Linear actuators open smoke extractors even with fierce heat
 
In the event of a fire the stairwell is the fastest escape route from the upper storeys. If the stairwell is full of smoke, those trapped inside are in great danger. Linear actuators such as the Econom 0 RWA and the Picolo XL RWA from elero can be a life-saver. They move not only all types of slats, but also any building openings which serve in smoke and heat extractors as openings for ventilation systems. The product description RWA derives, by the way, from the German abbreviation for smoke and heat extractors. The decisive factors here are the reaction ability and load-bearing capabilities of the units even under extreme conditions, for example in the event of fierce heat.

For this reason, the Econom 0 RWA and the somewhat smaller Picolo XL RWA first had to undergo a "baptism of fire": Within the framework of fire regulation testing the Technical Inspection Agency for the State of Thuringia exposed the linear actuators to a temperature of 300°C for five minutes and then activated the units. With a consistently high temperature they bore the normal load for a further 25 minutes – a decisive criterion for certification to DIN 18232 Part 3 and for the awarding of the RWA quality symbol. Thus the Econom 0 RWA and the Picolo XL RWA are approved for installation in smoke and heat extractors. The units reliably open smoke extractors and ventilators if smoke develops, and so increase safety by a decisive degree in the event of fire.
 

 
Precise ventilation and shading – even without fire
 
In addition to its use in smoke and heat extractors the Econom 0 RWA may also be used for the daily ventilation of stairwells, production bays, gymnasia, entrance halls and lobbies, as well as other parts of buildings. It is maintenance-free and moves into positions such as the opening angle of venting domes precisely. Thanks to this quality it is also suited to applications for the shading of facades, where it adjusts all kinds of slats extremely accurately. In addition to smoke extractors, the Picolo XL RWA also moves solar energy units and large-scale slats precisely and reliably.

In this respect the two actuators combine intelligent technology with a robust, cylindrical design in stainless steel, something which makes them weather-resistant and ensures a long service life. Robust asynchronous motors guarantee that the electromechanical push-rod actuators maintain a constant speed even with differing loads. Both drive units have adjustable end position switches. The Picolo XL RWA is offered as a 230 volt version, the larger, and thus more powerful Econom 0 RWA as 230 volt and 24 volt versions.