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Systems

Pressurisation

Pressurisation smoke ventilation systems

Creating pressure to keep escape routes clear

Pressurisation systems maintain a positive air pressure in stairwells and lobbies to prevent smoke from entering escape routes. By keeping air flowing in the right direction, these systems protect occupants and assist firefighting operations in multi-storey buildings.

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How pressurisation systems work

Stage 1

A fire alarm signal activates the system, closing dampers and opening designated air supply routes.

Stage 2

Fans supply clean air to protected zones (e.g., stairwells and lobbies), increasing air pressure relative to the fire zone.

Stage 3

The pressure difference prevents smoke from entering protected areas, ensuring clear escape routes and safe firefighter access.

Note: System design and control strategy vary by building height and layout.

Sertus products used in pressurisation systems

Smoke Control Damper

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Single Leaf Vent | Glass

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Single Leaf Vent | Poly

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Louvred Vent | Solid

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Louvred Vent | Glass

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Where pressurisation systems work best

Pressurisation systems are essential in high-rise or complex buildings where simple natural or mechanical systems cannot maintain clear escape routes under all fire scenarios.

High-rise buildings

Typically used in tall residential or commercial buildings to protect stair cores and lobbies.

Complex layouts

Ideal for buildings with deep plans or multiple cores where consistent smoke control is required.

Critical facilities

Common in hospitals, data centres, and high-occupancy environments where resilience is vital.

Confused by the options? We’ll help you make the right call.

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Guidance & Legislation

Pressurisation systems are governed by specific British Standards and must be carefully designed to maintain required pressure differentials under all conditions.

BS EN 12101-6:2005 (Pressure Differential Systems)

BS 9999:2017 (Fire Safety in the Design, Management & Use of Buildings)

BS 7346-8:2013 (Smoke Control System Design & Installation)

Approved Document B

Not sure if a pressurisation system is right for your building? Our technical team can help you choose the best approach.

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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.

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Scape Student Accommodation

Mechanical smoke ventilation products installed in brand-new contemporary student accommodation.

Sector

Student Accommodation

System Type

Mechanical

Client

HG M&E Installation Services Ltd

Products

SLD, RSL-R, Pod™ Original

View Case Study

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

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Want a deeper understanding?

Our CPD sessions cover the principles behind all major smoke ventilation system types – including how pressurisation fits into wider design strategies for safety and compliance.

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