Mechanical Smoke Ventilation

Smoke is the single biggest killer in any building fire so its rapid dispersal is critical to saving lives. Among the most effective ways of achieving this is a mechanical ventilation system that uses fans and ducts to remove smoke quickly and efficiently, ensuring a clear escape for occupants and safer access for firefighting services.

How do Mechanical Venting Systems Work?

Fan-Assisted Smoke Venting Systems make use of a mechanical extractor shaft that serves a common corridor and/or lobby. When smoke is detected, a fire damper to the smoke shaft on the affected floor automatically opens (all other dampers remain closed). In turn, a vent at the head of the relevant staircase will open, allowing the smoke to be removed and make up air for the smoke extraction system to be introduced. The fan at the top of the shaft extracts the smoke, preventing its migration into adjacent compartments.

Reliable Smoke Venting Solutions with Inbuild

Inbuild’s mechanical smoke venting systems exceed the standard of code-based smoke venting systems, removing smoke quickly and efficiently to keep vital escape and access routes smoke free.

What is included in Mechanical Smoke Ventilation?

Fan Set - The duty fan at the top of the mechanical smoke shaft extracts the smoke from the common area and prevents migration of smoke into the escape staircases.

Stair Ventilator - On detection of smoke, the vent at the head of the staircase opens.

Mechanical Smoke Shaft - Our systems comprise of a mechanical extract shaft that serves the common corridor and/or lobby.

Smoke Shaft Damper - On detection of smoke within the lobby, only the fire damper to the shaft on the fire floor will open

Door Closer - Replacement air is supplied to the common corridor and/or lobby from the stairs by using air pressure to open the door to the stair well.