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SHEV rooflights protect building occupants in the event of a fire

Comfort ventilation and SHEV Building Design

Replacement of SHEV rooflights at Messe Karlsruhe with solid aluminium lids.
Replacement of SHEV rooflights at Messe Karlsruhe with solid aluminium lids.

Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) is a critical part of commercial building design. Rooflights can be specified with SHEV to offer additional safety in the event of a fire. If a fire breaks out, SHEV rooflights work to remove smoke quickly. This helps to preserve oxygen and maintain visibility for occupants to exit a building.

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How does SHEV ventilation work?

SHEV rooflights open automatically to remove smoke in the event of a fire and protect a building infrastructure from collapse as heat dissipates.

How can smoke and heat exhaust ventilation be incorporated into commercial building design?

In the event of a fire, SHEV rooflights enable smoke and hot gasses to be extracted out of the building by the principle of thermal lift which occurs when rooflights open. This creates a smoke free layer at a lower level within the building and provides visibility that works to preserve oxygen and assist occupants with exiting a building as safely as possible.

SHEV rooflights can be configured to automatically open in less than 60 seconds to remove toxins, pollutants, smoke and reduce heat in the event of a fire.

SHEV rooflights are designed and tested in accordance with EN 12101 and both pneumatical and electrically powered options are available. They are multipurpose daylight solutions that can also provide comfort ventilation, as well as natural light. In addition, they can offer safe roof access for maintenance staff and include fall through protection.

Are SHEV rooflight systems automatic?

Electrical and pneumatic SHEV rooflights open automatically upon detection of smoke. Pneumatic devices guarantee safe opening as they operate independently from the building power supply. Electrical devices can also guarantee safe opening as they operate together with a power supply that has a 72-hour battery back up in case of power failure.

Can smoke and heat exhaust ventilation rooflights be designed in different shapes and sizes?

SHEV rooflights require specification and are not included as part of a standard rooflight. However, they can be built in various lengths and widths to suit the need of a project.

Standard and bespoke sizes provide design flexibility to suit building project requirements with thermally broken kerbs available to reduce the risk of condensation. Solid lid and polycarbonate rooflight openings are also available, as well as glass and insulated aluminium lids for durability, and added protection.

As part of a SHEV rooflight installation, service and maintenance is offered by our technical experts to ensure rooflights are working properly.

In Germany, cultural events and trade fair venue Messe Karslruhe chose to replace 352 SHEV dome rooflights with 230-volt electric rooflights to align with industry regulatory standards. This commercial building put the safety of occupants first. A previous pneumatic system operated using CO2 and a large amount was released during maintenance. The electric system is more environmentally friendly. Yearly SHEV rooflight maintenance ensures over 800,000 annual visitors can enjoy events and conferences in safety.

Visit us to learn more about our SHEV rooflight systems that are available for commercial building projects.

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