The smoke ventilation system at Matlosana Mall, shopping and entertainment centre in Kerksdorp, South Africa is using SE Controls’ window automation and control panel solutions to ensure it operates perfectly in the event of a fire, allowing smoke-free escape routes to be maintained for shoppers and staff.

Designed by Stauch Vorster Architects, the 1 billion Rand development incorporates more than 140 stores and restaurants, as well as a six-screen cinema within the 65,000sq.mtr retail and entertainment complex, which also provides employment to around 3,000 people.

Due to the large areas within the mall and the high volumes of people, effective smoke ventilation is essential to ensure escape routes are kept clear. As a result, SE Controls’ SECO N 24 25 chain actuators are used throughout the retail complex to automatically control windows and Curvent ventilators, which are linked to a series of SE Controls’ OS2 Type 21 and 23 controls panels

In the event of a fire, the mall’s smoke sensors trigger SE Controls’ EN12101-2:2003 compliant control panels and chain actuators to automatically open the window and ventilators, allowing smoke to be vented to assist escape. Manual Controls Point (MCP) switches are also incorporated within the design to allow manual actuation of the system, as well as control and re-setting by the fire service.