Overview
VCD chain drives are compact electric window drives used to open and close compatible awning windows, casement windows, skylight windows, roof windows and selected high-level windows for natural ventilation. They are best positioned for residential and light commercial projects where a compact drive is required for simple, reliable window operation.
The VCD range includes 24 V DC options, 230 V AC options and ACB-capable variants. This allows the drive to be selected around the available power supply, required stroke, window arrangement, controller type and project wiring strategy.
The drive provides the mechanical opening and closing movement. The actual system functionality comes from the selected controller, field cabling, switching or sensor inputs, and programmed control strategy. EBSA NZ can assist with selecting the correct VCD model, bracket arrangement, controller and wiring approach for suitable residential and light commercial window automation projects.
At-a-glance
| Product type | Electric chain drive |
|---|---|
| Product range | D+H VCD Series |
| Models covered | VCD 203/250, VCD-0203-0250-1-ACB, VCD 204/250, VCD 204/350, VCD-0204-0250-1-ACB, VCD-0204-0350-1-ACB, VCD 204/250-K, VCD 204/350-K, VCD-0204-0250-5-ACB and VCD-0204-0350-5-ACB |
| Typical use | Residential and light commercial window automation for natural ventilation |
| Window applications | Compatible awning windows, casement windows, skylight windows, roof windows and selected high-level windows |
| Power / control options | 24 V DC, 230 V AC and ACB-capable options depending on model |
| Force | 200 N pressure force / 200 N tensile force |
| Stroke options | 250 mm for VCD 203 models; 250 mm or 350 mm options for VCD 204 models |
| Sound level | LpA ≤ 46 dB(A) |
| Protection rating | IP 30 |
| Controller requirement | Requires a compatible controller, field cabling and suitable switching or sensor inputs |
| Manufacturer | D+H Mechatronic |
Models in the VCD range
| Model | Power / technology | Stroke | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCD 203/250 | 24 V DC with PLP | 250 mm | 250 |
| VCD-0203-0250-1-ACB | 24 V DC with ACB | 250 mm | 250 |
| VCD 204 | 24 V DC with PLP | 250 mm, 350 mm | 250 | 350 |
| VCD-0204-1-ACB | 24 V DC with ACB | 250 mm, 350mm | 250 | 350 |
| VCD 204-K | 230 V AC | 250 mm, 350mm | 250 | 350 |
| VCD-0204-5-ACB | 230 V AC with ACB | 250 mm, 350 mm | 250 | 350 |
The main selection difference between VCD 203 and VCD 204 is not only stroke length. VCD 203 is the more compact format, while VCD 204 uses a longer body with a centred chain outlet and special chain stabilisation. The correct VCD option should be selected against the window type, required stroke, power supply, controller, bracket arrangement, field cabling and project operating strategy.
Downloads
Download the relevant installation information for the selected model. Some instruction documents apply across multiple model variants. Where a shared instruction manual is shown, confirm the exact drive type, stroke, power supply and control technology before installation.
| Drive type | Applies to | Installation instructions |
|---|---|---|
| VCD 203/250 | 24 V DC VCD 203 models | VCD 203 PLP instructions |
| VCD-0203-0250-1-ACB | 24 V DC ACB VCD 203 models | VCD 0203 ACB instructions |
| VCD 204 | 24 V DC VCD 204/250 and VCD 204/350 models | VCD 204 PLP instructions |
| VCD-0204-1-ACB | 24 V DC ACB VCD 204 models | VCD 0204 ACB instructions |
| VCD 204-K | 230 V AC VCD 204-K models | VCD 204 230v instructions |
| VCD-0204-5-ACB | 230 V AC ACB VCD 204 models | VCD 0204 230v ACB instructions |
Best suited to
- Residential awning window automation.
- Residential skylight and roof window automation.
- Light commercial awning and casement windows.
- High-level windows that are difficult to operate manually.
- Ventilation windows in small offices, schools, childcare centres, community buildings and similar light commercial projects.
- Projects where simple open/close natural ventilation control is required.
- Applications where a compact chain drive is preferred over a heavier commercial drive family.
Typical system arrangement
A VCD chain drive does not operate on its own. It requires a compatible controller, field cabling, suitable switching or sensor inputs, and project-specific wiring and commissioning to achieve the required open and close operation.
For EBSA NZ projects, the VCD drive should be selected together with the controller and wiring strategy, rather than treated as a standalone product.
Drive and controller selection
The functionality of a VCD chain drive system is determined by the selected drive, controller, field cabling and programmed control strategy. The drive provides the mechanical opening and closing movement, while the controller determines how the window is operated.
ACB-capable VCD models should only be selected where the control architecture can use ACB communication. If an ACB-capable drive is connected to a conventional controller that does not use ACB communication, the additional digital communication features are not utilised.
Drive and controller selection should be coordinated before ordering so that the VCD model, bracket set, wiring route, control panel capacity and user controls are suitable for the window arrangement.
Selection and specification notes
- Confirm the window type, sash size, sash weight, required opening distance and opening angle before selecting a VCD chain drive.
- Confirm whether the application is residential or light commercial, and whether the window is an awning, casement, skylight, roof or high-level window.
- Confirm whether a 24 V DC, 230 V AC or ACB-capable VCD option is required.
- Confirm the required stroke, force, voltage and current draw for the selected VCD model.
- Confirm controller compatibility before selecting the drive, including whether ACB functionality is actually supported by the selected controller.
- Confirm the number of drives per window, the number of windows per control group and the available control panel capacity.
- Confirm bracket requirements, cable routes, cable tail requirements and access for servicing before window fabrication or installation.
- VCD chain drives should be treated as ventilation drives. For commercial smoke control applications, EBSA NZ will normally review other D+H drive families such as CDC, KA, CDM or CDP with a suitable control panel.
- EBSA NZ has its own Masterspec work section/code and can prepare project-specific specification content for inclusion in the project documentation. This can cover the selected drive family, control panel, operating strategy, interfaces, field cabling and commissioning requirements.
Compatible products
VCD chain drives are normally selected as part of a simple window automation or natural ventilation package. Depending on the project, they may be used with:
- Compatible natural ventilation controllers.
- Wall switches.
- Room temperature controls.
- Rain sensors, where supported by the selected controller.
- Suitable D+H bracket sets.
- Compatible awning, casement, skylight, roof and high-level window systems.
Part of the EBSA NZ chain drive range
VCD chain drives are part of EBSA NZ’s wider D+H Mechatronic chain drive range. They are the preferred starting point for residential and light commercial ventilation applications.
For heavier commercial windows, smoke control applications, whisper-quiet operation, ACB communication, synchronised operation or larger skylight systems, EBSA NZ will normally review CDC, KA, CDM, CDP or rack and pinion drive options as part of the project selection process.
Consider instead
- CDC Chain Drives: CDC drives are well suited to schools, offices, residential projects, light commercial projects and smoke control applications where whisper-quiet operation, compact installation or ACB-capable functionality is required.
- KA Chain Drives: consider for heavier-duty applications requiring increased force where CDC or VCD drives do not provide sufficient capacity.
- CDM Chain Drives: consider for very heavy windows or skylights requiring up to 1000 N force and up to 1000 mm stroke in a compact footprint.
- CDP Chain Drives: consider for the heaviest chain drive applications or where strokes of up to 1500 mm are required.
- Rack and Pinion Drives: consider where the window load, opening geometry or external application is better suited to rack and pinion operation.
- Louvre Drives: consider where the opening is an operable louvre system rather than an awning, casement, skylight or roof window sash.
Talk to EBSA NZ about VCD chain drive selection
Correct VCD drive selection depends on the window type, opening geometry, required stroke, control method, bracket arrangement, field wiring and project requirements. EBSA NZ can assist with reviewing the VCD model, controller, accessories and coordination requirements before products are selected.
