Smoke Extraction Motor
A smoke extraction window actuator (correctly chosen) transforms a window (correctly executed) into an outlet for smoke and hot gases in case of fire. Such a smoke extraction window, executed according to current standards, can successfully replace a smoke hatch.
Smoke Vents
Vertical smoke hatches are a finished product that must be integrated into the building, which can lead to aesthetic dissonances. By using a smoke extraction window, we have the advantage of using something that is aesthetically harmoniously integrated. Moreover, most of the time, a smoke extraction motor comes with significantly lower costs than a smoke hatch.
Of course, a smoke extraction hatch is a product with an aerodynamic area established through testing, but a correctly sized and executed window, equipped with a certified and correctly chosen smoke extraction motor, can provide the necessary aerodynamic area as specified in the fire safety scenario. In the case of multi-story buildings and/or when renovating an existing building, the solution with smoke extraction windows instead of smoke hatches presents obvious advantages:
- minimal modifications to existing elements (demolitions, cutting openings in floors and roofs, etc);
- the possibility of preserving the original windows with minimal interventions on them (a very important aspect in the case of heritage buildings, for example);
- they are an aesthetic, minimally invasive solution.
Equally, for shopping centers, logistics centers, office buildings, public institutions, educational institutions, industrial halls, etc., smoke extraction windows are a modern solution compliant with fire safety standards.
Window Motors
Automatic windows are found in smoke extraction systems with organized natural draft and in automated natural ventilation systems. In principle, automated windows are designed to open/close following a command transmitted by a control unit. The control unit can receive the window activation signal from a fire alarm panel, a weather station, an activation button, an emergency button, a smoke/temperature sensor, interior CO2 sensors, exterior temperature, rain, or wind sensors, etc.
There are two primary categories of window motors:
- smoke extraction window actuator
- ventilation window actuator
In general, window actuatorsare powered either at 230/110 V AC or at 24 V DC. In Romania, we talk about power supply voltages of 230 V AC and 24 V DC. Usually, window motors for ventilation are powered at 230 V AC or 24 V DC, while window motors for smoke extraction are powered at 24 V DC. Because a smoke extraction window actuator must be powered by a current source with emergency batteries (which ensures motor power even in case of a network power outage), smoke extraction window motors will have control units with output voltage and backup batteries at 24V DC.
Ventilation window actuators can be directly powered from the 230 V AC network or powered at 24 V DC from a control unit (possibly a weather station) with an output voltage of 24 V DC.
If certain conditions are met, a smoke extraction motor can also be used as a ventilation motor, but the reverse is NOT valid – a window motor exclusively intended for natural ventilation CANNOT be used as a smoke extraction window motor.
Visually, you can identify a motor exclusively intended for ventilation by the following characteristics:
- it has a power supply voltage of 230 V (220 V);
- it has a plastic casing;
- the mounting and fastening accessories can be made of plastic;
Considering that there are also ventilation motors powered at 24 V, which may even have metal casing and accessories, to ensure that you have been delivered a motor intended for smoke extraction, you need to perform additional checks.
Smoke Extraction Window Motor
A smoke ventilation window actuator will have a metal casing (made of steel or aluminum), mounting brackets, and metal installation accessories and will be powered at 24 V DC.
Additionally, a smoke ventilation window motor must be tested by an independent laboratory (a certification body notified to the European Commission) according to the European standard EN 12101-2, to confirm that the actuator:
- reaches the maximum stroke in the “open” position within a maximum of 60 seconds from receiving the opening signal;
- maintains mechanical stability for 30 minutes at a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius (class B300);
- can operate at low temperatures (zero degrees Celsius);
- has been tested for at least 1000 open/close cycles (if used only for smoke ventilation) or at least 10,000 cycles (if used for both smoke ventilation and daily ventilation).
Normally, during the IGSU inspection for building fire safety approval, you will be asked for documents showing essential characteristics for smoke ventilation motors, according to EN 12101-2. If you do not have these documents from your supplier, it is possible that ventilation actuators, not smoke ventilation actuators, have been installed, and the firefighter may refuse to approve the building.
At KADRA, you will find both complete and certified smoke ventilation solutions with organized natural draft, as well as organized natural ventilation solutions based on window actuators. You benefit from over 30 years of experience we have accumulated and receive quality associated products and services: advice in selecting the optimal solution and choosing the right products and manufacturers, prompt delivery (from stock, for some products), installation, maintenance, service, and maintenance with qualified personnel.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Search below!
