Mechanical Smoke Extraction & Make-up Air

AWAK offers equipment for mechanical smoke extraction and make-up air supply systems in buildings. These systems are designed to support smoke control and fire safety by removing smoke and hot gases and, where required, supplying replacement air.

We help customers select suitable equipment according to the building characteristics, fire safety strategy and project requirements. Depending on the application, the system may include smoke exhaust fans, make-up air fans, smoke vents, control panels, detectors and other components.

Our approach focuses on selecting equipment that meets the technical requirements of each project and works as part of a properly designed smoke control system.

Product Characteristics

Performance independent of the weather

Unlike natural smoke ventilation, mechanical air supply does not rely on wind direction or temperature differences.

Constant airflow, even with doors open

The controls continuously adjust the fan to maintain the required airflow.

Configured to the height of the building

One arrangement for medium-rise buildings and another for high-rise and tall buildings.

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Mechanical smoke extraction

Mechanical smoke extraction uses dedicated fans to remove smoke and hot gases from designated areas during a fire. Depending on the application, the system may include smoke exhaust fans, smoke vents and associated control equipment.

Fans must be selected according to the required airflow, pressure, fire temperature classification, operating duration and applicable technical requirements.

Make-up air supply

Make-up air replaces the air removed by the smoke extraction system. Depending on the fire safety strategy and building configuration, it may be supplied mechanically or through designed natural air inlets.

Where mechanical supply is required, fans and control equipment are selected to provide the necessary airflow under the specified operating conditions.

Fans and components

Depending on the project requirements, the system may include:

F200 and F400 smoke exhaust fans, selected according to the required temperature classification and operating duration
Make-up air supply fans
Smoke vents
Control panels and power supply equipment
Smoke detectors and manual activation points
Differential pressure sensors or measuring devices, where required
Weather sensors and other system accessories, where applicable.

The final equipment configuration depends on the building characteristics, system design and applicable fire safety requirements.

Classification of smoke control systems by building height

Low-rise buildings – up to 12m (up to 4 storeys): Natural smoke extraction systems are commonly used, with components such as smoke detectors, a control panel and smoke dampers, depending on the system configuration.
Medium-rise buildings – 12-25 m( approximately 5-9 storeys): Mechanical smoke extraction systems are commonly used, incorporating F200- or F400-class smoke exhaust fans, where specified, together with a control unit and other required components.
High-rise buildings – 25-55 m ( up to approximately 18 storeys): Depending on the building and fire safety strategy, solutions may include mechanical smoke extraction and pressure differential systems.
Very tall buildings – 55 m and above: Pressure differential systems is required to help protect escape routes from smoke.

The classification above is indicative. The appropriate system and its components must be determined according to the building design, intended use, fire compartments, evacuation strategy, applicable fire safety regulations and project-specific requirements.

Types of buildings

Public buildings
Retail and service buildings
Multi-family residential buildings
Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
Logistics centres
Other buildings where mechanical smoke control is required

Equipment selection and technical support

AWAK helps customers select suitable equipment according to the technical requirements of each project.

To identify a suitable solution, the following information is required:

Building type, height and layout
Intended application and fire safety strategy
Required smoke extraction and make-up air flow rates
Required pressure and duct system characteristics
Required fire temperature classification and operation duration
Types of smoke vents and dampers
Control system requirements
Applicable standards and project documentation

The final selection and configuration must be verified against the relevant technical documentation and fire safety design.

When a fire is detected, the fire alarm and control system activates the relevant smoke control functions according to the approved sequence.The system is used to open designated smoke vents or dampers, start the smoke exhaust fans and activate the make-up air supply where required.

Where airflow regulation is part of the design, sensors or measuring devices can provide feedback to the control system. Fan speed and other operating parameters are adjusted according to the specified control strategy.

The objective is to achieve the required smoke control performance while maintaining the intended balance between smoke extraction and replacement air supply.

Example of component placement in a residential mechanical smoke extraction system:

Depending on the project, the system may include:

Weather station or weather sensors
Ventilation control buttons
Smoke exhaust activation buttons
Visual and audible alarms
Smoke detectors
Control panels
Differential pressure transducers or measuring devices
Additional control and monitoring equipment required by the system design

For industrial and public facilities, AWAK can also offer F400 smoke exhaust fans in insulated housings with smoke dampers, depending on project requirements.