For contractors, M&E subcontractors, and installers
Smoke ventilation for car parks
Enclosed and covered car parks need smoke cleared during and after a fire, plus daily CO and fume ventilation. We supply the fans, detection, dampers, and controls to do both.
Before you specify
Seven questions you ask. Seven straight answers from us.
Price on day one is the wrong test for a car park scheme, so ask these seven before you score a single fan.
You ask
Which standard covers smoke control in an enclosed car park?
Our answer
BS 7346-7 is the code of practice for smoke and heat control in enclosed car parks, and Approved Document B sets the ventilation you have to meet. Naturally ventilated decks work to the 1/20th free area rule; enclosed decks need mechanical extract designed to one of those routes.
You ask
Do we need a smoke clearance system or full smoke control?
Our answer
It depends on the fire strategy. Clearance shifts smoke after the fire so the fire service can get in and work; smoke control keeps escape routes tenable while people leave, which is the higher duty and needs CFD to prove it.
You ask
Can you supply the jet fans and the main extract?
Our answer
YesWe stock induction (jet) fans, main extract and supply fans, dampers, CO detection and control panels for both ducted and ductless schemes, with next-day despatch on stocked lines.
You ask
Will it handle everyday exhaust fumes as well as fire?
Our answer
YesCO and NO2 detection runs the fans for air quality day to day, then the same system drops into fire mode on a signal from the fire alarm, so you buy one system, not two.
You ask
Do we have to provide make-up air?
Our answer
YesExtract does nothing without matched inlet, so every scheme needs a designed low-level air path, whether that is natural openings or mechanical supply fans balanced to the extract rate.
You ask
Do you help with the CFD design?
Our answer
YesOur design team handles fan selection and CFD input so the layout satisfies BS 7346-7 and the fire strategy before anything gets ordered.
You ask
Can you commission it and prove it works?
Our answer
YesWe commission on site, run the smoke and cause-and-effect tests through the fire alarm interface, and hand over records you can put in front of building control.
The design problem
What car park smoke control has to handle
A car park system carries two jobs on the same equipment: fire-day smoke management and everyday air quality. Getting the spec right means knowing which duty you're designing for and picking kit that covers both.
Clearance or control
A smoke clearance system meets Approved Document B and clears smoke after the fire's out. A smoke control system protects occupants who are still present and needs extract above the basic clearance rate. They're not the same design.
Dual-purpose duty
The same fans usually run daily CO and fume ventilation and switch to fire mode on demand. The kit has to earn its keep every day, not just in a fire.
Heat and structure
Smoke that isn't extracted drives temperatures up and damages the structure. The extract has to move enough volume to keep heat off the deck and the frame.
Spread between floors
Smoke tracking up ramps and through openings puts other levels at risk. Controlled extract and dampers hold it on the fire floor.
Firefighting access
Crews need clear routes and visibility to reach the seat of the fire. That's the case for a control system over clearance alone in larger or occupied car parks.
Detection running the mode
CO detection drives the daily ventilation mode and hands over to fire mode cleanly. Get the detection and control wrong and neither job works properly.
The ventilation approach
How we supply car park smoke control
Most enclosed car parks run one dual-purpose system: impulse or jet fans and mechanical extract, with CO detection driving the daily mode and fire mode taking over on demand. We supply the fans, detection, dampers, and control panels to match your design, whether it's a clearance system to Approved Document B or a control system with the higher extract rate. Pick the parts that fit the duty and we'll get them to site.
Jet / impulse fans
Ceiling-mounted fans push smoke and fumes towards the extract points, cutting the ductwork a ducted scheme would need.
Induction fans
Ductless induction fans move smoke across open decks where running full ductwork isn't practical.
Bespoke extract fans
High-volume AXF extract fans, built to the duty, pull smoke out to hold temperatures down and keep it off other levels.
Detection and controls
CO detection runs the daily mode, and our O Range panels tie detection, fans, and dampers into one fire sequence.
Who you are buying from
Since 1988. Stock on the shelf. Engineers on the phone.
Get the spec right
Talk to the smoke ventilation team
Tell us the car park type, the system duty, and your design standard, and we'll put together the fans, detection, dampers, and controls to suit. Call the team or request a spec pack to get started.