Mechanical smoke ventilation systems

Powered extraction for complex or high-occupancy buildings

Mechanical smoke ventilation systems use powered fan extraction and smoke control dampers to rapidly clear smoke from escape routes – ensuring safe evacuation even in challenging layouts and taller buildings.
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How mechanical systems work
Stage 1
A signal is received from the fire alarm system.
Stage 2
Smoke control dampers open on the floor of fire origin and the stair vent opens; all other dampers remain shut.
Stage 3
The mechanical extract Pod™ activates, drawing smoke into the shaft while fresh air is pulled down the stair core to maintain a clear escape route.

Note: System configuration varies depending on building layout and shaft design.

Sertus products used in mechanical systems
Sertus Pod™ Mini
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Sertus Pod™ Original
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Sertus Pod™ Max
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Roof Enviro Module
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Sertus Pod™ Mini Vertical
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Sertus Pod™ Original Vertical
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Smoke Control Damper
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Louvred Vent | Solid
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Louvred Vent | Glass
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Where mechanical systems work best
Mechanical extract is ideal when natural ventilation alone isn’t enough to maintain safe escape routes.
Taller buildings

Suitable for buildings where smoke may become trapped, making natural systems ineffective.

Extended corridors

Required where long corridors restrict smoke movement and travel distances. 

Limited shaft space

Effective with smaller shafts, typically 0.6–0.8m².

Mechanical or Natural – which is right for your project?

This quick guide helps assess suitability – a detailed review will confirm final requirements.

Technical information

Shaft Size
0.6m² shaft throughout building – can't be used for any other services.
Head of Stair Vent Size
1.0m² Free Area required – this equates to an approx. Aerodynamic Free Area of 0.7m².
Shaft Vents
Dampers certified to BS EN 12101-8 are required. Flow rates are determined by CFD.
Maximum Corridor Length
If the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis confirms viability, there's no limit.
Power Supply
Requires 2 x three-phase power supplies via diverse routes. UPS, generators and secondary substations are options. More detail in BS 9991 – Section 15
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Frequently asked questions

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Here are the questions we get most often about mechanical systems.
What flow rates do I need to achieve?

Flow rates at the damper face vary from system to system and will usually need to be proved with a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) model. It would be best to speak to one of our technicians for accurate flow rates because a large number of factors have to be taken into account.

What vents do I use in a mechanical shaft?

Smoke control dampers must be fitted to a mechanical shaft. They must be certified to EN12101-8 and achieve a number of specific criteria. Fire doors cannot be used. For more information, watch this video.

What size does a mechanical shaft have to be?

A mechanical shaft can be as small as 0.6m2, so long as the correct flow-rates can be achieved. It's best to discuss this with one of our technicians but between 0.8m2 and 0.6m2 is a good starting point.

Do I need primary and secondary power supplies?

Primary and secondary are needed for mechanical smoke ventilation systems as they are life-safety systems.

BS 9991:2015 15 states that 'the Primary power source should generally be a taken from a public electricity supply, with secondary power being supplied from an alternative utility supply from another substation, a generator, an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) or batteries)'

Where do I need to put the ATS?

The ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) for our mechanical smoke ventilation system is located within the extract fan control panel which is situated in the Sertus Pod.

Are pressure sensors needed?

Air Pressure Sensors are required to ensure that the opening force of the door 'does not exceed 100N at the door handle when the system is in operation'. BS 9991:2015 14.2.4.

Air Pressure Sensors are not required if the inlet is from the head of stair AOV and the stair door is reverse hung. This is because the smoke extract fan will pull the stair door open rather than force it shut.

What is BS 9999?

Published in 2008, the BS 9999 is the UK code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings, and provides a best practice framework for fire safety for architects, designers and surveyors but also facilities managers, fire safety professionals and building control officers.

It provides recommendations and guidance on the design, management and use of buildings to achieve acceptable levels of fire safety for people in and around buildings.

What is BS 9991?

Published in 2015, BS 9991 is a code of practice which complements BS 9999 but focuses on fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings.

It is designed to assist architects, fire safety engineers, building control officers and installers when selecting, installing, inspecting or servicing fire safety systems in residential buildings, such as fire detection and alarm systems, fixed fire-fighting systems and more.

BS 9991 also provides guidance on the design, management and use of residential buildings so they achieve reasonable standards of fire safety for people who are in and around the building(s) and firefighters.

Can I use my mechanical smoke ventilation system for day-to-day ventilation?

Yes, the Sertus Pod has the ability to perform both smoke and environmental extract.

This gives it a unique ability to offer an additional function with little additional cost.

See our solutions in action

Explore real-world projects where Sertus smoke ventilation solutions protect lives and properties – from natural to mechanical systems across residential and commercial buildings.

Station Quarter

Fully mechanical smoke ventilation products for compliant, efficient operation across a new-build residential development in Northamptonshire.

Sector

Low-Rise Residential

System Type

Mechanical

Client

Gallico Systems

Products

Pod™ Mini, RSL-R, SLD

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Merseyside Fire & Rescue Training Academy

Mechanical and natural smoke ventilation products to support realistic fire training scenarios at a Training Academy in the UK.

Sector

Public

System Type

Mechanical, Natural

Client

Maclec

Products

Pod™ Mini, RSL-R, SLD

View Case Study

LIV Student Accommodation

Mechanical smoke ventilation products for a high-rise student living complex – delivering safety, comfort, and installation efficiency at scale.

Sector

Student Accommodation

System Type

Mechanical

Client

Advanced Integrated Security Systems (AISS)

Products

Pod™ Original, SLD, RSL-R

View Case Study

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Book a CPD session with our technical team and explore more around system design, regulation changes and compliant product selection.

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