What is a stairwell smoke ventilation kit?
Stairwell smoke vent kits provide heat and smoke ventilation as well as a means of escape during an emergency and safe access for emergency services. Stairwell ventilation kits are designed for a range of commercial and residential environments such as residential apartments, hotels, offices and shops.
When it comes to smoke ventilation solutions for smaller buildings, stairwell ventilation stands out as the optimal choice due to their compact size and cost-effectiveness. At Inbuild, we offer a range of smoke ventilation kits for stairs designed specifically for compact spaces, such as our stairwell kit which comes with a powrmatic vent. This kit ensures reliable smoke extraction while maintaining ease of installation and operation. What’s more the system is product tested to BS EN 12101 and BS ISO 21927-9 meaning it meets the requirement of both BS 9999 and BS 9991.
What’s included in a Stair Ventilation Kit from Inbuild?
Ventlux Orange MCP Fireman switch - The VSK321 was designed for easy installation in standard smoke control systems. The possibility of including the smoke detector connections from the call point also provides a more advanced scenario than most other systems.
Actulux SVM 4 amp Micro 24V Basic Smoke Control panel - The SVM Micro control panel with 4A is ideal for comfort and smoke ventilation in buildings, such as staircases, with 1 fire/comfort group. Despite the compact design, the SVM Micro has 72 hours of battery backup.
Hochiki Photoelectric Smoke Detector & Base - The SOC-E3N is an optical smoke detector, which is fully compatible with the majority of existing Conventional systems. The SOC-E3N incorporates Hochiki’s unique High Performance optical smoke chamber removing the need to use ionisation detectors in the majority of applications.
Smoke Ventilation Vent or Window - We offer a selection of stairwell kits with a range of vent options including a Coxdome AOV vent, a double-glazed smoke ventilation window, and a Powrmatic AOV louvred smoke and natural ventilator.
Compact, Efficient, and Reliable Smoke Ventilation
Smaller buildings require ventilation solutions that are both space-efficient and highly effective. For instance, the Inbuild Stairwell Smoke Vent Kit with a Coxdome vent provides a simple yet powerful smoke ventilation system that enhances fire safety without the complexity of larger, more expensive systems. With the Coxdome Vent at its core, this kit offers a streamlined approach to smoke control, helping to keep stairwells clear of smoke during a fire, ensuring safe evacuation for occupants.
Faster Installation & Minimal Disruption - This Stairwell Ventilation Kit is designed for quick and easy installation, reducing labour costs and minimising disruption to tenants.
Low Maintenance & Longevity - With fewer moving parts and a durable design, the system requires minimal maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability.
Energy Efficiency - The Coxdome Vent operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption compared to traditional smoke ventilation systems.
Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations – The system is product tested to BS EN 12101 and BS ISO 21927-9 meaning it meets the requirement of both BS 9999 and BS 9991, providing peace of mind for building managers and developers.
Better Aesthetic Integration - The design of the components ensures a sleek, unobtrusive look that blends seamlessly into modern building designs.
The Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch vs. Basic MCP
One of the key differentiators of Inbuild Stairwell Kits is their use of the Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch, offering significant advantages in functionality, user experience, and overall efficiency.
Full LED Status Indication at the Fireman's Entrance
Unlike basic MCP’s, the Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch (WSK321) provides a clear, easy-to-understand LED status indication at the fireman’s entrance. This traffic light system ensures that both building occupants and fire safety personnel can quickly assess the system’s status:
- Green LED – System is healthy.
- Yellow LED – Indicates a fault in the system, allowing residents or management to take action.
- Red LED – Shows fire activation or that the vent is currently open.
This feature is particularly beneficial when a roof vent is open during adverse weather conditions. If it’s pouring with rain, anyone entering or exiting the building will immediately know that the vent is open, thanks to the red LED. Similarly, if there is a fault, the yellow LED will alert residents, who can then notify the management agent.
Ease of Use and Reset Functionality
Another common issue with traditional MCP systems, is the difficulty in resetting them. Traditional call points can be notoriously fiddly to reset, requiring a specific forked plastic key – something that is often misplaced, leaving tenants and management agents scrambling to find a way to close the vent.
The Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch (WSK321) eliminates this hassle. The reset mechanism is far more user-friendly, with a simple push-button operation to trigger and reset the system. While access to the control panel does require a key, it’s a standard, easily replaceable key – and if misplaced, the panel can be accessed with a simple screwdriver.
Greater Value for Money
For a minimal additional cost (roughly £20-£30 more than standard MCP’s), the Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch provides significantly greater functionality and convenience. The full LED status indication ensures everyone knows the control panel’s status, even if it is hidden away, and the ease of opening and closing the vent makes for a more user-friendly and efficient solution.
The Smarter Choice for Stairwell Smoke Ventilation
For those managing or developing smaller buildings, the Inbuild Stairwell Kit with Coxdome Vent and Ventlux MCP Fireman Switch offers an unparalleled combination of compliance, reliability, ease of use, and enhanced safety. With its intuitive LED indicators and simplified reset process, it provides a smarter, more effective alternative to traditional MCP solutions.
Investing in a system that ensures clear communication, simple operation, and enhanced fire safety is a no-brainer – and the Inbuild Stairwell Kit delivers on all fronts.
