Details on our products can be found by clicking on the relevant icon and navigating through the web pages. Further information can be found in the Download section, such as test reports. For queries about specific technical issues, please contact your local Fieger office; details are given in the Contact section of our website, which is found on the Homepage.
All Fieger louvred vents incorporate the patented rack & pinion mechanism, which allows the louvres to be opened and closed in a smooth and synchronised way. The use of an aluminium rack with glassfibre reinforced polyamide pinions provides maintenance-free operation. The engineering design behind the mechanism, and the principle of how it works, also means that a good compression seal is achieved when closing the louvres. This provides a particularly important benefit - improving energy efficiency by minimising air leakage.
Currently with our FGL and FLW models, a single 54mm stroke actuator is sufficient to operate a ventilator area of up to 3m2, opening the louvres to an angle of 85 degrees. With the FLW 40 vent a single 70mm stroke actuator achieves the same effect.
We use AutoCAD Mechanical and AutoCAD Inventor and detailed product drawings can be provided in dwg format or can be downloaded directly from the relevant product page.
In addition, we can check over your drawings regarding the proposed method of installation and, where appropriate, suggest alterations. We are more than happy to work with you during the design phase to establish a workable solution and thereby avoid issues later on in the construction phase.
It's particularly important at the contract stage, to send us a drawing of the proposed application, so that we can check the application. It is also useful to have a schedule of sizes and positions of motors etc.
In theory, we can accommodate any commercially available type of glazing.
Typical glazing set-ups include:
Type FLW 24
24mm
thick double-glazed element, comprising 4mm Float outer pane/16mm Argon
filled
cavity/4mm Float inner pane.
Type FLW 28
28mm thick double-glazed element, comprising 6mm Float outer pane/16mm ArgonType FLW 40
40mm thick triple-glazed element,
comprising 4mm Float/14mm Argon
filled cavity/4mm Float/14mm
Argon filled cavity/4mm Float.
A wide range of glass specifications can be provided as standard, whilst specialist glazing can be provided on request. Matching the glazing to the rest of the façade is obviously critical, especially with coloured solar protection glass. In such instances, it's best if we can obtain the glass from the same supplier for the rest of the building. In those cases where we cannot source a certain type of glass, the glazing can be supplied free-issue to our factory in Germany. One aspect that cannot be altered is the glazing thickness. Our product designs are fixed to the dimensions mentioned above.
Yes as an alternative to glass louvres, we can manufacture ventilators with insulated aluminium blades, coated to match the vent framework.
The aluminium louvres normally consist of a 2mm aluminium outer panel; 20mm expanded polystyrene infill; 2mm aluminium inner panel. Alternatives are available for a 28mm blade comprising 1.5mm aluminium outer panel; 25mm expanded polystyrene infill; 1.5mm aluminium inner panel. This type of construction achieves louvre blade U-values of 1.27 W/m2/oK to 1.32 W/m2/oK.
The corresponding sound reduction value of this type of louvre is between 30 dB to 33 dB. Where sound reduction is a prime requirement, specialist louvres can be supplied. In this instance, instead of insulation a special vacuum core is used or sound absorbent foil.
Our Louvred Windows can be supplied in any standard RAL colour; for details of the RAL numbers please refer to the Fieger Colour Chart, which can be found in the "Downloads" section. The framework is available as polyester powder painted or anodised. Where insulated aluminium louvres are involved, these can be finished to the same specification as the frames.
The standard Fieger colour range includes the most common RAL numbers, which we keep in stock. Other colours are available, but are subject to special price enquiries.
To facilitate installation, we supply a range of fixing adapters. These are manufactured from extruded aluminium to various profiles, in order to match glazing systems, curtain walling and masonry. As standard, we can supply adapters for clamping into curtain walling sections from 24mm to 32mm deep. For glazing systems, we can provide a 42mm deep adapter.
Other available fixing adapters include window sill connectors and extruded angles, which are often useful for installing into existing openings. For the FLW 40, we have designed the fixing adapter as an integral part of the frame. The standard thickness is 40mm, but using neoprene packing strips this could be doubled.
Further useful information can be found under the "Installation" section.
There is no specifically correct blade height. Our louvred windows are manufactured to a wide range of sizes and can be built with varying numbers of louvre blades. For example, a FLW type unit measuring 1000mm wide x 2000mm high, could be made with 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 louvres.
As a general rule, for the FLW 24 and 28 range, the louvre height can vary between 175mm and 300mm; in some instances we may be able to go above 300mm. With our FLW 40 model, the blade height parameters are between 250mm and 500mm. In addition to greater light transmission, having fewer, larger louvre blades results in a better U-value.
One possible disadvantage of larger louvres is the extent to which they jut out inside the building, when opened. This is an aspect, which needs to be considered at the planning stage to avoid a health & safety hazard. We can also manufacture the louvred windows with two or more different sized louvre blades within the same frame, for example, where there is a requirement to match the adjacent building lines.
There is a wide choice of actuators available for use with Fieger Louvred Windows. For manual operation, we use the GEZE OL 90 product range, which includes a manual handle (fitted directly to the vent frame), an extended manual drive rod (for control of high level windows) and a crankhandle, which can be either fixed to the frame or demountable.
We can supply a choice of electric actuators in 24v or 230v options, each fitted to the frame prior to despatch from our factory. These have also been tested with our louvred windows. Where necessary, a motorised version is available, which can be programmed to avoid finger-trapping. We can also offer a pneumatic actuator, where compressed air is the preferred energy supply.
With any of the actuators mentioned, there are ventilator size limits for any single actuator of up to 3 linear metres or 3 square metres.
Within our range, we have developed the Smotec model, which is a fully certified natural smoke & heat exhaust ventilator (NSHEV), having been tested to all relevant categories under EN 12101-2: 2003.
As a CE marked product, it meets the legislative requirements of Approved Document B (UK Building Regulations) to provide façade smoke venting to stairwells, lobbies and corridors in order to assist escape.
Our production quality control, under which every ventilator has an operational check prior to despatch, ensures that each consignment is fit for purpose.
For further details, please go to the Product section of our website or, if you prefer, call us to discuss.
The geometric and ventilation free areas are, in essence, the same. This is the measured free area of the louvre window, with the louvres fully open. In the UK, to comply with The Building Regulations, the free area must be measured in accordance with Diagram C7 of Approved Document B 2006. Please contact us for the appropriate details.
In principle, the aerodynamic free area is the measured free area multiplied by the coefficient of performance of the ventilator; or how efficiently the louvred window or vent allows air to pass through it.
The aerodynamic free area of our louvre windows has been tested as part of the procedures under EN 12101-2: 2003.
As a rule of thumb, the geometric free area of our vents is around 75% of the total measured face area, whilst the aerodynamic free area is approximately 55%.
Our website has a spreadsheet available, on which you can calculate the geometric and aerodynamic free area.
For further details, please don´t hesitate to contact us.
The range of actuators available for all our louvred windows means that they are suitable for connection to virtually any control system. Apart from the basic manual controls, a range of both 24 volt and 230 volt actuators are available, so they can be operated centrally via a BMS or locally using a less sophisticated control system.
Automatic control can be achieved, for example, by using a 0 to 10 volt signal with 24 volt actuators, allowing temperature sensing for day-to-day ventilation. In addition, emergency smoke venting must have automatic control, linked, for example, to smoke detectors together with test facilities.
The actuators operate on a power open and power close principle, so on a 24 volt circuit, the controls need to apply reverse polarity. The 230 volt actuators have a 4-wire connection, where the 2 live cables are switched.
For pneumatic actuators, a control system incorporating electro-pneumatic solenoid valves will be required. The same control functions can be achieved as described above.
For further details, please don't hesitate to contact us.
In accordance with the relevant health & safety obligations, it is important to assess the possible risk of injury in the application of any piece of equipment. With louvred windows the principal risk is one of finger-trapping; especially to children. This is a particular hazard where an automatic control system is used.
To minimise the risk in this respect, we can supply our products with an actuator, which can be programmed to avoid finger-trapping injury.
The actuator is supplied pre-programmed to a specific resistance setting. As the louvres close, if they meet a level of resistance above this pre-set, the motor automatically drives the louvres open.
Clearly, if the application of the ventilators is out of normal reach, such as above 2.5m, then a standard actuator should be acceptable.
Important:
Should we, either at the quotation stage or at the order stage, be unaware of an anti-finger-trapping requirement, a standard actuator will be despatched. The louvred windows will have standard labels affixed.
For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us.
When our Smotec products are used as part of smoke venting systems, it is almost certain that fire-resistant cable will be required.
The Smotec vents have all been tested with actuators to EN 12101-2. As part of the testing procedure, the vents were subject to a "heat soak test", under which they have to withstand 300°C for 30 minutes, as well as wind load & life cycle reliability. In the course of these tests, the vents must open within 60 seconds and the vent throat area must not be reduced by more than 10%.
Consequently, the electrical wiring to the vent actuators must complement these performance criteria. Both 24 volt and 230 volt actuator types operate on a drive open/drive closed principle. If the application is purely for general day-to-day ventilation, then fire-resistant cable will not be necessary. For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don´t hesitate to contact us.
As part of our range we manufacture the FGL, which is a single-skin glass louvre system. However, there are several issues to take into account when considering frameless louvres.
To meet current Building Regulations, double-glazed louvres are normally required as a minimum, in order to complement building U-value targets. Producing an all-glass, and thereby fully transparent, double-glazed louvre blade is not technically feasible. This is because the double-glazed construction requires a complete edge seal for the cavity and some means of rotation is necessary. Combining these two principles means that some sort of framing is essential. Even an all-glass external louvre is compromised visually, since the support frame remains visible.
In addition, there is a need to comply with Approved Document N: 1998, under which manifestation of glazing is required. With all-glass louvres, it is likely that an etched pattern, normally in white, would have to be applied. In comparison, our FLW model, with its louvre frames, fulfils the manifestation requirement.
Furthermore, the typical installation method is to clamp the vents into a glazing system or curtain wall, so some form of framing is necessary.
Where buildings have a secondary skin, and the U-value is not an issue, then our FGL single glass louvre unit can be used to help create an all-glass effect.
For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Our range is not suitable for installation into sloping roofs. The issue is the effect of driving rain and being able to achieve an adequate weathertight seal. Glass louvred windows in general are not designed for use in roof venting applications.
The exception to this is a Monitor roof upstand, where our louvred windows can be fitted into the vertical façade.
For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us.
We don't design solutions as such, since this is the scope of consulting or M&E engineers. Our range of louvred windows, however, is frequently used as a fundamental element of ventilation systems in schools and colleges. The detrimental effects of poor air quality on both pupils and teachers, especially the build-up of CO2, are well-established.
Fieger louvred windows, such as the FLW and FLW 40, have been designed to provide effective natural ventilation, through a high coefficient of performance, whilst also underpinning the thermal performance of buildings, with comparatively low U-values.
For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Our louvred windows are frequently used internally, especially in those applications where there is a requirement to circulate fresh air to spaces away from external walls. They can be mounted into either blockwork walls or partitioning. When linked to a BMS they can be used, for example, for night cooling or as part of a smoke exhaust system.
The glass louvres can be used as an architectural optical feature, allowing natural light to filter through the internal environment.
Fieger FGL single-glazed frameless louvres are ideal for this purpose, whilst in situations where noise attenuation is important, the FLW with acoustic glass louvres would be more applicable.
For further details on this or any other aspect of our products, please don´t hesitate to contact us.
Checklist
The best thing is to email or fax your enquiry to us. Alternatively you can detail your particular requirements; in which case we need to know the following:
1. Which type of louvred window.
2. Quantity and dimensions.
3. Preferred number of louvres (we can advise on the optimum number).
4. The required glazing specification and type and colour of finish.
5. The type of actuator and installation.
If you have a detailed tender specification, please send the relevant section to us and let us know the date you need the quotation back by.
Checklist
1. Please include reference to our quotation number on your purchase order together with all relevant details for manufacture.
2. The dimensions we use refer to the frame size of our louvred windows, but exclude any installation adapters. If you prefer, you can provide us with the overall opening sizes. A drawing is always useful, because we can check the details for you.
3. We need to know the glazing specification; in most cases, this needs to match the rest of the building.
4. We also require the thickness of the wall or building facade, so that we can provide the correct installation adapters.
5. If the specification has changed in any way from that in our quotation, we need to be made aware. This may well affect the price.
6. You need to advise us of the position on the frame that you require the actuator.
7. Please let us know your preferred delivery date and the delivery address.
8. Finally, please be aware of the terms and conditions detailed in our quotation.
Delivery
Our Louvred Windows are manufactured in accordance with our clients' requirements, as detailed on our Order Acknowledgement. Each ventilator is tested for correct operation prior to despatch from our factory and is shipped ready for installation. The units are all packed in robust timber crates and are delivered by an independent transport company to the required location. Offloading of small cases can, as a rule, be done using a lorry-mounted crane (HIAB). With large crates, either a fork-lift truck or a crane will be required. Offloading is the client´s responsibility.
Important Advice
We insure all shipments from our factory until they are delivered. All items should be checked immediately on delivery to ensure that the timber crates have not been damaged. Should you suspect that items have been damaged in transit, please report this to us immediately, so that we can take the necessary action. In the event that the crates are not unpacked straight away, they should be kept dry. To unpack, the crate should be set down with the opening side facing up, so nothing accidentally falls out. The side to be opened is clearly marked. We would ask you to pay close attention to our advice on both transportation and installation.
Delivery to a building site
We can, by arrangement, deliver the Louvred Windows direct to a building site. For this we would need the appropriate contact details and would look to you to arrange the necessary access. In the event that delivery is required to a specific place at a specific time, then additional costs would be incurred.
Transport
Fieger Louvred Windows should always be transported upright and tight strapping of the units themselves should be avoided. This is to prevent damage to the operating mechanism. All ventilators are shipped with the louvres fully closed. Excessive force caused by tight strapping is likely to result in the louvres not opening and closing properly after installation. Tall ventilators are despatched on the long side and must be stood vertically prior to installation. The units should never be allowed to land on any of the corners. The installation of the Louvred Windows is carried out manually. The units should never be lifted using a vacuum hoist. This can lead to the louvre blades being damaged.
Installation
When carrying out the installation of Louvred Windows, care should be taken to ensure that, the installation opening is sound and that the supporting construction has not been eroded in any way; for example, under the side frame or centre mullion (where applicable). A damaged concrete block can lead to distortion of the vent frame, and consequently, the operating mechanism being impaired. Special attention should be given to checking that the building opening is true and static-free. As a rule, all Louvred Windows are despatched with the appropriate installation adapters, such as for curtain walling or glazing. Where the Louvred Windows are to be fixed directly into openings, for example screwed to the structure, care must be taken to ensure that the louvres are first opened in order to access the fixing points in the side-frames. This will avoid damage to the operating mechanism. If you have an application similar to this please discuss it with us or use wall anchors, which can be fixed to the outside of the side-frames. After installation, each Louvred Window should be commissioned using either the manual control handle or the electric motor, as appropriate, to ensure correct operation. In addition, the installation should be checked to ensure that the joints between the louvres are even and between the end of the louvre blades and the side frames. Any unevenness or gaps will indicate that the Louvred Window isn´t sitting plumb and this will need to be rectified. Checks should also be made to make sure that the louvres close evenly and tightly, flush with the frame. We recommend that, immediately after installation & commissioning, you confirm the correct operation of the Louvred Windows. You should make sure that the Louvred Windows, and especially the motors, are protected against potential damage during subsequent building works. We also advise that you should not allow the louvres to be improperly opened, for example, forcing them open during a power cut. An incorrect installation of a Louvred Window can lead to a failure of components, which may invalidate the guarantee.
Installation Accessories for Fieger Louvred Windows
With heavier items, up to 120 kg, we can supply the units with lifting lugs, so that they can be hoisted into position using either a crane or a chain hoist.
Handover Advice for Customers
As a rule, handover of the system takes place on completion of the installation, subject to the scope of the contract. There is often an obligation on the part of the contractor to protect the louvred windows until final commissioning. From experience, such protection measures are not always implemented, and as a result, it is not uncommon to discover defects at commissioning. Quite often these are caused by improper use, such as other trades forcing open the louvres, prior to the wiring of the actuators. This, of course, can lead to rectification costs. Our advice is to arrange an inspection with the appropriate representative as soon as possible following completion. This will show that the units are undamaged and fully functioning. We also recommend that you demonstrate the operation of the windows and point out the need for protection.
Advice for Clients & Users
The commissioning of louvred windows normally takes place following completion of the electrical wiring installation. This, of course, allows the actuator to be checked for correct operation. Where Fieger louvred windows have been installed as part of a smoke exhaust system, it is essential that the commissioning is carried out by a qualified person.
For the commissioning to be carried out successfully, the units must have been installed correctly and wired according to our guidelines. The results should be documented and circulated to the relevant bodies. At the same time, an assessment should be made of the cost of future maintenance.
If required, as part of the commissioning procedure, we can confirm the CE marking of our units in line with the relevant European Directives.
Please feel free to discuss a quotation for the building with our Service Department.
Advice for Clients & Users
The user of a smoke exhaust system is obliged to take all necessary safety precautions, to avoid danger to people who are in the building. Through regular maintenance the functional integrity of a smoke exhaust system can be assured, which reduces the risk of actual loss and the risk of personal liability in the event of loss.
A maintenance record should be kept, with each service visit logged, so that there is proof of the user’s obligation to maintain a fully functioning system. Similarly, controlled ventilation requires regular service and maintenance to ensure reliability and the well-being of the users.
The maintenance of Fieger louvred windows can be arranged through a company authorised by us or through ourselves. A maintenance plan helps to provide the documentation for the regular service requirements.
If required, as part of the maintenance record, we can confirm the CE marking of our units in line with the relevant European Directives.
Please contact our Service Department to discuss a quotation for the building.
Dealing with Repairs
For all louvred windows supplied by Fieger, we stock a full range of replacement components. All purchase orders are recorded and archived, so that, with the corresponding file and order numbers, and the relevant specification, we can trace the required component.
Our Service Department is the best contact for repairs. They will arrange for the replacement parts to be sent out, issue repair instructions and take the necessary measures if a repair is to be carried out by us or one of our service partners.
It’s important that for all repairs to be carried out on-site, the window is fully accessible and, should the need arise, scaffolding or an access platform (cherry-picker) should be made available.
Please contact our Service Department with any questions about repairs.
Dealing with Complaints
Occasionally we may make a mistake. If your complaint is a matter of a legitimate defect, then subject to agreement, we can either send out a replacement part or arrange to carry out repairs on-site.
In the event that the defect is as a result of incorrect installation or improper use, then the cost of replacement parts and any repair work will be chargeable.
In order that the costs can be kept as low as possible for all those involved, we would ask that, on discovering a defect, you send us a detailed description of the problem, and preferably include some photographs.
It would be useful if you can contact us whilst you are in front of the unit in question, so that we can talk you through a checklist of points in order to determine the precise fault.
It’s not unusual for an electrical connection problem to be quickly identified over the phone.
Since the travel costs to site are generally the main part of rectification, we try to effect the repairs by using a local fitter or through the customer. Our Service Department can provide the relevant repair instructions and go through them with the fitter.Please contact our Service Department to discuss any questions about repairs and dealing with complaints.
If the defect is not the responsibility of Fieger, we can on request carry out the repairs. In this case, the customer would be liable for the costs incurred. It’s important that for all repairs to be carried out on-site, the window is fully accessible and, should the need arise, scaffolding or an access platform (cherry-picker) should be made available.
Standard and Non-Standard Products
We offer a range of standard products, namely the FLW, FLW 40, Smotec and FGL, in various sizes, colours, glazing specifications and installation adapters. These products can be manufactured in around 5 to 6 weeks from order. This, of course, enables us to offer high quality products at an economical price. The quality of our units is supported by the fact that they have been tested in accordance with both domestic and overseas standards.
Over and above these products, you can study our Non-standard section, where you will find examples of products outside the standard range. These include units with sloping or upturned frames. There is also a special system for second-skin facades and a special arrangement intended for internal installations.
Our operating mechanism enables these special vents to be built with movable and fixed louvres. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your ideas and requirements and we will be happy to prepare some proposals.
Please feel free to discuss a quotation for the building with our Service Department.
We normally offer volt-free contacts, which can communicate the status of the louvres in either the open or closed position. As a rule, we use as magnetic contact, which is integrated into the louvre window. This contact transmits a "fully closed" or "open" signal.
The alternative is to use the contact built into the motor. These units are, however, bespoke.
For further information please contact our office.
As standard, the louvres are centre-pivotted, because this requires minimum effort from the actuator. Subject to discussion, we can move the pivot point towards the inside or the outside, for example to allow for a venetian blind or shutter.
As a rule, the pivot point can be moved from the centre up to a maximum ratio of one-third to two thirds. The minimum outside projection is 65mm from the front edge of the window to the front edge of the louvre, when fully open. It is 45mm from the inside edge of the window to the inside edge of the louvre, when fully open.
When the pivot point is moved on large units, the greater force required means that an additional actuator is likely to be necessary.
So, in principle, the louvre pivot point can be offset, but we need to consider each application individually. Consequently, if you have such an application, please contact our office so that we can discuss it in detail.
Fixing or limiting the louvres during the production phase is not a problem. The louvres can be either fixed at the side using a wedge or by locking the rack. Individual intermediate louvres can also be fixed in this way.
We can therefore supply windows with a combination of opening louvres and louvres, which are fixed shut. As an alternative, we can manufacture vents with louvres which only open to a pre-set angle.
For both the Fieger FLW 28 and FLW Smotec 28 models, we have a general building safety test certificate in accordance with the German standard: Technische Regeln für absturzsichernde Verglasungen (TRAV); The Glazing Fall Protection Regulations. This involves a pendulum impact test on a window with open louvres. It assumes the use of safety glass, with 6mm toughened on the inside and 8mm laminated on the outside. The maximum window width is 1800mm.
It should be taken into account that this model, as with all low-level openable louvred windows, has the additional safety requirements of the so-called "child´s head size" test. This means that in buildings, in which the German Standard, Unfallverhütungsvorschriften (UVV) - Accident Prevention Regulations, applies, the opening between louvres mustn´t exceed 120mm.
We can meet this requirement by either limiting the opening angle of the louvres or by fitting crossbars. What might be better is if measures are implemented on site, such as the installation of internal barrier rails, which would restrict access to the louvred window.
In the UK this issue is covered by Approved Document K of The Building Regulations: 1998. Paragraph 3.2 and Diagram 11 detail the requirements for internal guarding. Paragraph 3.3 deals with applications where children under 5 years old are likely to be present. In these instances, the construction of a ventilator must be such that a 100mm sphere will not pass through any gaps.
With regard to this particular issue, it´s best if you involve us at the design stage, so that we can identify all of the safety requirements and come up with suitable proposals.
Both the Fieger FLW and FLW Smotec models can be supplied with different colours on the outside and inside to both the main frame and louvre frames. This, of course, involves separate coating processes and consequently incurs an additional charge.
A pressurized smoke protection system is another type of protection measure for stairwells.
The principle is that, in the event of fire, a positive air pressure is induced in the stairwell, in order to suppress the spread of smoke from the fire source into the stairwell and thereby preserve the means of escape.
This type of system is increasingly found in multi-storey buildings and demands a well-planned control system. Because this must ensure that smoke is prevented from issuing from the fire floor into the stairwell, it raises the possibility of using louvred windows. They can, in many cases, be used when an existing building is being renovated.
An intelligent control system is required to ensure that the window on the fire floor opens and the window above automatically closes to restrict the spread of smoke.
Installers of such systems include our partners: Alfred Eichelberger GmbH, D+H Mechatronic and STG Beikirch. Please contact us for further information.