Roto-frank roof windows

Roto-Frank Roof Windows is a defunct division of Roto-Frank that manufactured electrically operated roof windows (skylights). The division was sold to Insuladome in mid-2005.

History

Roto-Frank began roof window manufacturing in 1968. The company's core business is in window hardware, including locks, latches, and casement operators. Roof windows, or operable skylights, were normally opened with a long pole that engaged a hook in the window. In the 1980s, electric operator systems were introduced.

Electric Operators

The company offered a choice of two electric operator systems: "standard" and "deluxe".

The standard system was powered by a hard wired 24 volt AC transformer, usually located in the attic. The electronics for the standard system were housed in a wall keypad, which drove a 24 volt DC motor. The skylight contains a rain sensor, but the standard system had no board inputs to accept a rain signal. The electronics were manufactured for Roto-Frank by Interlock of New Zealand.

The deluxe operator was powered by a plug-in 24 volt AC wall transformer. The transformer and electronics are enclosed in a plastic control box. The control box has DIP switches for configuring the system, including programmed responses to rain. A wall keypad is provided for user control and can be located away from the control box. The wall keypad also has an infrared sensor for use with an optional handheld remote. The deluxe system included a battery backup that could operate the window during a power outage.

Warranty

Warranties continue to be serviced by Roto-Frank. The electric operator system is warranteed for a year, but has run out for systems in use today. Replacement keypads and boards for the standard system are difficult to obtain.

There is a non-transferable lifetime warranty on the seal on the roof window. Roto-Frank has said it will continue to honor and service this aspect of the warranty.

External links

* [http://www.rotofrank.com Roto Frank AG]
* [http://www.rotohardware.com Roto Frank of America]
* [http://www.insula-dome.com Insula-dome Skylights]
* [http://www.interlock.co.nz Interlock of New Zealand]