SE Controls Bluff  

SE Controls
Everything from automating one window at your home to a full-blown automation system managing windows, doors, skylights, smoke ventilation, cold room hatches, etc. – these are the specialty of SE Controls.
For the homeowner, minimal installation is required to install the actuator for a remote-controlled window. With a choice of running off a 230V or a 24V system which will continue to operate off batteries with minimal consumption if the dwelling is not receiving power from the power grid. Solar interface and stand-alone solar is also possible.
SE Controls is seeing increasing interest from consumers as glaziers, who are often the first port of call for the homeowner, spread the message that window and door automation is a significant contributor to energy savings, pertaining to comfort control.
Sophisticated systems
This is precisely why industrial and commercial buildings have made use of this technology for many years. Some of these systems are so sophisticated that they require no human intervention at all. For example, in a high-rise building, interior window blinds can be programmed to track the sun and alter position to open/close in order to mitigate heat build-up in the building. They can also track the position of the sun and shift the light towards the ceiling to reduce glare on the office PC’s.
Thermal sensors constantly monitor the wind and the weather, opening and closing windows automatically to suit the conditions. With the current emphasis on natural ventilation, SE Controls has references whereby the use of window automation alone has resulted in an 80% reduction in HVAC costs. A big number in anyone’s book. In fact, it costs more to switch on an aircon for two mins than to run this system*.
Interpreting architects’ ideas
Naturally this continues to resonate with developers and architects particularly when pursuing a 6 Star Green rating for their building. SE Controls works extensively with architects to develop customized solutions for each installation.
All the architect has to do is come up with an idea and the company jumps into action to design and implement given its team’s expertise and the massive global resources on tap as a South African subsidiary of SE Controls in the UK. The company has had an international presence for over forty years and has been embedded in South Africa for fourteen of those.

Smoke ventilation.
For buildings larger than 500sqm, an Occupation Certificate cannot be obtained without the necessary Fire Clearance certificate. Fire engineers draw up calculations to specify mechanical or electro-mechanical smoke ventilation requirements, among others.
One central system, operated via a control panel and smoke detectors, automatically opens/closes multiple fans, louvres, doors, windows etc. to minimize the risk from smoke inhalation.
Although more local architects are designing these systems, with the necessary ECSA credentials, in order to save on costs, SE Controls does assist with the design work using local expertise underpinned by their fire engineers who form part of the UK team.
Plan, plan, plan
As for most things on a building site, it is way better to design the open/close systems, plan for the sensor positions, pin down your smoke ventilation requirements, fine-tune your control panel operation etc before a project commences. Failure to do so results in an untidy reticulation sitting on the casement for the home-owner or the need to cut open ceilings, roofs and walls when it comes to schools, office blocks, hotels, warehouses etc.
But a system is only as good as quality equipment being used correctly, with a well-designed plan and superior controls to manage automation seamlessly, backed by years of know-how and a long, proven track record. SE Controls qualifies on all counts having been associated with the best in the business for forty plus reputable years.

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