high, the standard 1200 mm wide by 900 mm high SaftiWindow will fit. If your aperture falls exactly on or very close to our standard dimensions, you may need a factory cut-down to ensure enough clearance for the side channels and hinge posts.

Checking for obstacles

Before confirming your sizes, check the depth of the window reveal where you intend to fit the grille. Ensure there are no skirting boards, protruding window handles, or deep window cills that will catch the steel lattice as it slides across. If the reveal is too shallow to avoid the handles, you may need to order standoff brackets or consider measuring for a face-fit installation on the surrounding wall instead.