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16/12/2024 • by Alice P
Summary:
AOV systems are technologies designed to provide ventilation in the event of a fire. These systems can be connected to a smoke alarm system and configured to open windows or vents during a fire. In buildings with communal stairwells or more than three storeys, a means of ventilating smoke is a legal requirement.
Traditionally, an automatic opening vent is a smoke ventilation system designed to extract smoke and improve the ventilation of a building affected by smoke. An AOV system allows people to evacuate safely without the added risks smoke creates. By ventilating smoke from a building, occupants can more easily navigate to the nearest emergency exit.
In the event of a fire, smoke can travel quickly, bypassing barriers such as doors and windows, and cause significant damage. Smoke greatly reduces visibility, creating problems for occupants trying to locate the nearest emergency exit. Therefore, equipping a building with a smoke vent is highly beneficial for its occupants.
An AOV system can also be used to improve natural ventilation. This can be a great way to improve airflow in enclosed spaces or where windows are hard to reach. These types of AOVs differ slightly from a conventional AOV system used for smoke extraction.
There are a few types of automatic opening vent systems. Conventionally, an AOV system is designed to extract and ventilate smoke from an area. However, window openers designed for natural comfort ventilation can also fall into the AOV category.
Window Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are specifically designed to provide smoke ventilation and natural airflow through windows. These systems typically use electronic or pneumatic mechanisms to automatically open windows in the event of a fire, creating a clear pathway for smoke extraction.
Roof Automatic Opening Vents are crucial for smoke management in multi-story buildings, warehouses, and industrial spaces. These vents are installed in the roof and are designed to:
Create a natural stack effect for smoke extraction
Allow hot smoke and gases to escape quickly
Reduce internal pressure and prevent smoke spread
Improve overall building safety during fire incidents
While primarily designed for emergency smoke ventilation, AOV systems can also serve an important role in everyday airflow and energy efficiency. These systems provide:
Improved natural ventilation
Temperature regulation
Enhanced indoor air quality
Reduced reliance on mechanical ventilation systems
Natural airflow AOVs can be strategically placed to improve natural ventilation in a confined space.
By incorporating these different types of AOV systems, buildings can significantly improve both safety during emergencies and overall environmental comfort. Read more on improving natural ventilation.
An AOV system can be operated via a smoke-activated or automatic alarm system. Once triggered, it automatically opens smoke vents, windows, and doors to ventilate the smoke-affected building. Typically, an AOV system is directly connected to the building's existing smoke alarm system. However, we also provide AOV System Kits that include a detector if required.
An AOV system is suitable for various types of buildings, including commercial properties, flats, and offices. Installing an AOV system is particularly beneficial in buildings with stairwells, large numbers of occupants, or occupants who may evacuate more slowly.
An AOV system has four main components:
A smoke detector or heat detector
An AOV control panel
Vent actuators
An AOV manual call point
These components work together to ensure the AOV system activates as quickly, effectively, and reliably as possible.
An AOV system can integrate with new or existing smoke or heat detectors. When triggered, these detectors send a signal to the AOV control panel, initiating the opening of vents and windows connected to actuators.
These detectors ensure an instant response, allowing additional time for safe evacuation.
The AOV control panel manages the operation of the vents. If a call point or detector is triggered, the control panel sends a signal to the actuators to open.
The control panel facilitates rapid communication between the AOV system and other smoke detectors, ensuring ventilation points like roof hatches, smoke vents, and windows open swiftly. Once activated, the control system also starts mechanical fans to extract smoke.
An AOV actuator is designed to attach to windows or doors. These devices can control whether the window is opened or closed. There are various types of actuators, one of the most popular is a chain actuator.
The AOV manual call point enables manual control of the vents. While the system usually operates automatically via smoke alarms, manual activation may be necessary in emergencies, such as power cuts affecting the alarm system. Firefighters or building operators can manually trigger the AOV system using this feature.
Enhanced visibility: Smoke can quickly reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. An AOV system removes smoke, clearing the air for safer evacuation.
Improved ventilation: An AOV system extracts smoke, making it easier for occupants to breathe during evacuation.
Installing an AOV system provides an extra layer of fire safety. By extracting and ventilating smoke, AOV systems improve visibility and reduce smoke inhalation, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.
At Fire Detection Shop, we supply AOV components, including a control panels, actuators, fire detectors, and call points. For more information or to purchase an AOV system for your building or business, contact us at [email protected] or call 0800 999 2661.
Government guidance on the legislation surrounding ventilation
15/02/2021 • by Lynsey B
05/01/2021 • by Lynsey B