You can also explore our range of complementary smoke controls and accessories here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an AOV (Automatic Opening Vent)?
Automatic Opening Vents are normally associated with Fire Safety and Smoke Ventilation Systems which detect a fire and send a signal to the vent to automatically open in order to clear smoke from escape routes and aid safe means of escape for occupants.
What is the difference between a smoke vent and an AOV?
Smoke vent and AOV (Automatic Opening Vents) are interchangeable terms when the smoke vent is automated rather than manual, although there are different types including smoke vent windows, smoke vent louvres, roof smoke vents and more.
What does an automatic openable vent do in a building?
Automatic openable vents make it possible for a smoke ventilation system to detect smoke using smoke detectors or inputs from the fire alarm, and open smoke vents without manual intervention – making it possible for occupants to immediately escape buildings in a fire situation without having to operate vents manually
What is a smoke ventilation window?
A smoke ventilation window is a type of smoke vent similar to a standard window and normally automated via an actuator to make it an AOV, that must have been tested and built to prescribed EN12101-2 standards to ensure it performs and remains reliable in the event of a fire
When would you use a roof AOV vs a wall-mounted AOV?
Whether you use an AOV at roof level or an AOV smoke vent on the facade or external wall depends on the building design and fire strategy. Rooflight AOVs are frequently used at the head of stairs (common in single zone AOV systems) with other roof AOVs used in conjunction with natural smoke shafts, while wall mounted or façade AOVs are most frequently used for smoke ventilation in corridors.
How do AOV smoke vents compare with smoke shaft dampers?
AOV smoke vents are normally used as the final smoke exit point to outside air and are commonly mounted on outside walls or roofs, while smoke shaft dampers are used to control the flow of smoke from corridors into smoke shafts and prevent smoke leakage onto other floors.
AOV smoke vent and Smoke shaft dampers have different design and performance requirements and therefore differing standards they must comply with. A smoke vent AOV must comply with EN12101-2, whereas Smoke shaft dampers must comply with EN12101-8.
Are AOV windows required by UK building regulations?
UK building regulations set out whether a building requires a smoke ventilation system and offer guidance on the overall fire strategy. Multiple occupancy and larger buildings with multiple floors often require smoke ventilation systems, and smoke vent AOV windows are often an aesthetic and effective component as part of those systems.
The UK building regulations also states that a smoke vent window must meet the relevant product standards and in order to comply with building regulations AOV windows must be compliant and certified to EN12101-2. As members of the Smoke Control Association, Teal Products can help advise on regulatory requirements.
Where should automatic opening vents be installed in residential buildings?
The position of automatic opening vents or AOV vents in residential buildings depends on the building layout and smoke ventilation strategy. Final positions are informed based on these and in accordance with the relevant British Standards and design guides.
Do smoke shaft dampers comply with BS EN 12101 and Approved Document B?
In order to comply with Approved Document B, smoke shaft dampers must have been properly designed as part of a fully compliant smoke ventilation system and as smoke dampers must be compliant with BS EN12101-8
How does an automatic opening vent (AOV) work during a fire?
Automatic opening vents are connected to smoke control panels which detect a fire and in turn trigger the opening (or closing) of the relevant smoke vents which it controls. The AOV control panels provide the power to operate the vents – normally 24v DC with battery backup in case of mains power failure.
What size or free area is required for an AOV smoke vent system?
The free are required for an AOV smoke ventilation system, and the vents that help to make up that system, depends on the building design and smoke ventilation strategy. The vent free areas for natural smoke ventilation are set out in approved document B – commonly 1m2 (roof) and 1.5m2 (façade)
It is important that the system design, vent free areas required, and the way actual vent free areas are calculated and declared are all verified with reference to and in accordance with the relevant standards and regulations.
Can AOV windows also be used for day-to-day natural ventilation?
It may be possible to use AOV windows for day to day ventilation as well as smoke ventilation, however it is important to consider building safety – as these vents can often create large openings at high level, and ensure the vents are suitable for dual purpose with a reliability rating that allows regular ventilation use.
How quickly can AOV smoke vents be delivered and installed?
Teal products offer a range of standard size smoke vents from stock for as fast as next day delivery depending on requirements. Custom size AOV windows normally take 4-6 weeks depending on size, quantity, colour and type. We have a network of installers offering fast, effective installation.
Can Teal Products help with selection and compliance?
Yes – Teal Products provides technical guidance, documentation and certification to help ensure correct selection and compliance with relevant standards. Contact the team for project support or to discuss requirements.
How do I get pricing and lead times?
Send your opening dimensions, orientation, required free area, and preferred finish via the contact page or by phone/email. The team will confirm availability, lead times, and provide a formal quotation. Alternatively let us know about your existing building and we’ll arrange a call or site survey to explore your options.
What maintenance is needed for smoke vents?
Every smoke vent AOV should be subjected to regular testing to ensure they operate correctly. They should also be subject to specialist service and maintenance checks at least once per year in accordance with BS9999 and BS7346.
Teal Products have an established partner network of services providers across the UK who can support all of your installation, testing and maintenance requirements.
For more information on the design requirements and relevant product standards please see our ultimate guide to smoke ventilation or drop us a line to learn more and join one of our upcoming smoke control seminars
For help with:
- System design
- Finding the right AOV’s for your application
- Replacement fully certified EN12101-2 AOVs
- Replacement fully certified EN12101-8 smoke shaft dampers
contact our friendly team now or email info@tealproducts.co.uk
