Smoke Vent Control Panels
A Smoke Vent Control Panel is the “brain” of a building’s smoke ventilation system. It interfaces with smoke detectors, manual override switches, and motorised vents (AOVs) so that when a fire is detected, the vents automatically open to clear smoke.
In practice, smoke detectors send a signal to the BS 5839-compliant control panel, which then activates the smoke vents; typically, spring-return, fail-safe actuators, to open and create airflow that clears smoke from the corridor.
Control panels are designed and tested in accordance with British standards (BS 7346 8 and draft EN 12101 9) so that all components, wiring and cause-and-effect logic meet fire-safety requirements.
Our Smoke Vent Control Systems (FireSmart)
At the heart of every compliant smoke ventilation system is a reliable control panel, and FireSmart goes a step further. Unlike many standalone units, our BS5839 compliant FireSmart panel uniquely integrates both the smoke control system and the fire alarm and detection system into a single intelligent solution.
This streamlined setup eliminates the need for separate interfaces, reduces complexity, and ensures a faster, more coordinated response during a fire.
Where traditional panels require multiple systems to communicate, often with delays or limited compatibility, FireSmart offers seamless, fully programmable integration, compliant with BS 7346-8, BS 5839, and EN 12101-9. It manages everything from AOV windows and smoke shaft dampers to alarm sounders and detectors, all within one modular panel. That means fewer components, faster installation, and simpler ongoing maintenance; all while meeting the highest UK fire safety standards.
FireSmart is also ideal for complex or multi-zoned buildings. It allows fire alarm inputs to directly control ventilation logic, automatically opening vents, isolating zones, and displaying real-time status across multiple areas. With optional touchscreen HMIs and remote BMS integration, FireSmart gives building managers and fire services a single, central point of command, for everything from alarm to extraction.
Applications
Smoke Vent Control Panels are used wherever fire safety codes require venting of smoke from communal spaces.
Typical applications include:
Residential Developments:
Control panels in apartment corridors and stairwells (often with zoned AOVs on each floor).
High-Rise Buildings:
Multi-panel systems manage ventilators and dampers, floor-by-floor, for buildings over 11 m.
Commercial and Retail Sites:
Vent panels handle large atria, shopping malls and offices, integrating AOVs and mechanical fans for open-plan corridors.
Underground Car Parks:
Dedicated controllers operate jet fans, extractor units, and smoke shafts to clear exhaust gases and smoke.
Relevant Case Studies
See FDS’s case studies and sector pages for examples of Smoke Vent Control Panels in each environment.
Key Features
Our FireSmart control panel is packed with powerful, user-friendly features designed to simplify installation, enhance performance, and ensure full compliance:
- Integrated Fire Alarm & Smoke Control System: Manages fire detection, alarm signalling, and smoke ventilation from a single platform.
- Intelligent True Open Protocol: Supports Apollo, Argus, Vega and Hochiki protocols for maximum compatibility and flexibility.
- Simple Installation: A single 4-core cable links all devices, reducing wiring time and cost.
- Easy to Use & Configure: Features a powerful programming wizard for intuitive setup of cause-and-effect actions, displacement logic, and test mode configuration.
- Multi-Zone Capability: Manages up to 512 programmable inputs/outputs and supports up to 16 individual detection zones with LED indicators.
- Large Graphic Display: 8-line, 40-character screen with clear status messaging for quick diagnostics.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Stores up to 500 events in its event log and includes a real-time clock for audit trails.
- Remote Connectivity: Supports dial-up modem communication and integrates with Focus and View repeaters for centralised control.
- Touchscreen or Remote Interface Available with optional touchscreen or BMS integration for enhanced usability and monitoring.
- Front-Loading Printer Option: Enables local hard-copy event logging for record-keeping and compliance.
- Programmable One-Touch Test Mode: Simplifies routine testing with minimal disruption.
- Fail-Safe Power Supply: Includes a 3A power supply with battery backup to ensure continued operation during power failure.
- Fully Networkable: Panels can be networked for larger or multi-building systems.
- Certified to EN 54-2, EN 54-4, BS 7346-8, and draft EN 12101-9, ensuring legal and performance compliance across all project types.
Why Choose FDS Contracting?
FDS Contracting brings 20+ years of smoke venting installation and design experience to every project.
We are SCA/IFC SDI-19 certified for smoke ventilation design and installation, meaning our engineers are independently vetted for competence. Over the last decade, we have delivered smoke control solutions on over 10,000 UK projects, from major housing schemes and hospitals to high-rises and airports.
Our turnkey service covers the full lifecycle: expert design (fire-engineered cause-and-effect), meticulous installation, commissioning, and testing to current legislation, plus long-term maintenance contracts.
All FireSmart panels come with full documentation, and our case studies demonstrate proven client success. In short, no other UK contractor matches our blend of experience, certification, and aftercare support across the whole project lifecycle.
Compliance and Standards
FireSmart is designed to meet and exceed all UK fire safety requirements.
It is one of the few control panels on the market that can seamlessly manage both fire detection (BS 5839) and smoke control systems (BS 7346-8 / EN 12101-9) from a single platform.
This unified approach ensures faster activation, fewer system conflicts, and clearer lines of responsibility for compliance.
By delivering fire detection and smoke control through one certified panel, FireSmart reduces complexity and enhances safety compliance, ensuring your project meets the expectations of Building Control, fire engineers, and end users.
BS 7346-8:2013
Components for Smoke Control Systems: Code of practice for planning, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of smoke control systems.
BS EN 12101-8:2011
Smoke & Heat Control Systems: Functional requirements and testing for smoke control system control panels.
BS 5839
Fire detection and fire alarm systems: FireSmart integrates detectors, manual call points, and sounders within the same system.
EN 54-2 / 54-4
For fire alarm control and power supply components.
UKCA/CE Marking
All panel components are marked under the Construction Products Regulation.
ISO 9001
Quality-assured manufacturing and installation process.
FAQS
What’s the difference between a smoke vent control panel and a fire alarm panel?
Traditionally, a fire alarm panel manages detectors and sirens, while a separate smoke vent panel controls AOVs and dampers. But with FireSmart, that gap disappears.
FireSmart combines both functions into one integrated control system, managing alarms, detectors, sounders and smoke ventilation devices like AOVs, shafts, and fans. This reduces duplication, simplifies wiring, and ensures a more coordinated and immediate response in an emergency.
How do AOVs integrate with the control panel?
FireSmart directly connects to AOVs and vent actuators through its dedicated smoke control logic.
When a fire is detected, either automatically via a linked smoke detector or manually via a break-glass unit, the panel interprets the fire alarm input and immediately triggers the correct ventilation sequence.
Because the system handles both alarm and smoke control, the activation is faster, more accurate, and fully programmable, ensuring only the appropriate zones respond.
Does the system need regular testing or maintenance?
Yes. All integrated systems, especially those combining fire detection and smoke control, must be regularly tested to remain compliant and safe.
FireSmart supports routine self-tests, event logging, and zone-specific reporting, making it easier to carry out weekly, monthly, and 6–12 month service checks in line with BS 7346-8 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
With both systems in one panel, there’s no need to test separate units individually, saving time and reducing maintenance complexity.
