Surespan SRHP/AOV, SRHGE-AOV, SDP-AOV, EXI-VENT, and SRHE/AOV 140° Smoke Vents are CE-marked, BS EN12101-2 compliant automatic opening vents designed for smoke ventilation, daily air circulation, and roof access. These versatile units are designed for easy installation, featuring thermally broken lids and insulated upstands, and can be customised to various sizes, offering both safety and energy efficiency in building design.
All Surespan smoke vent products are NBS and ISO-accredited, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards. Our AOV smoke ventilation systems feature polycarbonate or glazed options, effectively serving as rooflights, which are suitable for industrial settings and areas like corridors and communal spaces.
An AOV Smoke Vent, or Automatic Opening Ventilator, provides at least 1.0m² of free area when open. These units are designed to automatically open during a fire, allowing smoke to escape from a building. Typically installed on flat roofs, stairwells, and corridors, AOVs are activated by fire alarms or smoke detectors.
The primary function of an AOV is to evacuate smoke and hot gases whilst allowing cooler air into the building, preventing the accumulation and spread of smoke. Constructed with insulated aluminium, these ventilators are designed to automatically open in the event of a fire, which is a critical safety feature. This improves visibility, facilitating safer evacuation for occupants and easier access for firefighters. Roof smoke vents are legally required in commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings and form a crucial part of a building’s overall fire strategy, as outlined in Approved Document B.
Beyond emergency use, many AOV systems can be used to provide daily ventilation and natural lighting, contributing to improved indoor air quality and potential energy savings. AOVs can be configured as single-zone or multi-zone systems, adapting to various building sizes and layouts.
AOVs must meet specific regulations to comply with building codes:
Smoke shaft requirements:
The primary European standard governing AOV smoke vents is BS EN12101-2:2003 Smoke and Heat Control Systems. This outlines the testing regime for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators to meet CE marking requirements under the Construction Products Regulation EN 305/2011.
The CE marking process may differ for retrofitted systems where an actuator is fitted to an existing window or rooflight. The combined window and actuator solution should undergo the same testing as a standard ventilator. Assessment rather than testing may be permissible for one-off retrofits, with guidance from reputable actuator suppliers.
Surespan smoke ventilators offer excellent thermal insulation properties, enhancing building energy efficiency. The thermally broken AOV is insulated with a U-value of 0.43 W/m²K, significantly reducing heat loss and preventing condensation. The upstand features 50mm thick CFC and HCFC-free Polyisocyanurate insulation, providing superior thermal performance and sound absorption. Glazed variants with their sealed double-glazed lids achieve a U-value of 1.5 W/m²K.
These vents incorporate advanced electromagnetic locking mechanisms for reliable operation during emergencies. The system uses 24V DC actuators with electromagnetic locks, offering quick response times and the ability to open to 140° in under 60 seconds. This rapid deployment is crucial for effective smoke extraction and clear escape routes during a fire. The locks can be integrated with building management systems or fire alarms for automated activation, and can be controlled via a control panel or switch to trigger opening.
Surespan offers an wide range of AOV smoke vent products to meet diverse building requirements, including glazed options for natural daylighting, dome-shaped vents for maximum light ingress and 360-degree smoke release, and combination units that integrate smoke ventilation with access to the roof. All models are BS EN12101-2 compliant and CE-marked, ensuring reliable performance and regulatory compliance.
When specifying, add 125mm on each side for the upstand, which should be installed on a builder’s kerb to meet the 300mm minimum height requirement above roof level. Surespan’s versatile range ensures optimal smoke extraction, energy efficiency, and design flexibility for various building types and applications.
Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to ensure the smoke vents function correctly in an emergency. Surespan provides service and maintenance packages, making it easy to install and maintain our products over their lifespan.