VS-ZA 800 rack-and-pinion actuator
from 105,00 €net, incl. bracket set
VS-ZA 800 rack and pinion drive with 800 N thrust.
Price includes standard bracket set.
excl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: Ships within 24 h
Rack and pinion actuators
In brief: Rack-and-pinion actuators open large and heavy window sashes, continuous rooflights and flaps via a toothed rack – with high force and a long stroke, also for ventilation and smoke and heat exhaust (SHEV). At Vent Systems: VS-ZA 800 with 800 N incl. bracket set from €105 and VS-ZA-i with synchronised operation and Modbus from €165 (net prices). We ship stock items from Hamburg within 24 hours; the delivery time of each version is shown on the product page.
Stroke calculator
Stroke
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Note
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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-ZA-i smart rack-and-pinion drive
from 165,00 €net, plus VATSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageVS-ZA-i smart rack and pinion drive with synchronization, bus integration and weather protection.
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-ZA 800 | 24 V / 230 V | 800 N | 100–1000 mm | 8 mm/s | IP65 | from 105 € net |
| VS-ZA-i | 24 V DC | 600 / 800 N | 100–1000 mm | approx. 7 mm/s | IP65 | from 165 € net |
Further data, data sheets and tender texts can be found on the respective product page.
Rack and pinion drives for large window areas with long stroke
| Actuator | Force | Special feature | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS-ZA 800 | 800 N | Stroke 100–1000 mm, standard bracket set included | from €105 |
| VS-ZA-i | 600 and 800 N | Synchronised operation of several actuators, Modbus, weather protection | from €165 |
In rack-and-pinion actuators, a pinion engages a rack and moves the sash along a long stroke. This makes them the first choice for large, heavy window areas, fanlights, vents and facade openings requiring a long opening travel – for example in halls and industrial buildings. The VS-ZA 800 delivers 800 N thrust; the price includes the standard bracket set for installation.
The VS-ZA-i is the smart version with synchronisation, bus integration and weather protection. It can be integrated into building management systems and suits installations where several actuators must run evenly.
All rack-and-pinion actuators are suitable for ventilation and for smoke and heat exhaust systems (RWA) and are available from stock in Hamburg. We are happy to discuss which version suits your building in a no-obligation consultation – including the right control unit, rain sensors and ventilation switches from our accessories. We also support you with unusual installation situations, from planning to delivery.
Further reading: the role of rack-and-pinion actuators in automated buildings is described in the guide Rack-and-pinion drives in building automation. A comparison of actuator types is provided in the article Chain drive, linear drive or rack and pinion drive?
Rack-and-pinion actuator with motor: advantages and limits
A rack-and-pinion actuator consists of an electric motor with gearbox and a rigid rack. The pinion pushes the rack forwards and backwards and thus opens the sash – evenly over the entire stroke.
- Long stroke: selectable from 100 to 1000 mm on the VS-ZA 800.
- Push and pull: The rigid rack transmits force in both directions – suitable for roof surfaces, continuous rooflights and skylights.
- Robust: IP65 protection for outdoor use and in halls.
- 24 V or 230 V: The VS-ZA 800 is available in both voltages.
Limits: A rack-and-pinion actuator is larger than a chain actuator. For small bottom-hung and top-hung windows, a Chain actuator is usually the more compact solution.
The right rack-and-pinion actuator in 3 steps
- Determine the force: Sash weight, mounting position and wind or snow load are decisive. Calculate quickly with the Window actuator calculator; background in the glossary under Thrust.
- Set the stroke: The desired opening width determines the Stroke length – on the VS-ZA 800 from 100 to 1000 mm.
- Choose voltage and operation: 24 V with the VS-C24-7A control unit (up to 7 actuators), radio remote control and optional rain sensor – or 230 V with a ventilation switch. Everything together is available as the VS-ZA 800 ventilation kit.
Three practical examples: from the window to the right rack-and-pinion actuator
The examples were calculated with the Window actuator calculator . They are guide values, not a design for the individual case.
Example 1: top-hung sash in a hall façade
Sash 2,500 × 1,200 mm, glazing 4-16-4, stroke 500 mm. Weight approx. 66 kg, opening force approx. 146 N, with 30 % reserve approx. 190 N. Because the sash is wider than 1.5 m, we recommend two VS-ZA-i with 600 N in synchronised operation.
Example 2: roof flap with a large opening angle
Sash 1,200 × 1,200 mm, glazing 4-16-4, pitch 15°, no snow load. Weight approx. 32 kg, force approx. 150 N, with 50 % reserve for the roof surface approx. 225 N. A 30° opening angle needs about 620 mm stroke – a case for the VS-ZA 800 with stroke up to 1000 mm.
Example 3: small fanlight – a chain actuator fits better here
Sash 1,000 × 600 mm, glazing 4-16-4, stroke 300 mm. Weight approx. 13 kg, opening force only approx. 35 N. A rack-and-pinion actuator would be oversized here; more compact is a VS-KA chain actuator.
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.
Worked through in detail: Ventilating a hall façade with rack-and-pinion actuators.
FAQs on rack-and-pinion actuators
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-ZA-i with built-in synchronisation. Each actuator then takes about half the force, and the sash does not twist.
When is a rack-and-pinion actuator used?
For large, heavy window areas, fanlights, continuous rooflights and vents that need a long stroke – typically in halls and industrial buildings.
Is mounting material included?
Yes. The standard bracket set for installation is included in the price of the VS-ZA 800.
Can several actuators run together on one sash?
Yes, with the smart VS-ZA-i. Its synchronisation function ensures several actuators move evenly. It also offers bus integration and weather protection.
What force does the VS-ZA 800 deliver?
The VS-ZA 800 delivers 800 N thrust. For other requirements we’re happy to advise you via the Contact form.
Rack-and-pinion or chain actuator – which fits better?
The chain actuator is compact and discreet and suits bottom-hung and top-hung windows with a shorter opening path. The rack-and-pinion actuator shows its strengths with long opening paths, large sashes and roof surfaces. A detailed comparison can be found in the glossary under Rack-and-pinion actuator.
Is the rack-and-pinion actuator also available with 230 V?
Yes. We supply the VS-ZA 800 in 24 V and 230 V. For 230 V a ventilation switch is sufficient; for 24 V we recommend the VS-C24-7A control unit.
Guides and technical terms
- Retrofit a rooflight with a motor
- Rack-and-pinion drives in building automation
- Glossary: tandem and synchronous operation
- Glossary: protection class (IP)
- All terms in the window actuator glossary
- Lexikon: Lichtband
- Lexikon: Sheddach
Quick reference: What is a rack-and-pinion actuator? – 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.
