VS-KA chain actuator for windows and roof windows
from 65,00 €net, incl. bracket set
VS-KA chain drive – universal, with 250 N to 1500 N thrust.
Price includes standard bracket set.
excl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: Ships within 24 h
Chain actuators
In brief: A chain actuator pushes a hinged chain out of a flat housing and thus opens the window. It is compact, quiet and fits almost any bottom-hung, top-hung or roof window. Vent Systems offers chain actuators with 250 to 2,500 N, 24 V or 230 V, from €65 net.
Vent Systems chain actuators open and close windows reliably and compactly – ideal for façade and roof windows in daily ventilation and smoke and heat exhaust (RWA). Prices from €65 net. Stock items ship from Hamburg within 24 hours. Determine the right stroke with our Stroke calculator.
Chain length calculator
Chain length
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Please valid values to enter.
Note
The factor of 57.3 resulting from the conversion of degrees to radians (180/π).
Entries with a comma or a dot (for example, a 27.5 or 27.5).
The output is rounded to the nearest whole Millimeter.
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Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
VS-CKA 300 built-in chain drive
from 155,00 €net, plus VATSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageVS-CKA 300 built-in chain drive: flat, with 300 N thrust for concealed window automation.
excl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: Ships within 24 h
VS-SB 400/90 chain drive with side bow chain
from 170,00 €net, plus VATSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageVS-SB 400/90 chain drive: compact 24V drive with 400 N and side-bow chain for 90° opening angle.
excl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: Ships within 24 h
VS-SB 400-i chain drive with side bow chain
from 171,00 €net, plus VATSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageVS-SB 400-i chain drive with side-bow chain: smart 400 N drive for larger opening angles.
excl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: Ships within 24 h
Technical data compared
| Model | Voltage | Push/pull force | Stroke | Speed | Protection class | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS-KA | 24 V / 230 V | 250–1500 N | 100–1000 mm | 10 mm/s | IP32 | from 65 € net |
| VS-KA-i | 24 V DC | 250–1500 N | 300–1400 mm | – | – | from 145 € net |
| VS-CKA 300 | 24 V DC | 300 N | 100–1000 mm | 6–8 mm/s | IP20 | from 155 € net |
| VS-SB 400/90 | 24 V DC | 400 N | 70–1000 mm | approx. 10 mm/s | IP32 | from 170 € net |
| VS-SB 400-i | 24 V DC | 400 N | 400–1000 mm | approx. 10 mm/s | IP32 | from 171 € net |
| VS-DKA 800 | 24 V / 230 V | 800 N | 100–1400 mm | 10 mm/s | IP32 | from 196 € net |
| VS-KA 2500 | 24 V DC | 2500 N | 100–1200 mm | 8 mm/s | IP66 | from 290 € net |
Further data, data sheets and tender texts can be found on the respective product page.
Chain drives for windows and skylights – selection and application
A chain drive is the most common solution for electrically opening tilt, turn, and roof windows. The chain pushes the sash in the opening direction and pulls it back against the frame when closing – compact and without large additional components. You will find the universal chain drive in our product range. VS-KA chain actuator with 250 N to 1500 N thrust, the powerful VS-KA 2500 for heavy wings, the flat Built-in chain drive VS-CKA 300 for concealed mounting and the Double chain drive VS-DKA 800 for wide and heavy window sashes.
For larger opening angles, there are drives with a side-arc chain, for example the VS-SB 400/90 for 90° opening angle and the smart version VS-SB 400-i. Those who want to open windows without electricity use mechanical chain drives. VS-MKA and VS-MKA2 with a crank. The VS-KA-i It also offers synchronization functionality and bus integration.
All chain actuators are suitable for daily ventilation as well as for smoke and heat exhaust systems (RWA). Determine the right chain length with the chain length calculator on this page. We are happy to advise you on the choice – many versions are available immediately from stock in Hamburg.
Chain actuators compared: force, stroke and price
The table shows all chain actuators in the shop. Prices are net starting prices depending on stroke and voltage. The exact price is shown on the product page.
| Model | Thrust | Stroke | Voltage | Suitable for | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS-KA | 250–1.500 N | 100–1.000 mm | 24 V / 230 V | Standard for facade and roof windows | from 65 € |
| VS-KA-i | 250–1.500 N | 300–1.400 mm | 24 V | Synchronous operation, bus integration | from €145 |
| VS-CKA 300 | 300 N | 100–1.000 mm | 24 V | Concealed installation in the profile | from €155 |
| VS-SB 400/90 | 400 N | 400–1.000 mm | 24 V | Curved chain, large opening angles | from €170 |
| VS-SB 400-i | 400 N | 400–1.000 mm | 24 V | Curved chain, smart | from €171 |
| VS-DKA 800 | 800 N | 100–1.400 mm | 24 V / 230 V | Double chain for wide, heavy sashes | from €196 |
| VS-KA 2500 | 2,500 N | 300–1.000 mm | 24 V | Very heavy sashes, glass roofs | from €290 |
| VS-MKA2 | – | – | no power | Mechanical with built-in crank | 85 € |
Rule of thumb: Choose a thrust at least 30 % above the calculated opening force, and 50 % for exposed locations (coast, tall buildings, roof windows). From a sash width of about 1.5 m, use two synchronised actuators or the VS-DKA 800 double chain actuator.
Three practical examples: from the window to the right chain actuator
The examples were calculated with the Window actuator calculator . They are guide values, not a design for the individual case.
Example 1: bottom-hung window in an office
Sash 1,000 × 800 mm, glazing 4-16-4, stroke 300 mm. Weight approx. 17.6 kg, opening force approx. 35 N, with 30 % reserve approx. 50 N. A VS-KA with 250 N in 24 V or 230 V is sufficient with plenty of reserve.
Example 2: wide fanlight with triple glazing
Sash 1,600 × 700 mm, glazing 4-14-4-14-4, stroke 300 mm. Weight approx. 37 kg, opening force approx. 84 N, with reserve approx. 110 N. Because the sash is wider than 1.5 m, we recommend two actuators with synchronised control, for example two VS-KA-i, or one VS-DKA 800.
Example 3: roof window with snow load
Sash 1,200 × 1,200 mm, glazing 6-16-6, pitch 15°, snow load 0.5 kN/m². Weight approx. 48 kg, force from weight approx. 225 N plus snow approx. 350 N, together approx. 575 N, with reserve approx. 750 N. Suitable are the VS-KA with 1,500 N or the VS-DKA 800; for very heavy glass roofs the VS-KA 2500.
Checklist: the details we need for your enquiry
- Window type and opening direction (bottom-hung, top-hung, projecting, roof window)
- Sash width and sash height in mm
- Sash weight or glazing build-up (e.g. 4-16-4)
- Position of the hinges (top, bottom, side)
- Desired opening angle or stroke
- Voltage: 24 V or 230 V
- Number of windows and which should move together
- Profile material and profile system, ideally with a profile section (for the bracket)
- Use: daily ventilation or smoke ventilation (for SHEV the installer decides)
Send us these details via the Project enquiry – we will suggest the actuator, bracket and control unit.
Choosing a chain drive: here's what matters
- Thrust: It depends on the sash weight, sash height, and opening direction. Roof windows and outward-opening sashes require more of a safety margin than vertical tilt sashes due to wind and snow loads.
- Stroke or chain length: The stroke determines how far the window opens. In the case of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS), it results from the required opening area specified by the specialist planner.
- Voltage: Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) systems typically use 24 V DC drives powered by a central SHEV control unit. For comfort ventilation only, 230 V versions are also common – the VS-KA, for example, is available in both variants. The voltage of each model can be found in the technical specifications.
- Wing width: Wide wings are opened with two synchronized drives or a double chain drive to prevent the wing from twisting.
- Installation situation: Check the available space on the frame and the profile. Suitable brackets are available for every installation situation.
Alignment and assembly of the chain drive
The chain drive is typically mounted centrally on the closing edge, i.e., opposite the hinge side of the sash. The chain must exit at a right angle to the sash to ensure smooth operation without lateral forces. The drive and sash bracket are precisely aligned before the end positions are checked. With two drives on one sash, a synchronous control ensures consistent operation.
Buy chain drives – for processors, metalworkers and specialist planners
Vent Systems supplies business customers only. All prices are net plus VAT. Stock items are shipped within 24 hours, other versions are available in approx. 3–4 weeks. The exact delivery time is shown for each version. Not sure whether a chain actuator, a Linear actuator or a Rack-and-pinion actuator A better fit? Our guide Chain drive, linear drive or rack and pinion drive compares the three types. Whether 24 V or 230 V is the right voltage is explained in the article Window actuator: 24 V or 230 V?
Frequently asked questions about chain drives
From what sash width do I need two actuators?
From a sash width of about 1.5 m we recommend two actuators running in sync, for example two VS-KA-i with built-in synchronisation or the double chain actuator VS-DKA 800. Each actuator then takes about half the force, and the sash does not twist.
What is a chain drive suitable for?
For tilt, turn, drop and roof windows in daily ventilation and smoke and heat extraction. It is compact and therefore also fits narrow profiles.
How do I find the right chain length?
Use the chain length calculator on this page or send us the wing dimensions and desired opening width – we will recommend the right model for you.
Can I connect chain drives to a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) control panel?
Yes. The 24V chain drives are designed for operation on smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) and ventilation control systems.
When do I need a 24 V chain actuator?
A 24 V chain actuator is the right choice if the window is also used for smoke and heat exhaust (SHEV) or is to run via a control panel with battery backup. The VS-KA is available in 24 V with 250 to 1500 N, duty cycle 30%.
When does a 230 V chain actuator make sense?
For pure comfort ventilation without a SHEV function. A 230 V chain actuator is controlled directly via a ventilation push button and needs no power supply – ideal for retrofits. The VS-KA is available with 250, 400 and 600 N in 230 V.
Which chain actuator is suitable for roof windows?
On roof windows, the actuator must overcome the sash weight as well as snow and wind loads – usually 400 to 1000 N are needed. For very heavy sashes or damp environments we recommend the VS-KA 2500 with IP66. More in the guide Chain actuator for roof windows.
Want to motorise an existing window? Find out which actuator fits in the guide Retrofitting electric window openers. If an old chain actuator from GEZE, D+H, Aumüller or WindowMaster is defective, you will find the right alternative in the guide Replacing window drives.
Guides and technical terms
- Open tilt windows electrically
- Open roof windows electrically
- Calculate the thrust
- Chain Length Calculator.
- Glossary: Stroke length
- Glossary: Tandem operation
- All terms in the window actuator glossary
- Lexikon: Laufgeschwindigkeit
- Lexikon: Hebelarm
Quick reference: What is a chain drive? – function, force and use in the glossary.
See them in action: Project videos with drives from our range – large façades, a railway station and special solutions.
Note on SHEV: For use in smoke and heat exhaust systems (SHEV), there is no test certificate according to DIN EN 12101-2. Whether an actuator may be used in your SHEV system is decided by the installer.
- Invoiceon request
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Bracket set included with VS-KA, VS-LA and VS-ZAShipping from €3.50 netIn stock in Hamburg, Ships within 24 hours1% discount on bank transfer
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