Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Systems
Fire Safety Standards & Building Regulations
All AOV systems installed by Circle Fire meet rigorous fire safety standards and building regulations, and smoke and heat exhaust vents (SHEV) used as part of an AOV solution use automated drives (electric & pneumatic) to open in the event of a fire.
When smoke or a fire is detected in a building zone, an alarm is triggered which alerts AOVs to open to extract smoke, while AOVs and fire safety solutions in other zones including dampers and doors will be closed to prevent smoke entering that zone.
The benefits of an AOV system
- Using AOVs reduces the amount of smoke and heat contained in a building during a fire. This benefits residents or workers inside, as they are likely to inhale less harmful smoke during evacuation.
- Enhanced visibility is created when an AOV is present in a smoke situation, as the smoke and heat is allowed to rise, leaving lower levels more clear than they would be without ventilation.
- ‘Flashover’ is also reduced; the situation in which heat is drawn back down into a building as natural air flow encourages regulation of heat throughout the building.
- Aside from increasing life protection, AOV’s also reduce the financial impact of a fire, simply by allowing smoke to exhaust, resulting in lower overall building damage.
AOV system maintenance
- In UK law smoke ventilation systems must be regularly inspected and be operational. The owner or the management company of all premises are responsible for the statutory inspection & maintenance of smoke ventilation systems.
- We recommend and advise bi-annual inspection and maintenance to ensure your system is in a working operational condition.
- If you are unsure when your system was last inspected please Contact Us and we can schedule a visit from one of our engineers.
How does an AOV system work?
AOV systems are generally coupled with an alarm or detector system to work in the event of a fire. 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.
To speak to one of our team members about your specific Fire Training requirements give us a call today on 01733 595888 or 0844 692 9999
What are the different types of AOV system?
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation Systems
Mechanical Smoke Ventilation systems are designed to keep escape and access routes free from smoke and to facilitate fire-fighting operations. The systems use powered elements such as fans to force the movement of smoke to allow it to escape through dampers, grills and vents. Mechanical systems are useful where natural airflow is insufficient or impracticable.
Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems (SHEVS)
Smoke and Heat Ventilation Systems (SHEVS) are designed primarily to remove smoke and heat from a burning building, maintaining escape routes and allowing clear fire fighting access. A SHEV system increases the escape time for buildings occupants.
On detection of smoke the AOV’s, louvres or doors via actuators or magnetic locks will automatically open. With manual call points at selected locations within the building, fire fighters can also override the system if required. A central control panel is linked to all the devices and is battery backed in case of mains failure. The timing for opening all the vents is of great importance in order to enable people to escape quickly. Therefore, the use of an automated SHEV system is to be highly recommended.
Natural Smoke Ventilation
In the event of a fire, natural venting systems open airways, using natural airflow dynamics to remove smoke. This can be attained by opening windows or vents, an automatic opening vent (AOV) or, where there is no external wall, a vertical smoke shaft. Smoke can exit the building whilst fresh air can enter.
Natural Smoke Ventilation is a cost-effective method of meeting the requirements of Approved Document B. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors will activate the natural smoke venting system on that floor. This creates a natural airflow to purge smoke from the building and exhaust it into the atmosphere, offering a safe means of escape for occupants, with greater visibility and access for firefighters
Car Park Ventilation Systems
Induction/Impulse (or jet) fans clear smoke from enclosed or underground car parks. These are often combined with fume ventilation to prevent the build-up of vehicle exhaust gases in normal day to day use of the car park. Louvres, dampers, and powered smoke extraction fans are also often integrated into the scheme.
