Automatic smoke vents for efficient fire protection and clear escape routes
The most frequent cause of death or injury in a fire is smoke inhalation. Fumes can lead to unconsciousness in just three breaths, and to death after ten. Toxic fumes also pose a serious risk, Flue gases and heat can quickly be drawn outside via an smoke and heat extraction system (SHEV system).
In case of a fire, smoke and heat extraction systems protect against hazardous flue gases
Rooms can quickly fill with toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
There’s no fire without smoke: 10 kg of paper or cardboard releases up to 10,000 m³ of fumes when burned Even a burning waste paper basket quickly fills an office with smoke from floor to ceiling. When fire breaks out, it’s the smoke that’s the biggest danger to the people caught up in it, and the fire-fighters.
The developments are dramatic: The first effect of smoke is impaired visions - in less than three minutes. People lose their bearings and begin to panic. Escape routes are no longer recognisable. Then comes carbon monoxide (CO). Concentrations of this gas rises rapidly during a fire. Inhaling carbon monoxide leads to headaches, symptoms of poisoning, unconsciousness, and ultimately death.
Smoke-free escape and rescue routes thanks to SHEV
Toxic fumes must be removed from the building as quickly as possible. Smoke extractors are installed to provide natural smoke extraction. SHEV smoke ventilation systems can be activated automatically (via smoke detectors) or manually (via SHEV buttons). They open ventilation openings like SHEV windows or fanlights.
These draw fumes and heat energy away from the building. Escape routes remain smoke-free and fire-fighters are able to intervene quickly, precisely where they are needed.
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Effective smoke extraction requires air inlet openings
Smoke and heat extraction systems are dependent on smoke being extracted from above a supply of fresh air from below. These air inlet openings support fire-fighting measures
Air inlet systems provide:
- increasing thermal drive, resulting in fumes being drawn more quickly through SHEV windows or openings in the roof (chimney effect),
- creating a low-smoke layer along the bottom part of the room to provide a clear view of escape and rescue routes,
- reducing the amount of fumes and explosive smouldering gases as a result of cleaner combustion,
- reducing the heat, enabling fire-fighters to get closer to the fire.
Tips for planning and assembly of smoke and heat extraction system air-Inlet doors
This is how effective smoke and heat extraction works in the event of a fire: GEZE expert Dr. Dominik Landerer explains the central role of air inlets for effective smoke and heat extraction systems (SHEV) in buildings and provides practical tips for planning and implementing SHEV air-Inlet doors.
Smoke vent, heat extraction, smoke and heat extraction systems and pressure ventilation systems
A smoke vent is part of preventative fire suppression and ensures smoke extraction in case of a fire. The objective is a stable layer of air with little smoke near the floor so that escape and rescue routes can be used safely. An open smoke extraction also carries away heat from the fire. This means that the load-bearing behaviour of load-bearing or separating construction components is extended considerably. For this reason, the terms smoke extraction and smoke ventilation are often used synonymously.
- Smoke extraction is designated as natural smoke extraction if it works via natural thermal lift, without additional ventilation drives (such as ventilators).
- Natural smoke and heat extraction system (NSHEV) include, for instance, windows, skylights, ventilation blinds that open automatically in case of a fire and help dissipate smoke and hot gases out of a building.
In accordance with DIN EN 12101-2, a natural NSHEV is a natural smoke and heat extraction system designed for installation in buildings as part of a smoke ventilation system.
A natural SHEV consists of- a window and its associated components (profiles, seals, door fittings),
- the infill (e.g. glass, panels), and
- the drive system with its associated components (drive, consoles, fittings).
- A mechanical smoke extraction (MRA) works with a motorised drive, such as with smoke extraction fans. Smoke can be removed either with or without ventilation ducts.
Materials in wall or roof areas are described as heat extraction (WA) if they melt at higher temperatures or destroy themselves in the process. Openings created in this way enable heat from the fire to escape from the burning room. The energy drawn from the room on fire is now not available to further heat load-bearing or divisional construction components, for example. As a result, these construction components reach their critical temperature at a later point in time.
Heat extraction thus extends the load-bearing behaviour of such components. Heat extraction generally becomes effective when the fire has taken hold for some time. Fumes are also drawn out via the openings. But this is too late in terms of protecting people and fighting the fire. S0 heat extraction is not the same thing as smoke extraction!
The term automatic opening vent and the technical systems that performs this function are both abbreviated with AOV. Natural automatic opening vent (AOV) consist of the following:
- the AOV smoke vent, e.g. windows, fanlights, skylights in roof, each with drive system
- the control and power supply (AOV panel)
- the triggering element (such as smoke detectors, AOV system button)
- the fresh air supply (e.g. via open windows or doors)
- smoke screens if needed (to divide up larger rooms)
Safety stairwells are required in pressure ventilation systems: according to the Model Building Code (MBO Sec. 33), a safety stairwell must be designed so that fire and smoke cannot get inside. Pressure ventilation systems and smoke protection pressure systems ensure they remain free from smoke.
Discover our free white paper for planning and implementing pressure ventilation systems in escape route stairwells
In our free pressure ventilation systems white paper, which we created jointly with pressure ventilation system specialist TROX, we offer you complete information on legal framework conditions and technical and structural requirements for using pressure ventilation systems in safety stairwells. We address the specific challenges that impact planning and implementation of these systems in detail.
The goal is to provide you with practical information and valuable tips in order to optimise building safety and accessibility.
Learn more about “Accessible self-rescue in pressure-ventilated staircases” in our expert discussion
Go to the videoFunctions of SHEV
Smoke and heat extraction systems (SHEV) serve primarily as preventive fire protection to safeguard people. They also have additional functions, however:
| Protecting people keeping smoke out of rescue routes | Environmental protection reducing environmental damage | Property protection maintaining the building structure |
| Active rescue | Minimising damage caused by fire extinguishing activities | Fire-fighting support |
| Passive rescue | Minimum use of extinguishing agents | Ventilation of the fire |
| Localisation of the fire | Minimisation of the thermal load |
Smoke and heat extraction
SHEV enables escape, rescue, and fire-fighting measures. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
Without SHEV, toxic fumes and heat will remain in the building. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
SHEV enables escape, rescue, and fire-fighting measures. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
smoke ventilation enables escape, rescue, and fire-fighting measures. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
Smoke vent enables escape, rescue, and fire-fighting measures. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
Without SHEV, toxic fumes and heat will remain in the building. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
Without smoke vent system, toxic fumes and heat will remain in the building. © GEZE GmbH
Smoke and heat extraction
Without SHEV system, toxic fumes and heat will remain in the building. © GEZE GmbH
GEZE electric SHEV and ventilation systems brochure
You can download our brochure on SHEV and ventilation systems here:
GEZE SHEV solutions
GEZE provides complete exhaust air solutions for safe, fast, and natural smoke extraction in the event of a fire, as well as intelligent SHEV control units. A GEZE smoke and heat extraction system ensures smoke is removed (removing or extracting smoke) and heat is extracted in the event of a fire. How it works: easy to install and user-friendly electrically-operated chain drives open and close the fresh and exhaust air areas by acting as direct openers and powerful electric spindle drives. This means that doors and windows soon have a large opening angle, allowing smoke to escape and fresh air to get in, depending on the design.
SHEV system from GEZE © GEZE GmbH
The SHEV system is controlled via the GEZE emergency power supply unit. This has two independent power supplies (mains and battery) for guaranteed operation whatever the situation.
In the event of a fire, the system is triggered quickly through automatic detectors (smoke or heat detectors), via an external fire alarm system (FA system) or manual activation (SHEV button). The windows, fanlights, skylights, and doors can be controlled according to the wind direction, allowing smoke to be extracted away from the direction of the wind in relation to the building.
GEZE drives for natural smoke and heat extraction units (NSHEV)
GEZE supplies drives which have been tested and certified in compliance with EN 12101 Part 2 in NSHEVs. GEZE drives are tested and certified as an NSHEV with aluminium profiles such as from Schüco, Akotherm, Kawneer Alcoa, Wicona, Heroal, Aluprof, as well as with wood and combined aluminium and wood profiles from M Sora.
GEZE NSHEVs used for automatic fire ventilation can of course also be used for daily ventilation. They are therefore dual function units and are not just used in the event of a fire. If NSHEVs are also used for day-to-day ventilation, additional components for automation are recommended, such as vent switches, rain and wind controls or temperature and CO2 sensors.
Go to natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators from GEZE
Specially designed for Smoke vent air inlet doors: GC Lock Control SHEV
GEZE offers smoke vent air intake solutions from a single source. In addition to swing door drives, retractable arm drives, smoke ventilation control panels, and motor locks, GEZE offers the GC Lock Control SHEV, motor lock control specifically for SHEV air inlet doors. It allows for simple and safe component wiring on single leaf or double leaf doors. Using the GC Lock Control SHEV, the motor locks are supplied with voltage in the case of fire by the regulated smoke vent panel and controlled accordingly. Another special feature is the option to connect a DC-to-DC converter to the GC Lock Control SHEV. This means that not only 24 V motor locks can be operated, but also 12 V motor locks or even a combination of both variants, ensuring added planning flexibility for smoke ventilation systems.
Smart integration of smoke ventilation into the building automation control system
GEZE smoke and heat extraction solutions can also be networked into the KNX and BACnet world of building management systems via interface modules. Thanks to smart building automation, energy-efficient sensor-controlled ventilation and a healthy indoor climate are possible, as well as central monitoring of window statuses.
More efficiency, lower costs - thanks to smart building automation
In our brochure, you can find out how intelligent building automation solutions from GEZE can sustainably reduce your operating costs. At the same time, you increase comfort and safety in your building - and it pays off faster than you think!
Start into the future of building automation now!
Your investment in myGEZE connectivity pays off
© GEZE GmbH
With our myGEZE connectivity amortisation calculator, we can determine how quickly your investment in intelligent building automation will pay off - through cost savings, improved safety and better air quality.
Calculate the amortisation period for your buildingSHEV is part of technological fire protection. This is becoming increasingly important in building planning. The earlier fire protection is considered during the planning phase, the better the architectural design can be implemented, and expensive retro-fitting or additional costs can be avoided as a result.
Fire protection certificates and concepts are important components in building applications. Complex building projects call for specialist skills to secure these necessary certifications. GEZE supports and provides advice on the development of fire protection concepts.
Become a fire safety expert – with our free white paper
In our free fire protection white paper, you will receive all the key information you need on fire safety doors, door closers, drives and hold-open systems.
Your advantages:
- Overview of typical errors with check lists to help you avoid them
- Important information on all components of a fire protection door
- Tips from attorneys and fire safety experts
- Insight into key standards
- Everything you need to know about maintenance and modernisation of fire protection doors
To the free fire safety white paper
GEZE also provides support with its WinCalc calculation program for SHEV control panel configuration:
- Simple: the central configuration in WinCalc takes you through the necessary questions with a step-by-step approach.
- Competent: WinCalc carries out a feasibility check and the automated design of a suitable control panel.
- Quick: Transmission of the results into the shop enables a quick switch between the technical design and commercial preparation of the project.
- Individual: You receive a cable plan in line with your project-specific details.
- Sustainable: The plans are assigned to the order and provide precise documentation - even for later on.
Our sales structure gives us access to experts in both building-related and technical consultancy, and a wide-ranging NSHEV system partner programme. Our Europe-wide network of subsidiaries and distribution representatives also ensures delivery of GEZE NSHEVs outside of Germany. We can also help you with the certification process and with preparing the corresponding documentation.
GEZE also provides support with technical implementation via various seminars on the topic of AOV.
Installation videos for the Slimchain and Powerchain window drives:
The RWA is a dormant safety device. It is required to function immediately in the event of a fire, even after many years. Ongoing and professional maintenance is crucial in ensuring this functionality. If the RWA is not (properly) maintained, its long-term functionality cannot be guaranteed.
GEZE Service offers regular servicing and qualified maintenance of automated systems by fully trained service technicians. This of course includes RWAs.