Welcome back to the Paul Evans Architectural blog.
This week, we are exploring the compliance requirements surrounding Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs), what manufacturers, Fabricators and installers need to consider, and why these standards are so important for building & Fire safety.
Compliance requirements surrounding AOVs dictate how smoke control systems must be manufactured, Fabricated, designed, sized, installed and maintained to ensure occupant safety.
In the UK, failing to meet these strict requirements can lead to severe penalties, project sign-off delays and heavy fines for building owners – not to mention the potential impact on human life.
An AOV Is More Than a Window and a Motor
Manufacturers & Fabricators cannot simply attach a standard motor to a window and call it an AOV, nor can they simply combine a third-party window frame with an independent actuator. The entire operational assembly – including the vent profile, hinges and matched actuator – must be tested and certified as a single unit under BS EN 12101-2.
The entire cycle, from design through to delivery, therefore requires specific considerations to ensure the standards required for BS EN 12101-2 certification are met.
Similarly, installers cannot simply connect an AOV to an existing fire safety system. The installation and power supply requirements also form an important part of ensuring the system operates correctly when it is needed.
Key Compliance Requirements for AOV Manufacturers, Fabricators and Installers
Manufacturers and Fabricators
The manufacturing process must be audited and comply with BS EN 12101-2, ensuring that the required AOV product performance standards for smoke and heat ventilation are met.
BS EN 12101-2 specifies the technical requirements needed for AOVs. Fabricators are subject to regular audits to ensure they continue to maintain the fabrication and process standards required.
This means compliance is not simply about producing a compliant product once. The appropriate manufacturing standards and processes must be maintained consistently.
Installers
BS EN 12101-10 sets out the requirements, test methods and processes for the primary and secondary power supplies used as part of a building’s fire safety strategy to support smoke and heat control.
AOVs must be installed by a certified electrical installer and be compliant with BS EN 12101-10. This also means that the installer must be certified to the same standard.
Declaration of Performance (DoP)
A Declaration of Performance (DoP) is a legal prerequisite under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
It provides traceable proof of the vent’s exact aerodynamic free area and mechanical durability, helping demonstrate that the product supplied meets the required performance standards.
Fail-Safe and Power Integration
AOV systems need to remain operational when they are needed most.
Control panels and actuators must therefore feature monitored battery backup systems to guarantee activation during a complete mains power failure.
Systems must also incorporate clear override inputs for the emergency fire services.
Why AOV Compliance Matters
AOV compliance is about much more than completing paperwork or achieving project sign-off.
These systems form part of a building’s fire and smoke safety strategy. Every stage – from the original design and fabrication of the vent through to its power supply, installation and ongoing operation – has a role to play.
A non-compliant component or incorrectly installed system could prevent an AOV from operating as intended during an emergency. That is why manufacturers, fabricators and installers all have responsibilities within the compliance process.
At Paul Evans Architectural, we Fabricate AOV systems compliant with EN 12101-2 standards, with systems thoroughly tested before delivery using approved accredited suppliers and components inspected before fabrication begins.
If you need advice about AOV systems for an upcoming project, get in touch with the Paul Evans Architectural team to discuss your requirements.
