ISOFix

Isofix is an international Installation Standard for attaching a child car seat to a vehicle without the use of an adult seat belt. It minimises installation errors and optimises protection through a rigid connection to the car chassis.

The child car seat attaches to two brackets that may be found where the adult seat back and cushion meet. They are approximately 22 cms apart and not always easy to locate. 

Isofix seats are manufactured to different standards, which we endeavour to explain below. 

Explaining the standards

Since 1997, some cars have been fitted with two Isofix anchorage points, from February 2006 all new ECE approved models should have been equipped with two anchorage points and a ‘Top Tether’ anchorage point.

‘Top Tethers’ anchorage points are not mandatory in new models until 2011

From the 26th February 2004, three levels of approval have been in force.

1). Universal Approval

Relevant to Group 1 forward facing seats (9 –18Kgs) utilising the ‘Top Tether’
Anchorage point. A Top Tether is a belt at the top of a child car seat that attaches to anchorage points in the car, often found at the back of the adult seat or roof.

Products with this level of approval may only be used if featured in the child car seat manufacturers approved Application List.

The Britax Duo Plus, Safefix Plus TT & Jane Exo are examples of seats approved as being Universally compatible to vehicles with ‘Top Tether’ anchorage points.

2). Semi-Universal Approval

Relevant to rearward facing, forward facing or laterally fitted restraints, that utilise a foot prop. The foot prop is an anti rotational support that supports the restraint on the floor, preventing the car seat from pitching forward in the event of an accident.

Products with this level of approval may only be used if featured in the child car seat manufacturers approved Application List.

Vehicle Specific Approval

Is granted for the use of seats without foot props or Top Tether anchorage points in specific vehicles.

Products with this level of approval may only be used if featured in the child car seat manufacturers approved Application List

N.B.

Each Isofix seat must be approved for use in each car to which it is to be fitted. This information is found in the child car seat manufacturers Application (approval) list.

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Technical Centre

• Seat Groups
• Definitions
• ISOFix
• Application Lists
• Vehicle Suitability List
• Fitting Instructions
• Rear Facing Seats
• European Regulations
• Seatbelt Law

Instruction & Information Videos

Special Needs

• Children with Special Needs
• Children with Hip Spica Casts

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