Designing a smoke ventilation system, starts with a clear schematic. A schematic is the blueprint of how a building’s smoke management system operates, showing how all inputs and outputs are connected. Rather than just listing components, a schematic illustrates cable requirements for a compliant smoke ventilation system making it an essential tool for engineers, installers, and fire safety managers.

What Is a Schematic?

Example schematic diagram of a smoke ventilation system

A schematic is a diagram that represents how components of a system are connected and interact. In smoke ventilation systems, a schematic shows:

In essence, the schematic provides a roadmap of system operation, enabling accurate installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

Why a Schematic Is Critical?

A smoke ventilation system schematic is more than a technical drawing – it ensures the following are followed:

  • Proper installation and wiring.
  • Compliance with fire safety standards.
  • Effective coordination between zones, vents, fans, and control panels.
  • Clear fault detection and monitoring for maintenance.

Teal Products is a manufacturer and supplier of natural and smoke ventilation solutions. For assistance on your project, please contact us today.

Single-Zone vs Multi-Zone Smoke Ventilation Schematic

A smoke ventilation system schematic can be designed for either single-zone or multi-zone operation. The distinction lies in how many areas (or “zones”) are controlled independently, and how the inputs and outputs are linked.

Single Zone Schematic

Single-zone smoke ventilation schematic
A single-zone system manages smoke ventilation in one controlled area, such as a single stairwell, lobby, or a small building section. All smoke detectors and vents in this zone are linked to one control panel.

  • One smoke control panel with integrated battery backup.
  • Smoke detectors and manual activation points (break glass units, firefighter override) feed directly into this panel.
  • All vents (AOVs, louvres, rooflights or smoke dampers) in the zone are controlled together.
  • Fans (if used) are activated in sync with vent operation.
  • HMI/status displays show the zone as a single block, without separate independent outputs.

Multi-Zone Schematic

Multi Zone smoke ventilation schematic
A multi-zone system controls multiple independent areas, such as stairwells, corridors, and smoke shafts in larger buildings. Each zone can respond individually depending on where smoke is detected.

  • Multiple smoke control panels (can be networked in a master-slave configuration).
  • Smoke detectors and manual activation points in each zone feed their respective panels.
  • Vents, dampers, and fans in each zone operate independently, only when smoke is detected in that specific zone.
  • Master panel can coordinate zones, e.g., locking out unaffected zones to avoid unnecessary venting.
  • HMI/status displays show each zone separately, often with color-coded feedback.

Need help with your project?

Designing, installing, and commissioning a smoke ventilation system can be complex, particularly when managing AOVs, fans, multi-zone logic, and fire safety compliance. A well-prepared schematic is essential to ensure reliable system operation, but translating it into a functional installation requires both skill and experience.

With over 25 years of expertise, Teal Products provides high-quality natural and smoke ventilation products tailored to your projects. Our commitment to technical excellence and exceptional customer service has made us a trusted name in the industry. For professional guidance on your smoke ventilation project, contact us today.