Ventlux Fire Switches and Control Panels

Ventlux fireman’s switches and smoke control panels are used to control smoke ventilation systems in buildings during a fire emergency. The fireman’s switch (often called a Firefighter’s Priority Switch) is a manual control point that allows firefighters to override the automatic system and open or close smoke vents on demand, ensuring they have direct control of smoke extraction. This switch has the highest priority in the system; for example, a firefighter can use it to close, or open them to clear an escape route, regardless of any automatic signals. The Ventlux smoke control panel is the central controller for the smoke ventilation system. It automatically receives signals from smoke detectors or fire alarms and then opens windows, roof vents, or fans to exhaust smoke when a fire is detected. In essence, the control panel orchestrates the whole smoke vent system, while the fireman’s override switch gives emergency crews a manual backup to manage smoke as needed. Together, these Ventlux components are used to protect occupants by removing toxic smoke and to assist firefighters in controlling the situation during an emergency.

Yes, Ventlux’s fire safety products are fully compliant with UK fire safety standards. They are designed and tested to meet the rigorous requirements of British and European regulations for smoke control systems. For instance, Ventlux smoke control panels are certified to EN 12101 (the European standard for smoke and heat control systems); the Ventlux SVM series panels are EN12101-10 class A compliant, meaning they include dual power supplies (mains and battery backup) for reliability. All Ventlux equipment carries the required CE marking, indicating it conforms to the relevant safety standards and has passed proper testing. (In fact, under UK and EU law, any smoke ventilation product must comply with its specific EN12101 standard in order to bear a CE mark). This compliance gives you assurance that Ventlux fireman’s switches and control panels meet the stringent performance criteria for life safety systems, as set out in UK regulations. In short, Ventlux products not only come with the CE mark (and UKCA marking where applicable) but also adhere to key standards like BS EN 12101, so they can be confidently used in UK buildings to satisfy fire safety requirements.

Fireman’s switches (firefighters’ override call points) should be installed in easily accessible locations where the fire brigade can quickly reach them during an emergency. In the UK, best practice is to place a fireman’s override switch at the main fire service access point of the building; for example, in the ground floor entrance lobby or next to the fire alarm panel, so arriving firefighters can immediately take control of the smoke vents. Additionally, switches are often located at key points within the building’s escape stairways and corridors. For a stairwell smoke ventilation system, you’ll typically find manual control switches at the top and bottom of the stairwell (allowing firefighters to open or close the stair vent from the ground level entry or the roof level). In buildings with multiple protected lobbies or smoke zones, there may be a fireman’s override call point on each floor lobby as well, enabling local control of that floor’s automatic opening vent. The goal is to ensure that wherever firefighters may need to override the system – at the entry, in the stairwell, or on a particular floor, a Ventlux fireman’s switch is readily available nearby. By installing these switches at strategic, visible locations (often in a bright orange enclosure for easy identification), emergency responders can quickly operate the smoke ventilation system and adapt to conditions inside the building.

Ventlux smoke control panels serve as the central hub of a smoke ventilation system, integrating all the input devices and output mechanisms needed for automatic smoke control. The panel is wired to receive signals from various sources; smoke detectors, fire alarm triggers, manual call points (including Ventlux fireman’s switches), and even weather sensors or remote overrides. When a fire is detected (say by a smoke sensor or the fire alarm system), the control panel processes that signal and then activates the smoke ventilation equipment: it sends commands to window actuators, roof hatch openers, smoke dampers, or extraction fans to open and start clearing smoke. For example, a Ventlux SVM control panel can open vents or windows automatically in the affected zone to release smoke and heat, helping to keep escape routes clear. At the same time, the panel can interface with audio/visual alarms or building management systems to indicate the status of the smoke vents (some panels have indicator lights showing vents open/closed). Firefighters can also use connected override switches to manually control the system via the panel,the panel will always give the firefighter’s command the highest priority to ensure emergency control. Moreover, Ventlux control panels are designed to integrate seamlessly into larger systems: you can network multiple panels together on a “bus” connection for multi-zone buildings, so all zones coordinate during a fire. They also often include backup batteries and fault monitoring (per EN12101 requirements) to remain operational even if mains power fails. In summary, the Ventlux control panel is the brain of the smoke ventilation system, it links detectors, switches, and actuators into one coherent system, automatically runs the smoke extraction process during a fire, and allows manual intervention when needed, thereby ensuring the building’s smoke control strategy is executed reliably.

Like all life safety equipment, Ventlux fireman’s switches and smoke control panels require regular maintenance and testing to ensure they will function correctly in an emergency. UK fire safety regulations (specifically the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and standards like BS 7346-8) mandate that smoke ventilation systems be serviced at least once a year and also tested on a frequent schedule. In practice, facility managers should perform routine weekly or monthly tests of the smoke control system, this typically involves activating a call point or triggering a detector to open the vents via the control panel, and then verifying that all vents, windows, and fans respond correctly. During these tests, any fault indicators on the Ventlux panel (like battery status or circuit faults) should be checked. Annual inspections by a qualified smoke ventilation engineer are also crucial: the technician will fully test the system, check the control panel’s electronics and backup batteries, and perform any preventative maintenance (such as replacing batteries every 3-5 years or as recommended). Ventlux designs its products to simplify maintenance, for example, the Ventlux fireman’s override switch units do not require special tools or keys to open for inspection, making it convenient to perform periodic servicing and testing. All testing and maintenance activities should be logged as part of the building’s fire safety records. By following a regular maintenance schedule (weekly functional checks and yearly servicing), building owners can ensure their Ventlux smoke control panels and switches remain in peak working condition, preserving the reliability of the system and compliance with UK fire safety law.