When Is An AOV Required?

AOVs are required where a building’s design needs smoke control to keep escape routes clear. They are typically found in common corridors and flat stairwells, as well as commercial buildings. Your Fire Risk Assessment will confirm if your building requires an AOV under UK law.

Who Can Install and Service AOVs?

AOVs should be installed, commissioned and serviced by a competent engineer with the relevant experience of smoke control systems. An AOV system must meet your building fire strategy and connect to your Fire Alarm System. Churches Fire & Security install and service AOVs in line with BS 7346-8.

Should An AOV Be Open Or Closed?

An AOV should normally be closed. It opens automatically when smoke is detected, or when the fire service operates the override switch. If an AOV will not close properly or is stuck open, an engineer must check the system.

Are AOVs A Legal Requirement?

Yes, where a building requires them. Approved Document B of the Building Regulations sets out when AOVs must be installed. Once installed, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to keep AOVs maintained and in working order, with regular testing in line with BS 7346-8.

Where Should An AOV Be Placed?

AOVs are usually placed at the top of stairwells, in common corridors and lobbies of blocks of flats and in high ceilings where hot smoke naturally rises and collects. They can be fit as roof vents, windows or wall-mounted vents. The exact position depends on the building layout and fire strategy, so that smoke is drawn away from escape routes.

Automatic Opening Vents (AOV)

Churches Fire & Security can help with the installation and servicing of Automatic Opening Vents (AOV), which are critical fire safety systems designed to provide effective smoke and heat ventilation in the event of a fire. By allowing smoke and hot gases to escape, AOVs help keep escape routes clear, improve visibility, and reduce the risks associated with smoke inhalation, making them an essential component of fire safety in all buildings.

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Churches Fire & Security are experts in Automatic Opening Vents, ensuring people can safely escape a building in the event of fire.

What Is An AOV (Automatic Opening Vent)?

An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) is a specially designed ventilation system that automatically opens in the event of a fire to allow smoke, heat, and gases to escape. These vents are typically installed in ceilings, windows, or roof spaces to help direct smoke and heat outside, ensuring that the internal environment remains safer and more breathable.

AOVs are typically integrated with Fire Alarm Systems or smoke detectors and are triggered automatically. They are often installed in buildings where smoke accumulation could obstruct escape routes or hinder emergency response efforts.

Key Benefits of AOV Systems

Improved Fire Safety: By allowing smoke and hot gases to escape quickly, AOVs help ensure that escape routes remain clear and accessible.
Enhanced Visibility: In case of a fire, smoke-free or smoke-reduced environments help to maintain visibility, allowing people to evacuate more safely.
Protects Property: AOVs help reduce the spread of smoke and heat, minimising damage to the structure of the building and its contents.
Compliance with Regulations: AOV Systems are often required by law in certain types of buildings, especially those with large open spaces, high ceilings, or complex layouts.
Assists Firefighters: By reducing the amount of smoke in the building, AOVs make it easier for firefighters to access the fire and manage the situation safely.

How Does An AOV System Work?

Automatic Opening Vents are generally connected to a building’s Fire Alarm or Smoke Detection System. When smoke or heat is detected, the AOVs open automatically to allow smoke, heat, and gases to escape. This helps to maintain breathable air and visibility for building occupants and allows easier access for emergency services.

AOVs can be installed in various locations, including high ceilings, atriums, corridors, and other spaces where smoke might accumulate. The System can be activated manually or automatically, depending on the configuration and fire safety needs of the building.

AOV Regulations, Testing & Maintenance

The British Standard for maintaining Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) is BS: 7346-8. To comply with this Standard, AOVs must be serviced annually by a competent person, and tested weekly, monthly, and every six months.

We recommend 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.

FAQs

When Is An AOV Required?
Click to find out
AOVs are required where a building’s design needs smoke control to keep escape routes clear. They are typically found in common corridors and flat stairwells, as well as commercial buildings. Your Fire Risk Assessment will confirm if your building requires an AOV under UK law.
Who Can Install and Service AOVs?
Click to find out
AOVs should be installed, commissioned and serviced by a competent engineer with the relevant experience of smoke control systems. An AOV system must meet your building fire strategy and connect to your Fire Alarm System. Churches Fire & Security install and service AOVs in line with BS 7346-8.
Should An AOV Be Open Or Closed?
Click to find out
An AOV should normally be closed. It opens automatically when smoke is detected, or when the fire service operates the override switch. If an AOV will not close properly or is stuck open, an engineer must check the system.
Are AOVs A Legal Requirement?
Click to find out
Yes, where a building requires them. Approved Document B of the Building Regulations sets out when AOVs must be installed. Once installed, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to keep AOVs maintained and in working order, with regular testing in line with BS 7346-8.
Where Should An AOV Be Placed?
Click to find out
AOVs are usually placed at the top of stairwells, in common corridors and lobbies of blocks of flats and in high ceilings where hot smoke naturally rises and collects. They can be fit as roof vents, windows or wall-mounted vents. The exact position depends on the building layout and fire strategy, so that smoke is drawn away from escape routes.
How Often Should AOVs Be Tested?
Click to find out
We recommend AOVs and electrically operated OVs should be tested once a month using the manual controls to ensure they are working as intended.

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