What is a Smoke Ventilation System?
Smoke ventilation systems (often referred to as smoke vents or AOV systems – Automatic Opening Vents) are life safety systems designed to automatically extract smoke, heat, and toxic gases from a building in the event of a fire. They help maintain escape routes, improve visibility for occupants and fire services, and reduce structural damage caused by heat and smoke.
These systems are a legal requirement in many types of buildings in the UK, including residential flats, commercial properties, warehouses, stairwells, and atriums, and must comply with BS EN 12101, the Building Regulations (Approved Document B), and local authority fire safety guidance.
Installation
Our team provides fully compliant installation services for new or retrofit smoke ventilation systems across the UK.
Our installation service includes:
Site assessment and risk analysis
System design in accordance with BS EN 12101 and Approved Document B
Supply and installation of AOV windows, smoke louvres, roof vents, natural or mechanical systems
Integration with fire alarm and BMS systems
Cable routing, actuator setup, and control panel configuration
Final system testing and commissioning with full certification
We work with trusted manufacturers such as SE Controls, WindowMaster, Colt, and Aereco, ensuring durable and intelligent systems adapted to your building’s needs.
Routine Maintenance & Servicing
Under UK regulations, smoke vent systems must be serviced regularly to ensure continued functionality and legal compliance. BS 7346-8 recommends regular inspections and testing by competent engineers.
Our maintenance service includes:
Visual inspection of AOVs, control panels, and sensors
Functional testing of automatic opening devices
Battery and backup power check
Cleaning and lubrication of moving parts
Firmware/software updates (if applicable)
Issue of a maintenance report and service certificate
Maintenance can be arranged quarterly, biannually or annually, depending on your building type and fire risk assessment.
Emergency Call-Out & Repairs
In case of system failure or fire safety concerns, our engineers offer rapid response and emergency repairs across the UK. We carry stock of common parts and actuators, and can often repair faults on-site within the same day.