A smoke control system is designed to manage smoke movement during a fire, helping to protect escape routes and improve visibility for occupants and emergency services.
Whether you’re specifying a building smoke control system for a residential development, office building or mixed-use project, the correct solution will depend on the building layout, fire strategy and regulatory requirements.
At Rocburn, we help specify and supply smoke control solutions including AOV systems, smoke shafts, louvres, dampers and control systems.
What is Smoke Control?
Smoke control is about managing smoke during a fire, either by removing it, directing it, or stopping it from spreading.
Smoke is often more dangerous that the fire itself. It spreads quickly, reduces visibility, and can make escape routes unusable within minutes.
The aim is simple:
- Keep escape routes usable
- Maintain visibility
- Make conditions safer for evacuation
- Help firefighters access the buildings
- Reduce overall damage
Exactly what’s required will be set out in the buildings fire strategy.
What is a Smoke Control System?
A smoke control system combines ventilation equipment, controls and detection devices to manage smoke movement during a fire.
The exact system will vary depending on the building, but may include:
- AOV windows
- Smoke ventilation louvres
- Smoke control dampers
- Control panels
- Smoke detectors
- Backup power supplies
The aim is to keep escape routes clear, improve visibility and support safe evacuation.
What are the Main Types of Smoke Control Systems?
There are three main approaches depending on the building and what’s required, some buildings will use a combination of them.
Natural Smoke Ventilation
Natural systems use the way air naturally moves. Hot smoke rises, so it’s released through high level vents whilst fresh air is drawn in from below.
- Common in stairwells, corridors and smoke shafts
- Simple and reliable
- Lower maintenance
- Suitable in most buildings under 30 meters.
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation
Mechanical systems use fans to actively extract smoke
- Used when natural ventilation isn’t enough
- Common in larger or more complex buildings
- Can control airflow more precisely
- Requires simulated designs to prove performance
For more information on the different systems checkout our Natural vs Mechanical Smoke Ventilation article
Pressurisation Systems
Pressurisation systems work slightly differently, instead of removing smoke, they prevent it from entering protected areas in the first place. They do this by forcing fresh air into spaces like stairwells or lift shafts, creating a higher pressure than the surrounding areas. When doors are opened the higher pressure keeps any smoke back, preventing it from entering the protected space.
- Used in protected stairwells and escape routes
- Often used in higher rise or more complex buildings
- Works alongside other smoke control systems
Where are Smoke Control Systems Used
You’ll typically find smoke control systems in
- Blocks of flats
- Office buildings
- Stairwells and escape routes
- Corridors and lobbies
- Smoke shafts
- Atriums
The exact setup will always depend on how the building is designed.
Ensuring Smoke Control Systems meet BSI Standards
Smoke control systems need to meet specific UK regulations and standards, at Rocburn we always work to these standards so you can ensure your products are fully compliant.
What Should you Consider for a Smoke Control System?
No two projects are the same but there are a few things that always matter:
- What the system needs to achieve
- The type and layout of the building
- Where escape routes are
- Whether natural ventilation is enough
- Space available for equipment
- Ongoing maintenance and access
This is why smoke control systems are not one size fits all, they need to be specified to your building.
Every building has different smoke control requirements. Our team of smoke ventilation specialists review your drawings and fire strategy to help identify a suitable smoke control solution for your project.
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