WindowMaster has partnered with window manufacturer NorDan to offer UKCA-marked smoke ventilation windows for the UK market. This means that NorDan’s NSHEV Side Opening, NSHEV Side Hinged and NSHEV Top Opening systems are now equipped with WindowMaster’s actuators for smoke control. The solutions are UKCA marked to EN 12101-2 – helping specifiers meet legal requirements while ensuring safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire. For architects, façade builders and building owners, this collaboration brings together robust window systems and reliable automation in one coordinated solution.
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Our team is always ready to support you from early design through to commissioning and ongoing service.
Why smoke ventilation is critical – especially in escape routes
In a fire, smoke spreads quickly and can be more dangerous than flames themselves. Effective smoke control is therefore essential in: • Stairwells and escape routes • Corridors and lobbies • Common areas in multi-storey commercial buildings By opening high-level vents and allowing replacement air in at low level, a natural smoke ventilation system helps remove smoke from the building and keep escape routes clearer for longer. This supports safe evacuation and improves conditions for rescue teams.
Behind the UKCA mark: what EN 12101-2 compliance really means
The new NorDan smoke ventilation windows with WindowMaster actuators are UKCA marked according to EN 12101-2, the product standard for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
To achieve this, the systems have been tested and documented across several demanding criteria, including:
- Aerodynamic performance (Annex B)
Ensuring the vents achieve the expected aerodynamic free area for smoke exhaust. - Reliability (Annex C)
Tested through 1,000 + 10,000 cycles for dual-purpose ventilators (used for both smoke and comfort ventilation). - Low ambient temperature (Annex E, T = –15 °C)
Proving that the system still operates as intended in cold conditions. - Resistance to wind load (Annex F, up to 2000 Pa)
Confirming that vents open and remain functional even under significant wind pressure. - Resistance to heat (Annex G, class B300)
Verifying that components continue to work under elevated temperatures, as seen in fire scenarios. - Reaction to fire (Annex H, classification E)
Documenting how materials behave when exposed to fire.
For you as a specifier or façade contractor, this means the solution arrives with documented performance that aligns with current regulatory expectations in the UK.
What the collaboration covers
The partnership focuses on NorDan’s TE, TA and TG commercial façade ranges, which are now available as smoke ventilation windows equipped with WindowMaster actuators specifically configured for smoke control applications.
This integrated approach helps you:
- Simplify specification – a coordinated window-and-actuator package from recognised suppliers
- Support compliance – UKCA marking to EN 12101-2 already in place
- Reduce interface risk – windows and actuators are tested and documented together for smoke control use
Safety first: a focus from both partners
Fire safety is a non-negotiable part of any commercial project. The collaboration reflects a common ambition: to provide façade solutions that support safe evacuation while still allowing for modern design and efficient day-to-day operation.
“You can never compromise on fire safety, whatever the setting. In commercial buildings asset owners, occupants, and visitors alike need to know they are protected from any eventuality. Smoke is one of the biggest causes of fire-related deaths, so any solution that can quickly remove it from the building interiors significantly reduces the risk. NorDan shares our vision for making the commercial built environment as safe as possible, and we’re proud to partner with them on this pioneering project.”
Erik Boyter
CEO, WindowMaster
Smoke ventilation today – comfort ventilation tomorrow
Natural smoke vents can do more than support fire safety. When combined with intelligent controls and sensors, the same façade openings can contribute to daily comfort ventilation:
- Opening automatically to remove warm, stale air
- Bringing in fresh outdoor air to improve indoor comfort and productivity
- Reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and helping improve energy efficiency
This dual use of façade openings – for both smoke control and everyday indoor climate – is an important part of WindowMaster’s approach to safe, energy-efficient buildings.
If you are:
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An architect or advisor
You gain a documented, UKCA-marked façade solution that supports both design freedom and compliance.
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A façade builder or installer
You benefit from tested compatibility between windows and actuators, with clear performance documentation.
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A building owner or asset manager
You can invest in a solution that supports safe evacuation, better indoor climates and long-term operational reliability.
Talk to us about smoke ventilation for façades
Every project has its own geometry, risk profile and regulatory context. Our specialists can help you:
- Assess where smoke ventilation is required in your building
- Define suitable opening areas and locations in the façade
- Coordinate actuator selection and control strategies
- Integrate smoke ventilation with your overall indoor climate solution
Get in touch
If you would like to learn more about integrating NorDan’s UKCA-marked smoke ventilation windows with WindowMaster actuators into your next project, get in touch with your local WindowMaster team.