AOVs (Automatic Opening Vents) clear smoke from stairwells, corridors and protected escape routes in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. They must be tested annually under the FRA action plan and serviced against the manufacturer's interval, with cause-and-effect verified against the fire alarm.
Our engineers carry out the full functional test (alarm-triggered open, manual fireman-switch open, close-on-reset), check actuator current draw and head-pressure, and issue a certificate the same day.
AOV testing pricing
Annual functional test
Up to 2 actuators + 3 fireman switches
£179.99
Additional actuators
£35 each
Cause-and-effect with alarm panel
Included
Same-day certificate
BS 5839 / SCA compliant
Included
What's tested
- Manual fireman-switch open test
- Alarm-triggered AOV open
- Close-on-reset confirmation
- Actuator current draw measurement
- Battery back-up function
- Cause-and-effect with fire alarm panel
- Smoke shaft inspection (visual)
- Same-day signed certificate
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for AOV testing?
The Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order — typically the building owner, managing agent or freeholder. AOV testing is usually flagged as a recurring action in the building's FRA.
How often must AOVs be tested?
Annually as a minimum, plus the manufacturer's recommended service interval. SCA guidance (Smoke Control Association) and the FRA action plan are the authoritative references.
What's a fireman switch test?
Each fireman's override switch (usually at staircase entry on each floor) must open the AOV manually. We test every switch and confirm cause-and-effect on the alarm panel.
Related services
NICEIC engineers, same-day across London.
Director-led, no call-centre. Same-day digital certificate, no upfront payment.
Call 020 3633 5557