Overview
An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) is a system commonly used in buildings to enhance fire safety and smoke control.
AOVs play a vital role in enhancing fire safety measures and are often a mandatory requirement in building regulations and codes.
How Does it Work?
An AOV typically consists of a motorised opening mechanism that automatically activates in the event of a fire or upon receiving a signal from a fire alarm system.
AOVs are typically installed in windows, skylights, or smoke shafts and are designed to provide a means of ventilation, allowing smoke and hot gases to escape while facilitating the entry of fresh air into the building. This helps to minimise the spread of smoke, improve visibility for evacuation, and provide access for firefighters.
Requirements
Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are a mandatory safety requirement for multi-storey residential buildings. Compliance with building regulations, such as Approved Document B for fire safety, Approved Document F for smoke control and ventilation, and Approved Document L for thermal insulation, is essential. These regulations specify the need for fire detection and alarm systems, adequate means of escape, prevention of smoke accumulation, and specified U-Values for AOV windows. Installers must be aware of, and adhere to, these regulations when implementing AOV systems in buildings.
Smoke is considered the most immediate threat to the safety of individuals in multi-storey buildings and large structures. However, with the presence of AOVs, smoke can be efficiently removed, ensuring that escape routes remain clear and accessible for occupants. By effectively ventilating the area, AOVs contribute significantly to maintaining a safer environment during emergencies.
Single and Multi Zone Configurations
AOVs can be deployed with single and multi zone configurations.
Single-zone AOV control panels are configured to operate one or two ventilators, such as rooflights, louvres, or window actuators. They are commonly used in areas like stairwells, lobbies, corridors, and smoke extract shafts.
Multi zone control panels, on the other hand, are designed to operate multiple zones of ventilators. Multi zone control panels are typically used in larger applications that require more than one zone of ventilators to trigger separately. Multi zone AOVs are designed in such a way that if one zone fails, the others continue to function.
UK Building Regulations require AOVs, whether single or multi zone, to be certified to BS EN12101 and carry the CE marking, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Typical Applications
AOVs are typically required in the following areas:
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Stairwells
Approved Document B requires a vent with free area of at least 1m2 be provided between the top storey of the stair and the outside.
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Smoke Shafts
Smoke vents at the top of the fire floor, at the top of the shaft and the stairwell should all open simultaneously on detection of smoke in the corridor or lobby.
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Corridors
A vent with a minimum free area of 1.5m2 should be located on an external wall of a corridor or lobby to be ventilated. The vents should be positioned as high as possible and such that the top edge is at least as high as the top of the door or stair.
| AOV Control Panels Eurofyre Provides a range of single and multi zone AOV control units that can be linked to fire alarm or smoke sensors for automatic opening of AOV vents. |
| AOV Switches There are a range of switches available for AOVs, including control switches, override switches and test switches. |
| Conventional Smoke Detectors A range of conventional smoke detectors is available to trigger AOV actuators in the event of a fire. |
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.