Depending on the design, the installation may include automatic windows, roof ventilators, louvres, smoke-shaft dampers, extract fans, control panels, standby batteries, detectors and manual controls.

Therefore, AOV installation usually involves cooperation between smoke-control specialists, fire alarm engineers, electricians, builders, roof contractors and the building’s fire-safety designer.

At

AK Fire Safety
,
we provide professional

AOV installation, commissioning, maintenance and repairs

throughout the United Kingdom.

The AOV Installation Process

1. The Initial AOV Site Survey

Before equipment is ordered, a competent contractor should inspect the building and review the proposed work.

The survey may include:

• Reviewing the building’s fire strategy
• Checking approved plans and smoke-control drawings
• Identifying corridors, lobbies, stairways and smoke shafts
• Inspecting existing windows, rooflights and vents
• Checking available electrical supplies
• Reviewing fire alarm interfaces
• Inspecting existing control panels and cabling
• Checking access and working-height requirements
• Identifying weather exposure and drainage risks
• Recording building alterations
• Confirming whether asbestos information is required
• Identifying builders’ work and making-good requirements

Where documents are missing, further investigation may be required before a compliant design can be finalised.

2. Reviewing the Building Fire Strategy

The fire strategy explains how the building’s fire-safety measures are intended to work together. It may specify the areas that require smoke ventilation, the type of system and the operating sequence.

The strategy may define:

• The purpose of the smoke-control system
• The required smoke-control zones
• The evacuation strategy
• The required free vent area
• Which detectors activate each zone
• Which dampers remain closed
• Whether extract fans must operate
• How replacement air is provided
• How firefighter controls operate
• The required reset procedure

3. Selecting the Correct AOV System

The designer must select equipment suitable for the building, environment and required smoke-control function.

Read our comparison:

Natural vs Mechanical Smoke Ventilation
.

4. Selecting the Smoke Vent

The smoke vent may be an automatic window, rooflight, louvre, certified ventilator or smoke-shaft damper.

Selection factors include:

• The required geometric or aerodynamic free area
• Vent dimensions
• Opening angle
• Location and height
• Wind exposure
• Snow and rain exposure
• Frame and glazing construction
• Fire-resistance or smoke-control classification
• Security and fall protection
• Compatibility with the selected actuator

Where a roof vent is installed, suitable kerbs, flashing, drainage and weatherproofing must also be considered.

5. Installing the AOV Actuator

The actuator is the device that physically opens the window, roof vent, louvre or damper.

Common types include:

• Chain actuators
• Spindle actuators
• Linear actuators
• Rack actuators
• Damper actuators
• Pneumatic operating devices

The actuator must provide sufficient force and travel to operate the vent reliably. The installer should also ensure that brackets and fixings can withstand the expected operating loads.

During installation, engineers may need to:

• Check the vent opens freely before fitting the actuator.
• Position brackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Confirm the required opening distance.
• Prevent the chain or spindle from twisting.
• Protect cables from movement and damage.
• Adjust closing pressure where permitted.
• Test for obstruction and frame distortion.

6. Installing the AOV Control Panel

The AOV control panel receives activation signals and supplies or controls the connected equipment.

The panel should normally be installed:

• In an accessible position
• Where indicators can be inspected
• Away from excessive heat or moisture
• Where the enclosure is suitable for the environment
• Near an appropriate electrical supply
• Where unauthorised interference can be controlled
• With adequate space for future maintenance

The panel capacity must match the total actuator load and required operating sequence.

Read:

What Is an AOV Control Panel and How Does It Work?

7. Installing the Standby Batteries

Most electrically operated smoke-control systems require a secondary power arrangement so that they can operate if the normal mains supply fails.

Battery selection depends on:

• The control-panel requirements
• The number of actuators
• The actuator operating current
• The standby period
• The required operating cycles
• The condition of the charging circuit
• The manufacturer’s calculations

8. Installing Smoke Detectors and Manual Controls

An AOV system may use dedicated smoke detectors, signals from the building fire alarm or a combination of both.

Manual smoke-control points may also be installed for firefighters or authorised personnel.

Devices may include:

• Smoke detectors
• Fire alarm input/output modules
• Manual open and close controls
• Firefighter override switches
• Vent-position indicators
• Fan start and stop controls
• System reset controls

Manual controls should remain clearly labelled, visible and accessible.

9. Installing AOV Cabling

Cabling connects the control panels, actuators, detectors, manual controls, dampers, fans and interfaces.

The cable type and installation method depend on:

• The system voltage and current
• The circuit length
• Voltage-drop calculations
• Required fire resistance
• Environmental conditions
• Mechanical protection
• Circuit monitoring
• The manufacturer’s instructions

Cables should be supported, protected and labelled. Furthermore, connections should not be hidden in inaccessible locations without suitable access arrangements.

10. Providing the Electrical Supply

The AOV control panel normally requires a dedicated mains electrical supply.

The supply arrangement may include:

• A suitably rated protective device
• A dedicated isolator or fused connection unit
• Clear labelling
• Protection against accidental isolation
• Suitable earthing
• Coordination with the standby power supply

Mechanical smoke-extract fans may require additional power arrangements, control equipment and monitoring.

11. Connecting the AOV to the Fire Alarm

Many AOV systems receive activation signals from the building fire alarm.

The interface may use:

• An addressable input/output module
• A monitored relay
• A volt-free contact
• A dedicated smoke-control interface
• Separate signals for individual floors or zones

The fire alarm normally sends the command, while the dedicated AOV panel supplies and controls the actuators.

Read our detailed guide:

Can AOV Systems Be Connected to a Fire Alarm?

12. Programming the Cause-and-Effect Sequence

Cause and effect defines what the system must do when a particular detector, zone or manual control operates.

For example, a signal from floor four may need to:

• Open the floor-four smoke-shaft damper
• Keep dampers on other floors closed
• Open the shaft-head vent
• Start the extract fan
• Open the replacement-air inlet
• Provide confirmation at the control panel

In another area, a stair detector may need to open only the stair-head vent.

13. Installing Smoke-Shaft Dampers

Smoke-shaft dampers connect communal corridors or lobbies to a vertical smoke shaft.

Installation considerations include:

• The damper’s classification and intended use
• The shaft construction
• Correct orientation
• Supporting frames and fixings
• Sealing around the opening
• Actuator access
• Position monitoring
• Maintenance access
• Correct floor identification

Following installation, each floor should be tested individually to confirm that the correct damper opens.

14. Installing Mechanical Smoke-Extract Equipment

Mechanical systems may include extract fans, ductwork, dampers, contactors and replacement-air controls.

Engineers must coordinate:

• Fan selection and temperature classification
• Duty and standby arrangements
• Smoke ductwork
• Smoke-control dampers
• Primary and secondary power supplies
• Fan-run and fan-fault signals
• Replacement-air openings
• Firefighter controls
• Airflow and pressure requirements

Starting the fan alone does not prove that the system works. The dampers, air inlets and complete airflow route must also be verified.

15. Installing Environmental Ventilation Controls

Some AOV systems also provide everyday ventilation using temperature, carbon dioxide, rain or wind sensors.

These controls may open and close windows during normal building use. However, emergency fire mode should take priority.

During commissioning, engineers should confirm:

• Rain controls do not prevent required fire operation.
• Wind controls follow the approved emergency strategy.
• Building-management signals cannot override fire mode.
• Manual firefighter controls have the required priority.
• The system returns to normal operation correctly.

16. Testing Before Commissioning

Before the final commissioning test, engineers should check each part of the installation.

17. Commissioning the AOV System

Commissioning proves that the installed system operates according to the design.

18. Completing Handover Documentation

The person responsible for the building should receive suitable information after installation.

The handover package may include:

• System drawings and schematics
• Cause-and-effect schedule
• Equipment data sheets
• Operating instructions
• Commissioning records
• Battery calculations
• Fire alarm interface details
• Maintenance instructions
• Asset lists
• Fault and variation records
• Warranty information
• Recommended service intervals

Building staff should also receive suitable instruction on normal indications, fault reporting and authorised reset procedures.

Can AOV Systems Be Installed in Existing Buildings?

Yes. An AOV system can often be retrofitted into an existing building. However, retrofit projects may be more complex than new-build installations.

Challenges may include:

• Restricted cable routes
• Limited roof access
• Existing windows that are unsuitable
• Obsolete fire alarm systems
• Missing fire-strategy information
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Structural alterations
• Occupied-building restrictions
• Listed-building requirements
• Making good after installation

A retrofit installation should follow the current fire strategy rather than simply copying an old or incomplete system.

How Long Does AOV Installation Take?

Installation time depends on the scale and complexity of the project.

A straightforward actuator and panel replacement may be completed relatively quickly. In contrast, a multi-storey smoke-shaft or mechanical extract installation may require several phases.

Factors affecting the programme include:

• Equipment manufacturing lead times
• Access equipment
• Roof and structural work
• Number of smoke-control zones
• Cable routes
• Coordination with fire alarm engineers
• Out-of-hours working
• Testing and commissioning requirements
• Building occupancy

Can the Building Remain Occupied During Installation?

In many cases, work can be completed in an occupied building. However, the contractor and responsible person must carefully plan isolations, temporary risks and access arrangements.

Suitable controls may include:

• Phased working
• Temporary fire-safety measures
• Resident or staff notifications
• Controlled system isolations
• Fire watches where justified
• Daily restoration checks
• Keeping escape routes clear
• Coordinating noisy or disruptive work

Any temporary impairment should be assessed by the responsible person and recorded.

Common AOV Installation Mistakes

What Standards Apply to AOV Installation?

The applicable requirements depend on the building, system type and approved design. Relevant standards and guidance may include:

• BS 7346-8 – recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of smoke-control systems.
• BS EN 12101-2 – natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.
• BS EN 12101-3 – powered smoke and heat-control ventilators.
• BS EN 12101-7 – smoke duct sections.
• BS EN 12101-8 – smoke-control dampers.
• BS EN 12101-10 – power supplies for smoke and heat-control systems.
• BS 5839-1 – fire detection and alarm systems where an interface is provided.
• Approved Document B – government guidance supporting the Building Regulations in England.
• The building’s approved fire strategy.
• The equipment manufacturers’ instructions.

BSI describes

BS 7346-8

as covering the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of natural and mechanical smoke-control systems.

Current government fire-safety guidance is available through the

Approved Document B publication page
.

Who Can Install an AOV System?

Installation should be completed by competent contractors who understand smoke-control design, AOV equipment, fire alarm interfaces, power supplies and commissioning.

Depending on the project, competent specialists may be required for:

• Smoke-control design
• Electrical installation
• Fire alarm programming
• Roof and structural work
• Mechanical smoke extraction
• Fire-stopping
• Commissioning and verification

Clear responsibility should be assigned for proving that the complete integrated system operates correctly.

What Happens After Installation?

Once commissioned, the AOV system should enter a planned inspection and maintenance programme.

Maintenance should include:

• Control-panel inspections
• Battery testing
• Actuator and vent testing
• Fire alarm interface testing
• Smoke-shaft damper testing
• Extract-fan testing
• Replacement-air testing
• Manual control testing
• Cause-and-effect testing
• Fault reporting and repairs

Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires necessary fire-safety equipment to be suitably maintained and kept in efficient working order.

Read

Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order
.

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional AOV Installation from AK Fire Safety

AK Fire Safety provides professional Automatic Opening Vent installation, commissioning, maintenance and upgrade services.

Our services include:

• AOV site surveys
• System condition assessments
• Automatic window actuator installation
• Roof smoke-vent installation
• AOV control-panel installation
• Standby battery installation
• Smoke-detector installation
• Fire alarm interface installation
• Manual control-point installation
• Smoke-shaft damper testing
• Mechanical extract integration
• Cause-and-effect programming
• Commissioning and documentation
• System upgrades and replacement
• Planned preventative maintenance
• Nationwide multi-site support

Conclusion

AOV systems are installed through a structured process beginning with a site survey and review of the building’s fire strategy.

Engineers then select and install suitable smoke vents, actuators, control panels, detectors, standby batteries, manual controls and cabling. Where required, the system is connected to the fire alarm, smoke-shaft dampers, extract fans and environmental controls.

However, physical installation is only part of the project. The complete cause-and-effect sequence must also be commissioned and documented.

Most importantly, every initiating device and final smoke-control component should be tested together. This confirms that the AOV system will provide the intended response when smoke is detected.