Emplas has launched a smoke-activated PVC-U window that opens in the event of fire and is designed to channel harmful smoke and gases away from corridors, stairs and lobbies.

Designed for the commercial sector, Emplas’s range of NSHEV (Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators) windows are made using the Optima profile from Epwin, and are fully compliant with BS EN 12101-2, having been tested and accredited by SE Controls.

“Smoke is the number one killer in the event of a fire, and it is vital that buildings can respond quickly and automatically so that occupants can escape unharmed,” Kush Patel, managing director of Emplas, said. “Working closely with commercial developers, we have designed top-hung, side-hung and bottom-hung variants, in a range of 28 colours in a range of finishes, to suit a variety of applications.

“Producing these windows in PVC-U – rather than aluminium – gives our clients greater design flexibility, while keeping costs to a minimum. We can also achieve U-values as low as 0.9W/m2K.”

“Our NSHEV windows require absolutely no human intervention for them to work when required, and we have had them fully tested by SE Controls to make sure they comply with the relevant standards,” Kush said.

“As a result, our NSHEV windows provide vital daylight, ventilation and smoke control in the event of a fire, giving building owners and building occupants full confidence in their ability to perform.”

Fitted correctly, NSHEV windows from Emplas comply with BS EN 12101-2 and building owners will receive a Declaration of Performance.