What is an AOV? A vent that opens itself when it counts.
An automatic opening vent sits at the top of a stairwell, lobby or smoke shaft. It stays shut and weather-sealed every day, then opens on its own the moment smoke is detected, letting smoke and heat out so people can get down the stairs and firefighters can get up them. Drag across the vent to see it open.
A BAFE-accredited installer based in Aldridge, Walsall. The responsible person deals with one team and one compliance pack, not five subcontractors pointing at each other.
Accredited installer
BAFE
West Midlands base, planned and multi-site work across the UK.
In-house
Design, install, commissioning and maintenance, never subcontracted
BS 9991
Plus BS 5839 and EN 12101, the standards we design and test to
100%
Of jobs handed over with a documented compliance pack
24/7
Monitoring and emergency callout on the systems we look after
Constructionline
Registered, with SafeContractor and SMAS Worksafe approval
SE Controls
Plus Hikvision, Fermax and other established brands, chosen to suit the building
When there is smoke, it has to open. Every system we fit is commissioned with a live test and signed off with the paperwork your fire risk assessor will ask for.
Our office and engineers are in Aldridge, Walsall, so the West Midlands is the patch we know building by building. We take planned and multi-site work anywhere in the UK.
Five quick questions, about a minute. We read every brief and aim to call you back within one working day, no obligation. Rather talk now? Call 01922 660923.
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FAQ
Smoke control and fire safety, answered.
What is an AOV?+
An AOV is an automatic opening vent. It sits at the head of a stairwell, in a lobby or at the top of a smoke shaft and opens on its own when smoke is detected, letting smoke and heat out so the escape route stays clear. It is usually part of a wider smoke control system with detectors, a control panel, and sometimes dampers and louvres on each floor.
Does my building need smoke ventilation?+
Most residential blocks with a common stair, and many commercial buildings, need smoke ventilation under Approved Document B and BS 9991 or BS 9999. Your fire risk assessment will usually flag it. If you are not sure, book a free phone consultation and we will talk it through.
How often should AOVs and fire alarms be tested?+
AOV systems should be serviced at least once a year under BS 9991, with a weekly function test by the building. Fire alarms need a weekly test and servicing at least every six months under BS 5839. We run planned maintenance contracts that cover both and keep the logbook up to date.
Are you accredited?+
Yes. We are BAFE accredited and Constructionline registered, with SafeContractor and SMAS Worksafe approval. Every job is handed over with a documented compliance pack.
Which brands do you install?+
We fit SE Controls smoke control, Hikvision CCTV, Fermax door entry and other established brands, chosen to suit the building and the budget. We are not tied to one manufacturer.
What areas do you cover?+
We are based in Aldridge, Walsall and cover Birmingham, Shirley, Sutton Coldfield, Coventry, Warwick and Leamington Spa, Redditch, Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the surrounding towns and villages. We also take planned and multi-site work across the UK.
