Our quick guide to AOV window regulations

Building regulations for AOV windows:

Approved Document B – Fire Safety

The regulations for what a building must be fitted with to prevent the spread of fire are covered in Approved Document B. Specifically, Approved Doc B Volume 2 covers buildings other than dwelling houses, the areas where AOV windows are commonly used. For residential buildings, it’s essential for a fire detection and alarm system to be in place, plus there should be adequate means of escape.

Approved Document F – Smoke Control and Ventilation

Building regs Document F sets out how ventilation is to be provided for specific buildings. The method for ventilation will vary depending on the type of building, the layout, the number of occupants and how the upper floors are reached (by elevator, stairway or alternative method). Approved Document F also aims to prevent the accumulation of smoke within buildings. This is important for providing a means of escape during the event of a fire. More than one Automatic Opening Vent may be required for smoke control purposes, however, in multi-storey buildings, they’re usually fitted above the staircases.

Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power

Approved Document L regulates how much thermal insulation should be provided by smoke vents. The document points out that smoke vents should be designed in a way to prevent excessive heat loss. U-Values are the unit for measuring heat loss and the lower the U-Value, the smaller amount of heat transmittance or heat loss. To comply with Approved Document L, any smoke vents must have a U-Value of 3.5 W/m2k or lower. Specifically, the two documents mainly relevant to AOV window regulations are:

Approved Document L2A, which covers new buildings other than dwellings

Approved Document L2B, which covers existing buildings other than dwellings

Standards and certification for AOV windows:

BS EN12101-2

BS EN12101-2 is the harmonised European standard for smoke and heat control. A stringent AOV testing procedure must be performed before an AOV window is certified to this standard. However, this standard applies to every component used as part of a smoke control system. Plus, the whole system has to be tested as a collective unit to comply with Building Regulations.

CE Marking

CE marking certification demonstrates that the AOV has passed all the required tests.

How often should an AOV be tested?

Once a month, AOVs should be tested using the manual controls to make sure that they are working as they should be. Plus, a full test, which includes checking any smoke detectors and other AOV controls, should be performed yearly.

Do you require AOV windows for a project?

Here at Teal Products, the products we supply for use in AOV control systems, which includes actuators, control units & manual call points, are all tested to BS EN12101-2 and CE marked. If you require any for your next project, or for any project advice, get in touch with us today.

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