Drop Down Rails

A drop down rail hinges up flat against the wall when it is not needed, and lowers to give support when it is. That folding action is what makes side transfers onto a toilet possible in a room that also has to work for everyone else.

Where they are used

Almost always beside a toilet, where a wheelchair user needs clear space to transfer across and a support to push against once seated. In a shared or accessible public toilet the rail folds away so the space stays usable for ambulant users.

With or without a leg?

Wall mounted only rails are neater and leave the floor clear for a wheelchair to approach. All the load goes through the wall fixing, so the wall must be genuinely solid.

Rails with a support leg transfer load to the floor, which allows a higher weight rating and suits situations where the wall cannot be relied on. The leg does obstruct floor space, so consider the transfer route.

Fixing

The forces on a drop down rail are considerable — a user pulling themselves up applies leverage at the hinge. Fix into masonry or purpose-fitted timber, never plasterboard. Check the stated load rating against the user.

Compliance

For Part M compliant installations, positioning and heights are specified — see our Doc M packs, which include the correct rails as a set. Also browse fixed grab rails.