About AOV Systems
An AOV is an ‘automatic opening vent. These can be windows or roof vents at the top of stairwells or smoke shafts.
An AOV system comprises a vent or vents which can be opened or closed automatically by control equipment for the purposes of smoke evacuation or environmental ventilation.
The Purpose of an AOV System
The primary purpose of an AOV system is to prevent the build-up of smoke, heat or dangerous gases in the event of a fire outbreak in a building. Specifically in areas where people will need to evacuate the building or where firefighters may be carrying out fire fighting operations. It slows the spread of fire within a building to assist in firefighting and restrict damage.
An AOV system can also be used to allow for ventilation from manual controls, simple thermostat inputs or more sophisticated BMS environmental controls to maintain comfortable temperatures and maintain air quality.
Where are they Used?
Typically used in multi occupancy residential or commercial buildings which are often but not exclusively multi floor.
How do they Work?
An AOV control panel will open a vent or combination of vents to allow for the ventilation of smoke when:
- A smoke detector connected to an AOV control panel is activated.
- An external alarm input from a separate detection system is activated.
- A manual call point is activated which is connected to the AOV panel.
- A manual ‘open-auto-close control switch is operated.
The AOV control panel will open a vent or combination of vents which creates a ‘chimney effect’ to evacuate smoke from a stairwell or smoke shaft.
The AOV control panel achieves this by driving opening and closing motors connected to windows, roof vents or smoke shaft vents.
Usage in Environmental Control
An AOV control panel can open a vent or vents when:
- A manual ‘open-auto-close’ switch is used to manually open or close the vents to control air quality or temperature.
- Vents can be opened (partially or fully) when a temperature thermostat is triggered.
- Vents can be controlled via integration with a buildings ‘BMS’ system for automatic and controlled ventilation for temperature control and air quality.
What Else Should be Considered on an AOV System?
- When vents are opened for ventilation purposes, rain sensors can be used to close the vents if it starts raining.
- PIR sensors can be located near windows to prevent people being trapped by closing windows if trying to climb out are attracting attention.
Haes Multi-zone AOV Control Panels
Haes Multi-Zone AOV control panels efficiently manage multiple vents in a variety of locations. These versatile panels can control up to eight vents and offer customizable settings through user friendly software. They provide dependable smoke and heat ventilation while incorporating advanced control and safety features.
Control Panel Variants
Available as a single zone or Multi Zone for controlling a single vent or multiple vents located in different floors or areas (control panel options from a single vent drive up to 8 vent drives).
| Part Number | Description |
| MZAOV-1001A | MZAOV 1 Zone AOV Control Panel with Display, 3A |
| MZAOV-1001 | MZAOV 2-4 Zone AOV Control Panel with Display, 2 Zone, 3A |
| MZAOV-1002 | MZAOV 2-4 Zone AOV Control Panel with Display, 2 Zone, 5A |
| MZAOV-1003 | MZAOV 2-8 Zone AOV Control Panel with Display, 2 Zone, 10A |
User Friendly Configuration Software
The Multi Zone panel relationships between inputs, detection zones, manual control inputs and the actuators can be easily programmed with the Haes MZAOV config tool.
Typical Detection Circuit
Can incorporate their own detection circuits or integrate with a separate fire alarm system.
Power Supply Options
A range of power supply options from 3A to 10A allow for multiple motors (up to 8), or heavier current motors to be driven by the panel.
3A
5A
10A
Zone ‘lock out’ function
The initial vent status following an initial fire signal is maintained i.e. no further vents open on subsequent alarm signals being received by the AOV panel, maintains the Chimney effect for venting smoke and heat, and preventing the risk of the fire being fed via additional vents opening.
Additional Key Features
- Manual Ventilation Control
- Open-Auto-Close Control Input per Zone.
- Fire Safety Overrides
- Open-Auto-Close Control Input for Fireman Override of All Vents.
- False Alarm Prevention
- Non-Latching Inputs and Zones.
- Environmental Controls
- Rain Sensor, PIR Sensor, and BMS Control Inputs (with Add-on Card).
- Actuator Control
- Individual Open/Close Run Times per Actuator.
Approvals
Haes MZAOV AOV Control Panels meet the essential requirements outlined in the Construction Products Regulation CPR305/2011/EU. Additionally, they comply with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, and the EMC General Standards BS EN 61000-6-3:2007 + A1:2011 for emission in residential, commercial, and light industrial environments.
They also adhere to the BS EN 12101-2:2017 standard for Smoke and Heat Control Systems, specifically Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection including Automatic Opening Ventilation. We can provide expert advice and consultation. Eurofyre offers short lead times on and fast delivery on all AOV.
- Demonstration and Training
- We have a sophisticated training facility where we offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including AOV systems. Eurofyre offers both in-house and remote training.
- Technical Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and remote support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none. We can also provide on-site services such as commissioning and maintenance assistance.
Article Credit
Special thanks to Phil Walford, Technical Sales Manager at Haes Technologies Limited for their contributions.
Don’t forget you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to our newsletter (in the footer below) to receive all the latest information from Eurofyre.