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Smoke control · Design · Install · Maintain

AOV systems for safer escape routes when fire strikes

Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) systems extract smoke and heat from buildings during a fire—keeping stairwells, corridors and access routes clearer for occupants and emergency services.

BS EN 12101 Compliant design
End-to-end Supply, install & maintain
UK-wide Residential & commercial

Automated vents open on detection—clearing smoke from escape routes when seconds count.

Roof & window vents
Smart control
Battery backup
BS EN 12101Smoke control standards
24/7Fail-safe battery backup
Full serviceDesign to maintenance
CertifiedHandover documentation
1. Consultation Free site survey and fire strategy review
2. Design Compliant system specification for your building
3. Installation Professional install and fire alarm integration
4. Certification Testing, sign-off and ongoing maintenance
See it in action

How AOV systems protect your building

From system design to installed roof vents—see how smoke is managed automatically when fire is detected.

Cutaway diagram of an AOV smoke ventilation system showing fire, smoke paths, roof vents, fresh air intake and control panel Smoke extraction Central control
System overview

Integrated smoke paths, vents & control

When fire is detected, AOV units open automatically—drawing smoke away from escape routes via roof vents, shafts and fresh-air intakes, all coordinated from a central fire alarm panel.

  • Clear smoke flow from fire zone to exhaust points
  • Skylight, shaft and fresh-air components work together
  • Linked to your building fire detection strategy
Discuss your fire strategy
Automatic opening vent skylight installed on a flat roof, propped open for smoke ventilation Auto-opening vent Professional install
On-site installation

Roof & skylight vents fitted to standard

We supply and install AOV roof lights and window actuators on residential and commercial buildings—neat integration with flat roofs, weatherproofing and fire alarm interfaces.

  • Gas-strut and actuator-driven opening vents
  • Weather-sealed bases and compliant cabling routes
  • Tested, commissioned and documented handover
Book a free site survey

What is an AOV system?

A smoke control solution that works automatically when fire is detected.

An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) system is designed to improve safety in buildings during a fire. It automatically opens windows, vents or roof hatches to extract smoke and heat, helping keep escape routes clear and safe for occupants and emergency services—without relying on manual intervention at the critical moment.

Stairwell protection Multi-storey buildings Fire alarm integration

Why AOV systems are important

Critical fire safety—not optional extras for modern buildings.

Clear escape routes Smoke cleared from stairwells and corridors
Reduce heat build-up Limits fire spread and structural stress
Better visibility For evacuation and firefighting
Breathable air Maintained for longer during escape
UK compliance Approved Document B & fire safety law
Our services

Our AOV system solutions

We provide complete design, supply, installation and maintenance of AOV systems tailored to your building—from single stairwell vents to integrated smoke control across entire developments.

System components

Everything needed for reliable, code-aligned smoke ventilation.

  • Smoke ventilation windows and roof vents
  • Control panels and smoke detectors
  • Manual override call points
  • Intelligent control interfaces
  • Backup battery systems
  • Integration with fire alarm systems

Key features

Built for performance when your building needs it most.

Fully automated smoke detection and ventilation
Manual override for emergency services
Fail-safe operation with battery backup
Seamless fire alarm integration
Scalable for residential, commercial & industrial
Installations

Types of AOV installations

We design and install the right smoke ventilation strategy for your building layout, occupancy and fire strategy.

01

Stairwell ventilation

  • Automatically opens roof vents or windows at the top of staircases
  • Keeps escape routes smoke-free
02

Corridor ventilation

  • Smoke extracted through corridor vents
  • Often combined with smoke detector activation zones
03

Shaft systems

  • Mechanical or natural ventilation shafts
  • Ideal for apartment blocks and commercial buildings
04

Mechanical smoke extraction

  • Fan-assisted systems where natural ventilation is not viable
  • Suitable for basements or large enclosed spaces
Compliance

Compliance & standards

Our AOV systems are designed to meet UK requirements. We ensure full compliance and provide certification upon completion.

BS EN 12101

Smoke and heat control systems—European standard for natural and powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.

Approved Document B

Fire Safety under UK Building Regulations—guidance on means of warning and escape, including smoke control.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Places duties on responsible persons to assess risk and maintain appropriate fire safety measures.

Maintenance & servicing

Regular maintenance is essential for system reliability.

  • Planned maintenance contracts
  • System testing and inspection
  • Fault diagnosis and repairs
  • Certification and reporting

Why choose us?

Experienced fire safety and security specialists
End-to-end project management
Tailored solutions for each building
Competitive pricing and ongoing support
Get a quote

Request your free AOV consultation

Protect your building and occupants with a fully compliant smoke ventilation system. Tell us about your project and our fire safety specialists will arrange a free site survey.

  • No-obligation survey and tailored system design
  • Residential, commercial and industrial buildings
  • Integration with existing fire alarm systems
  • Certification and maintenance plans available

AOV enquiry form

By submitting, you agree we may contact you about your enquiry. We typically respond within one business day.

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