5 reasons why actuated windows are not a good idea

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You may think that fitting an actuator on a window will make a cost effective solution for smoke and natural ventilation, but that is not the case. Here are 5 reasons to avoid actuated windows.

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Page 1: 5 reasons why actuated windows are not a good idea

5 reasons why actuated windows are not a good idea

Windows and actuators do not make a complete ventilation system!

You may think that fitting an actuator on a window will make a cost effective solution for smoke and natural ventilation, but that is not the case. Here are 5 reasons to avoid actuated windows.

The window and actuator may be incompatible. 

These two ‘off the shelf’ components are often supplied by two different parties in the construction process. Rarely is the compatibility of the components considered adequately. For example, a window with sliding/scissor hinges has a vertical action, whereas an actuator’s chain drive would normally operate in the horizontal plane. If the motor drives too far, the hinge mechanism may lock up with the potential for damage when the window tries to close. Similarly, a UPVC or timber framed window may not have the strength in the right areas to take the loads being imposed by a high powered actuator, particularly if it is badly aligned. And, if you run into such a problem, where does responsibility for the incompatibility lie?

A window with an actuator is not tested as assembly. Compared to ventilators, a window with an actuator won’t generally be tested as an assembly. This is important because the hinges and seals are not designed for continuous opening and closing by mechanical force. By it not being tested as an assembly, you won’t find out how well – or how badly – it will work over time. You don’t want it to fail when you most need it during a fire!

You won’t necessarily achieve the right area. Just fitting actuators on your windows means that you won’t necessarily be relying on a properly designed ventilation system: how can you be sure that the right area is being achieved with your simple window?

Excessive cost of controls. A contractor will tend to supply an actuator at the lowest price, so you might get a 24V 6A actuator. This component doesn’t cost much, but it has a high power demand. Control issues may arise in this situation, as a higher power demand can often lead to needing large back-up power supplies (and consequent long-term maintenance requirements), as well as restrictive cable lengths.

Ensuring good control of opening. Are you sure that your actuated window can provide proportional and controlled opening, or is it just open/close? For effective ventilation, you need a system that has the ability for modulating control.

The effective and safe solution? Ventilators

Purpose designed and tested. Ventilators are designed precisely for smoke and natural ventilation. Norms in Europe require them to be to tested to at least 1,000 cycles for smoke and a minimum of 10,000 cycles for day-to-day ventilation.

Tested as one assembly. Such ventilators are tested as one assembly to withstand pre-determined wind loads and snow loads (if they are not installed vertically), for air leakage and for deflection to the

© 2013 Colt International Licensing Ltd.

Page 2: 5 reasons why actuated windows are not a good idea

relevant standard. The hinges and seals are selected to withstand the forces of continuous opening and closing.

A larger free area. A louvred ventilator (which is nearly always fitted with an integrated actuator) will generally provide a larger free area than a single pane window for a given size of opening. 

A safer opening. A louvred ventilator operates more safely, being able to restrict ingress and egress, as the opening aperture can be determined by selecting the number and size of louvres. This is a particular advantage in education establishments.

Assured modulating control. The controls and actuators can be selected to provide the ability for modulating control.

They look good. The actuators are integral to the unit, so they don’t look like an afterthought added at a later date.

A guaranteed product. There is a single line of responsibility for the entire system, guaranteeing the service it is meant to provide.

Conclusion

While fitting actuators on windows may seem like an attractive low-cost solution, you should resist the temptation and choose purpose-designed ventilators.

If you would like to know more, why not contact us or read about natural ventilation on our website.

© 2013 Colt International Licensing Ltd.