Do I need an AOV?
To comply with the latest building regulations every communal stairwell must have an Automatic Opening Vent to extract smoke. The greatest immediate danger to the occupants of a large building in the event of a fire comes from the smoke rather than the heat of the fire.
What are automatic smoke vents?
Automatic Opening Vent systems are a type of smoke vent that works by opening automatically when fire is detected, offering an escape route for the smoke so that it is channelled out of the structure rather than building up in a confined space.
What is an automatic opening vent?
What are Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Systems? Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) can be used for daily ventilation as well as smoke exhaust. AOVs utilise fresh air to optimise indoor air quality and to let smoke out in the event of a fire to create safe, smoke free escape routes and access or fire-fighters.
How does an AOV system work?
When a detector or call point is triggered an AOV control system will open actuators, windows or vents to create ventilation. This clears smoke for people leaving the building and vents smoke out of the area that has been triggered.
Where are smoke vents required?
The International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) mandate that vents be installed in most factory and storage buildings of more than 50,000 sq ft and in areas with high-piled (rack) storage of combustibles of more than 2,500 sq ft not protected by ESFR sprinklers.
How often should AOV be tested?
AOV systems need to be tested both weekly and monthly. Weekly tests of your smoke control system should be carried out to check the operation of the system.
What is a AOV smoke vent?
An AOV system is used to control the ventilation when a fire occurs within a building. This is a mandatory building regulation which was made due to results of smoke inhalations when a fire or incident occurs, causing the automatic smoke vents to open.
How often do smoke vents need to be serviced?
To prevent the vents from failing over time, the smoke vent systems need on-going maintenance. The maintenance involves testing all parts of the smoke vent system including the fire alarm. We recommend an annual or biannual maintenance of your smoke vents to ensure you are meeting regulation standards.
What does AOV stand for in construction?
Overview. Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Rooflights are electrically operated natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEV) that allow natural light into a building. They can also be used for comfort ventilation as well as roof access.
What are AOV vents?
The main purpose of an AOV system (Automatic Opening Vent) is to aid evacuation by helping to clear lobbies, stairwells and corridors in the event of a fire through ‘smart’ smoke control, allowing a safe route to the nearest means of escape for building occupants.
Can a door be an AOV?
BAC can provide Fire doors and AOV services to suit any type of property or application. From the supply and installation of internal and external fire doors, to the provision of standalone or Fire Alarm linked smoke ventilation systems.
How do smoke and heat vents work?
APC dropout vents rely on gravity and the special heat-sensing property of its dome material. During a fire heat, smoke, and gas rise to the roof. Within 5 minutes after exposure to fire, the Quadri-Dome releases from its framework dropping to the floor, to create a clear opening to exhaust smoke and heat.
Are smoke vents and AOVS building regulations compliant?
It is also worth noting that Smoke Vents and AOV’s have their own set of Building Regulations, so this must be adhered to, to avoid any issues. Only BS EN12101 certified and CE marked smoke vents (AOVs) comply with the UK building regulations. When choosing an AOV, make sure to check for the CE marking.
What is the U-value of a smoke vent?
In order to meet the regulations, any Smoke Vent or Roof Hatch must have a U-Value of 3.5 W/m2.K or lower. Any smoke vent (AOV) which is chosen, purchased and installed in the UK needs to meet with the European Standards as set in BS EN12101 and must have the CE Marking.
What is an automatic smoke vent?
Automatic smoke vents aid Firefighters in bringing a fire under control by removing smoke, heat and gasses from a burning building. Type SV single leaf smoke vents are ideal for applications requiring smaller vent areas, such as elevator shafts or stair wells.
What is the theory behind automatic smoke ventilation?
Automatic smoke vents aide fire fighting efforts and promote safe building evacuation by removing heat, smoke, and toxic fumes from a burning building. Watch our short video on the theory behind automatic smoke ventilation and learn how to protect your property and its contents. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.