Manual Stair Vents

[GB]

ADB V2 2.26 detailing smoke control of common escape stairs.

I understand automatic vents and the components and operation.

I don't fully understand - or have seen - manual control systems, where the control system is designed to ensure that the vent at the head of the stair is opened either before or at the same time as the vent on the fire floor?

Can anyone point me to some examples and comment on their efficiency

[kurnal]

Like you I personally have never seen any arrangement in which the stair vent opens before that on the fire floor so cant really help you on this..

I think the industry and building control in general tend to accept  installers commissioning certificates and even Building Contol Officers dont seen to ask for a demonstration. Now as we see many much simpler systems incorrectly installed- usually by electricians - It does make you wonder. Except that the more complex and larger systems will by their nature be installed by specialists.

Sorry for the following brief example off thread-  - 2009 built small block 3 storey 3 flats per floor visited last week. Instead of a simple AOV installation installer had put in a full 5839 part 1 conventional panel sounders mcps, smoke detectors etc  and an interface to a motor driven window (with small control box and battery back up). However the only way to close the windows after test was to open the box, reverse the motor connections and operate the system again. The only manual means of opening was to hit the sound alarms button on the panel or a red break glass.

[BLEVE]

Have seen something similar top of a stairwell in a hospital, vent opens on false alarm and scaffold required to access closing mechanism. Frequently resulted in rain water on landing area and slip hazard

[Galeon]

So the numpty who accepted this without a suitable closure device is at fault , yep we escaped without smoke inhalation but broke my leg on the water damage , I suppose A & E wasn't far but how long was the wait ......................