The Smoke vent area is the opening area through which smoke and hot gases escape from a building in the event of fire – for example opened windows, rooflights or flaps.
Geometric and aerodynamically effective area
The geometric area is the pure opening in the frame. What usually matters for planning is the aerodynamically effective area: it takes into account that sashes, opening angle and installation situation slow down the air flow. For tested smoke vents (NSHEV) it is determined in the test procedure.
Who determines the area?
How large the smoke vent area must be follows from the fire safety concept and the requirements of the building regulations – determined by planners and fire safety experts. Vent Systems supplies actuators for daily ventilation; there is no test certificate according to DIN EN 12101-2 for these actuators.
Learn more: NRWG · What is a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system (SHEVS)?
Related terms: Dome rooflight · NRWG (natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator) · RWA (smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system, SHEV)
