Geze
German automatic door and window technology — chain actuators and smoke vent systems for KNX buildings.
Geze (Leonberg, Germany — founded 1863) is a world leader in automatic door and window technology. In smart building automation, their chain actuators (E 250 N, E 300 N) are the standard solution for motorising roof windows, skylights, and top-hung casement windows for KNX-controlled natural ventilation and night cooling. Geze also manufactures EN 12101-2 compliant smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) actuators — a completely separate product category requiring dedicated 24V DC control panels and regulatory compliance testing. PanelCraft specifies Geze chain actuators for comfort ventilation and, in collaboration with specialist smoke vent contractors, for SHEV systems.
Role in our panels
How we use Geze
Geze chain actuators integrate with KNX via the Geze KNX gateway adapter — a small module that connects to the E 300 N control terminal and provides a KNX TP bus connection. The adapter appears in ETS6 as a standard KNX device with group objects for position (DPT 5.001, 0–100%), open/close binary, and status feedback. Alternatively, for simpler installations, a standard KNX blinds actuator relay channel (UP/DOWN) can drive the E 300 N directly — the actuator runs until the limit switch is triggered, and the KNX channel tracks position by travel time. Geze chain actuators support rain sensor inputs on the motor controller — critical for outdoor roof lights — and the Elsner P04 rain detection telegram can be routed via KNX to the actuator's 'close' input.
In KNX panels, Geze window drive integration requires: (1) a KNX relay output channel (blinds actuator type) for UP/DOWN control, or (2) a Geze KNX gateway adapter connecting the E300N to the KNX bus directly. Panel wiring: 230V AC feed to the E300N chain actuator (it has an internal transformer for 24V motor drive). For multiple window actuators, one KNX blinds actuator channel controls one motor. The rain safety interlock is critical: Elsner P04 rain → KNX binary → actuator 'close immediately' input — this must override all other commands, including manual override. CO2-triggered ventilation: MDT SCA-CO2 CO2 sensor → KNX → window open to 30% position. Night cooling: KNX time schedule + Elsner outside temperature → open 22:00–06:00 if outdoor temp < 18°C.
Used in these project types
Geze products
Key components we install
Geze E 300 N Chain Actuator
Standard chain actuator for top-hung casement windows, roof lights and skylights. 300N push/pull force. 200mm stroke. 230V AC supply, 24V DC internal drive. Integrated limit switches. KNX gateway adapter available. For KNX comfort ventilation, CO2-triggered fresh air and night cooling. The most specified chain actuator in European KNX projects.
Geze E 250 N Chain Actuator
Compact 250N version for smaller windows where reduced stroke (200mm) is sufficient. Same electrical spec as E 300 N. Lighter weight installation — preferred for integrated casement window frames where actuator is concealed in frame profile.
Geze KNX Gateway Adapter
Mounts on E300N/E250N control terminal. Provides KNX TP connection. ETS6 application: position DPT 5.001 (0–100%), open/close binary, rain close input, limit status feedback. Enables precise position control (e.g., 30% opening for ventilation vs 100% for emergency vent) rather than timed relay control.
Geze IQ windowdrive Spindle Actuator
Spindle (linear) actuator for parallel sliding and bottom-hung windows. 500N force. Integrated motor controller with KNX option. Used in high-specification architectural windows where chain actuator protrudes too far from the frame.
Geze Slimchain RZA (SHEV)
NOT a standard comfort ventilation product. EN 12101-2 certified smoke and heat exhaust vent actuator. 24V DC supply from dedicated SHEV control panel (Geze IQ Smoke, Hekatron, etc.). Spring return (opens on power loss). Requires specialist smoke vent contractor and regulatory testing. Completely separate from KNX comfort ventilation — do NOT use comfort actuators for smoke venting.
Geze FAQ
Can a standard KNX blinds actuator drive a Geze chain actuator?
Yes — a KNX 230V blinds relay actuator (MDT, Hager, ABB) can drive the Geze E 300 N via the motor's control terminals directly. The actuator sends UP/DOWN relay pulses; the E 300 N runs until its internal limit switch opens. Position is tracked by the KNX actuator using travel time (calibrate manually: full open = 45 seconds). This approach lacks position feedback from the actuator — use the Geze KNX Gateway Adapter if position feedback and exact percentage opening are required.
What is the difference between a smoke vent actuator and a comfort ventilation actuator?
Smoke vent actuators (SHEV, EN 12101-2) are safety devices: they must spring-return to open on power failure, be powered from a dedicated battery-backed 24V SHEV panel, and be tested and certified per EN 12101-10. Comfort ventilation actuators (like Geze E 300 N) are convenience devices — they close on power failure (spring return to closed) and are NOT certified for smoke venting. Never use comfort actuators in an SHEV system — it is both unsafe and illegal under building regulations.
How do you implement rain protection for open roof windows?
Rain signal from Elsner P04 KNX weather station (DPT 1.002, binary wet/dry) → linked to KNX blinds actuator channel's 'wind/rain alarm' group address → actuator immediately sends close command to the Geze chain actuator. The close command has the highest priority in the actuator (overrides manual override and scene). Hold time after rain stops: configure 30 minutes in ETS6 (rain may stop but glass is still wet — don't reopen immediately). This rain interlock must be hardwired-reliable — consider also wiring the E 300 N motor controller's direct rain sensor input as a redundant fallback.
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