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AOV (Automatic Opening Vent):

natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator with a defined aerodynamic free area of ventilation (Aa), or smoke control damper, activated automatically from a detector or fire alarm system, for the purpose of permitting smoke and heat to be ventilated from a building or allowing inlet air into a building.

Smoke Vent:

A smoke vent is a passive or active product specifically designed to remove smoke from a building. It can be a fixed opening or a device that opens on eceipt of a fire signal.

Key Difference:

While both products aim to support smoke ventilation, AOVs are typically automated and part of a roader fire safety system, whereas smoke vents can be either passive  or active.

AOVs are not always a legal requirement, but their installation depends on the building’s design, use, and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners must ensure adequate means of escape and smoke control in case of fire. AOVs may be required in certain buildings (e.g., high-rise residential buildings, commercial properties, or buildings with complex layouts) to meet these standards.

Always consult a fire safety expert or local authority to determine if AOVs are necessary for your building.

AOV stands for Automatic Opening Vent. These products are designed to improve ventilation and support smoke ventilation during a fire, helping to protect occupants and assist firefighters.

AOVs are commonly used in stairwells, corridors, and atriums to create smoke-free escape routes. They are often initiated by the fire alarm systems, ensuring they operate automatically when a fire is detected.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Section 14, specifies the need for adequate smoke control measures. GOV.UK - Fire Safety Order

The primary British Standard for smoke  control is BS 7346: Parts 8, which covers the design, installation, and maintenance of smoke control systems.

Compliance with this standards ensures that smoke control systems are effective in protecting lives and property during a fire.

Smoke ventilation is typically required in:

High-rise residential buildings: To prevent smoke buildup in stairwells and escape routes.

Commercial buildings:
Such as offices, shopping centres, and warehouses, where large open spaces can trap smoke.

Industrial facilities:
To manage smoke and heat in case of fire.

Underground car parks:
To extract smoke and improve visibility for evacuation and firefighting.

The requirement for smoke vents is determined by building regulations, fire risk assessments, and compliance with standards like BS 9991 (Fire Safety in Residential Buildings) and BS 9999 (Fire Safety in Buildings).