- What cabling is needed for a smoke vent system?
Where a smoke ventilation system is intended for use by emergency services it should be able to operate during a fire event for a reasonable amount of time. This will mean that special fire rated cables will need to be used that meet the standards outlined in BS 8519. You can read more about that standard in our BS 8519 Article.
- Do I need a fire alarm system in order to have smoke ventilation?
No, we provide smoke vent panels that can work in a standalone arrangement alongside smoke detectors, call points, and fireman’s overrides.
- Why are AOV and smoke ventilation systems important?
In commercial and multi-occupancy buildings, it is a legal requirement that escape routes must be kept clear and free from smoke to enable both occupants to escape and to allow fire brigade access. By failing to comply with these requirements, those responsible such as – landlords, business owners and property managers can find themselves facing serious financial and legal consequences.
- Where are AOVs most effective?
They are commonly installed as roof hatches, wall mounted vents or smoke ventilation windows in areas where they will help to keep evacuation routes clear such as stairwells, lobbies and corridors.
- How do automatic opening vent systems work?
These heat and smoke vents are designed to open when smoke is detected, either automatically by a smoke detector or manually by someone triggering a call point or fireman’s override.
- What are AOVs?
Automatic opening vent systems, also referred to as AOV’s, are installed in buildings as an active fire protection measure. They often use low voltage (24v DC) electric actuators with battery backup to ensure they can freely open and close in the event of a mains failure.
