Smoke C

ontrol

Smoke Control in Apartmentsand Fire Fighting Shafts

(57.6) X

CI/SfB Classification

816 (K5)

The design approaches

The design approach depends largelyupon the building layout.

Openable ventilators or windows (OVs) orautomatically opening ventilators (AOVs)may be used to evacuate smoke wherecommon stairs, corridors or lobbiesextend to external walls.

Where corridors or lobbies are enclosed,ventilation shafts with dampers or firedoors and natural or powered ventilatorsmay be used to evacuate smoke.

Pressurisation systems are an alternativemethod that protect escape routes and fire-fighting cores against the ingress ofsmoke by maintaining the pressure withinthe escape route at a higher pressure thanthat in the adjacent spaces. See pages 18to 19 of this leaflet.

INTRODUCTION

This brochure is intended to provide anunderstanding of how smoke controlsystems can protect multi-storeyresidential buildings and what thelegislative framework is.

Why provide smoke control inapartment buildings?

� In multi-storey apartment buildings, the main escape route is always via common corridors and/or lobbies to protected stairs.

� Smoke can easily spread from the accommodation, and if a door is simply left open for a short period of time quickly fill a corridor or lobby, making escape difficult for occupants.

� Smoke entering the stairs can also make escape difficult for occupants of higher storeys.

� In taller buildings the fire and rescue services need clear access to stairs and lobbies to form a bridgehead for operations, using a fire fighting shaft which is protected from smoke.

Legislation and standards

The legislative requirements derive fromthe Building Regulations for England andWales (2000). Detailed recommendationsto meet these requirements are provided inApproved Document B (ADB) 2006.Please note that the Building Regulationsfor Scotland and Northern Ireland vary insome details.

For apartment buildings, the most up todate guidance is contained within ADB.Smoke control systems are required to bedesigned for the means of escape (MOE)of the occupants. See pages 4 to 5 of thisleaflet.

Furthermore, there is a requirement formost types of building above 18m tocontain a fire-fighting core with at leastone fire-fighting lift. This also applies inbasements more than 10m deep. Fire-fighting cores without a lift are requiredwhere there are 2 or more basements eachexceeding 900 m2. The most relevantstandard is BS 5588 -5: 2004: Access andfacilities for fire-fighting. See page 6 ofthis leaflet.

These two approaches are explained in thefollowing pages.

Introduction

Front Cover:The Centrium,Woking. Developer: Barratt Homes.Colt Doorman actuators installed into smoke shafts with Colt Seefire ventilators at the top of the shafts.

2

1 The Postbox Apartments, Birmingham.Window actuators, smoke dampers, stairwell ventilators, car park ventilation.

2 The Centrium,Woking. (as above).

3 Castlegate House, Manchester.Doorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators.

4 The Centrium,Woking. (as above).

5 Bridgewater Place, Manchester.Doorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators.

6 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool.Window actuators, stairwell ventilators.

7 Hardy’s Development, ManchesterDoorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators.

1 2

7

5

6

3

4

3

4

MEANS OF ESCAPE

Approved Document B (2006) (ADB)accepts that, in the event of a fire in anapartment, some smoke will spread fromthe apartment into the corridor as theoccupants make their escape.Consequently, it is a requirement that anycorridor or lobby that opens into astaircase has ventilation to allow thatsmoke to be removed and, mostimportantly, to prevent that smoke fromgetting into the staircase.

Smoke Control for Means of Escape (MOE)in apartment buildings

7500

mm

Max

7500

mm

Max

7500

mm

Max

KEY TO ALL FIGURES

Stairwell Ventilator

AOV

Self Closing Fire Door

Smoke ShaftApartmentCorridor/LobbySmoke Damper

Small single stair buildingsIf the building is under 11m high, has nomore than 3 storeys and the staircase doesnot connect to a covered car park, thenonly a stairwell ventilator is required,provided that the escape distances arelimited to 4.5m in the corridor. If thecorridor is also ventilated, then escapedistances can be extended up to 7.5m.

All other apartment buildingsIn all other apartment buildings, the traveldistances are limited to 7.5m in one

Figure A Figure B

direction and 30m if escape is in twodirections, and any corridor or lobby thatopens onto a staircase should beventilated.

If the corridor has outside walls, as inFigure A, then an AOV is a suitable meansof ventilation, with a minimum free areaof 1.5m2.

If the corridor is landlocked as shown inFigures B or C then a shaft system will berequired. This can be either natural or mechanical.

5

� Should be vertical with no more than 4m at an inclined angle (max 30°).

The vent into the shaft, the vent at the topof the shaft and any safety grilles in theshaft should all have a minimum free areaof 1.0m2.

Alternatively, mechanical ventilation orpressurisation may be used.

If natural ventilation is used, ADBrecommends that the shaft:

� Is closed at the base� Has a minimum cross-sectional area of

1.5m2 with a minimum dimension of 0.85m in either direction

� Extends at least 0.5m above the highest structure within 2m

� Extends 2.5m above the ceiling of the highest level served by the shaft

� Should be constructed from non-combustible material and the vents to be equivalent to an E30S fire door

7500mm

Max

OPERATION

If the building has only one escape stair,the system must be linked to an automaticdetection system.

On detection of smoke in the corridor, thevent on the fire floor, at the top of theshaft and the top of the stair should allopen simultaneously, and vents on allother levels should remain closed.

If the building has more than one escapestair, the ventilators can be operatedmanually but operation of the shaftventilators and the stair vent must still besimultaneous.

Figure C

Fire-fightingLift

Fire-fightingStairs

Fire-fightingLobby

PassengerLift

Figure D

6

The standard shaft

The standard smoke shaft asrecommended in BS 5588 Part 5: 2004comprises a shaft with a minimum crosssectional area of 3m2. The shaft isterminated with an AOV to provideweather proofing when closed. At thebottom the shaft is open, or has anautomatically opening ventilator or firedamper to the outside with a minimumfree area of 1.5m2.

At each storey an automatically controlledfire rated smoke damper or fire door isconnected from high level in the lobby tothe shaft, providing an air flow path fromthe lobby to the shaft. Each damper ordoor has a minimum free area of 1.5m2.

Fire-fighting cores provide smoke freeaccess to the upper floors of a buildingand allow the fire fighters to attack thefire from a position of relative safety.

Fire-fighting cores include the followingelements:

� A protected staircase

� A protected lobby

� A fire-fighting lift (not for shallow basements)

Note that for apartment buildings theprotected lobby is not necessary and anormal protected corridor will suffice.

See figure D for a typical fire-fightingcore layout.

Where an outside wall is adjacent to stairs and lobbies:

� A 1m2 OV is required to each lobby.

� A 1m2 OV is required to the stairs at each storey or a 1.5m2 remote operated OV at the head of the stairs.

Where an outside wall is not available:

A vertical shaft system is usually used toventilate the lobbies, consisting of either aconventional shaft, a BRE shaft or amechanical shaft design.

A vent is also required at the head of thestairs; its type and size is dependent uponthe type of shaft used to ventilate thelobbies.

Smoke Control for Fire-Fighting Cores

Neville House, London.Dampers, architectural grilles, stairwell ventilators, car park ventilation.

3m2

NaturalShaft

7

In automatic mode, the system is activatedby the building fire detection system or adedicated fire detection systemincorporating smoke detectors in theaccommodation adjacent to each door intothe fire fighting core and supplied as partof the ventilation system. The detectionsystem has the capability of distinguishingon which storey the fire occurs andproviding a dedicated output for eachstorey. A break glass switch is alsoprovided in the lobby on each storey formanual activation.

Under fire conditions the damper or dooron the fire floor as well as the AOV open.The dampers or doors on all other storeysremain closed. The stair is ventilated byeither a 1m2 OV at each storey or a 1.5m2

remote operated OV at the head.

The BRE shaft

In 2002 BRE introduced the BRE shaft asa simpler and better means of ventilatingfire fighting stairs and lobbies incommercial buildings. This has nowbecome the normal method for ventilatingenclosed lobbies.

The requirement is for a 3m cross sectionshaft with a ventilator at the top and 1.5m2

dampers to each lobby, and there is norequirement for inlet air at ground level.Automatic ventilation is required to thestairs with the BRE shaft, comprising a1m2 AOV at the head of the stairs. Therecently updated BS 5588-5 now mentionsthe BRE smoke shaft as an alternativeform of ventilation.

However it still requires a 3m2 shaft area,space that can be difficult or expensive tofind. Colt has therefore developed the Coltshaft.

8

The Colt shaft in detail

The Colt shaft incorporates duty andstandby variable speed extract fans with aSeefire duct termination, linked to apressure sensor via the control panel.

The Colt Shaft solves two commonproblems associated with mechanicalextraction. Firstly, since the lobby is firerated, the area of ventilation into it isusually small so even a small amount ofextract will cause a high negative pressurein the lobby, which could make doorsdifficult to open. Secondly, negativepressure could cause smoke to be drawninto the lobby from the fire compartment,with devastating effect.

However, the Colt Shaft avoids excessivenegative pressures without compromisingthe integrity of the stairs and lobby byautomatically reducing the ventilation ratewhen the lobby doors are closed. It doesthis via a pressure sensor linked into thecontrol system that varies the fan speed.With all doors open, the fan runs at fullspeed to extract smoke discharging fromthe accommodation. With all doors closed,the fan runs at minimum speed to helpmop up any smoke leaking past the closeddoor. In intermediate conditions, the fanspeed modulates to ensure adequateventilation without excessivedepressurisation.

THE COLT SHAFT

What is the Colt shaft?

The Colt shaft is a mechanical shaftsystem which provides equivalentperformance to a BRE shaft for theventilation of fire fighting lobbies. It cantherefore be considered an equivalent tothe recommendations of ApprovedDocument B and BS 5588-5:2004 forventilation of fire fighting shafts.

This shaft performs as well as or betterthan the BRE shaft and requires only 20%of the shaft area.

The Colt Shaft, which is suitable for usein any fire-fighting core, requires a shaftof only 0.6m2 compared with 3m2 for theBRE shaft. This represents an 80 per centreduction in the floor space required. Itopens up the space on each floor, whichallows architects to be more creative intheir design, and improves the saleable orlettable space in commercial buildings forthe client. This in turn increases theprofits for developers and the income forlandlords of commercial buildings, andpermits more usable space.

Automatic ventilation is required to thestairs, comprising a 1m2 AOV at the headof the stairs.

The Colt Shaft

Stairs

Run & Standby Fans

Fire FloorLobby

1m22AOV athead of stairs

2

9

Colt has conducted a series of smoke testswhich demonstrate that the Colt Shaft canperform to an equivalent standard as astandard 3m2 BRE Shaft when this is fittedin the same situation. The tests alsoshowed that the system reacts quickly topressure changes, smoke clears quicklyfrom the lobby when the accommodationor stair doors are opened, and the lobby iskept clear of smoke once theaccommodation door is closed.

With the door to the accommodationclosed, a typical 5m2 lobby will cleartotally within 15 to 20 seconds of openingthe stair door.

Please contact Colt to obtain a copy of theshort report describing these tests. A videois also available for demonstration at aclient’s office, and it can also be viewed atwww.coltinfo.co.uk.

COLT EXTENDED CORRIDOR SYSTEM

A further development of the Colt Shaft isthe Extended Corridor System, which canextend travel distances in means-of-escapecorridors. Please see datasheet PD 65:02/07 for further details.

WHY USE COLT?

Colt is able to provide a all the equipmentnecessary for smoke control of apartmentbuildings: OVs, AOVs, the Colt Shaft,smoke dampers, smoke door and windowactuators, smoke detectors, breakglassswitches, and manual and automaticcontrols. This equipment is described onthe following pages.

All systems may be completely designed,supplied and installed inclusive of wiringand fully commissioned by Colt, with theadvantage that all the components arecontained within one package of works.

Extended Corridor

10

Calculation of Minimum Free Area for Apartment Ventilators

Fig A

Prior to the latest edition of ADB, therewas no defined method of measuring thefree area of an AOV. As a result thecommon practice was to provide a bottomhung casement ventilator and sizing it sothat the aggregate of the two side sectionsand the top opening resulted in a total of1.5m2 as shown above. The plan area ofthe ventilator would also have to exceed1.5m2.

Fig B

Under the new Approved Document B,however, the way AOV’s are measuredhas changed with the definition of‘minimum free area’. If using a casementventilator, the side openings sections areno longer taken into account and the topsection is measured at 90° to thecasement. As a result, a 1.5m wide(throat) ventilator opening to an angle of30° needs to have a throat height of 2.0mto achieve the required area. Obviously,this results in a much larger ventilatorthan the previous method and in a lot ofinstances, this may prove impractical.

Fig A - Prior to 2006 Edition of ADB

1.5m2 achieved as an aggregate area.

Total area = + + = 1.5m2

Fig B - As per current version of ADB

1.5m2 can only be achieved via open area at 90o to the casement.

Total area = = 1.5m2

11

Kameleon Ventilator

Performance

The performance of Kameleon variesdepending on the exact configuration.

In the best situation, Kameleon can bedesigned to provide a complete ventilatorU value as good as 1.8 W/m2/K, an airpermeability of 0.7 m2/h/m at 100 Pa(Class 4 to EN 12207), and weatherresistance of class 9a (to EN 12208).Typically Kameleon has a coefficientvalue (Cv) of 0.60. Please seewww.coltinfo.co.uk for the specification.

Application

Colt Kameleon is an AOV (automaticopening) ventilator designed to ventilatecorridors and stairwells in the event of afire.

General description Kameleon is a natural casement ventilator,available in a wide range of sizes, flapoptions and control options. It may beinstalled into glazing systems or othertypes of walling systems, and can provideboth day to day and smoke ventilation,into the vertical only. It may be either topor bottom hung.

Kameleon has been tested to EN 12101-2(2003), and is CE marked as a smoke andheat ventilator. Kameleon is manufacturedto the ISO 9000 quality standard.

Construction All principal base components aremanufactured from aluminium alloy type6063 T6 and the frame is thermallybroken.

Versions

� 8mm, 10mm single glazed clear glass unit

� 20mm, or 28mm double-glazed clear glass unit

� Double skin aluminium with infill material.

ControlsControls are either 24v dc or 230v acelectric, power to open and close. Thecontrols mechanisms are concealed.

DimensionsFlap sizes are from 400mm wide/high to2000mm wide/high. The maximumdimensions depend on the type of panel,the ventilator geometry and the angle ofinclination. To calculate the overallventilator sizes, add 60mm to the flapwidths and/or heights (the width of theframe is 30mm all round). Its openingangle is approx 50º.

FinishesKameleon is available mill finish,polyester powder coated to a RAL colour,or anodised.

InstallationThe ventilator is designed for installationat an angle of 90° to the horizontal plane,into fully drained glazing systems orstructural openings.

Kent St, Liverpool.Kameleons.

12

EN Stairwell Ventilator

THE PRODUCT

The EN Stairwell ventilator is a lowprofile, roof or wall mounted louvrednatural ventilator which is designed toprovide heat and smoke exhaustventilation in protected stairwells andcorridors within residential apartments,hotels, shops and offices.

It is principally applied to protect meansof escape for occupants, who wouldotherwise remain trapped inside thepremises, and to create a safe means ofaccess for fire fighters.

The example illustrated has a free area of1.13m2.

50

50mm

278

Width Inside Base Turndowns = 1576

Width Inside Curb & Throat = 1326

Width O/A Felted Curb = 1541

25 m

m

Length Inside Base Turndowns = 1487

Length Inside Curb & Throat = 1237

Length O/A Felted Curb = 1452

100

mm

Min

Cur

b H

eigh

t

Recommendedfixing points

APPLICATION

Please refer to Figures A, B, C and D onpages 4 and 5.

The EN Stairwell ventilator can be installed eithervertically or horizontally, and is equally as effectiveas a corridor ventilator.

13

CERTIFICATION

The EN Stairwell ventilator can be usedfor applications in BS 5588 Parts 1,5 & 6. It failsafes to open on loss of power, andis CE marked in compliance with EN 12101-2.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

� Paint finish to any RAL colour� Burglar guard� Break glass switch� Battery back-up unit� Bird guard, Insect guard� Firemans override switch� Alternative base details

CONTROLS

Stairwell ventilators should be controlledby clearly visible manual switches at thetop of the stairwell and close to the finalexit from the stairwell. The optionalbreak glass switch or firemans overrideswitch are recommended for this.

SPECIFICATION

Product ReferenceColt EN Stairwell Ventilator

DescriptionClear opening louvred natural extractventilator, suitable for installation at anyangle from vertical to horizontal. CEmarked in compliance with EN 12101-2.The ventilator shall have an open area ofat least 1.0m2 in accordance with therequirements of Approved Document B tothe Building Regulations and BS 5588.

OperationThe ventilator shall open on loss ofpower, either 240V ac or 24V dc, andshall close automatically when power isreinstated. Operated by a manual breakglass switch or fireman's override switch.Switches shall be located at the head ofthe stairs and at the final exit from thestairs. To avoid the ventilator opening inthe case of a power failure, a maintainedsupply or a battery backup systemcapable of keeping the ventilator closed

for at least 30 minutes is required. Themains supply (by others) shall terminate[select] in the protected stairwell / close tothe battery backup panel.

MaterialAll principal components manufacturedfrom corrosion resistant aluminium alloygrade 3005 in accordance with EN 573-3,with stainless steel fixings.

Louvre bladesSingle skin aluminium/ Insulated doubleskin aluminium / Twin wall opaque orclear polycarbonate / Single skinlaminated or toughened glass. Fitted withlow-loss seals to minimise air leakagewhen closed.

Controls24v dc or 230v ac OPV addressableelectronic, failsafe open. Thermal releaseat the ventilator for added security.

GuardsFactory fitted Bird guard / Insect guard /Security guard / Burglar guard.

FinishMill finish Aluminium/ Polyester PowderPaint Finish/ PVF2.

DEFENDER 1 SMOKE DAMPER

The Colt Defender 1 is an addressablemotorised smoke shaft or fire damper thatallows the passage of smoke fromcorridors, lobbies and stairwells intosmoke shafts. It is ideal for residentialshaft applications.

In the event of a fire, the Colt OPV paneloperates the Defender fire / smoke damperon the specific fire floor in conjunctionwith the roof mounted ventilator at the topof that shaft, allowing smoke to pass fromthe fire floor into the smoke shaft. Theother dampers on the floors above andbelow will remain closed, so as not toallow any leakage of smoke or fire spreadonto the other floors. When all clear thefire damper will be closed by the motor. It is recommended that 24 volt dc motorsbe used, since this will allow a simplebattery back up system to be incorporated.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

� Robust 1.5mm galvanised steel construction

� Wide range of sizes and controls options

� Low leakage rate

� High free area

� Wide range of optional decorative fascia grilles

� Exhaustively tested

� Sleeved option with motor at the front avoiding need to access the shaft for maintenance.

For further details, please see leaflet PD 66: 02/08.

14

Defender Smoke & Fire Dampers

OVERRIDEENABLE KEY

VENTILATION CONTROL PANELSTATUS

VENT FAULT

CONTROL FAULT

FIRE SIGNAL

SUPPLY HEALTHY

FIREMAN'S OVERRIDE SWITCHES

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

AUTO

* 1 //

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

CANCEL SELECT

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

MAIN STRUCTURE

This panel is for the day to day control ofventilators. Use the arrow keys to choosefrom the menu the function required.Press the SELECT key to carry out thisfunction. To return back through the menupress the CANCEL key. Use the diagrambelow to guide you.

Main Menu

Vent Status Open / Close Configure

Open CloseS/W Channel

Time Control

Set Points

All Zone Individual

* VENT STATUS Open / Close Configure

Colt International Ltd,New Lane, Havant, Hampshire,PO9 2LY.Tel: (01705) 451111

LAMPTEST

ALARMSILENCE RESET

15

BatteryBackupPanel

JCSIOPanel

SmokeDetector

Smoke Damper

EN OPVCentral Control Panel

3A Fused Spur230V/1ph/50 Hz supply

TYPICAL CONTROLS CONFIGURATION

Breakglass Switch

Apol

lo®

com

ms

line

DEFENDER 2 FIRE DAMPER

The Colt Defender 2 is a motorised firedamper suitable for use in all types ofHVAC ductwork. It has been designed toprevent the passage of fire from one areato another.

Defender 2 is operated by the firedetection system, with the additionalback-up of a thermal link which closes thedamper at a pre-determined temperature.In the event of a fire, the Colt OPV panelcloses the Defender in the specific duct.When all clear the damper will motoropen. It is recommended that 24 volt dcmotors be used, since this will allow asimple battery back up system to beincorporated.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

� Stainless steel interlocking blades and frame side seals, Class C airtight to DW 144

� Wide range of sizes and controls options

� Precision blade linkage mechanism

� High free area

� Wide range of optional decorative fascia grilles

� Tested and approved to BS 476 Part 20,providing a four hour fire rating

� A successful 50,000 lifecycle test with damper fully operational at the test conclusion.

For further details, please see leaflet PD66: 02/08.

J

CSIOPanel

F

DOORMAN SMOKE DOOR ACTUATOR

The Colt Doorman is an addressablesmoke shaft door operator. It controls themovement of doors when they are used aspart of a smoke control scheme, allowingthe passage of smoke from corridors andlobbies into smoke shafts, as analternative to a smoke damper.

The Doorman consists of individuallyaddressable and controllable dooractuation systems linked to the fire alarmsystem via a Colt OPV system. EachDoorman includes the door operator, andcommunication module, and it is allpackaged to allow easy installation onsite.

During normal, non-fire conditions, thesystem is in its monitoring mode. In theevent of a fire, the Colt OPV paneloperates the Doorman Door Operator onthe specific fire floor in conjunction withthe roof mounted ventilator at the top ofthat shaft allowing smoke to be extractedfrom the fire floor.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

� Robust mechanism ensures doors stay locked when not in use but open when required

� Modular design allows ease of installation and flexibility in location ofcomponents. Supplied completely assembled, and simple installation ontorear face of door

� One standard size for all doors - 790mm wide (door height would then need to be 2150mm to meet Approved Document B)

� A ‘Colt Shaft’ option allows for the narrower doors that are used on these systems, suitable for doors 600mm wide and above

� Exhaustively tested in-house � 230v ac and 24v dc options.

Colt offers a complete install, wire andcommissioning service, thus all thecomponents are contained within onepackage of works and under onecompany’s responsibility.

SPECIFICATION

Addressable smoke shaft door operator forsmoke ventilation from corridors, lobbiesand stairwells into smoke shafts. Designedto allow the passage of smoke from suchareas into smoke shafts, by opening theshaft door(s) on the fire floor and keepingany shaft doors on the non fire floor(s)closed.

Each unit individually addressable andcontrollable, and able to communicateback to a central panel. Each operatorincludes actuator, communication module,local reset switch and adjustable fixingbrackets which allow release of themechanism from the corridor if necessary.(Front fix option only).

Designed to be installed onto the back of acertified fire door of a minimum 790mmwidth. It is suitable for fire doors requiringup to 30 Nm opening and closing torque,as Certifire Technical Schedule TS 21:Smoke Door Seals.

Actuator tested and has successfullycompleted 10,000 operations at full designload.

Incorporating a 230 V ac / 24 V dc electricchain drive motor. Suitable for use wherea maintained mains electrical supply isinstalled in the building.

Doorman Door Actuator and Window Actuators

Colt can provide a wide range of window actuatorsfor use when windows are to be operated as partof a Smoke Control System.

16

Colt Doorman installed onto a fire door.View from inside the shaft.

17

1

2 3

1 Discovery Dock, London.Doorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators.

2 Holy Cross Apartments, Liverpool.Doorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators,car park ventilation.

3 Holliday Wharf, Birmingham.Doorman door actuators, stairwell ventilators.

PRESSURISATION SYSTEMS

Pressurisation systems protect escaperoutes and fire-fighting shafts against theingress of smoke by maintaining thepressure within the escape route higherthan that in the adjacent spaces.

A pressurisation system consists of threemain components: Supply Air (where airis injected into the area that is to beprotected), Pressure Relief (to avoidoverpressure when doors are closed) andAir Release (air and smoke is releasedfrom the adjoining fire area). Combiningthese elements creates a positive pressuredifference which prevents lobbies andstaircases from filling up with smoke.

Pressurisation systems should meet therecommendations of Approved DocumentB and BS EN 12101-6 “Specification forPressure Differential Systems” or BS 5588-4 - “Code of practice for smokecontrol using pressure differentials”.

In commercial buildings pressurisation isnormally carried through up to the finaldoor to the accommodation, with air releaseprovided from the accommodation. Inapartment buildings it is usually impracticalto carry pressurisation up to each apartmentdoor due to the difficulty of providing airrelease from each apartment. Thereforestairs and lobbies are usually pressurisedwith air release from the corridor.

Pressurisation Systems

18

West India Quay, London.

* One outlet at a maximum of every 3 storeys

19

THE SYSTEM COMPRISES

� Inlet Fans for introducing air into the designated area. The run and standby fans and control equipment should be housed in a separate plant room or outdoors and the inlet should be protected from smoke. Dual inlets with automatic smoke dampers are required for high level inlet.

� Ductwork and Outlet Grilles, to provide distribution of air exactly where it is needed.

� Pressure Relief Dampers, to release excess air in the closed door condition from the stair area. This should be ducted to discharge directly to atmosphere independent of the wind direction. Damper blades are set to startopening at 50 Pa pressure differential.

� Automatic air release to prevent unwanted pressure build up in the adjacent spaces. This may be automaticvents, natural shafts or mechanical extract systems.

The control system should operateautomatically from the smoke detectionsystem with a manual on/off switch alsoprovided within either the pressurisationplant room, near the building entrance (tosuit fire service), or within the centralbuilding services control room.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

There are two requirements to maintainwithin a pressurisation system. These are:

� Maintaining a pressure difference for a closed door condition. Here the pressure difference is required to overcome buoyancy pressure generated by the hot smoke layer, expansion of the gases in the compartment due to heating, stack pressure and wind pressure

� Maintaining a velocity for an open door condition. Here maintaining a velocity for an opened door is required to hold back the smoke on the fire floor when the door onto the fire floor is open.

Getting the right balance for a pressurisationsystem needs careful design in order for thesystem to work effectively. Insufficientpressure difference across a closed door willallow the passage of smoke into theprotected space. Excess pressure willimpede door opening and hence escape.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY

� Assess the usage and layout of the building, the area to be pressurised and the class of system required.

� Assess the leakage paths (through doors, lifts, vents).

� Calculate the required volume flow rates.

� Calculate the area of pressure relief dampers.

� Calculate the area of air release ventilation.

Colt can assist with the design ofpressurisation schemes.

Colt offers a free technical design serviceon all projects undertaken. Please contactColt for further information.

AccommodationStairs

Natural Air Release

VerticalShaft Powered Extract

AccommodationStairs

Supply air example Air release options

Beetham TowerBirmingham

Other reasons to choose Colt:

� Colt Smoke Control systems are suitedto both commercial and industrial buildings, and may be adapted to suit most architectural requirements.

� Over the years Colt has funded a large proportion of the research into smoke control, and its representatives maintain an unparalleled level of technical expertise.

� Colt's in-house research and development capability ensures that Colt smoke control systems are designed, tested and updated by Colt to meet or exceed relevant legislation and standards.

� The majority of Colt's Smoke Control systems are manufactured in the UK under BS EN ISO 9001:2000 and BS EN ISO 14001:2004. They are also CEmarked, where relevant, in compliancewith EN 12101-2.

COLT SERVICE

Part of the Colt Group of companies,Colt Service offers a comprehensiverange of maintenance packagesincorporating the maintenance andrepair of all building services equipmentincluding non Colt products.

Colt Service provides a 24 hour, 365day emergency cover as standard.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of a smoke control systemis essential. Regular maintenanceprotects your investment and bringspeace of mind that the system willoperate effectively in an emergency.

The British Standard, BS 5588-12: 2004 recommends that smoke control systemsshould be serviced at least once a yearand tested weekly.

THE COLT PACKAGE

Colt International offers the followingservices:

� Scheme design of all types of Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems (SHEVS)

� Scheme design of pressurisation systems

� Scheme design of smoke containment systems

� Provision of performance specifications� Project management� Supply, installation, commissioning

and maintenance of systems, includingall necessary controls, which will be designed to interface with others' control systems.

A free full system check will be carriedout approximately 9 months after aSmoke Control System has been installedand commissioned by Colt. Besides theopportunity to check that the system isperforming as designed, this will allowfor any further training of local personnelthat may be necessary. Assuming that thisvisit falls within the warranty period, anydefective parts are replaced free ofcharge. A test certificate will be issued.

Subj

ect t

o m

odif

icat

ion.

Pub

licat

ion

num

ber

PD 4

1: 0

3/08

“Col

t” a

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