This page is a short orientation for designers and operators planning smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS) for the first time. Always verify the standard, regulation and fire brigade requirements that apply to your project.
What does a smoke and heat exhaust system do?
In a fire, hot smoke forms a layer under the ceiling. The system removes this layer and brings in fresh air from below. Escape routes and the intervention area stay usable for longer, the heat load on the structure is reduced and firefighting is easier. Smoke ventilation is a life and property safety measure designed together with sprinkler systems.
Natural and powered systems
- Natural smoke ventilation: Roof or facade smoke vents and windows use the buoyancy of hot smoke. They can be designed to work even if power fails. For roof vents and facade windows see the Mercor smoke vent configurator.
- Powered smoke ventilation: Fire-rated exhaust fans extract smoke through ducts or directly through the roof. Preferred where natural ventilation is not suitable.
- Make-up air: Air must come in to replace the air extracted. Inlet openings and their sizes are part of the design.
Smoke reservoirs and barriers
Large spaces are divided into smoke reservoirs with smoke barriers or smoke curtains. This keeps the smoke layer from spreading and gives each reservoir its own extraction area. Curtains can be fixed or automatic, dropping on the fire alarm.
The EN 12101 standard series
In Europe the components of smoke and heat control systems are defined by the EN 12101 series. The main parts are:
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| EN 12101-1 | Smoke barriers |
| EN 12101-2 | Natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators |
| EN 12101-3 | Powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators |
| EN 12101-6 | Pressure differential systems |
| EN 12101-7 | Smoke duct sections |
| EN 12101-8 | Smoke control dampers |
| EN 12101-10 | Power supplies |
The status of the standard differs from part to part. For CE marking and declaration of performance, check the current edition of the relevant part.
Design steps
- Classify the building: single-storey industrial, with mezzanine, high-racked storage or enclosed car park.
- Choose the fire scenario: fire size, heat output and the effect of sprinklers set the smoke production.
- Define the smoke reservoirs: barriers and reservoir areas.
- Choose the clear layer height: the height kept free of smoke for escape and intervention.
- Calculate the extraction area and number of devices: use the standard and official design guides.
- Allow for make-up air and wind effects.
- Design controls and power: alarm interface, control panels, power supplies and commissioning tests.
For design methods you can refer to national and international guides (for example BS 7346-4 and CEN/TR 12101-5). Verify the current editions.
Contact us
For product selection and technical support: smoke and heat extraction systems, Mercor brand, contact, +90 216 327 85 05, info@teknoyangin.com.tr.