AOV Smoke Vents

Inbuild UK AOV Smoke Vents are purpose-designed automatic opening vents (AOVs) used to provide smoke and heat exhaust ventilation in buildings. Installed in stair cores, corridor ceilings, atriums or external façades, these AOV units open in response to a fire signal, allowing smoke and hot gases to escape and helping to maintain tenable conditions along key escape routes.

In a fire, smoke is often the greatest threat to life safety. It can rapidly fill stairwells and corridors, reducing visibility, increasing toxicity, and making evacuation and firefighting far more difficult. 

An AOV smoke vent is designed to automatically open when smoke is detected or when activated by the fire alarm system, creating a dedicated smoke exhaust path. This helps to:

• Reduce smoke build-up in escape stairwells and common corridors
• Improve visibility for occupants and firefighters
• Lower smoke temperature and toxicity near the escape route
• Support regulatory compliance with relevant smoke control and means of escape guidance

Inbuild UK AOV Smoke Vents are available in a variety of sizes, configurations and styles (for example, smoke ventilators, smoke hatches, façade windows or louvred units) to integrate with different roof, wall and façade designs.

When paired with an Inbuild UK control panel, they form a complete, coordinated smoke ventilation system.

Key features of Inbuild UK AOV Smoke Vents typically include:

• Automatic operation – Activated by smoke detectors, fire alarm signals or dedicated control panels.
• Manual override – Local call points or firefighter switches allow authorised personnel to open or close the vent manually.
• Reliable actuation – Electric actuators or pneumatic mechanisms designed for fast and dependable openingunder fire conditions.
• Tested performance – Units designed and tested to meet relevant smoke and heat exhaust standards and fire safety regulations.
• Weather-tight design – When closed, the AOV provides effective weather protection, contributing to the building’s thermal and acoustic performance.
• Integration capability – Fully compatible with Inbuild UK control panels, smoke control systems and fire alarm interfaces.

Applications for AOV Smoke Vents include:

• Residential apartment stairwells and common corridors
• Hotels and student accommodation
• Commercial offices, retail centres and public buildings
• Mixed-use developments where robust means of escape and smoke control are required

By selecting Inbuild UK AOV Smoke Vents, specifiers and contractors gain reliable, coordinated products that support life safety, regulatory compliance and design integration with the overall fire strategy.