Yes. An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) used for smoke control needs planned inspection, testing and maintenance. A vent opening during a simple test does not establish that the complete smoke-control system works as designed.
Why AOV maintenance matters
A smoke-control system forms part of the building’s fire safety arrangements. Its operation can depend on vents, controls, actuators, power supplies and interfaces. Deterioration, damage or changes to the building can affect how these work together.
Regular maintenance provides an opportunity to identify faults, document limitations and plan repairs. Keep maintenance records alongside the building’s fire safety information so that outstanding actions can be followed through.
How often should an AOV be serviced?
Set the inspection and service programme using the manufacturer’s instructions, the system’s operating and maintenance manual, the building’s fire strategy and relevant guidance. The schedule needs to suit the actual installation and its use; one interval should not be assumed to cover every system.
Routine checks by trained building staff and servicing by a competent specialist have different purposes. Agree who will do each task, how results will be recorded and how faults will be escalated. Arrange additional investigation when a fault occurs or the system’s operation changes.
What does an AOV service cover?
The agreed scope should reflect the equipment installed. It may include the control panel, power supply and standby batteries; manual controls and detection interfaces; vent and actuator movement; and coordinated operation against the documented sequence. Mechanical systems may also involve fans and dampers.
Read our AOV service checklist for questions to ask before booking a visit.
Signs that investigation is needed
- A fault indication on the control panel.
- A vent that fails to move, closes incorrectly or makes an unusual noise.
- Visible damage, obstructions or changes around a vent.
- A service report with unresolved defects or areas that could not be tested.
- Missing records or uncertainty about the system’s intended operation.
Report these issues promptly through the building’s agreed fault procedure. A responsible building manager should consider the effect of a fault on the fire safety arrangements and obtain competent advice.
Can building staff test the system?
Trained staff can undertake the routine user checks specified for their system. These checks do not replace specialist servicing. Follow the documented procedure and coordinate any test that could affect connected equipment or building occupants. Access to roof vents, electrical work and adjustments to controls should be handled by appropriately competent people.
What records should you keep?
Keep the operating instructions, service reports, defect records, repair evidence and dates of routine checks. Where available, retain the asset list, commissioning information and cause-and-effect documentation. Missing information should be identified when a contractor takes over maintenance.
Does a service guarantee compliance?
A service report records the checks carried out and their results. It should identify limitations and outstanding work. Servicing alone does not establish that the original design, subsequent alterations or the building’s overall fire safety arrangements are suitable.
Arrange AOV servicing with AK Fire Safety
Explore our AOV installation, servicing and maintenance service. To discuss your building, send its location, the system make, any known faults and the latest service report if available.
Request an AOV service quotation
Further guidance
See GOV.UK guidance on fire safety equipment, maintenance and testing and the Smoke Control Association. Use the operating and maintenance documents for your own system when planning work.