AOV Smoke Ventilation Systems for Commercial Premises
In a fire, smoke is the greatest threat to life. It spreads through a building far faster than flames, reducing visibility, causing disorientation, and leading to asphyxiation. In multi-storey buildings where stairwells and corridors are the primary means of escape, smoke entering those routes can cut off evacuation entirely.
An AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) system is designed to prevent this. When smoke is detected, the system automatically opens vents in stairwells, corridors and lobbies to allow smoke and heat to escape, keeping escape routes tenable for longer. AOV systems are a legal requirement in many multi-storey buildings under Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, and the responsible person has a duty to maintain them under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Electrifire installs, maintains and repairs AOV smoke ventilation systems for commercial and multi-occupancy premises across London, Kent and the M25 corridor. We work with all major AOV manufacturers and integrate smoke ventilation with fire alarm systems to provide a coordinated response to fire events.
-
Installation, maintenance and repair of AOV systems
-
All major AOV manufacturers - installation, maintenance and repair
-
Weekly, quarterly and annual testing programmes
-
Integration with Honeywell Gent Vigilon fire alarm systems
-
AOV control panel fault finding and replacement
-
Compliant with BS EN 12101, BS 7346-8 and Approved Document B
Discuss AOV Installation or Maintenance >>
AOV system design is driven by the building's fire strategy, which is informed by the fire risk assessment and the requirements of Approved Document B. The type of system, the number and position of vents, and the integration with fire detection all depend on the building's layout, height, use and escape route configuration.
A typical AOV installation includes smoke detectors or manual call points to trigger the system, a dedicated AOV control panel, electrical actuators that open the vents, and the vents themselves - which may be windows, rooflights, louvres or dampers depending on the building. In many cases, the AOV system interfaces with the main fire alarm panel so that smoke detection triggers both the alarm and the ventilation response simultaneously.
For buildings with Honeywell Gent Vigilon fire alarm systems, the Vigilon mains switching interface provides direct integration between the fire alarm and the AOV control panel. This means smoke detection on the fire alarm loop can trigger AOV activation as part of the programmed cause-and-effect logic, ensuring a coordinated response without relying on separate detection for each system. See our fire alarms page for more on the Vigilon platform.
New Installations vs Upgrades
For new-build projects, we design and install AOV systems as part of the wider fire safety scope, working to the architect's fire strategy and the requirements of the building control officer. For existing buildings where AOV systems need upgrading or replacing - whether due to age, component failure, or a change in the building's fire strategy - we survey the existing installation, assess what can be retained, and propose the most practical and cost-effective solution.
An AOV system that is not regularly tested and maintained cannot be relied upon to operate when needed. Unlike fire alarms, which are tested weekly and demonstrate their operation audibly, AOV systems can sit dormant for years without anyone knowing whether the actuators will open, whether the control panel is functioning, or whether the battery backup will sustain the system if mains power fails.
BS 7346-8 and BS 9999 set out the requirements for AOV system testing and maintenance. Electrifire provides planned preventative maintenance programmes that cover all required testing frequencies.
Testing Schedule
- Weekly - functional test of the system to confirm vents open and close correctly on signal
- Quarterly - statutory test including full operational check of actuators, control panels, detectors and manual overrides
- Annually - comprehensive service by a competent person, including battery condition checks, actuator inspection, wiring integrity, and system performance verification
For FM and property management companies, AOV testing can be incorporated into the wider planned maintenance schedule alongside fire alarm servicing. This ensures one provider covers both systems, one visit covers both inspections, and nothing falls between the gaps. See our planned maintenance page for more information.
For premises managed in accordance with SFG20 building maintenance standards, AOV testing schedules align with the planned maintenance tasks specified in that framework.
AOV systems develop faults for a number of reasons: actuator motors wear out, control panels lose communication with devices, batteries degrade, wiring is damaged during building works, or vents become physically obstructed. A fault on an AOV system is a compliance issue that should be addressed promptly - the system exists to protect escape routes, and a non-operational system leaves the building's occupants at risk.
Electrifire provides reactive fault finding and repair across all major AOV manufacturers. Our engineers diagnose the fault, source replacement parts where needed, and carry out the repair. For sites on a maintenance contract with us, AOV fault response is included in the agreement.
Common faults include actuator failure (motor burnout or mechanical seizure), control panel communication errors, battery failure or low charge, detector faults triggering false activations, and vents failing to close fully after testing. If you are experiencing a persistent AOV fault and your current provider has not resolved it, we can carry out an independent assessment and provide a clear diagnosis. See our 24/7 support page for emergency call-out.
Report an AOV fault or arrange a diagnostic visit - call 01622 535845.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
Planned Maintenance
Planned Maintenance for Fire and Security Systems Every fire and security system in a building needs regular,…
Intercom Systems
Intercom and Door Entry Systems for Commercial Premises The front door of your building is where security…