Electric Actuator Selection
The Arens Electric range encompasses a variety of remote window winders and controls for high level windows and louvres. Our linear actuators are commonly used for the automation of louvres and our chain actuator range can be used to operate a wide variety of windows.
The first step when selecting an appropriate window actuator is to establish the type of window you have.
The tabs below provide you with a brief description of some of the window types that we can automate.
Types of Window
Casement Windows
- Hinges on the vertical sides of the window frame and can be either inward or outward opening
- For a casement window use the height when determining how many points of attachment are required (greater than 1200mm will require two points of attachment to the window).
Bottom Hinged Awning Windows
- Hinges on the bottom of the window frame and are inward opening
- For an awning window use width to determine how many points of attachment to the window are required (greater than 1200mm will require two points of attachment).
Top Hinged Awning Windows
- Hinges are on the top of the window frame and are outward opening.
- For awning windows use width when determining how many points of contact are required (greater than 1200mm will require two points of attachment to the window).
Louvres & Sun Blades
- Louvres are an arrangement of horizontal slats, generally glass or aluminium
- Operable louvres allow for the angle of the slats to be changed to allow for air flow
- Operable sun blades can be vertically and horizontally arranged and allow for the angle of the slats to be changed to either let in or block out sunlight
Selecting the most appropriate Actuator
Casement Windows
- If the window width is 1200mm or less the Arens Compact Chain Winder or UCS Vega Chain Winder are recommended.
- If the window is greater than 1200mm high two points of attachment will be required to meet manufacturer recommendations and avoid potential twisting or damage to the window frame. In this case, we recommend the UCS Vega Synchro Chain Winder.
- If the casement window is inward opening special brackets may be required.
Bottom Hinged Awning Windows
- If the window width is 1200mm or less the Arens Compact Chain Winder or UCS Vega Chain Winder are recommended.
- If the window is greater than 1200mm wide two points of attachment will be required to meet manufacturer recommendations and avoid potential twisting or damage to the window frame. In this case, we recommend the UCS Vega Synchro Chain Winder.
Top Hinged Awning Windows
- If the window width is 1200mm or less the Arens Compact Chain Winder or UCS Vega Chain Winder are recommended.
- If the window is greater than 1200mm wide two points of attachment will be required to meet manufacturer recommendations and avoid potential twisting or damage to the window frame. In this case, we recommend the UCS Vega Synchro Chain Winder.
Louvres and Sun Blades
- Requirements for louvre automation will vary depending on the brand and configuration of louvres or sun blades you have chosen.
- We recommend the use of the Arens Spindle Actuator or UCS Ulysses Linear Actuator.
- On smaller arrangements it may be possible to install one Actuator to operate a louvre gallery to the left and the right of the actuator.
- On larger arrangements linking bar may be used to allow the actuator to operate the whole gallery.
- We recommend that you contact us for the ideal solution when looking to automate your louvres or sun blades.
The standard opening when using our range of 24V chain winders is 300mm. It is possible to shorten the chain to provide a reduced stroke if required. The standard stroke for our range of spindle actuators is 180mm with 300mm available on special indent.
Note: if your window is less than 450mm wide or 450mm high please contact us for advice.