What exactly is a smoke control system?
A smoke control system is made up of mechanical systems that regulate the passage of smoke within a structure during a fire. These solutions are intended to divert smoke from specific parts of the property to protect inhabitants and first rescuers during an evacuation.
Smoke control systems differ based on the time and design of the property. Still, they are often made of pressurization units and several auxiliary devices such as automatic doorway openers or a sensor to stop making air units. These gadgets are all linked to the safety panel and activate immediately when the sensors detect an emergency. To guarantee maximum performance would a fire break out somewhere in the property, smoke control systems must be established and maintained by a qualified individual with the requisite technical knowledge.
Where are smoke control systems required?
Smoke control systems have a variety of uses since they may be employed in a variety of constructions. Because the structural elements of each building change, various structures have varied requirements and demands regarding the system implemented. As a result, they rely upon ventilators, smoke control, air circulation, or a combination of the three in their design.
The three primary uses of smoke control system include the following:
- Residential Constructions
The first prominent use of a designed smoke control system is in residential structures. Residential structures have two or more floors in many situations, necessitating installing a smoke control system by construction codes. Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) are the most commonly utilized nowadays smoke control units. AOVs can be placed in smoke ducts, hallways, and at the top of staircases. All of these elements work together to form a successful smoke control system capable of addressing fire situations.
- Public premises
Smoke control systems have also shown to be highly successful in public
Spaces and structures such as malls and retail stores. The smoke control system in public facilities, like that in residential structures, is critical in averting severe loss of human life in the case of a fire. In addition to the hallway and stairway ventilation found in residential buildings, many commercial buildings and malls include large open atria adequate for sheltering most of the building’s inhabitants in the event of a fire. As a result, a wildly thriving smoke control system is critical in public places and structures to perform life-saving services.
- Commercial Structures
A proper smoke control system is essential for individuals who operate in larger offices and commercial properties to cope with an emergency such as a fire. The construction of significant commercial building structures varies. Still, they are similar to residential buildings in specific ways and benefit from having smoke controls that include AOVs installed in smoke duct facilities, stairway heads, and hallways.
How do smoke vents function?
Smoke vents are simply openings such as windows that will allow smoke to escape in an emergency fire outbreak. Whenever there’s a fire, the smoke vents will automatically detect and automatically open up, allowing the hot air and smoke to escape the building. Unlike conventional smoke vents that have to be opened by use of hands which can be pretty tricky during such times, smoke control systems are automatic.
Deciding on a smoke vent system
It is necessary to make sure that the smoke vents abide by the rules of the building codes. The specific needs for your property will be determined by various criteria, the use of the building, its size, and the number of floors in it. To be safe, ensure you comply with all the building standards for your particular building types well as up to date with current smoke controls.
