Smoke Control System Maintenance in London – Why It Matters
- Agatha CandyKitty
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Smoke control systems are a core element of passive and active fire protection strategies in modern buildings. From residential stairwells to complex commercial facilities, these systems are designed to keep escape routes clear and slow the spread of smoke during a fire.
But they’re only effective if regularly maintained. In London, where building control and fire regulations are tightly enforced, smoke control system maintenance is critical — not only for safety but also for compliance and insurance validity.
What Is a Smoke Control System?
A smoke control system (often incorporating Automatic Opening Vents, or AOVs) is designed to extract smoke from escape routes, lobbies, stairwells, or entire zones. It does so by:
Triggering vents and fans in the event of smoke detection
Controlling airflow and pressure to isolate fire zones
Creating a breathable layer to aid evacuation and firefighter access
Such systems are especially common in multi-storey residential buildings, shopping centres, hospitals, and underground car parks.
Why Smoke Control System Maintenance in London Is Essential
Over time, smoke control systems can become compromised by:
Dirt, dust, or obstructions in vents and ducts
Burnt-out actuators or fan motors
Faulty sensors or detector head failure
Wiring degradation or incorrect control logic
Blocked louvres or mechanical jams
These are not always visible, and many issues only surface during professional maintenance checks. Left undetected, they can cause total system failure in the event of a fire — endangering lives.
What London Regulations Require
While maintenance intervals vary based on the building and system type, smoke control systems should typically be serviced:
Every 6–12 months, depending on use and environment
In line with BS EN 12101-2, BS 9999, or manufacturer guidelines
With full system log and condition reports for traceability
London Fire Risk Assessments often flag missing or inadequate maintenance as a major compliance issue.
What’s Included in a Service?
At Anchor Fire, smoke control system maintenance in London includes:
Functional testing of AOVs, smoke shafts, and dampers
Activation and override tests
Inspection of power supplies, batteries, and relays
Cleaning of vents and replacement of damaged seals
Documentation of system condition and servicing details
We also check that systems are clearly labelled and accessible — a common issue in older or poorly maintained buildings.
Typical Issues Found During Maintenance
Even in newer properties, we often identify:
Vents obstructed by paint or plaster
Sensors not linked correctly to fire alarm inputs
Poor integration between fan units and control panels
Evidence of DIY fixes or undocumented modifications
These defects can cause delayed vent activation or complete system failure.
Choose Competent Engineers
Maintaining a smoke control system requires specialised knowledge of ventilation systems, fire safety standards, and system integration.That’s why it’s essential to use trained professionals with experience in both residential and commercial buildings.
At Anchor Fire, we offer third-party accredited smoke control system maintenance across London — giving you peace of mind and full compliance.
Need professional smoke control system maintenance in London?
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