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Automatic Opening Vents. Effective smoke control isn’t optional, it’s essential
AOV system services can help ventilate and extract smoke from buildings during emergencies and in the event of a fire to facilitate the safe escape of occupants.
Compliance Documentation
Meeting standards and guidance, including BS EN 12101-2.
BAFE-Certified Engineers
Certified fire safety specialists.
Customer Focused
Your risks. Your building. Your priorities. We put them first.
Nationwide coverage
Expert engineers across the UK, local to you when it matters.
In a fire, heat and smoke must escape to protect people, support evacuation and reduce property damage
Mitie Fire & Security delivers automatic opening vents (AOV) systems that respond without delay – keeping escape routes clear and enhancing fire safety performance in your building.
- Consistently meeting the highest standards of excellence
- All services are carried out by qualified professionals.
What are automatic opening vents?
Automatic opening vents (AOVs) are roof or façade-mounted openings that open automatically in response to smoke or heat. In a fire, they release smoke and hot gases from inside the building, improving conditions for evacuation and helping fire crews gain safer access.
Where automatic opening vents are used
AOV systems are ideal for spaces where large volumes of smoke could build up. In these environments, timely smoke removal can make the difference between safe evacuation and serious risk.
- Atriums and shopping centres
- Warehouses and industrial spaces
- Car parks and loading bays
- Transport hubs and public venues
Integrated smoke control and fire protection
For dedicated solutions and deeper technical expertise, visit our specialist Automatic Opening Vent division.
Designed for compliance. Built to perform.
Automatic opening vents must meet strict UK fire safety standards and guidance, including BS EN 12101-2 and relevant building regulations.
We assess your building, then design and install an AOV system that:
- Data centres and server rooms
- Clean rooms and laboratories
- High-bay warehouses
- Historic or sensitive interiors
- Plant rooms and HVAC ductwork
- Telecommunications facilities
AOV servicing and maintenance
Like all life-safety systems, AOVs need regular servicing to stay ready.
Our planned maintenance covers:
- Mechanical operation checks
- Actuator performance tests
- Integration with fire alarm activation
- Compliance reporting
Routine servicing gives you confidence that your vents will open quickly when every second counts.
FAQ: Automatic Opening Vents (AOV)
What triggers an automatic opening vent?
AOVs typically open when activated by smoke detectors, heat detectors or building management systems. The signals ensure vents operate early in a fire to release smoke and hot gases.
Are AOV systems required by law?
Where specified in building regulations, fire strategy or design guidance, AOVs are required. They support means of escape and smoke management in large or complex spaces.
How often should AOV systems be maintained?
Industry standards recommend at least annual servicing by a competent engineer. Regular testing confirms mechanical operation and integration with alarms.