How to Choose a Company for the Design and Installation of Smoke Extraction Systems
Creating a reliable smoke protection system (SPS) is a complex multi-stage engineering process. A standard fan will fail in a matter of minutes at high temperatures, and the smoke generated during combustion is more dangerous than the fire itself due to the high concentration of carbon monoxide. Therefore, choosing an equipment supplier and an installation contractor is a critical stage of construction. We recommend relying on the following practical tips:
1. Verification of Regulatory Compliance (DBN and DSTU)
Before starting cooperation, ensure that the company follows current state building norms, in particular DBN V.2.5-56:2014 “Fire Protection Systems” (with Amendments No. 1 and No. 2). All proposed equipment must mandatorily have certificates of compliance with European standards harmonized in Ukraine. Fans must comply with DSTU EN 12101-3:2017. For example, fire resistance class F400 means that the unit was tested for its ability to extract smoke at a temperature of 400 °C for at least 120 minutes. Fire dampers and air ducts must be certified according to DSTU EN 13501-3 (fire resistance limit classes EI 60, EI 120, etc.).
2. Availability of Compensatory Air Supply (Pressurization)
Designing exclusively an exhaust system is a gross mistake. If thousands of cubic meters of smoke are extracted from a room without compensation (supply of fresh air), a vacuum will form, which will block evacuation exit doors. According to regulations, the force required to open doors must not exceed 100 N. Therefore, the supplying company must be able to calculate and offer balanced systems that include pressurization fans for stairwells and airlocks.
3. Quality of Automation and Electric Actuators
The heart of any fire or smoke damper is its electric actuator. Pay attention to whether the manufacturer uses reliable automation, such as actuators from the Swiss company Belimo (for example, the BFL230, BF230 series of spring-return type). The operating principle of a high-quality actuator is as follows: power holds the damper in the open position, and when a fire alarm signal is received (or the temperature inside the duct exceeds 72 °C), the power drops out, and the energy of the compressed spring instantly closes the blade, blocking the spread of fire. Furthermore, smoke extraction control cabinets (SECC) must provide continuous monitoring of the motor power supply lines for open circuits or short circuits.
4. Specifics for Closed Parking Lots
If you are building a multi-level underground parking lot, ask the supplier about impulse (jet) fans (Jet fans). Starting from August 2026, DSTU CEN/TS 12101-11:2026 is in effect in Ukraine, regulating mechanical smoke and heat extraction systems with horizontal flows for enclosed garages. These systems allow efficiently moving smoke to exhaust shafts without the need to lay bulky trunk air ducts across the entire ceiling of the parking lot.
5. Licensing and Technical Maintenance
Remember that only an organization that has received the appropriate license from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for this type of economic activity has the right to install fire protection systems. A general construction license is not suitable. After installation, the system requires strict routine maintenance. In accordance with NAPB B.05.022-2006, it is necessary to conduct a monthly inspection and comprehensively test the system at least once a year.