What is an automatic opening vent?
Overview. Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Rooflights are electrically operated natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEV) that allow natural light into a building. They can also be used for comfort ventilation as well as roof access.
How does an AOV system work?
When a detector or call point is triggered an AOV control system will open actuators, windows or vents to create ventilation. This clears smoke for people leaving the building and vents smoke out of the area that has been triggered.
Do I need an AOV?
To comply with the latest building regulations every communal stairwell must have an Automatic Opening Vent to extract smoke. Most large buildings contain sufficient air to sustain a substantial fire, so the well known domestic advice to shut all doors in the event of a fire do not apply.
What is an AOV electrical?
What is an AOV? AOV is simply an abbreviation for “Automatic Opening Vent”. An AOV system is a control system designed to vent air or smoke for use in natural & smoke ventilation. So why do I need an AOV system? AOV control systems are used mainly to control the ventilation of smoke in a fire.
Where are AOVs required?
Building regulations for AOV windows: Specifically, Approved Doc B Volume 2 covers buildings other than dwelling houses, the areas where AOV windows are commonly used. For residential buildings, it’s essential for a fire detection and alarm system to be in place, plus there should be adequate means of escape.
What is a AOV smoke vent?
An AOV system is used to control the ventilation when a fire occurs within a building. This is a mandatory building regulation which was made due to results of smoke inhalations when a fire or incident occurs, causing the automatic smoke vents to open.
What is an AOV smoke vent?
What is a Smoke Vent or AOV? Heat and Smoke Vents are installed in buildings as an active fire protection measure. They are openings in the roof that are designed to open and vent the heat and smoke developed by a fire inside of a building.
Can AOV be opened manually?
Manual Override Key Switch Smoke Vent Systems can offer manual override key switches (FOS). These are manual override switches which are used to open and close smoke systems, and can be used alongside our smoke control panels.
Can a door be an AOV?
BAC can provide Fire doors and AOV services to suit any type of property or application.
Can a window be an AOV?
The latest in smoke safety in windows, the automatic opening ventilation (AOV) window helps to clear lobbies, landings and corridors in the event of a fire. These windows are fitted with a smart actuator which allows for quick and automatic responsiveness to a fire enabling clear passage of the building occupants.
Are AOVs a legal requirement?
What is an AOV? An AOV is an automatic opening ventilator which provides at least 1.0m2 of free area when open. In buildings of over 11 metres, there is a legal requirement to provide a means of protecting corridors and communal lobbies with access to the escape stairwell in order to control smoke.
How often should AOVs be tested?
once a month
AOVs and electrically operated OVs should be tested once a month using the manual controls to ensure they are working as intended. In addition, once a year, a full test should be performed which includes checking the functionality of smoke detectors and AOV controls.