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AOV smoke vents: resetting and faults
Automatic opening vents (AOVs) let smoke out of stairs and corridors in a fire. Most of our calls are about vents that have opened and need closing. This is a general guide, as control panels vary.
Covers: General AOV control panels with a reset button. Only follow steps for your own system. If anything on your screen or panel looks different, stop and call us on 01635 938998.
Video guide coming soon
A short video showing these smoke vent steps will go here. Until then, follow the steps on this page.
After the vents have opened
- Find out why they opened. Usually the fire alarm, a smoke detector or a smoke vent switch has triggered them. If you're not sure, call us.
- If the fire alarm went off, deal with that first. Only reset the vents once the fire alarm has been confirmed false or cleared, and the fire service isn't attending or has finished. If you're not sure, call us.
- If a smoke vent switch was used, it needs resetting first. Call us if you don't have the reset key.
- If you were shown how at handover, press the reset button on the AOV control panel. If not, or you're not sure, call us.
- If they open again or don't close fully, call us.
If the panel shows a fault
- Note what the panel shows and call us on 01635 938998 the same day. A fault can stop the vents opening in a fire.
Steps vary between AOV panels. If yours doesn't have a reset button, or it doesn't behave as described, call us.
Download this guide as a printable help sheet (PDF)
These are user steps only. For anything else, or if you're unsure, call us on 01635 938998. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Out of hours, call 01635 938998.
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Book a serviceCall 01635 938998Common questions
Why have the smoke vents opened?
Usually the fire alarm, a smoke detector or a smoke vent switch has triggered them. Treat it as real until the cause is known.
How do I close the vents?
Only reset the vents once the fire alarm has been confirmed false or cleared, and the fire service isn't attending or has finished. If you were shown how at handover, press the reset button on the AOV control panel. If not, or they don't close, call Fortline on 01635 938998.
The vent won't close fully. What should I do?
Don't force it or tie it shut. Call us.
The AOV panel shows a fault. Is it urgent?
Yes. The vents may not open in a fire. Call us the same day.
Can I disconnect the vents to stop them opening?
No. They're part of the building's fire safety. Call us instead.