In 13141-5:2004, a cowl is defined as an ‘air terminal device with or without moving component, intended to be fitted on top of an exhaust duct, with aim, by creating negative pressure depending on the wind speed, to avoid reverse flow and to increase the extracted flow’. 13141-5:2004 also states that an assisted cowl is a ‘cowl fitted with an auxiliary device using other energy sources than wind to compensate for lack of suction effect’. The auxiliary equipment can be a fan.
A cowl fulfilling the above definitions (assisted or otherwise) is not considered a ventilation unit under Regulation (EU)1253/2014. However, the auxiliary device may be subject to Ecodesign regulations. Depending on the specific auxiliary device:
- The auxiliary device may be considered a ventilation unit itself, under Regulation (EU) 1253/2014.
- The auxiliary device may fall under the fan Regulation (EU) 327/2011.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice.