FOCUS Smoke ventilation
set out how the fans, dampers and smoke vents should operate in a fire situation. This information is often presented as a cause and effect matrix contained in a spreadsheet, which is then passed on to an installer to program. One major barrier to integration can be
the perception that programming such a system is complex; this has long presented a challenge to the fire industry. The programming of such integrated systems to meet specifications is often written in proprietary, manufacturer specific code, which can be complex and time consuming to decipher unless it is well documented. Advanced has a smoke control solution, DynamixSmoke, which takes a completely new approach to configuration. Using an innovative programming matrix, it eliminates the need for complex cause and effect equations, and this simple matrix allows the consultant or specifying engineer’s cause and effect spreadsheet to be imported into the fire panel.
Definition of smoke compartments is easy; turning on and off fans, and opening and closing dampers under various conditions is auto configured; interfaces are set for smoke control use; and a design check is carried out in the configuration tool to eliminate typical programming errors before testing begins on site.
Related standards
Such is the criticality of smoke control and its importance in life safety that often, depending on
32 MARCH 2019
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the country’s regulations, once the design is completed and before anything can progress, it must be reviewed and approved by the local fire authorities, as well as other interested parties such as the building owners or their representatives. Standards that establish requirements for the design, installation and testing of dedicated and non dedicated smoke control systems used to mitigate the impact of smoke from fire are in place to protect life and reduce property loss. Although standards differ around the globe and may include EN 12101-9, UUKL, AS 1668.1 and NFPA 92, the common purpose is that they set the bar for operational capability, classifications and test methods to which smoke control solutions must all adhere.
Although EN 54 standards are not directly
relevant to smoke control systems, the relevant component parts of the fire system being used for smoke control – including interface modules, smoke and heat sensors and the control panels – need to be approved appropriately. In addition, EN 54-13 is a good indicator of system compatibility and performance. EN 12101-9, currently being drafted, will specify
the product characteristics of control equipment operating as part of smoke and heat exhaust systems, detailing test methods, assessment methods and compliance criteria.
Essential compliance
Compliance goes beyond the standards to which smoke control solutions need to
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