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The 2015-update of EN 12101-3 opened the door for smoke exhaust fans with variable-speed drives (VSD) to be used during fire events. This shift created new opportunities for safer, greener and more economical building solutions. Yet, many decision-makers are still unaware of the advantages of certified smoke fans and VSD packages.
Revised EN 12101-3 – certified fan-VSD packages deliver maximum safety and flexibility
In high-rise buildings, car parks and tunnels, safety requirements grow with building height and complexity. Ventilation systems must secure escape routes, support fire services and protect structures. The revised EN 12101-3 standard offers three system options for this.
- Nominal-speed smoke fan without VSD
Only the fan must be certified. A VSD may be installed, but it must be bypassed in fires. This restricts operation to nominal motor speed and reduces flexibility. It also increases control panel complexity and cost. - Smoke fan with non-certified VSD
This option requires a 20% motor power de-rating and an additional waveform filter, both adding considerable cost. Emergency power supply and cabling must also be sized for the 20% reserve. - Certified smoke fan and VSD package
The entire package is tested and approved for smoke and heat control. This option provides full performance, reliability and operating flexibility.
The third option enables variable-speed controlled operation during fires, combining maximum safety with low running cost and precise smoke management.
From wasting to saving energy
Frequency converters allow fans to run at any required airflow. Fans become dual-purpose as they serve daily ventilation needs and operate as certified smoke extract units in emergencies. Options 1 and 2 apply to non-certified combinations. Choosing a certified fan-and-drive package ensures compliance and unlocks full efficiency gains.
Jos Wissink, Business Development Manager at NOVENCO® Building & Industry, states
“As high-efficiency fans with VSD are now available as certified packages for smoke extraction, facility managers have the possibility for more profitable set-ups – maximum energy savings and state-of-the-art smoke ventilation system all in one solution.”
Going green with significant cost savings
High-efficiency smoke fans reduce power consumption. As a result, the required power supply and backup systems can be downsized. Smaller cables, smaller UPS systems and lower installation costs all contribute to a more economical system.
Even though certified packages may cost more initially, total investment and lifetime running cost drop significantly. Total cost of ownership becomes the real decision driver.
Example of system comparison to highlight the value
A NOVENCO NovAx™ ACN 1250 F300 requires 65 kW input power. A NOVENCO ZerAx® AZN 1250 needs only 56 kW. The 14% reduction lowers energy consumption and allows all power supply equipment, including UPS, to be dimensioned 14% smaller. Lower sound levels further strengthen the case for ZerAx fans.
High efficiency with low sound levels
Efficiency is central when selecting a certified fan-and-VSD package. It reduces operating cost, CO2 emissions and environmental impact. NOVENCO’s ZerAx axial fans reach up to 92% efficiency and achieve 98% recyclability with a product lifetime of more than 20 years, as verified by Stena Recycling. This makes ZerAx one of the most efficient and sustainable dual-purpose fans available.
Optimised aerodynamics ensure extremely low noise levels. In normal ventilation mode, this reduces or removes the need for silencers, further cutting pressure losses and energy use. Both installation and operation benefit from these reductions.
When safety is the first priority
Cost savings are valuable, but safety remains the core priority. NOVENCO ZerAx smoke fans combined with Danfoss VLT® frequency converters deliver certified reliability under high-temperature smoke conditions. They maintain safe escape routes, support firefighting efforts and protect property by ensuring dependable operation during long-duration smoke and heat exposure.
When safety must be guaranteed, a certified smoke fan and VSD package is the natural choice.
NOVENCO designs, develops and manufactures ventilation systems used worldwide. We are a certified smoke control company and a member of the Smoke Control Association (SCA). The full NOVENCO ZerAx HT fan range is tested and certified as smoke fans in combination with Danfoss VLT drives according to EN 12101-3:2015 by MPA Braunschweig.
