Mechanical ventilation systems are usually deployed in buildings and structures where a natural smoke ventilation solution such as windows/doors cannot be deployed or where they are impracticable due to the design of the building.

Where smoke shafts are fitted in place of traditional window openers, “mechanical” openers such as doors or Smoke Dampers are fitted to control the extraction of air in the way that a chimney would work in a home, by naturally drawing up the smoke from the area & dispersing at the top of the shaft, which can be controlled either mechanically via a smoke damper/vent or by the use of Penthouse Louvre (a fixed openable mechanical free louvered device which is always open allowing smoke to escape & is normally fitted on flat roofs). These are linked or controlled by the house fire system so thet the relevant damper will open upon activation of the local smoke detector.

Smoke shafts are placed adjacent to common areas such as stairs, lobbies and interior corridors to vent smoke and heat.

This provides improved safety for the evacuation of building occupants and better smoke-free access for fire fighters.

Natural smoke and heat exhaust systems (NSHEV) will often prove more cost effective and appear less intrusive to the building’s design integrity.

This is why we recommend early consultation in a project to provide the widest choice of options to conform to Building Regulations and controls.

Common Uses:

• High Rise blocks of flats
• Offices & commercial
• Retail & shopping
• Hotels
• Sheltered Housing
• Public Buildings

We often get involved in various projects & numerous stages of development as we are renowned for “thinking outside the box” & offering a different view when it comes to system design & choices available.

It often helps however to contact us at the design stage so we can offer you the very best solutions for your project before construction gets in the way. We only supply “open protocol” equipment meaning that you own everything & will never be tied to just one make or manufacturer or service contract

Further Information

Please follow the links below for further information regarding our partner manufacturers & regulations

APPROVED DOCUMENT B– For planning advice & requirements

HOCHIKI EUROPE – Our preferred Detector Supplier

APOLLO FIRE – Our preferred Detector Supplier

HAES SYSTEMS – Our preferred Panel Supplier

BSB ENGINEERING SERVICES – Our preferred Smoke Damper Manufacturer

SERTUS – Our preferred Roof Vent Supplier

At South East Fire & Vent we are able to offer Design, Installation, Commission & Maintenance Services to all types of AOV & Smoke Ventilation Systems & we cover Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, East Sussex & London (East, North & South East).