Overview
Rack and pinion drives are robust electric window drives used to open and close compatible façade windows, roof windows, skylight windows and selected high-level commercial openings. They are generally considered where the window size, sash weight, opening geometry, wind exposure, external mounting requirement or harsh operating environment makes a chain drive less suitable.
EBSA NZ supplies and supports D+H rack and pinion drive solutions for commercial natural ventilation, smoke control and façade automation projects. Typical applications include larger awning windows, roof windows, skylights, heavy commercial sashes, externally exposed openings and locations requiring a stronger or more robust drive arrangement.
The correct rack and pinion drive should be selected as part of the complete window automation system, including the window type, fixing arrangement, bracket set, controller, field cabling, operating strategy and commissioning requirements.
At-a-glance
| Item | ZA Series | DXD Series |
|---|---|---|
| Product image |  |
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| Product type | Commercial electric rack and pinion window drive | High-performance electric rack and pinion window drive |
| Typical use | Commercial natural ventilation, smoke control, roof window automation, skylight automation and façade openings where rack and pinion operation is preferred. | Demanding high-load natural ventilation, smoke control, large roof/skylight automation and heavy façade openings requiring very high force. |
| Window applications | Compatible façade windows, roof windows, skylight windows, external openings and selected high-level commercial windows. | Large compatible façade windows, roof windows, heavy skylights and high-load commercial openings. |
| Power / control options | 24 V DC, 230 V AC, PLP, ACB and BSY+ options depending on model. | 24 V DC and 230 V AC options depending on model. |
| Typical force range | ZA models include 300 N, 800 N, 1000 N and 1500 N options depending on model. | DXD models provide up to 3000 N pressure force and 2000 N tensile force depending on configuration. |
| Typical stroke range | Broad stroke range up to 1500 mm depending on model. | 500 mm to 1500 mm depending on configuration. |
| Protection rating | IP 65, subject to selected model. | IP 64, subject to selected model. |
| Special environments | Special versions are available for exposed external applications, indoor swimming pool areas and other harsh or corrosive environments, subject to project review. | Reviewed for demanding high-load applications where the force, stroke, speed or drive geometry is beyond the normal ZA selection range. |
| Smoke control use | Suitable for review as part of a complete smoke control system where the selected drive, window, control panel, field wiring and approval pathway are coordinated. | Suitable for high-load smoke control applications where the selected drive, window, control panel, field wiring and approval pathway are coordinated. |
| Controller requirement | Requires a compatible controller, field cabling, suitable switching or sensor inputs and project-specific commissioning. | Requires a compatible controller, field cabling, suitable switching or sensor inputs and project-specific commissioning. |
| Manufacturer | D+H Mechatronic | D+H Mechatronic |
Drive technology options
D+H rack and pinion drives are available with different control technologies depending on the selected drive family and model. The technology should be selected as part of the wider control system, not as a standalone drive feature.
- PLP: Power-line programming used on selected 24 V DC D+H drives for configuration and control through compatible D+H systems.
- BSY+: Synchronisation technology used where multiple drives need to operate together in a controlled arrangement.
- ACB: Digital communication technology used where compatible control architecture can support addressing, feedback or advanced system communication.
ACB functionality only provides its full benefit where the selected control architecture supports 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.
External and harsh environment options
Rack and pinion drives are often selected where the drive is externally mounted, more exposed, or installed in an environment where a standard internal window drive may not be suitable. This can include external façade openings, roof windows, skylights, exposed high-level windows and harsh internal environments such as indoor swimming pool areas.
For outdoor use, selected ZA rack and pinion drives can be supplied in a W option. This version includes a gearbox with hardened stainless steel pinion, pressure release vent and condensation protection. It should be considered where the drive is externally mounted or exposed to weather, condensation or changing environmental conditions.
For indoor swimming pool environments, selected ZA rack and pinion drives can be supplied in a WS option. This version includes the W option upgrades, plus A4 stainless steel rack, pinion and eyebolt, with enhanced protection for highly humid pool environments. It should be considered where the drive may be exposed to humidity, chlorinated air or other aggressive internal pool conditions.
Environmental options should be confirmed before ordering. The correct version depends on the drive location, exposure, humidity, chemical environment, fixing method, bracket arrangement and access for inspection or maintenance. EBSA NZ can assist with reviewing the required drive version before products are selected.
ZA drives are usually the starting point for commercial rack and pinion applications, with the final model selected around force, stroke, mounting arrangement, environment and controller requirements. DXD drives are considered where the project requires a higher-performance drive arrangement, greater force or demanding roof/skylight operation.
ZA model downloads
Use the table below for quick access to ZA rack and pinion drive datasheets. Final model selection should be confirmed against the window type, force, stroke, mounting position, environment, controller and bracket arrangement.
| Model / drive type | Force | Stroke / version | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA 0300 PLP | 300 N | 350 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm or 800 mm options | 350 | 500 | 600 | 800 |
| ZA 0300 ACB | 300 N | From 165 – 1500 mm / ACB-capable version | ZA 0300-ACB |
| ZA 0800 PLP | 800 N | 500 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm or 1000 mm options | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| ZA 0800 ACB | 800 N | 500 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm or 1000 mm options | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| ZA 1000 PLP | 1000 N | 500 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm or 1000 mm options | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| ZA 1000 ACB | 1000 N | From 165 – 1500 mm / ACB-capable version | ZA 1000-ACB |
| ZA 1500 PLP | 1500 N | From 165 – 1500 mm | ZA 1500-PLP |
| ZA 1500 ACB | 1500 N | From 165 – 1500 mm / ACB-capable version | ZA 1500-ACB |
| ZA 105-K | 1000 N | From 165 – 1500 mm / 230 V AC version | 350 | 500-K | ZA 105/800-K |
| ZA-K-BSY+ | 300 N, 800 N, 1000 N, 1500 N | From 165 – 1500 mm / 230 V AC synchronised versions | ZA 35-K | ZA 85-K | ZA 105-K | ZA 155-K |
DXD model downloads
DXD drives are high-performance rack and pinion drives for demanding high-load applications. They should be reviewed where the project is outside the normal ZA selection range or requires a more robust high-force drive arrangement.
| Model / drive type | Force | Stroke / version | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXD 300-BSY+ HS | 3000 N pressure / 2000 N tensile force | From 500 – 1500 mm / 24 V DC high-speed version | DXD 300-BSY+ HS |
| DXD 300-K-BSY+ HS | 3000 N pressure / 2000 N tensile force | From 500 – 1500 mm / 230 V AC high-speed version | DXD 300-K-BSY+ HS |
Installation instructions
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ZA PLP rack and pinion drives | ZA PLP rack and pinion models (24 vdc) | ZA PLP instructions |
| ZA-K / ZA-K-BSY+ rack and pinion drives | ZA-K and ZA-K-BSY+ models (230 v) | ZA-K / ZA-K-BSY+ instructions |
| ZA-ACB rack and pinion drives | ACB-capable ZA models (24 vdc) | ZA ACB instructions |
| DXD rack and pinion drives | DXD 300-BSY+ models (24 vdc) | DXD 300-BSY+ instructions |
| DXD-K rack and pinion drives | DXD 300-K-BSY+ models (230 v) | DXD 300-K-BSY+ instructions |
Best suited to
- Large or heavy commercial façade windows.
- Roof windows and skylight systems.
- External window automation applications where a more robust exposed drive arrangement is required.
- Indoor swimming pool environments or other harsh internal environments where a suitable special-version drive is required.
- Openings where wind load, sash weight or geometry makes chain drive selection less suitable.
- Natural ventilation systems using larger compatible window openings.
- Smoke control systems where the drive, control panel, window and project strategy are suitable.
- Projects requiring robust drive geometry, longer stroke or higher force than typical chain drive arrangements.
Typical system arrangement
A rack and pinion 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 rack and pinion drive should be selected together with the control panel, bracket arrangement, fixing method, wiring strategy, smoke control or natural ventilation requirements and commissioning approach.
Drive and controller selection
The functionality of a rack and pinion 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 operates.
For smoke control applications, the drive must be selected as part of the complete system, including the window, control panel, fire interface, field cabling, power supply, installation, commissioning and project approval pathway.
Selection and specification notes
- Confirm the window type, sash size, sash weight, opening geometry and required opening angle before selecting a rack and pinion drive.
- Confirm whether the application is for natural ventilation, smoke control, general window automation or a combined strategy.
- Confirm whether a ZA or DXD drive family is more suitable for the required force, stroke, mounting arrangement and project duty.
- Confirm whether a 24 V DC or 230 V AC drive option is required.
- Confirm whether PLP, BSY+ or ACB functionality is required and whether the selected controller can support it.
- Confirm the number of drives per window, the number of windows per control group and the available control panel capacity.
- Confirm bracket requirements, drive mounting position, cable routes, cable tail requirements and access for servicing before window fabrication or installation.
- Confirm whether pressure load, wind load, external exposure or roof/skylight geometry requires project-specific review.
- Confirm whether the drive will be installed externally, in a corrosive environment, in an indoor swimming pool area, or in another harsh environment requiring a special-version drive, finish, bracket set or project-specific review.
- For smoke control projects, confirm the fire strategy, smoke control panel, fire interface, cable requirements, commissioning process and approval pathway.
- 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
Rack and pinion drives are normally selected as part of a complete window automation, natural ventilation or smoke control package. Depending on the project, they may be used with:
- Compatible natural ventilation control panels.
- D+H smoke control panels, where suitable for the project design.
- CPS-M project control panels where system feedback, advanced control logic or project-specific smoke control strategy is required.
- Wall switches and local control points.
- Room temperature controls.
- Rain and weather sensors, where supported by the selected controller.
- BMS or third-party interfaces, where specified.
- Suitable D+H rack and pinion bracket sets.
- Compatible façade, roof, skylight and high-level window systems.
Part of the EBSA NZ window drive range
Rack and pinion drives sit alongside EBSA NZ’s D+H chain drive and louvre drive ranges. They are normally reviewed where the window load, opening geometry, external exposure or mounting arrangement makes a rack and pinion drive more suitable than a chain drive.
Where the application is smaller, quieter or more discreet, EBSA NZ will normally review chain drives first. Where the opening is an operable louvre system, EBSA NZ will review louvre drive options instead.
Consider instead
- VCD Chain Drives: consider for simple residential and light commercial natural ventilation applications where a compact ventilation drive is sufficient.
- CDC Chain Drives: consider where whisper-quiet operation, compact installation or ACB-capable functionality is required and the window is within the CDC force and stroke range.
- KA Chain Drives: consider for commercial chain drive applications requiring more force than VCD or CDC.
- CDM Chain Drives: consider for heavy windows or skylights requiring up to 1000 N force in a compact chain drive footprint.
- CDP Chain Drives: consider for very heavy chain drive applications or where strokes of up to 1500 mm are required.
- 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 rack and pinion drive selection
Correct rack and pinion drive selection depends on the window type, opening geometry, required stroke, force, control method, bracket arrangement, field wiring, smoke control or ventilation strategy and project requirements. EBSA NZ can assist with reviewing the drive family, controller, accessories and coordination requirements before products are selected.
