AUTOMATIC OPENING VENTS
Automatic Opening Smoke Vents
Smoke vents are generally installed to openings including windows and skylights
This allows for the smoke and hot air to escape quickly and safely. Automatic opening vents are vents that are designed to open automatically as an outcome of a fire being detected. If an automatic detector or manual call point is triggered, the AOV system will initiate the opening of actuators, windows or vents to facilitate ventilation.
The purpose being to remove the smoke allowing people to leave the building safely. The provisional standard that is now available for reference is EN:12101. We recommend that all specialist equipment receives specialist maintenance ensuring an operational solution to fire safety if required. Our fire alarm service agreement does not include for the smoke ventilation system havenver this can be provided. Our fire alarm service would include up to the AOV actuators but exclude the mechanical parts of the AOV unit which includes the motors.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that maintenance of smoke ventilation systems is the responsibility of the building operators and owners.
The responsible person for the building must ensure that smoke ventilation equipment is maintained to suitability and will meet the needs required for the area being covered by the AOV. The AOV systems should be serviced and tested regularly to ensure correct operation. We recommend that the AOV system should be tested weekly in line with a fire alarm weekly test. BS7246-8 states that the maintenance of smoke ventilation systems requires a minimum of one annual service completed by a qualified and trained technician. Our technician would require a copy of the building’s smoke ventilation strategy.
In terms of a smoke vent, AOV stands for “Automatic Opening Vent”. These are an essential part of a building’s fire safety system, designed to open automatically upon detection of smoke or heat to help clear escape routes and assist firefighters.
Purpose and Function of Automatic Opening Smoke Vents
The primary purpose of an AOV system is life safety.
- Smoke extraction: By venting hot smoke and toxic gases from the building, AOVs prevent the build-up of smoke in communal areas, corridors, and stairwells, which are critical escape routes. Smoke inhalation is a major cause of fire-related deaths, and AOVs dramatically reduce this risk by improving air quality and visibility for occupants during evacuation.
- Firefighter access: Clearer conditions enable emergency services to locate the fire quickly and safely, improving their operational efficiency.
- Slowing fire spread: Venting heat and smoke helps to delay “flashover,” a phenomenon where all combustible materials in a room ignite simultaneously due to intense heat build-up.
- Property protection: Minimising smoke and heat spread also helps reduce overall damage to the building and its contents.
How Automatic Opening Smoke Vents Work
An AOV system is typically integrated with the building’s fire alarm or smoke detection system.
- Detection: When smoke or heat is detected by a sensor or a manual call point is activated, a signal is sent to the AOV control panel.
- Activation: The control panel then commands actuators (motors, usually 24V DC) to open the vent, window, or roof hatch to its full “fire-open” position, generally within 60 seconds.
- Ventilation: Hot smoke naturally rises and escapes through the AOV (a process known as the “stack effect”), while cooler, fresh air is drawn in at lower levels, creating a smoke-free layer near the floor.
- Power backup: AOV systems have a secondary power supply (battery backup) to ensure they operate even if the main power is cut during a fire.
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