Overview
D+H KA chain drives are commercial electric window drives for compatible awning windows, casement windows, façade windows, roof windows and high-level windows.
The KA range includes 300 N, 500 N and 600 N drive options, with strokes from 350 mm to 1000 mm depending on the model. Available control technologies include PLP, BSY+ and ACB, together with 24 V DC and 230 V AC variants.
KA drives are used for natural ventilation, general window automation and smoke control systems. EBSA can assist with selecting the appropriate drive force, stroke, control technology, bracket arrangement and control panel for the window and project operating strategy.
KA range at a glance
| Product type | Commercial electric chain drive |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | D+H Mechatronic |
| Models covered | KA 34, KA 54, KA ACB and KA 66-TW models |
| Typical applications | Natural ventilation, general window automation and smoke control systems |
| Window types | Compatible awning, casement, façade, roof and high-level windows |
| Power and control options | 24 V DC and 230 V AC options, including PLP, BSY+ and ACB configurations |
| Force options | 300 N for KA 34 and KA-0300 models; 500 N for KA 54 and KA-0500 models; 600 N for KA 66-TW twin-chain models |
| Available strokes | 350 mm to 1000 mm depending on the selected model |
| Sound level | LpA ≤ 70 dB(A) |
| Protection rating | IP 32 |
| Fire resistance | B300 |
| Control requirements | Compatible controller, field cabling, switching or sensor inputs, and project-specific programming and commissioning |
Models and configurations
| Product code | Supply and control technology | Force | Stroke | Product data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA 34/350 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/500 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/600 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/700 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 700 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/800 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 800 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/1000 | 24 V DC PLP | 300 N | 1000 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/350-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/500-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/600-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/700-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 700 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/800-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 800 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34/1000-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 300 N | 1000 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/350 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/500 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/600 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/700 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 700 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/800 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 800 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54/1000 | 24 V DC PLP | 500 N | 1000 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ | 500 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
| KA 34-K/350 | 230 V AC | 300 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34-K/500 | 230 V AC | 300 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34-K/600 | 230 V AC | 300 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34-K/800 | 230 V AC | 300 N | 800 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34-K/1000 | 230 V AC | 300 N | 1000 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 34-K-BSY+ | 230 V AC BSY+ | 300 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
| KA 54-K/350 | 230 V AC | 500 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54-K/500 | 230 V AC | 500 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54-K/600 | 230 V AC | 500 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 54-K-BSY+ | 230 V AC BSY+ | 500 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
| KA-0300-1-ACB | 24 V DC ACB | 300 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
| KA-0500-1-ACB | 24 V DC ACB | 500 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
| KA 66/350-TW | 24 V DC twin-chain | 600 N | 350 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 66/500-TW | 24 V DC twin-chain | 600 N | 500 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 66/600-TW | 24 V DC twin-chain | 600 N | 600 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 66/800-TW | 24 V DC twin-chain | 600 N | 800 mm | Download datasheet |
| KA 66-TW-K | 230 V AC twin-chain | 600 N | Model dependent | Download product data |
KA 34, KA 54 and KA 66-TW
KA 34 models provide up to 300 N pressure and tensile force. They suit commercial windows that require a robust drive with longer stroke options but remain within the 300 N force range.
KA 54 models provide up to 500 N pressure and tensile force for heavier windows and applications requiring increased opening and closing force.
KA 66-TW models use two chains from one drive body and provide up to 600 N pressure and tensile force. They may suit wider windows or sash arrangements that benefit from two chain connection points.
Typical applications
- Commercial façade window automation.
- Natural ventilation and mixed-mode ventilation systems.
- Smoke control systems.
- High-level awning and casement windows.
- Roof windows and commercial skylights.
- Windows requiring increased force or longer stroke options.
- Windows requiring synchronised multi-drive operation.
Drive and control system selection
The KA drive provides the mechanical opening and closing movement. The selected controller determines how the window responds to wall switches, sensors, timers, BMS commands or smoke control signals.
PLP models provide conventional reverse-polarity drive operation with a compatible controller.
BSY+ models are used where multiple compatible drives must operate together as a synchronised set. ACB models include digital communication, addressing, configuration, feedback and BSY+ synchronisation when connected to a compatible D+H ACB control system.
For applications requiring sensors, automatic controls, feedback, programmed logic or broader integration, 24 V DC systems generally provide greater flexibility. The 230 V AC KA models are typically used for straightforward local control arrangements or where the project has been designed around mains-powered drives.
KA selection should be coordinated with:
- Window type, sash size, sash weight and opening geometry.
- Required opening distance and opening angle.
- Required pressure and tensile force.
- Stroke and chain pressure-load capacity.
- 24 V DC or 230 V AC power supply.
- PLP, BSY+ or ACB control technology.
- Single-drive, synchronised or twin-chain arrangement.
- Control panel capacity and communication requirements.
- Bracket selection and fixing positions.
- Field cabling, cable routes and installation access.
- Natural ventilation, smoke control or combined operating strategy.
Bracket arrangements
KA chain drives use a sash bracket to connect the chain to the opening sash and a frame bracket to mount the drive body to the window frame.
EBSA selects the bracket arrangement to suit the glazing suite, window profile, available fixing points and opening geometry. Standard D+H brackets are used where appropriate, while project-specific brackets can be developed for commercial window systems where a closer fit is required.
EBSA can identify the appropriate arrangement from window drawings, profile details, samples or site information.
Compatible system components
Depending on the project, KA chain drives may be used with:
- Natural ventilation control panels.
- D+H smoke control panels.
- CPS-M project control panels.
- Wall switches and local control points.
- Room temperature controls.
- Rain and weather sensors.
- Timers and programmed operating functions.
- BMS and third-party interfaces.
- D+H drive brackets and installation accessories.
Downloads
Select the installation instructions that match the drive model, power supply and control technology.
| Drive type | Applies to | Installation instructions |
|---|---|---|
| KA 34 / KA 54 | 24 V DC PLP models | KA 34 / KA 54 PLP instructions |
| KA 34 / KA 54-BSY+ | 24 V DC BSY+ models | KA 34 / KA 54 BSY+ instructions |
| KA 34 / KA 54-K | 230 V AC models | KA 34 / KA 54-K instructions |
| KA-1-ACB | 24 V DC ACB models | KA-1-ACB instructions |
| KA 66-TW | 24 V DC twin-chain models | KA 66-TW instructions |
| KA 66-TW-K | 230 V AC twin-chain models | KA 66-TW-K instructions |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between KA 34 and KA 54 chain drives?
KA 34 models provide up to 300 N pressure and tensile force, while KA 54 models provide up to 500 N.
KA 54 is normally selected where the window requires greater opening or closing force. The required force should be checked against the window size, weight, seals, hinge arrangement, wind load and opening geometry.
What is the difference between PLP, BSY+ and ACB KA drives?
PLP models provide conventional reverse-polarity drive operation using a compatible controller.
BSY+ models allow compatible drives to operate together as a synchronised set.
ACB models add digital communication, configuration, addressing and feedback, together with BSY+ synchronisation, when connected to a compatible D+H ACB control system.
Should I use a 24 V DC or 230 V AC KA chain drive?
A 24 V DC KA system is generally preferred where rain sensors, temperature controls, timers, feedback, programmed logic, smoke control functions or building-system integration are required.
A 230 V AC KA drive is generally used for straightforward local control arrangements, such as wall-switch operation, or where the project has specifically been designed around mains-powered drives.
Can KA chain drives be used for smoke control?
Yes. KA chain drives are used in D+H smoke control systems as well as natural ventilation systems.
The drive force, stroke, window arrangement, control panel, field cabling and fire alarm interface should be coordinated as part of the complete smoke control system.
When are BSY+ synchronised KA drives required?
BSY+ is used where two or more compatible drives operate together on one window or opening and must remain synchronised.
The drives are configured as a coordinated set so they maintain controlled movement and share the window load. All drives in the set must use compatible control technology and configuration.
When is a KA 66-TW twin-chain drive used?
KA 66-TW provides two chain connection points from one drive body and up to 600 N pressure and tensile force.
It may suit wider windows or sash arrangements that benefit from two chain points and increased force distribution. EBSA may also consider two separate left-hand and right-hand drives where positioning the chains closer to the sash corners provides a better arrangement.
How is the correct KA force selected?
The required force depends on the sash size and weight, seals, hinge arrangement, opening direction, wind pressure, bracket position and the force needed to achieve reliable closing.
KA 34 provides up to 300 N, KA 54 provides up to 500 N and KA 66-TW provides up to 600 N. EBSA can review the window arrangement and select the appropriate drive force.
How is the correct KA stroke selected?
The stroke is selected according to the required window opening, sash geometry, hinge position, bracket location and available clearance.
The operating stroke can be reduced where supported by the selected drive and control technology. The pressure-load capacity of the chain must also be checked for longer strokes and demanding window arrangements.
Which brackets are required for a KA chain drive?
The bracket arrangement depends on the window profile, sash configuration and available fixing locations. A sash bracket connects the chain to the opening sash, while a frame bracket secures the drive body to the window frame.
EBSA can select standard D+H brackets or develop a project-specific bracket arrangement to suit the commercial glazing suite.
When should CDM, CDP or rack and pinion drives be considered instead?
CDM or CDP may be considered where the window requires greater force, a longer stroke or a different chain-drive format.
Rack and pinion drives may be preferred where the load, opening geometry, installation position or external exposure is better suited to a rigid rack-drive arrangement.
Compare other drive families
- VCD Chain Drives: compact drives for natural ventilation and general window automation.
- CDC Chain Drives: compact, low-noise drives for natural ventilation, window automation and smoke control systems.
- CDM Chain Drives: compact high-force drives for heavier windows and roof openings.
- CDP Chain Drives: high-capacity drives for large openings and long-stroke applications.
- Rack & Pinion Drives: robust linear drives for applications better suited to rack and pinion operation.
KA chain drive selection support
KA drive selection depends on the window type, opening geometry, required force and stroke, control technology, synchronisation requirements, bracket arrangement, field wiring and operating strategy. EBSA can assist with selecting and coordinating the KA drive, controller, accessories and installation requirements for the project.
