What Is The Lorient LVN20S Air Transfer Grille?

Balancing fire safety with everyday airflow is always a challenge, but the Lorient LVN20S provides a smart and reliable solution. Unlike standard fire only intumescent grilles, this model is specially designed to contain both fire and cold smoke during an emergency, while still allowing effective ventilation through fire doors in normal use. 

How does the LVN20S work?

The LVN20S is a non-vision intumescent air transfer grille that combines fire and cold smoke protection. In the event of a fire, the intumescent material activates at temperatures above 100°C, expanding rapidly to form a char that prevents flames from passing through. To address the danger of cold smoke and toxic gases, which often spread faster than fire, the grille also features an electromechanically operated smoke shutter mechanism.

This mechanism is controlled by Lorient’s Talkback Damper Control Unit, which links to the building’s fire alarm system. When an alarm is triggered, or in the event of a power failure, the shutters close to stop cold smoke from spreading throughout the building. Once the alarm is cancelled or the power is restored, the system automatically resets to ensure the grille is always ready for use.

Features and benefits of the LVN20S

The LVN20S is designed with both safety and usability in mind. Its key features and benefits include:

• Provides up to 60 minutes of fire and smoke resistance.
• Available to fit 44mm (FD30) or 54mm (FD60) doors.
• Certifire approved for installation within timber based doorsets.
• Non-vision louvred slats for privacy, with no cover grille required.
• Shutters close automatically in the event of an alarm, power cut or communication loss.
• Automatic self-testing every 24 hours to check operation and keep moving parts clear of dust or debris.
• Live system monitoring via the Talkback control unit, which shows whether each damper is open, closed, or null.
• Operates at a safe 12V DC voltage, with the option of an additional battery backup.
• Optional audio warning monitor for added safety.
• Tested in accordance with the requirements of the Electro Magnetic Compatibility and Low Voltage Directive.

Where can the LVN20S be installed?

The LVN20S is suitable for use in timber fire doors where air flow is required without compromising fire compartmentation. It is particularly well-suited to large or complex buildings such as hospitals, schools and public buildings.

Because the Talkback system can control up to 16 grilles from one central unit, it is especially useful in settings where fire doors are spread across different zones or floors, providing a centralised and efficient approach to passive fire safety.

How to install the LVN20s

1. Confirm that cutting an aperture in the door will not affect its fire integrity and check the manufacturer’s guidance for size and positioning. Only a licensed converter may cut an aperture into the fire door.
2. Dismount the door from the hinges (if necessary), and cut the aperture to size, leaving a maximum 9mm gap around the outside of the flange.
3. Check that the two halves of the grille fit without twisting, jamming or distortion, then remove them for preparation.
4. Drill vertical outer frames of each air transfer grille and flange sub assembly to accept fixing screws if not pre-drilled when supplied.
5. Drill and rebate door to provide wiring route to conductor hinges or loop connection (refer to conductor hinge datasheet).  
6. Fit the intumescent liner to the inside faces of the aperture.
7. Fit the LVN20S sub assembly that incorporates the actuator into the aperture, ensuring that the actuator is at the bottom of the aperture. 
8. Route the wiring into the required connection so that it lies neatly and does not cause any distortion of the damper.
9. Secure with retaining wood screws through the pre-drilled holes in the vertical outer uprights into the door.
10. Refer to the wiring instructions to perform a function check from the control unit while the actuator and wiring are accessible before fitting the remaining half of the grille.
11. If a satisfactory check has been made, fit the remaining half of the grille, making sure the smoke control plates are not squeezed and the wiring isn’t trapped.
12.  Repeat the function check once installation is complete.

For safety and compliance, installation should always be carried out by a competent professional experienced in passive fire protection systems.

How we can help

At FireSealsDirect, we supply the Lorient LVN20S in kits, making it simple to purchase everything required for a reliable and compliant installation. Please note that the Talkback Control Unit is sold separately, as one unit can power up to 16 grilles.

For assistance on this product and how it might work for your needs, get in touch with our team at [email protected] or give us a call on 02920 857 959.