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If fitting a single chain actuator to a top-hung or bottom-hung window we recommend a maximum window width of 1300mm. For anything wider we recommend multiple synchronised chain actuators. 

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Our Italian friends at Mingardi SRL have a useful formula for calculating such things.  

Calculation for top-hung windows: 

F = (C ÷ H) x (P ÷ 2) 

F = Required force (kg) 

P = Weight of the window (kg) 

C = Opening stroke (mm) 

H = Height of the window 

Calculation for bottom-hung windows: 

F = (C ÷ H) x (P ÷ 2) 

F = Required force (kg) 

P = Weight of the window (kg) 

C = Opening stroke (mm) 

H = Height of the window 

Calculation for roof vents: 

F = (P + Cn) ÷ 2 

F = Required force (kg) 

P = Weight of the roof vent (kg) 

Cn = Snow load 

Still need help? Contact our technical team who will be happy to help! 

If an actuator or set of actuators need to be controlled from a BMS we recommend a control interface is used to ensure the correct operation of the actuator(s). These can be supplied with BACnet or KNX cards allowing actuator position feedback to the BMS. For this type of application we would recommend one of the following control unit’s are used: 

All of our actuators have a range of fixing brackets available. The best suited will depend on the hinge type, frame type and fixing space available.  

Check the connections at the control unit and junction box local to the actuator to ensure it has been wired as per the installation instructions. In most cases the open and close signal wires need swapping over. 

No. Retro fitting an actuator to a window for smoke venting purposes would not constitute an EN12101-2 smoke vent and therefore would not comply with CPR 2013 regulation. CPR 2013 requires any life safety products (in this case the Smoke Vent / AOV) to be CE Marked and this is only possible if there is a fully audited production process for the AOV, and a declaration of performance can be made by the manufacturer. To achieve compliance we recommend one of our fully compliant EN12101-2 smoke vents.  

Most of our actuators are available in black, silver or white finish as standard. If you need a specific RAL colour or need to match the window profile we offer a wet spray service for the actuator and bracket set.  

The opening stroke sizes for our actuators range from 50-1200mm. The best suited will depend on the window size, hinge type, weight, frame type and application.  

This will depend on the actuator current consumption (A) and control unit maximum motor load (A). You must not exceed the maximum motor load on the control unit. See below: 

Actuators 

Yes. Most of our control units have this feature as standard but some will need an additional module to facilitate a fire alarm signal input.  

This will depend on the actuator current consumption (A), control unit maximum motor load (A) and size of cable. Our actuators are available in 230V or 24V and you must ensure the voltage drop is no greater or less than 10%.  

There are several fault indicators for each control unit. To determine the fault type and the fix for that fault please download the relevant installation instructions which will include this information.  

A smoke ventilation control unit/AOV panel/smoke vent panel is used to control single or multiple smoke vents within a building. Subject to the design and fire strategy in place a smoke ventilation control unit can be triggered manually using a manual call point or automatically from a smoke sensor, fire alarm system or BMS. Depending on the command the smoke ventilation control unit will power the connected smoke vent(s) open or closed.  

A smoke ventilation control unit also has built-in battery backup meaning in the event of a mains power failure the system can continue to operate on batteries for up to 72 hours.  

Teal Products stock a large range of AOV smoke panels including: 

The most suitable will depend on the application and fire strategy in place.  

The cable type and size will depend on the input or output you are connecting to the control unit. Please refer to the installation instructions for details.  

AOV stands for Automatic Opening Vent. An AOV or multiple AOV’s will form part of a smoke ventilation system typically achieving a 1m2 or 1.5m2 free area in accordance to the designed fire strategy.  

Yes. Our range of AOV roof and façade smoke vents are certified and tested to the current EN 12101-2 product standards. Our AOV smoke shaft vents are certified and tested to the current EN 12101-8 product standards. 

This will depend on the location of the smoke vent within the building and the fire strategy in place.  

Typically within a stair core the minimum requirement is for the AOV smoke vent to have a minimum free area of 1m2. This could be in the form of an AOV roof vent or AOV façade vent such as: 

A head of shaft AOV typically is asked to achieve a minimum free area of 1m2. This would be in the form of an AOV roof vent such as: 

A smoke vent opening into a smoke shaft for natural smoke ventilation will need to achieve a minimum free area of 1m2. This would be in the form of an AOV shaft vent such as: 

A smoke vent located in a lobby or corridor will need to achieve a minimum free area of 1.5m2. This would be in the form of an AOV façade vent such as: 

If fitting a single chain opener to a top-hung or bottom-hung window we recommend a maximum window width of 1000mm. For anything wider we recommend multiple chain openers. 

The T100 and T150 chain openers have a range of fixing brackets available. The best suited will depend on the hinge type, frame type and fixing space available. Speak to our team to find the best solution for your window.  

AOV stands for Automatic Opening Vent. An AOV or multiple AOV’s will form part of a smoke ventilation system typically achieving a 1m2 or 1.5m2 free area in accordance to the designed fire strategy. Teal Products supply a large range of AOV products including: 

Yes we do! We offer a large range of training courses including: 

• Smoke ventilation building regulations 
• Smoke ventilation product standards 
• Smoke ventilation commissioning 
• Smoke ventilation product training 

This will depend on the location of the smoke vent within the building and the fire strategy in place.  

Typically within a stair core the minimum requirement is for the AOV smoke vent to have a minimum free area of 1m2. This could be in the form of an AOV roof vent or AOV façade vent such as: 

A head of shaft AOV typically is asked to achieve a minimum free area of 1m2. This would be in the form of an AOV roof vent such as: 

A smoke vent opening into a smoke shaft for natural smoke ventilation will need to achieve a minimum free area of 1m2. This would be in the form of an AOV shaft vent such as: 

A smoke vent located in a lobby or corridor will need to achieve a minimum free area of 1.5m2. This would be in the form of an AOV façade vent such as: